Certificate of Occupancy (West Orange, Orange: house, water heater, inspectors)

[O-er in WO]

Hi,

Does anybody know what inspectors are looking at/for when a seller needs to obtain the certificate of occupancy? Detailed list would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[manderly6]

Certificates of Occupancy are different for different towns. There is no set of rules. Some are as basic as only looking for smoke detectors and fire extinguishers while others are looking for code violations.

[brook2ga]

To add....Carbon monoxide detector and other hazards such as expose live wires and broken sidewalks.

[O-er in WO]

Thanks - I should add in West Orange Township.

[manderly6]

I would just call the township and ask them.

[carlo2009]

In my township to get a CO the following inspections has to be done ( even a older house) and signed by each inspector.

Building inspector
Plumbing inspector
Electrial inspector
Fire inspector

Once all approve and sign you get the CO.

I just changed my heating system from oil to gas..had to get three of the four to approve it..Only building inspector wasn't involved on it.

[CHL208]

I remember them looking at railings and spindles. Spindles could only be so many inches apart. Railings were required on both sides of a stairwell. They also looked at the hot water heater and checked that there was a permit tag on it. They also were very strict on smoke alarms and their locations.

[carlo2009]

Originally Posted by CHL208

I remember them looking at railings and spindles. Spindles could only be so many inches apart. Railings were required on both sides of a stairwell. They also looked at the hot water heater and checked that there was a permit tag on it. They also were very strict on smoke alarms and their locations.

Yup..had that too..stair railings had to be so many inches off stairs and the smoke alarms had to be in every bedroom 6 inches away from door on the inside of the room (hook up electrial interconnected with a battery backup). Plenty of rules..thats why investing in a pro to inspect house is a good idea.

[manderly6]

My inspection lasted about 1 minute. The town only has one inspector. He said he remembered inspecting it when I moved in 5 years ago. He asked me at the front door if all the smoke detectors worked and if I had a fire extinguisher installed. I said yes and he said I was good to go. Got back in his car and drove away.

I always imagined he spent most of his day sleeping in his car.

[carlo2009]

Originally Posted by manderly6

My inspection lasted about 1 minute. The town only has one inspector. He said he remembered inspecting it when I moved in 5 years ago. He asked me at the front door if all the smoke detectors worked and if I had a fire extinguisher installed. I said yes and he said I was good to go. Got back in his car and drove away.

I always imagined he spent most of his day sleeping in his car.

If something goes wrong in house..now you can sue that town.