John Martino's (looksmart) Blog

Over the years I have seen countless basements flood because the main sump pump stopped working when it was needed most. In New Jersey, this is not rare. Between heavy spring rains, remnants of hurricanes, and power outages, sump pumps get a real workout. When a pump fails, it usually happens wit...

After more than twenty years inspecting homes across New Jersey, I have seen just about every kind of seller cover up you can imagine. Most sellers are not trying to fool anyone, but when it is time to sell a home there is always a temptation to make things look better than they really are. A lit...

After more than two decades inspecting homes across New Jersey, I have seen just about every roof condition there is. The roof is one of the most important systems in a home, yet most people know the least about it. It sits above everything else, taking on rain, heat, wind, and snow year after ye...

After more than two decades of inspecting NJ home, I can say without hesitation that garages are one of the most overlooked and problem filled areas in most homes. They are used for storage, cars, tools, and mechanical equipment, but they rarely get maintained or even looked at carefully. When I ...

One of the most common questions I get during a NJ home inspection is, “Should my crawlspace have vents, or should it be sealed and conditioned?” People hear both sides, and both can sound right. The truth is, it depends on the house and the climate, but in most New Jersey homes, vented crawlspac...

Most homeowners never think twice about what’s under their house. But the crawlspace can quietly affect air quality, structure, and energy use more than almost any other part of the home.Most people never go into their crawlspace. Some don’t even know if they have one. It’s dark, cramped, and usu...

Electrical problems are some of the most common and serious issues I find as a NJ Home inspector.  Some are simple fixes, others are safety hazards waiting to happen. A home can look fine on the surface, but electrical defects are often hidden behind panels, outlets, or ceilings. Over the years, ...

Plumbing problems show up in almost every home inspection I perform. Some are small and easy to fix, while others can cause major water damage or mold if ignored. Most homeowners do not see what is going on behind walls, under floors, or above ceilings. Over time, poor workmanship and slow leaks ...

One of the most common questions I hear as a NJ home inspector is, “Does having a sump pump mean the basement will stay dry?” Buyers often feel better when they see a pump in place, but the truth is a sump pump is not a guarantee. It can help manage water, but it does not stop water from getting ...

When most buyers walk through a home, they spend their time in the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living spaces. The garage is often an afterthought. As a NJ home inspector with more than 25 years of experience, I can tell you that the garage is one of the most overlooked areas of the home whe...