Buying a home is a huge step. For many people it’s the biggest purchase they will ever make. It’s always a smart move to have the home inspected prior to purchase. An
inspection will help a potential home buyer become a more informed consumer, aware of issues that need attention prior to purchase or that may become part of negotiations. An inspection also provides a deeper understanding of how the home and its systems work, and a handy to-do list if necessary.
A home inspection is the best way to become better informed about what may be one of the biggest purchases of your life. An inspection by a licensed inspector limits the chances that you're buying a home with unknown safety issues or structural flaws. It can help you prevent problems down the road and save you literally thousands of dollars. For more minor issues, it may give you a handy “to-do” list. Most importantly, a home inspection will help you answer, “Is this the home for me?”
Basic home inspections start at $400. Cost varies based on the square footage of the home, its age, and occasionally other factors that I will review with you when we set up the inspection. There are additional fees for any add-ons, including multiple units, additional living spaces (i.e., “in-law” apartments), second garages or outbuildings, and hot tubs or swimming pools. Please call, text, or email for a quote today.
Inspections generally last 2-3 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the home.
A home inspection is a visual examination of the structure and major interior systems of a home. An inspection includes the readily accessible/exposed portions of the home, including the exterior, roof, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, attic, basement, and foundation as well as the heating/air conditioning systems, interior plumbing and electrical systems. For more information, see the Massachusetts home inspectors Standards of Practice.
Keep in mind that a home inspection will NOT reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist. By law it is limited to a non-intrusive visual inspection. And an inspection can reveal only those defects observed on the date of the inspection. I recommend if you have a specific concern that cannot be answered by the inspection, you contact an expert in that particular field for help. For example, I may be able to tell you that there are signs that a foundation has issues, but you may want to call a structural engineer or mason for more detailed information.
I work with a number of trusted local radon and insect inspectors and will be happy to refer you. Let me know if you would like me to coordinate their inspection with the home inspection if possible.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is present virtually everywhere and tends to build up indoors. Because you can’t see or smell radon, the only way to know your level of exposure is by testing.
For more information about radon, see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website.
Absolutely. I am always available to answer your questions; at the time of the inspection, throughout your homebuying process, and any time thereafter.
The report is typically 50-60 pages with notes and photos, along with a summary page and some useful information. You should have the report within 24-36 hours of the inspection. The report belongs only to you, and I will send a copy to your agent at the same time if you like. It is not shared with the seller, the seller’s agent, or anyone else unless you decide to do so.
I encourage my clients to attend the inspection, along with their agent. Clients often say attending the inspection helps them better understand the written report that follows. Clients sometimes bring a friend or family members. Some sellers or their agents may ask that you limit the number of people who attend a home inspection or ask that you wear masks due to Covid concerns. I am always masked.
Occasionally it’s necessary to take a second look at a particular issue or issues. I’m always happy to go back to a home to reevaluate something.
Yes. For your convenience I have inspection times available seven days a week.
I get a LOT of questions in this job. Most of them are really good, some are unusual, and others are downright funny. I welcome them all. I believe there are NO dumb questions. The more informed you are, the better. So please, ask away!