Professional Engineer Home Inspections
Blue Ridge Oak, LLC
Home Inspections and Engineering
Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Serving Somerset, Morris, Hunterdon, Essex, and Union
Our Vision
We aim to provide you with the information that you need to help you make the right decisions about your home. Every home inspection at Blue Ridge Oak is delivered through a multipoint engineering perspective.
Fully Licensed by the
STATE BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS &
LAND SURVEYORS
Professional Engineer License #24GE05807800
Home Inspection License #24GI0026000
About Us
Anthony Giacalone, PE, LEED, MBA is a Facilities, Wastewater, Plumbing, and HVAC Professional Engineer with over 30 years of management, design, and research experience. Fluent in AutoCAD, HVAC system design, and equipment selection, his reports offer a specialized lens to link engineering and inspection. The level of detail and experience that Anthony offers sets Blue Ridge Oak apart from other inspectors.
Christine Giacalone, Ph.D, brings decades of marketing, education, and communication experience to Blue Ridge Oak. She provides a bridge with all stakeholders, and offers services in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. She can speak to you about your report and as a parent who has raised children community, offers consulting services to help you get connected to your new surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I have a home inspection?
- A home purchase is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. A home inspection provides you with the information you need to feel more confident in your decision. A Blue Ridge Oak Home Inspection will provide you with a detailed, objective report of the home’s condition so you can be aware of what you are about to invest in.
Do new homes need to be inspected?
- Absolutely. Defects in workmanship, improper use of building materials, appliance recalls, inadequate home improvements, and non-professional repairs are just a few of the problems that can be detected in any age home.
Are home inspections just for people buying homes?
- No! Just like you go to the doctor for a check-up, a good rule of thumb is to do the same for your house every 7-10 years. Anthony is LEED certified and can help make your home more energy efficient.
How should I prepare for an inspection?
- Make sure the inspector can access all areas of the house. Clear all furniture, boxes, etc., and other items that may block access to the furnace, water heater, electrical panels, attic crawl spaces, under sinks, etc.
How long does the inspection take?
- A typical inspection of a single-family property lasts approximately two to four hours (fewer for townhouses and condominiums).
Should I be present at the time of the inspection?
- Yes, we strongly encourage all of our clients to accompany us during the inspection. You should feel free to ask the inspector any questions you may have during the inspection process. The inspector will point out problems and explain them to you. The inspector will also show you the good points of the home as well. Plus, we will explain what routine maintenance is needed to keep the home in top condition.
What is included in the home inspection report?
- Your home inspection report is narrative, detailed, informative, and extremely thorough. The report outlines all major areas of the home, including heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and more.
Can a home/ building fail inspection?
- No. A professional home inspection is an evaluation of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate any deficiencies found.
What if the report reveals problems?
- No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies deficiencies, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will have knowledge of existing issues before you close instead of afterwards. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If move-in condition and minimal maintenance are important factors in your purchase decision, this information will be helpful to you as well.
How and when will I receive my report?
- In most cases your report will be ready within 2 days of the inspection. You will receive a email with a PDF copy of the report, which includes color pictures.
Inspection Services
Blue Ridge Oak, LLC combines a highly driven work ethic with extensive industry experience and uncompromising moral values, providing a professional home inspection that can be trusted and relied upon by all. We adhere to InterNACHI’s excellent Standards of Practice.
Buyer's Inspection
This non-invasive visual evaluation of a home will reveal the condition of the most visible and readily-accessible components. Shortly after the inspection has been carried out to completion we’ll send over a detailed report of our findings.
We inspect these components:
- Roofing System
- Foundation & Crawl Spaces
- Basement
- Structural Components
- Exterior (doors, windows, siding, soffits, fascia)
- Interior (doors, windows, floors, walls, ceilings, stairs)
- Attic, Insulation, & Ventilation
- Grounds, Grading, & Drainage
- Driveways & Walkways
- Deck
- Electrical System
- Plumbing System
- HVAC Systems
- Built-in Appliances
We do not inspect:
- Sewers
- Wells
- Underground oil tanks
- Swimming pools
Additional Services
Radon Testing (NJ certified)
Mold or Toxic Material Test
Mechanical and Plumbing Engineering
Thermal imaging
Borescope video
Drone Photography
Moisture meter
Cost for Services
Home inspections can vary based on location, home type (condo vs. single home) and age and any additional testing required (like radon, mold). We currently take cash, check, Venmo, and Zelle.
Please call or email for a quote today:
Blue Ridge Oak
Phone: (718) 744-5950
Email: blueridgeoak@gmail.com