Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual, non invasive examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.
Why Do I Need A Home Inspection?
Buying a home may be the largest single investment you will ever make. A professional home inspection can help minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, while giving you the opportunity to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.
If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.
If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to obtain estimates and or make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
Why Can’t I Do It Myself?
Even the most experienced buyer or homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate, unbiased information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional home inspector.
What Does The Home Inspection Include?
The home inspection and report will cover the condition of the visible and readily accessible components of the home’s heating system: central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.
What Is ASHI?
In short, ASHI is the most respected professional association for home inspectors in North America. For a more detailed explanation, please see the ASHI page on this website
Are You Licensed?
Yes, I am licensed by the State of Massachusetts. License number 745.
Can You Test For Radon Gas?
Yes, I can test for Radon Gas. It is not part of the standard inspection fee but is available for $100.00 when performed in conjunction with the home inspection.
Do You Inspect For Lead Paint?
No, I do not test for lead paint but I will alert you if its presence is suspected.
Do You perform water testing?
Yes, I can perform water testing. The rates are dependent on the test(s) desired so please call or email for pricing.
Do You Perform Pest Inspections?
No, I am not a licensed pest inspector. I will alert you to any pest indications that I find.
When Do I Receive An Inspection Report?
I will email your report, typically within 24 hours of the completion of the inspection.
Does Anyone Else Receive A Copy Of The Report?
Massachusetts law mandates that we only provide the report to you, but you are free to distribute it as you desire.
Does A Brand New House Need An Inspection?
Yes, I recommend that all homes be inspected. New does not necessarily mean defect-free.
How Much Does A Home Inspection Cost?
Home inspections begin at $550.00.
May I Attend The Inspection?
Yes, I highly recommend that you attend the inspection. There is a lot to see and learn during the inspection. You can gain a lot of valuable insight if you attend the inspection.
When Should I Call To Schedule The Inspection?
It is best to schedule the inspection as soon as possible after you have a signed Purchase and Sale Agreement (P&S). Make sure that your P&S includes an inspection clause and that it allows sufficient time to have an inspection scheduled and to consult with any contractors that may be indicated as a result of the inspection.
Can You Perform Or Manage Any Repair Work?
No, I cannot. Many clients have asked, given my background, if I could perform or manage indicated repairs. That would be a direct conflict of interest. I do maintain a list of contractors that meet my high standards, in other words, people that I would be willing to let work on my own house.
What If The Inspection Reveals Problems?
No house is perfect, not even new construction. The report is an impartial reporting of condition giving you clear direction for what should be done about each problem. The seller is not obligated to make repairs just because issues are noted in my report. Every situation is different — it’s up to you and your real estate agent to decide how my findings will affect your negotiations.
Can A House Fail A Home Inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not 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 what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.
Are There Limitations To The Inspection?
Yes, the inspection is non-invasive. It is conducted on visible and readily accessible components of the home. I can’t see through walls or predict the future, but my experience and training often give me better insight into the unseen. Keep in mind that a home inspection lasts only a few hours, and it is not technically exhaustive. A home inspection is not an appraisal or a check for compliance with building codes and it’s not an evaluation for any biological or environmental hazards.
See the Massachusetts Standards of Practice and the ASHI Standards of Practice for more information on the limitations of an inspection.
What If I Have Questions Later?
I value my clients highly. I am always willing to answer any questions or concerns that you may have; just give me a call or send me an email.
A home inspection is an objective visual, non invasive examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.
Why Do I Need A Home Inspection?
Buying a home may be the largest single investment you will ever make. A professional home inspection can help minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, while giving you the opportunity to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.
If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.
If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to obtain estimates and or make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
Why Can’t I Do It Myself?
Even the most experienced buyer or homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate, unbiased information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional home inspector.
What Does The Home Inspection Include?
The home inspection and report will cover the condition of the visible and readily accessible components of the home’s heating system: central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.
What Is ASHI?
In short, ASHI is the most respected professional association for home inspectors in North America. For a more detailed explanation, please see the ASHI page on this website
Are You Licensed?
Yes, I am licensed by the State of Massachusetts. License number 745.
Can You Test For Radon Gas?
Yes, I can test for Radon Gas. It is not part of the standard inspection fee but is available for $100.00 when performed in conjunction with the home inspection.
Do You Inspect For Lead Paint?
No, I do not test for lead paint but I will alert you if its presence is suspected.
Do You perform water testing?
Yes, I can perform water testing. The rates are dependent on the test(s) desired so please call or email for pricing.
Do You Perform Pest Inspections?
No, I am not a licensed pest inspector. I will alert you to any pest indications that I find.
When Do I Receive An Inspection Report?
I will email your report, typically within 24 hours of the completion of the inspection.
Does Anyone Else Receive A Copy Of The Report?
Massachusetts law mandates that we only provide the report to you, but you are free to distribute it as you desire.
Does A Brand New House Need An Inspection?
Yes, I recommend that all homes be inspected. New does not necessarily mean defect-free.
How Much Does A Home Inspection Cost?
Home inspections begin at $550.00.
May I Attend The Inspection?
Yes, I highly recommend that you attend the inspection. There is a lot to see and learn during the inspection. You can gain a lot of valuable insight if you attend the inspection.
When Should I Call To Schedule The Inspection?
It is best to schedule the inspection as soon as possible after you have a signed Purchase and Sale Agreement (P&S). Make sure that your P&S includes an inspection clause and that it allows sufficient time to have an inspection scheduled and to consult with any contractors that may be indicated as a result of the inspection.
Can You Perform Or Manage Any Repair Work?
No, I cannot. Many clients have asked, given my background, if I could perform or manage indicated repairs. That would be a direct conflict of interest. I do maintain a list of contractors that meet my high standards, in other words, people that I would be willing to let work on my own house.
What If The Inspection Reveals Problems?
No house is perfect, not even new construction. The report is an impartial reporting of condition giving you clear direction for what should be done about each problem. The seller is not obligated to make repairs just because issues are noted in my report. Every situation is different — it’s up to you and your real estate agent to decide how my findings will affect your negotiations.
Can A House Fail A Home Inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not 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 what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.
Are There Limitations To The Inspection?
Yes, the inspection is non-invasive. It is conducted on visible and readily accessible components of the home. I can’t see through walls or predict the future, but my experience and training often give me better insight into the unseen. Keep in mind that a home inspection lasts only a few hours, and it is not technically exhaustive. A home inspection is not an appraisal or a check for compliance with building codes and it’s not an evaluation for any biological or environmental hazards.
See the Massachusetts Standards of Practice and the ASHI Standards of Practice for more information on the limitations of an inspection.
What If I Have Questions Later?
I value my clients highly. I am always willing to answer any questions or concerns that you may have; just give me a call or send me an email.