Before closing on your future home it's very important to take

      one last inspection of the residence. Buyers with their Realtor agent

should schedule a final walkthrough prior to the closing.  The best time to schedule this is after the current owner have moved out and just a few hours before the actual closing.      The final walkthrough is the last protection you have to insure there are no damages to the property. Make sure all of the agreed too repairs, the Home Inspector reported, are resolved. You will need to look at any differences in the property from when you originally saw it until now. Flush the toilets, turn on the water, make sure you have hot water and turn on the Heat/AC. Assure yourself the home is in good condition, or better, than it was during the Home Inspection. You want to make sure there aren't unexpected surprises. If you feel more at ease to have the Home Inspector return to verify the repairs, we're sure they'll be glad to re-inspect for a small fee to cover expenses.    Surprises center around debris left in the home. Non essential items for the home should be removed. There shouldn't be newspapers, clothing, furniture and etc. left behind. If problem exist, those issues need to be brought to the table at closing. Write down all problems or differences and take pictures with a digital camera. Give this documentation to your attorney prior to the closing. Minor issues can be resolved by the seller or a credit can be issued to hire someone for correction.  Major issues may be resolved by monetary compensation.

 On Jan 4, 2008 New Jersey Governor Corzine signed a new law limiting human exposure to   

  lead poisoning. The law requires landlords of single and two family homes to have inspections every five years for lead based paint, and make proper correction of the hazardous conditions. If lead based paint is ingested or inhaled at high levels it can lead to brain damage and reduced motor skills, especially in young children.  The law will be enforced by the New Jersey Dept of Community Affairs.  

If units are found to have hazardous lead based paint and not remediate, the first vilation will carry up to a $500 fine. Continuing violations carry a maximum penalty of $5000. Landlords can hire a inspection company to perform the testing. For more information on lead poisoning prevention See: state.nj,us/dca/dcr/leadsafe/.

Exposure

Lead-based paints were used in many homes prior to its banning by the federal government in 1978. Lead-based paints, as the name implies, contains lead. Many documented cases of lead poisoning can be attributed to lead contamination resulting from the degradation of such paints. Lead-based paints in good condition pose little risk but those that begin to peel, chip, chalk, or crack do pose a health risk.

As lead-based paint products degrade lead can be released into the surrounding environment in the form of dust. Lead dust can also be formed and become airborne when lead-based paint is sanded or scrapped. Painted surfaces when rubbed together can also produce lead dust. The lead dust can settle and then become airborne again when disturbed by sweeping, vacuuming, or just walking through a contaminated area. Chips of paint flaking off of exterior surfaces can even cause ground contamination.

Health Risks

Lead poisoning can occur when lead is ingested if inhaled and the concentration of lead in the body will grow over time with continued exposure. Physical symptoms of lead poisoning in children can include: damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems, slowed physical development, hearing problems, and chronic headaches. Adults are also affected and can have: difficulties during pregnancy, reproductive problems, high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems, muscle and joint pain.

Dealing with Lead-Based Paints in Your Home

It is sometimes better to just assume that if your home was build prior to 1980 that is contains lead based paints (Even though lead-based paints were banned in 1978, it is certain that some builders and paint supplies continued to sell and use existing stocks beyond that date). The Housing and Urban Development department of the federal government (HUD) has a 16 page brochure giving tips on dealing with lead paint.

For additional info call yout Home Inspector NJ