Frequently Asked Questions
See you soon!
You may have questions:
Appointment booked. What now?
If you will NOT be attending the inspection, please let me know so I can send you a request to e-sign the state-required contract. Assuming that the appointment has been confirmed with the agents of both parties, and you will be attending, no action is needed. I will print out the contract and we will sign it at the inspection.
Do I need to be present for the home inspection?
It is not required to attend the home inspection, but it is encouraged, if you are able. My reports will document any concerns I have, with pictures and descriptions, but I also like to show and explain in person.
Can I follow along/ask questions?
Yes! I work for you and don’t mind if you either follow along the whole time, or if you want to go off on your own, (taking measurements, showing family, talking with your agent, etc.) I will find you and give you updates as I progress through the inspection.
How do I pay?
Check or cash is preferred but I also have PayPal and Venmo for the company. Unfortunately, I do not have a credit card reader so I cannot process debit/credit. A home inspection is one of the few fees that is not covered in closing costs, and payment is due at the inspection. I will bring a printed receipt to the inspection, and we’ll handle this at the very end.
What exactly do/don’t you inspect?
Attached to your confirmation email is a document called 266 CMR 6.00. These are the regulations for home inspectors in Massachusetts and spells out everything that we inspect, are not required to inspect, and what we are prohibited from inspecting. It’s a boring read, but we are required to send this to you, and it can be useful to go through to know what to expect. For example, some are surprised to hear that detached buildings, (including detached garages,) sprinkler systems, fences, security systems, and smoke/CO detectors are not covered in a MA home inspection. (The local fire department handles smoke/CO detector inspections, and usually seller’s responsibilities. Title V inspections, (septic systems) are also usually required and handled by the seller in MA.)
Do you give price estimates & recommending service companies?
No. In Massachusetts, home inspectors are prohibited from giving price estimates, recommending specific companies for repairs, offering perform repairs on any house we inspect for three years after the inspection, or saying that we recommend you purchase, or do not purchase, the property. These rules are to prevent any potential conflicts of interest. Your real estate agent may have tradesmen/companies they recommend and can talk with you about negotiating with the seller for repairs or credit towards repairs.
When will I get the home inspection report?
Same day. Unless I lose power or internet, you will typically receive the emailed home inspection report and optional wood destroying insect inspection report about 3-5 hours after the inspection. The optional Radon gas measurement is a 48-hour test, so you will be getting the Radon report two days after the home inspection. (Note: all 3 reports are in email form. I stopped printing and sending hard copies about 10 years ago because of lack of interest, slow mailing times, and cost.)
The home has well water. Do you offer water quality testing?
No. In Massachusetts, water quality testing is performed by MassDEP labs. (Find one here.) Technically, no home inspector DOES water quality testing in our area, but some offer to deliver a sample to a lab for you, usually for a fee. I only charge for services I perform myself, and am licensed/certified for. I always recommend you deal with the lab directly and not pay someone for a delivery fee, if you don’t have to. You are welcome to pick up a testing bottle at a lab and bring it to the inspection, but you or your agent will have to return the sample to the lab for testing.