Common Questions

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Massachusetts home purchasers are given the opportunity under state law to have their potential house or condo purchase inspected by a licensed Home Inspector prior to signing a Purchase and Sale Agreement. The usual time allowed to the buyer is 7 calendar days. We view the Home Inspection as an insurance policy; we will determine the condition of the property prior to making the purchase. The inspection will reveal "the good, the bad, and the ugly" aspects of the property that will assist you in making a decision to purchase the property.

All Home Inspectors operating in MA are required to be licensed by the state and must provide Errors and Omissions Insurance. Our report is completed in accordance with the Massachusetts Home Inspectors 266 CMR Regulations and Standards of Practice. All clients are encouraged to review the Home Inspectors Facts for Consumers Sheet at the Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation website.

We recommend that you review the following suggestions in order to make your property inspection a pleasing, informational and successful experience:

• Please notify the Real Estate Agent(s) and the Owner of the date, time, and approximate hours to be spent inspecting the property.
  
• Typically a Real Estate Agent and/or Owner(s) are present during the inspection. The common areas in a condominium building will require my access ( MEP rooms, the roof, the community rooms, garage, etc) and prior arrangements with the property management /owners is required. Multi-family homes will require access to all units and floors and arrangements with tenants must be coordinated.
  
• All utilities must be operational at the property: electrical power, water and gas service, and a filled oil tank.
  
• Obtain from the Condominium Association the following documentation: Replacement Reserve Report, Association Report, Operating Budget, Proposed Common Area Improvement Schedule, Special Assessments, Pending Claims and Litigation, and Board Minutes.
  
• All plumbing fixtures, hot water tanks, and heating and cooling systems must be operational.
  
• Properties with excessive amounts of belongings inhibit the inspection process and may result in deficient conditions not being observed.
  
• All animals or pets should be restrained or isolated during the inspection.
  
• Obtain from the Owner the Seller Disclosure Questionnaire.
  
• Obtain from the Owner the following: appliance and component service records; age of major components such as boiler, furnace, ac system, hot water tank, roofing, windows and doors; oil, gas, electrical, water/sewer and tax bills from previous years; copies of any previous home inspection reports; dates of major renovations such as additions, kitchens, baths, and decks; copies of all local building permits; reports on termite treatments, asbestos removal, lead paint testing, etc.; obtain a copy of the Title V Septic System report and the water well characteristics, flow rate, and water quality test where applicable
  
• A property inspection can be a stressful experience – “the more the merrier” does not hold true during the inspection. Try to keep your entourage to a minimum.
  
• Payment by cash or check is due at the end of inspection. Reports will not be released without payment.
  
• Do not schedule an inspection too late in the day or when rain or snow is anticipated. Daylight and proper weather is required to perform a proper inspection.

Following these guidelines will make your property inspection go smoothly!