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Wed September 8, 2010 |
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Home Inspector Frequently Asked QuestionsHow much does a Home Inspection cost? We offer a competitive fee structure. For quotations on your property, please call: 508-788-1447 Here are some general prices for additional services:
What is a Home Inspector? A person licensed as a home inspector pursuant to Massachusetts General Law chapter 112 sections 222 to 226. What is a Home Inspection? The process by which a home inspector observes and provides pursuant to the sale and transfer of a residential building, a written evaluation of the following readily accessible components of a residential building: heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems, structural components, foundation, roof, masonry structure, exterior and interior components and any other related residential housing components. A home inspection shall, at a minimum, conform with standards of practice promulgated by the board. How long does a Home Inspection take? The length of a Home Inspection varies greatly on the size of the house and what we are inspecting. In general we recommend you to budget a minimum of two hours for a Home Inspection. The time required is determined by the condition of the house and questions regarding any concerns that may develop. Well quantity test is a 4 hour test itself. What handout information is required? Massachusetts Licensed Home Inspectors are required to provide their client with four pieces of information: 1) The Massachusetts Home Inspector Definitions, 2) The Massachusetts Home Inspector Standards of Practice, 3) The Energy Efficiency Handout from The Massachusetts Home Inspector Standards of Practice, 4) The Important Questions from The Massachusetts Home Inspector Standards of Practice. At the time of the signing of the first written contract to purchase, real estate brokers and salesmen, or the seller if no broker or salesperson is involved in the sale, shall distribute a brochure, published by the office of consumer affairs and business regulations, educating consumers about the home inspection process. Should I be present at the Home Inspection? Yes. Our clients are encouraged to accompany our inspectors and to ask questions throughout the inspection. Our goal is to have an informed client. Come to the inspection with casual clothing and join the home inspector in your inspection. The home inspector will answer all of your questions and will not leave the premises until you are satisfied. What are the Client responsibilities in a home inspection? The client is responsible for providing safe access and sufficient lighting to ensure that all systems and areas to be inspected under the Massachusetts 266 CMR standard are readily accessible and observable. What is safe access ? Safe Access - Access free of any encumbrances, hazardus materials, health and safety hazards such as climbing and/or standing on anything other than the ground and/or floor which may jeopardize the Inspector as determined by the Inspector. What is sufficient lighting ? Sufficient Lighting - Fully lighted with a minimum of 50-lumens in all areas to be inspected. What is readily accessible ? Readily Accessible - Capable of being reached quickly for visual inspection without requiring the Inspector to climb over or remove any personal property, to dismantle, to use destructive measures, to resort to portable ladders and/or any action which will likely involve risk to persons or property. What is observable ? Observable - Able to be observed at the time of the inspection without the removal of fixed or finished coverings and/or stored materials. What is In Need of Repair ? In Need of Repair - Does not adequately function or perform as intended and/or presents a Safety Hazard What is Report On ? Report On - A written description of the condition of the systems and components observed. (The Inspector must state in his or her Report whether the System or Component has Readily Observable Signs indicating that it is need of repair or requires further investigation. Can my realtor/owner/seller help? Yes. However the realtor help is typically before the Inspector arrives. The realtor will often walk through with the seller to ensure that personal property is not in the way. For example; Storage items are not against the foundation walls in the basement. Personal property in the attic is not blocking the observation of the roof structure, roof ventilation or insulation. All the light fixtures have working light bulbs. etc. Why a Buyer Needs a Home Inspection? The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says: "A home inspection gives the buyer more detailed information about the overall condition of the home prior to purchase. In a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth, unbiased look at your potential new home to:
The article goes on to also say: " Be an Informed Buyer It is your responsibility to be an informed buyer. Be sure that what you buy is satisfactory in every respect. You have the right to carefully examine your potential new home with a qualified inspector. You may arrange to do so before signing your contract, or may do so after signing the contract as long as your contract states that the sale of the home depends on the inspection." Click here to read "For Your Protection: Get a Home Inspection" from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
E-Mail United Inspection Service with any other question which may interest you. One of our home inspectors will respond to your email. |
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