About Home Inspections

guarantee of any kind or insurance policy on the condition of the property.

During an inspection, the inspector will review the readily accessible portions of the structure of the home, including the roof, the attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, basement, and foundation as well as the heating/air conditioning units, interior plumbing and electrical systems for potential problems.

Home inspectors are not intended to point out every small problem or any invisible or latent defect of a home.  Most minor or cosmetic flaws should be apparent to the buyer without the aid of a professional.

Timing Of The Home Inspection

A home inspector is typically hired by a potential homebuyer right after the offer to purchase is signed, prior to executing the final purchase and sale agreement.  However, before the potential buyer signs the offer to purchase contract, he/she should be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract making the purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection.  This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

A current homeowner may also want to get a home inspection to identify problems, especially if the owner plans to sell the home in the near future.

Selecting A Home Inspector

Good referral sources for home inspection services are friends, neighbors, or business acquaintances who have been satisfied with a home inspector.  In addition, lawyers and mortgage brokers may also recommend a home inspector.  A complete list of Massachusetts licensed home inspectors can be found by searching the Consumer affairs and Business Regulationswebsite or contact me.

Real Estate brokers and sales people may not directly recommend a specific home inspector unless representing the buyer as a buyer's broker.  Brokers, however, may provide assistance to buyers in accessing information on licensed home inspectors.