Home Inspections

A home inspection is a visual inspection of the property. The inspector will examine all the readily accessible areas of the structure of the home. This will include such things as the roof, attic, ceilings, walls, floors, windows along with the basement and foundation. They will also examine the heating system, A/C, electrical and plumbing. All home inspectors are licensed in Massachusetts and they are very careful to point out anything that may be a potential problem. Some of the things that are pointed out may be either cosmetic in nature or just ordinary maintenance. It is important that you keep this in mind during the inspection.

Other Recommended Inspections:

• Lead paint. Seller shall disclose if property has been inspected for lead paint & provide copies of any lead paint reports.
• Water quality (especially if it is private water)
• Wood destroying insects, including termites and carpenter ants
• Air quality including radon gases
• Fungi, mold and allergens.
• Seller required to disclose the presence of Urea Formaldehyde insulation if it exists.
• Radon Gas

The above tests are not part of a standard home inspection. If you would like any of these tests, you should contact licensed professionals in these areas.

It is important that you allow yourself enough time between the signing of the Contract to Purchase and the signing of the Purchase & Sales Agreement to further examine any potential defects that your inspector may find.

Buyer & Seller Responsibilities

It is not necessary for the Buyer to be at the home inspection, but it is recommended that you attend in order to ask questions that may arise during the home inspection. The inspector should provide a written evaluation report at the end of the inspection.

If you are thinking of selling your home, you may want to get a home inspection done prior to putting in on the market. This way you can identify any problems that may arise when the Buyers’ have a home inspection.

Choosing a Home Inspector

In selecting a home inspector a good source for referrals are friends and neighbors. You can also find all licenses inspectors on mass.gov/dpl/boards/hi. It is important that you make sure your inspector is licensed. Your Realtor cannot recommend a home inspector unless representing the Buyer as a Buyer’s Agent, but they can direct you to get a list of home inspectors in the area.

Your Boardwalk Realtor will provide you with the Facts for Consumers regarding consumers, and their relationships to home inspections.