The answers you need

+ How long does a typical inspection take?

There are many variables we use to determine how long the inspection will take for your house. Typically, a standard 7 room 1,800sqft home will take approximately 3 hours to complete. We recommend the potential buyer to attend and participate in the inspection so that they can become educated on the components and maintenance of the home and we encourage questions along the way.

+ When do you perform inspections?

We perform home inspections Monday through Friday and occasionally on Saturday if there is a specific request.

+ Do you perform pest inspections?

While we are performing an inspection, we are always on the lookout for potential issues, big or small. With this in mind, we are making sure to look for evidence of pests and rodents but are not licensed pest inspectors and do not perform pest inspections as a part of the home inspection. We will provide necessary recommendations should there be a pest and rodent problem, but should you have your pest concerns we recommend you hire an independent pest and rodent inspector. If you have questions about the types of services we offer,you can find out more here.

+ When will I have the report?

We create a very comprehensive report so you will have all the answers you need to move forward on your house. Your report will be emailed to you the night of the inspection. Click the download link to the right to see an example report or download one here.

+ How far in advance do I need to schedule an appointment?

The more notice the better, but typically 3-4 days in advance is a good time frame for scheduling appointments. Homes, typically, must be inspected within 5-10 days of an accepted offer, so keep this in mind when scheduling the best time for house.

+ How do you examine the roof?

We carry extension ladders and make every attempt to get as close to the roofing materials as possible for a thorough examination. We will provide our recommendation on roof condition and roof replacement. You will be confident in your next steps.

+ What if I have questions after the inspection or when I’m living in the house?

Feel free to give us a call at 978.851.6315 or email us anytime you have any questions or are looking for next steps on a home project.

+ Are you a licensed home inspector?

We are licensed in the states of MA and NH. We perform our inspections to each state’s standards of practice.

+ Can my Real Estate Agent perform a home inspection?

Real Estate agents are not inspectors and do not guarantee property condition. Real estate agents are not trained to find structural, electrical, plumbing, septic and other problems with a home or land and do not guarantee the condition of property they sell. In general, agents have no duty to inspect a property for defects and have no duty to verify information received from sellers, municipal departments or other reputable sources. Naturally, real estate agents may not "knowingly (make) any substantial misrepresentation" ( MGL c. 112 section 87AAA(a)). Agents have no liability for innocently passing along to buyers information from reputable sources, even if it is later determined to be inaccurate. Agents who provide buyers with names of lawyers, accountants or other professionals do not automatically guarantee the accuracy of the reports of those professionals. Since May 1, 2001 home inspectors have been required to be licensed by the Commonwealth and to carry errors & omissions insurance. A complete list of all licensed home inspectors is available from the state's Division of Professional Licensure

+ Can I check your license information?

Absolutely. We encourage home buyers to feel as comfortable as possible and that means knowing your home inspector is certified like us. Visit the Mass.gov page here and simply enter Commonwealth of Massachusetts Home Inspector License No. 491.

+ What licenses and certifications do you have?

Here are a list of our certifications:

• American Society of Home Inspectors Membership No. 203944
• Commonwealth of Massachusetts Supervisor License No. 085478
• Commonwealth of Massachusetts Registered Professional Home Inspector No. 491
• State of New Hampshire Home Inspector No. 332

+ What should the seller disclose to me?

The Massachusetts Home Inspector Law recommends that the buyer obtain the following information from the seller:

1. Does the dwelling have a history of seepage, dampness and / or water penetration into the Basement and/or Under Floor Crawl Space?
2. Has a sump pump ever been installed or used in the Basement/Under Floor Crawl Space?
3. Do you use any type of dehumidification in any part of the dwelling?
4. Are you aware of any mold and / or air quality issues in the dwelling?
5. Is the dwelling on a private sewage system?
• If the waste system is private, has a Title V inspection been completed and is the completed Title V Report available for review?
• Has the dwelling ever been inspected and / or treated for insect infestation?
• If so, when? What were the chemicals used?
6. Has the dwelling ever been tested for radon gas and/or lead paint ?
• If so when? What were the results?
7. Has the dwelling ever been inspected by an Inspector?
• If so when? Were there any problems?
• Is a copy of the inspection report available?
8. Are the Seller and/or the Seller’s Representation aware of any structural, mechanical, electrical, and or other material defect that may exist on the property?
9. Has there ever been a fire in the dwelling?
• If so, when?
• What areas were involved?
• What chemical cleaners, if any, were used for cleanup?
10. Has there ever been a hazardous waste spill on the property?
11. Is there an underground oil storage tank on the property?