A home inspection is a professional, complete visual examination of the all the systems and physical structural elements of a home. My emphasis is on identifying existing or potential problems that would affect a purchasers buying decision.

My standard inspection report covers all the major systems and structural elements of the house. This includes the condition of the homes heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, foundation, attic and visible insulation, walls, doors, windows and all visible structures.

The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. For most homes, 3 hours is pretty typical. But for larger homes, or homes in poor condition, it may take longer.

Absolutely. A professional inspection of a new home is important. I can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct. It’s especially valuable to arrange an inspection before the interior walls are finished. As a inspection professional, I may find problem areas where the builder has taken shortcuts or not done good work.

Chances are that even if you are very familiar with home construction, you still don’t have general knowledge of all the systems of the house. A home inspector is familiar with all the systems of a home and knows what problems to look for. But beyond the technical expertise and experience a professional inspector brings, it is important to remember that an inspector remains an impartial third party. If you are involved in buying or selling a house, it’s impossible for you to remain completely unemotional about the house and this may cloud your judgment. As a professional inspector, I will provide an objective independent reporting of the facts.

My report will tell you the condition of the house, including needed repairs and expenses. No house is going to be perfect. It is up to you to decide how any problems the inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase. If major problems are discovered, you may want to try negotiating with the seller to have them repaired before closing the deal. Or perhaps the seller will lower the price, or offer more favorable contract terms. In the end, the decision rests with you, but knowing about potential problems, before you buy, gives you the power to negotiate and make the best decisions.

No. The inspector code of ethics prohibits us from doing repair work. Additionally, Massachusetts laws and regulations prohibit this obvious conflict of interest. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the inspector. My purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party written report on the condition of the home.