FAQ
The purpose of a Home Inspection for Residential Buildings, is to provide the Client with an inspection Report that forthrightly discloses the physical conditions of the systems and components which are Readily Accessible and Observable, including those systems and components, which are Safety Hazards as Observed at the time of the inspection.
Why Do I Need A Home Inspection?
A home is one of the largest single investments you will make. It is important to educate yourself and learn as much as you can about the condition of the property before you buy. A home inspection minimizes negative surprises and difficulties after a purchase plus identifies the need for any major repairs or deficiencies. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the properties condition so you can move forward confidently and with peace of mind.
Can I Do It Myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and years of expertise of a professional home inspector. A home inspector is familiar with the systems and components of home and always remains objective and unemotional.
Can A Home Inspection Fail?
NO! A professional home inspection is an examination of the condition of the home on the day it is inspected; it is not an appraisal, which determines market value or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance, rather it describes its visible physical condition and indicates what may need major repairs now and in the near future.
Do I Have to Be There?
It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is highly recommended. You will be able to accompany the inspector and ask questions directly as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work and how to maintain it. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you’ve seen the property firsthand through the inspectors’ eyes.
Who Hires the Inspector?
The Client usually retains the inspector. The Inspector works for you. The report cannot be given to anyone else without your written consent.
How Much Does It Cost?
The purchase of a property will likely be the most expensive investment people will make in their lives, it doesn’t make sense to shop for the least expensive inspector you can find, simply you get what you pay for. Don’t be fooled by individuals whose training consists of partaking in an online class for 2 hours and then claim to be a “House Inspector” Check for “Certifications” before hiring an inspector. No Home Inspection can guarantee there won’t be problems, even new homes are not perfect on the day their new owners move in. A Certified Home Inspector can point out existing or potential problems that may require attention either by the seller or buyer. You, the buyer, save yourself from problems you never contemplated when buying the “Dream House” you wanted. You, the seller, are complying with current disclosure laws concerning the sale of your property.
Can The Inspector Give Repair Price Estimates?
Unfortunately no. Home inspectors are forbidden by State standards to give price estimates for repairs. In addition, a home inspector is a generalist and not an expert in any one field. They do not possess the intimate knowledge of product pricing or, overhead or time required to complete a job. These factors can vary greatly from one contractor to another. It is recommended the home owner get price quotes from multiple contractors for best pricing.
How Do I Get My Test Results?
Your radon air and/or water test results are not emailed to you by the laboratory. Results are posted to the laboratories’ secure website. Enter the radon test number or the water test numbers in field labeled "Canister/Vial Number/Password" and click "submit"
When Will I Receive My Report?
Reports are typically sent via email usually within 24 – 48 hours after the onsite inspection.
What's Included in a Home Inspection?
Your home inspector will perform a visual examination of the structure, its systems and components in accordance with the Massachusetts or New Hampshire Standards of Practice.
Items included in the inspection:
- Roof Covering
- Roof Framing
- Visible Flashing Systems
- Drainage Systems
- Exterior of Chimney
- Siding
- Foundation
- Trim Boards
- Decks, Patios and Porches
- Driveway
- Steps and Stoops
- Exterior Grading
- Attached Garage
- Visible Portions of the Basement and/or Crawlspace
- Heating & Cooling Equipment
- Water Supply and Sewer Piping
- Hot Water Heater
- Electrical System
- Interior Conditions
- Light Switches and Wall Outlets
- Windows and Doors
- Attic Ventilation
- Insulation
What’s Excluded from a Home Inspection?
- A determination of the presence or absence of contaminates, toxins, carcinogens or harmful substances or conditions such as soil containments, water pollutants, asbestos, formaldehyde, lead, radon, mold and electromagnetic radiation.
- A detection of damage or infestation by animals or insects such as domestic pets, vermin, birds, wasps, bats and wood destroying insects (unless a pest inspection has been added as an additional service).
- A determination or verification of information obtained via survey, geotechnical evaluation or engineering analysis.
- An opinion of the market value of property or its marketability and/or the advisability or inadvisability of its purchase.
- Testing of Automatic Safety Controls, the activation of sump pumps and/or dehumidifiers.
- Turning on or off any fuel burning supply or device for activation and/or operating any system, device or component that is shut down, otherwise inoperable or does not respond to normal operating controls.
- An opinion, estimate or projection of any operating cost or cost of repair, including correction or alteration of a condition related to any item, system, component or material inspected.
- A judgment or evaluation of aesthetic conditions or acoustical characteristics of any system or component.
- A prediction of future conditions or failures of systems or components including any basement or crawlspace water tightness.
- Filling any shower pan or bathtub or jet tub to test for leaks.
- Any act or service contrary to law and/or Massachusetts 266 CMR 6.00-6.08 or New Hampshire Home 603.02
Items Excluded from the Inspection
- Kitchen and Laundry Appliances
- Security, Smoke and Fire Detection Equipment
- Playground Equipment
- Storms and Screens
- Central Vacuum System
- Electronic Devices
- Wood Stoves
- Chimney Flues
- Hose Faucets
- Intercom & Low Voltage Systems
- Recreational and Leisure Equipment
- Spas, Hot Tubs or Whirlpools
- Radio and Television Equipment
- Water Treatment Devices
- Swimming Pools
- Trees and Plants
- Underground Storage Tanks
- Exterior Water Supply System
- Telephone System
- Mold Testing
- Exterior Waste Disposal System
- Generator or Solar Power Systems
- All Other MA or NH Exclusions