Home Inspection

Purchasing a home can be one of the biggest financial investments you will make. Having an inspection provides you with the knowledge that helps you make an informed decision about the condition of the asset you are buying as well as how to maintain the home as it ages.  Buying a house may seem like an endless series of critical, important decisions. Choosing an ASHI Certified Inspector means choosing someone you can trust to provide you with a comprehensive analysis of the home's major systems and components—honestly and objectively, apart from anyone's interests other than your own.

The inspection is also an opportunity to ask questions, to learn about home ownership, and to learn about the maintenance required to maintain a healthy, well cared for home.   Not all inspectors are equal.  Home Inspectors are licensed by the state, but there is a great degree in the extent of and variation of experience in construction.

Here is a Summary of what we inspect:

• Exterior: roof system, roof penetrations, chimney, wall cladding, windows, doors, eaves, trim, decks, porches, and entryways

• Structure: foundation, structural framing, floor, walls, ceiling framing, and roof framing

• Heating and Air Conditioning: furnace systems, boiler systems, HVAC systems, ducts, vents, tanks, and fuel supply system.

• Plumbing: supply and waste piping, main supply shutoff, drains, traps, and vent piping

• Electrical: service entrance cable, electrical meter, grounding, main disconnect, main and sub panels, GFCI breakers and receptacles, AFCI breakers, switches, and exposed branch wiring

• Interior: walls, floors, ceilings, trim, windows, door, other cabinetry, and all interior components

Radon

Radon is an invisible gas emitted from the breakdown of uranium that can enter homes through the basement. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to higher radon levels can increase your risks for Lung Cancer. We offer two types of Radon Tests: Active and Passive. Click below to learn more about each test and the E.P.A. testing procedures.

The EPA recommends that a radon mitigation system is installed when the radon level is above 4.0 pCi/Ls.  The most common system to install is a fan and a pipe that draws air from under the concrete floor of the basement.  This air is deposited into the atmosphere above the roof line.  We offer two short term testing options for radon.

• Active Test: An active test last 48 hours and utilized a continuous radon monitoring (CRM) machine.  This machine takes an hourly reading and provides both an average radon level over the course of the test and an hourly report that may reveal highs, lows, and any tampering that may have occurred.  This test costs $225.00.

• Passive Test: This test utilizes two vials that collect air samples.  The vials are sealed up at the end of the test and mailed to a lab in Massachusetts.  The lab typically analyzes the results the day they receive the vials and emails the results to you. This test costs $82.00.

Commercial Property Inspection

We provide Commercial Property Inspections (PCA’s) and Building Inspections for Commercial Real Estate clients. Following the ASTM standard E2018-15, we diligently inspect the property and document conditions so that our clients can feel confident in their purchase decision of the asset in question. We will provide cost estimates for the replacement of the major systems.

Phased Construction Inspections

Thinking of building your own home? We provide Phased Construction Inspections. Although builders today are mandated to meet code requirements for construction, building codes set minimums standards as requirements for the construction of safe and healthy homes. Having a 3rd party inspect different phases of construction can help ensure better building practices are being utilized during your construction project. "O.K." and "good enough" are not acceptable when it is your future home. We can work with the General Contractor and our client to ensure productive communication and a high standard of quality.

Water Testing

Buying a house with a well? It is strongly recommended that the water quality is tested prior to purchasing the home. We contract with a local laboratory and can draw samples at the time of inspection.

• The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recommends well owners test their water at least annually for bacteria, nitrates, and any contaminants of local concern. More frequent testing should be considered if:

• There is a change in the taste, odor, or appearance of the well water, or if a problem occurs such as a broken well cap, inundation by floodwaters, or a new contamination source

• The well has a history of bacterial contamination

• The septic system has recently malfunctioned

• Family members or house guests have recurrent incidents of gastrointestinal illness

• An infant is living in the home, or

• To monitor the efficiency and performance of home water treatment equipment.

Typically we draw the water samples for you and ask you to take the samples to the local lab. For convenience, a courier service is available at an additional cost. Pricing on Water Testing Available Upon Request.

WDO/Termite Inspection

Although small, termites and other wood-destroying organisms can be a source of major damage to a property. During a WDO Inspection, we search the home thoroughly for signs of an existing infestation, related damage, and moisture in the home that can attract these pests. A WBII Report is typically required when financing through VA or FHA loans. The cost for this report known as the NPMA 33 form is $100.00.

HOA Condominium PCA’s and Reserve Studies

The primary purpose of a Reserve Study is to offer recommendations as to the amount of money a community, building or other organization should set aside on a yearly basis for the future replacement or major refurbishment of their commonly owned elements.

A properly funded capital reserve program is the right formula for keeping a community's physical assets in prime condition while providing some key benefits to residents. We strongly recommend updating your Capital Reserve Study Every 3 years.

Determining the immediacy of some repairs is important to a HOA. Budgeting for these repairs is also another concern. Understanding the existing condition of the assets and projecting repairs and or replacement can help communities set forth a plan that can hopefully avoid the unexpected and unpleasant "Special Assessment" to address immediate needs.