GPR OR TANK SWEEP INSPECTIONS IN NJ

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What Is A GPR Inspection?

Township of Washington NJ GPR or Tank Sweep Inspections

 

GPR Inspections or Ground Penetrating Radar Inspections are used to detect the
presence of a buried oil tank or other underground objects that need to be found
and removed. Using Ground Penetrating Radar technology provides a more accurate
and reliable search for objects buried underground. Aurora Home Inspections
offers certified GPR or Tank Sweep inspections to homeowners in Bergen County NJ
and nearby NJ and NY areas.

 

Why Do I Need A GPR Inspection?

 

Buried oil tanks can become environmental problems if they are not located and
removed. Most buried tanks are used to contain heating oil and they can become
degraded over time and leak oil into the ground. This causes an environmental
issue that is costly to remediate. Aside from the cost of removal and remediation,
if you are hoping to sell your house, buyers will insist on having the tank
removed and it will become a point of negotiation A tank sweep inspection
using Ground Penetrating Radar technology provided by Aurora Home Inspections is
offered. This inspection can be part of an overall home inspection, or as a
separate inspection just to locate the buried tank. 

 

Experience and Expertise

 

Our long experience in the area of home and property inspections makes us the top
home inspection service in Bergen County NJ. We are highly qualified and
are certified to perform specialized home inspections for homeowners. We stand
behind every inspection we perform. GPR or Tank Sweep Inspections
are recommended in NJ. For a comprehensive home inspection or any
type of special inspection, call Aurora Home Inspections at (201) 476-9200.

winterization projects in bergen county nj

Last Minute NJ Home Winterization Projects

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Last Minute NJ Home Winterization Projects

NJ Home Winterization Project IdeasAt this time of year, you may be thinking about the coming winter and any necessary home winterization projects. For instance, your furnace inspection should be on the list, as should any siding or roofing repair. If so, you are likely on the way to enjoying a warm, carefree winter in your home. However, we want to make local homeowners aware of a few other potentially important last-minute home winterization projects. Aurora Home Inspections is based in the Township of Washington, and we conduct home and property inspections throughout Bergen County and the surrounding areas of NJ and NY.

So, here are a few less common home winterization projects you may want to plan to take care of soon!

  1. Survey the perimeter of the home, and if the brush is too close, be sure to cut it back. Shrubs, bushes, low-hanging trees, and even potted plants are hiding places for rodents during the winter months. Cutting them back will deter those rodents, while also protecting the home during ice and other storms from scrapes by branches.
  2. Prepare and secure outdoor plumbing! During the winter, water can freeze and thereby expand inside any hoses or sprinklers. If so, this can cause serious damage to property. Drain hoses, pools, exterior pipes, sprinklers, and/or any unheated pipes must be taken seriously! If draining is not an option, make sure to cover and insulate, one must avoid breaks, cracks, and bursts. Also, be sure to cover exposed spigots, maybe using a newspaper and some duct tape.
  3. Round up the outdoor furniture and store it for winter. When you wait until the last minute, which so many of us do, the outdoor furniture will inevitably end up covered in ice or snow. Get ahead of it, put them away, and have healthy, clean furniture for the next season. And don’t forget to cover up, or put away, the potted plants and barbecue grills.
  4. Drain any gasoline from lawn equipment. Condensation can build up in the winter months and cause engine trouble later on if water builds up in the gas tank. If you can’t drain the gas from tanks, then consider adding a gas additive to avoid that condensation issue.

And don’t stop after you have the big things done. There’s always something with an NJ home. Just know that it will be a much more enjoyable winter and a less expensive spring if you tackle these last-minute home winterization projects today!


Aurora Home Inspection | Building Inspection Services 

Commercial Building & Property Inspections
Pre-Listing Inspections
Indoor Air Quality Inspections
Ground Penetrating Radar Inspections
Tank Sweep Inspections

Radon Inspections
Termite Inspections
Mold Inspections
Home, Condo, & Townhouse Inspections

Water Operated Sump Pump In The NJ Home!

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Positive NJ Home Inspection Observations:municipal water operated sump pump for bergen county nj homes Water Operated Sump Pump!

A common issue in NJ Homes, especially in Bergen County, NJ, where the water table can be very high, is basement flooding. Water and flooding may lead not only to property damage but mold. When inspecting a basement, we often observe this and any related issues and/or solutions. When there is a potential problem, it only makes sense to consider necessary preventative solutions. In flood-prone towns, it can mean that there is a need for a sump pump. So, one positive NJ Home Inspection observation is that there is an innovative pump solution available out there for your home! Rather than depend on batteries or electricity – there is also a readily available ‘water-operated sump pump.’

How Does A Water Operated Sump Pump Work?

So when there is water accumulating, possibly from local storms, the Water Powered Sump Pump will use local municipal water as its’ source of power to combat the issue. While mostly used as a backup, it can actually leverage that same municipal water during a storm to pump incoming water out of the home. Possibly better than a sump pump powered by electricity, which can go down during a storm, or by a battery that can go dead, this option presents a reliable backup solution.

The Water Operated Sump Pump connects to a home’s municipal water line and, along with a suction pump mechanism and a discharge pipe, can pump water out. Going further, there is a float (or ball) connected to the suction pump valve, via flexible tubing. When a primary power source fails, and the water rises, the ‘Water Operated Sump Pump’ float is lifted to a place that will then open the municipal valve allowing its water to flow in or through. This creates suction that pulls or empties the water pit, discharging that water through pipes to somewhere outside the home. Somewhere where no harm will occur! Ultimately, the pump operates based on physics or what is known as Bernoulli Principle and the pressure necessary to replace that battery-powered pump.

Certified Home Inspector Bergen County NJ | Aurora Home Inspections

We are your local Licensed and Certified Home Inspector | Property Inspection expert: we inspect homes, condos, townhouses, apartments, buildings, office spaces, and all types of property. We are based locally in the Township of Washington; we serve all of Bergen County, NJ, the surrounding NJ towns, as well as the surrounding areas of NY. Our service also includes all the proper licenses and experience for commercial office and building inspection.

The Difference Between Mold And Mildew

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Difference Between Mold And MildewWhat Exactly, Is The Difference Between Mold And Mildew

While alike in many ways, including that both are fungi, Mold and Mildew have some distinct differences. It’s important to understand them, including the effects they may have on one’s health and also on their home! When there is a mold or mildew issue in the home, it becomes important to take care of it quickly. While we are NOT remediators, you can call Aurora Home Inspections for Certified NJ Mold Testing and Detection Service at (201) 654-6505!

What Is Mold?

Mold can be several different colors, and it is usually a fuzzy-looking growth. White, blue, green, yellow, brown, gray, or black are possible. It can cause health problems for some people, including fatigue, respiratory, allergic reaction, migraines, inflammation, pain in the joints, and mental status changes. It can also cause structural damage to the property.

In some cases, Mold is useful. For instance, certain types of Mold are used in food production. It is used to make cheese, and also to make certain medications, like penicillin.

Depending on the type of Mold that one is exposed they may experience any of the following:

  • Fatigue
  • Depression, forgetfulness, and/or mental status changes
  • Breathing strain or difficulty
  • Coughing or sneezing
  • Sore throats
  • Migraines
  • Sinus infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Allergic reactions
  • Rashes or hives
  • Joint pain or Inflammation

What Is Mildew?

Different than mold, mildew will grow in a flat pattern. Sometimes it is powdery, or it can appear soft and fluffy. The powdery mildew is usually white, yellow, brown, or black in color. The fluffy mildew will start yellow and then turn to a brown color. It is a threat to plants or crops and will cause them severe damage. Just like mold, mildew can cause health issues, just not quite as many.

When exposed to Mildew, a person may experience any of the following:

  • Headaches
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Trouble breathing

While mold is worse, mildew is still a threat to one’s health or home. Better to be certain neither of these is present in the home.

Aurora Home Inspections has all the proper certification, educational background, and experience to perform a thorough, reliable, and complete Mold Inspection. We also offer an industry-leading 100% satisfaction guarantee. Headquartered in Bergen County NJ, we serve the area towns as well as Rockland County and NY metro areas.

Township of Washington NJ NJ Certified Commercial Property Inspections

NJ INSPECTION OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

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Commercial Building Inspections in Bergen County

Township of Washington NJ NJ Certified Commercial Property Inspections

 

Owning or leasing a commercial building is a large responsiblity. Having a commercial NJ
building inspected by a licensed inspector can be a good investment. You may be in process
of buying or selling a commercial property, or you just want to know about the general
condition of a building you own. In either case, Aurora Home Inspections is an experienced
and knowledgeable Certified Commercial Property Inspector, located in Bergen County and
offering inspections with official credentials. We have inspected a number of commercial
structures in Bergen County and nearby areas. In that regard we have become familiar with
local building requirements. For a comprehensive NJ inspection of commercial buildings by a highly qualified, certified inspector, give Aurora Home Inspections a call.

 

Inspection Reports That Reflect A Building Owner’s Needs

 

Whatever the purpose of the inspection, Aurora Home Inspections issues reports that are
customized to the building owner’s intended audience. We use wording that points out any
problems found during inspection. We make specific recommendations, and include an approximate repair and replacement costs. We do not offer repair and replacements ourselves. Our commercial property inspections follow ASTM E2018 Standard requirements. ASTM was formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials. With a report from Aurora Home
Inspections, you are getting a report that has been designed by an international non-profit
testing organization offering property information for NJ inspection of commercial buildings.

 

We Can Evaluate Many Types of Commercial Buildings

 

Some of the kinds of buildings we provide Bergen County Commercial Building Inspections for
are the following:

  • Industrial
  • Institutional
  • Retail
  • Residential
  • Office
  • Churches
  • Special use buildings, such as sports complexes or nursing homes

 

Inspections Are Geared To Your Unique Situation

 

Building Inspections by Aurora Home Inspections vary depending upon the reason for the
inspection:

  • Pre-Purchase
  • Pre-Lease
  • Pre-Sale
  • Refinancing
  • Technical Audits

Factors that have a bearing on how a building is inspected might include the age of the
building, who is occupying the building, and the type of construction used. A client
will dictate the type of inspection done. An inspection can be for only part of a building
or for the entire building.

 

Call On The Most Qualified Commercial Building Inspector

 

For the most qualified inspector of commercial buildings in Bergen County NJ, call on
Aurora Home Inspections. We can be reached at (201) 476-9200.

Township of Washington NJ After Storm Flooding

SUMMER STORM SEASON READINESS

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Summer’s Almost Here!

 

Township of Washington NJ Summer Storm Season Readiness

 

It is time to prepare for summer storm season. Amidst all the great times you
and your family plan to enjoy this summer, there will be storms. All of the
United States is vulnerable to storms, some more severe than others, but New
Jersey has heavy rainstorms, hail storms, the occasional tornado, and hurricanes.
These storms can damage your home or business and can cause power outages
Aurora Home Inspections advises that you prepare for storm possibilities in
advance. We offer some tips for summer storm season readiness below.

 

How To Prepare For And Recover From A Storm

 

Plan Ahead

Everyone in your household should have an assigned task. Someone should have
the responsibility of gathering pets, someone else should be sure medications and
important documents are readily available. Pick a place in your home that is secure
in which to take cover in worst-case scenarios. Take pictures of your home and its
contents  to provide to your insurance company if damage occurs.

Have Critical Phone Numbers At Hand

Be sure to have phone numbers for your insurance company and emergency response
agencies handy. Also be sure you have a way to contact family and friends to let them
know where you are and that you are safe. Backup chargers for phones should be
available in case you lose power.

Know How To Turn Off Utilities In Your House

If flooding is a concern, you may need to turn off water, gas and electricity before
evacuating.

Keep Your Home Protected

If you live in a flood prone area, take steps to lift vulnerable items off the floor or
remove them to an upper level. Also take steps to keep water from entering your
house through the foundation or basement windows. This might include keeping
mulch to a minimum near the foundation, extending drain pipes to lead away from
the house, and maybe using plastic window covers around those basement
windows.

Wait For The “All Clear” From Authorities

If flooding has occurred the ground may be electrically charged by downed power
lines. If you see fallen wires, contact the utility company. When authorities
say it is safe to enter your home, be sure to wear high boots to protect yourself
from pollutants in the water.

If your home has been severely damaged don’t attempt to go inside. Get some
professional help to make an assessment of the damage and possible danger of
collapse.

Take pictures of damage to your house and your belongings to support future
insurance claims. Contact your insurance company if there has been damage to
your home and start the process of making a claim.

These are all valuable tips to provide Summer Storm Season Readiness for your family.

 

A Home Inspector Can Be A Valuable Aide

 

Get in touch with a professional Home Inspection Service to assess the damage
and possible need for clean-up and restoration. Aurora Home Inspections is a
certified inspection service that can help determine what needs to be done to
restore your home after storm damage. We can recommend reliable and experienced
remediation and restoration companies in your area.

Aurora has been providing 5 Star Home Inspections to Bergen County NJ and
surrounding area homeowners and commercial property owners since 2006. If
you are in need of a professional inspection after a storm, we can be reached at
(201) 476-9200.

QUALIFIED NJ HOME INSPECTOR CHECKLIST

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What To Look For When Hiring A Home Inspector

 

Township of Washington NJ Home Inspector ChecklistWhen the need for a Home Inspection arises, such as when selling or buying a home, you want the most qualified and certified inspector. Your checklist for hiring might start with researching industry organizations and trade groups that any good inspector should be a member of. An inspector should be certified and licensed, and be knowledgeable and experienced in home inspection. Check the qualifications page for Aurora HomeInspections to see just how thoroughly we are certified and licensed and how we constantly upgrade our education in the field.  We are offering a qualified NJ home inspector checklist below.

Location may also be a factor in finding the right inspector for you. You might look for one that is located near you. A more localised inspector will be familiar with regulationsand standards in your area. Though cost is always a consideration, it shouldn’t be the only one. A local inspector won’t need to charge for travel time.

 

What A Home Inspector Should Make You Aware Of

 

New construction is often billed as not needing inspection. In spite of the fact that
a house is up to code doesn’t mean that a good inspection isn’t necessary. A qualified
inspector knows what to look for in newly built houses that could be problems going
forward.

It is a good idea to be present during a home inspection. Some things need to be seen
to be fully understood, and you can be alerted to problems right away if you are there.

 

A Home Inspector’s Checklist Should Include The Following

 

Typically, a home inspector’s checklist will include:

  • House Construction  – Foundation
  • Roof
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical Systems
  • Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Fireplaces
  • Air Quality
  • Appliances

When Aurora Home Inspections provides your evaluation, it will be more than the
usual. We also look for mold, radon, termites. These are standard items in our
inspection reports.

 

Qualified Home Inspection Is Our Standard

 

When entering a real estate negotiation you want to know about anything that could
jeopardize the transaction. Both sellers and buyers need a report that includes
everything. Aurora Home Inspections offers the most complete evaluation of a home
in Bergen County NJ. The examination is done by a certified inspector with experience
in all areas of home inspection. If you require the services of a home inspector in
Bergen County and nearby areas, call us at (201) 476-9200 today.

HOME INSPECTION PREPARATION

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Preparing For An Inspection Of Your House

 

Township of Washington NJ Preparation For A Home Inspection

 

When you are selling your house, the home inspection process may make you a bit edgy. As long as you have not misrepresented your house, there is no reason to be nervous. As you probably won’t be present during the inspection, there are things you should see to before the inspector arrives. This makes it easier for the inspector, and your house will be at its best. Aurora Home Inspections is a highly qualified home inspector in Bergen County NJ. Whether the inspection is for a seller or a buyer we always offer the truest report on the condition of a home.

 

Tips To Help Prepare For A Home Inspection

 

Be sure all light bulbs are working and switches are tight and working properly. The inspector will look everywhere in your house and you want to make sure the lighting is adequate

De-clutter closets and pantries. Again, the inspector will give them a thorough look and he needs to be able to see in corners.

Basement walls should be cleared so the inspector can check for cracks and leaks.

Make access to the attic easy.

Change filters for the furnace and heating and cooling systems.

If the house is unoccupied, make sure the power is on and all systems are working.

Most important of all, don’t try to hide any defects you know about. The inspector will find them anyway, and if it looks like you tried to hide them it will make the prospective buyer wary.

 

Present An Honest Picture Of The Home

 

Follow the tips above and perhaps others that your inspector may offer. This way a clear depiction of the condition of your house will be presented. Obviously the better the inspection, the happier the prospective buyer. A buyer that is in a good frame of mind will undoubtedly have a positive opinion of the house.

Aurora Home Inspections offers our services to NJ homeowners and we provide a comprehensive report on the condition of a house. Our inspections are professional and our reports are clear and honest. If you need a home inspection, call us at (201) 476-9200

FIRE SAFETY PROCEDURE FOR YOUR FAMILY

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Every Home Should Have A Fire Safety Routine In Place

 

Township of Washington NJ Home Inspection Services - Fire SafetyAn easy to carry out Fire Safety Routine is important for keeping everyone in your home alert to the dangers of fire. This is especially important if there are children or older people residing in a house. Try to make the drill a fun but important activity so as not to alarm children. This Fire Safety Routine should include an escape route which is discussed and rehearsed. There are other essential fire safety elements such as a smoke alarm, but for the sake of security you should institute a Fire Safety Procedure for your family. An inspection by Aurora Home Inspections LLC is a good way to start working on fire prevention in your Bergen County NJ and surrounding area home.  An inspection by a home inspector can make you aware of potential fire hazards in your house.

 

Smoke Alarms

 

A smoke alarm is really the first priority as far as fire safety, and it should be replaced and maintained as the manufacturer suggests. The batteries inside the smoke alarm also need to be replaced regularly, and the alarm should be tested. Keep a record of when a smoke alarm was put in place and when the batteries were installed. This way replacement is a cinch. According to the National Fire Safety Protection Association “three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms or from missing or dead batteries”.

Usually one smoke alarm isn’t enough. A smoke alarm should be installed in every bedroom, and on every level of a home including the basement and attic. Kitchens are obvious areas in need of fire detection and should have a fire alarm. The NJPA advises that you install dual-sensor alarms as they offer the best early detection of common household fires. Smoke alarms should be placed high because smoke rises and putting the device high up makes detection easier.

Along these lines, a Carbon Monoxide alarm is also an important way of ensuring the safety of your home. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill. Again, maintenance and replacement are essential.

 

A Home Inspection Can Prevent Fires

 

Home inspections can help prevent tragic events like home fires by making you aware of potential hazards in your house. Aurora Home Inspections is a highly qualified and certified inspection service that offers many types of inspection services to our NJ clients.  These include House, Condo and Townhouse Inspections, Commercial Building Inspections, Mold Inspections, Indoor Air Quality Inspections, Tank Sweep Inspections, Pre-Listing Inspections, Radon Inspections, Termite Inspections. Our property inspections always include recommendations for how to prevent fires by repairing, replacing or eliminating possibly combustible items. Our focus is to keep your home safe, healthy and fire resistant. Give us a call today at (201) 476-9200 for a comprehensive home inspection.

BERGEN COUNTY COMMERCIAL BUILDING INSPECTIONS

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Commercial Building Inspections

 

Montvale NJ Commercial Property InspectionsIf you lease or own a commercial building in Bergen County NJ, a property inspection by a certified and qualified inspector is a good investment. You may merely be interested in knowing about the condition of a building you own, or you may be in the process of buying or selling a commercial property. In either case, Aurora Home Inspections a Certified Commercial Property Inspector located in Bergen County, offers inspection with official industry credentials. We provide an objective opinion regarding the condition of your building. Over the years we have inspected a number of commercial structures and have become very familiar with local building requirements. Call on Aurora Home Inspections for Commercial Building Inspections in Bergen County and the surrounding area.

 

Inspection Reports Reflect The Building Owner’s Needs

 

Our Commercial Building Inspection reports are customized and are formulated by the inspection’s intended purpose and audience. We use clear, concise language that points out issues found upon inspection. We make specific recommendations, and try to include approximate repair and replacement costs and priorities. We do not perform these repairs ourselves. Aurora’s commercial property inspections are in accordance with ASTM E2018 Standard requirements. That means that our report is one that has been designed by an international non-profit testing organization to offer property information for commercial buildings.

 

We Evaluate All Kinds of Commercial Buildings

 

Some of the types of buildings we offer Bergen County Commercial Building Inspections for include:

  • Industrial
  • Institutional
  • Retail
  • Residential
  • Office
  • Churches
  • Special use buildings, such as sports complexes or nursing homes

Different Situations Require Different Inspections

 

Our Commercial Building Inspections vary depending upon the reason for the inspection:

  • Pre-Purchase
  • Pre-Lease
  • Pre-Sale
  • Re-financing
  • Technical Audits

Factors such as age of structure, occupancy and the type of construction used will bear on how a building is inspected. Clients’ requirements will dictate the type of inspection conducted. Inspections can be for only specific parts of a building, or the entire building.

 

Aurora Offers Certified Commercial Building Inspections

 

Montvale NJ Commercial Property InspectionsAurora Home Inspections is one of the most qualified services that assess commercial buildings in the Bergen County area. If you are in need of a Commercial Building Inspection give us a call at (201) 476-9200 today.

In our professional capability we offer other types of inspections also, such as Home, Condo and Townhouse Inspections, Indoor Air Quality Inspections, Radon Inspections , Mold Inspections and Termite Inspections.