Home inspection
Your inspection period is an opportunity to gather all the information you need to proceed in confidence with your home purchase. Typically, the home inspection lasts 2-4 hours depending on the age and size of the home. Your REALTOR® will provide access and will be present for the entire inspection. Follow the steps below to make the most of your inspection period.
Steps for scheduling your home inspection:
Check with your REALTOR® to ensure that the inspection date and time works for all parties.
Check with your Home Inspector to understand what their report will encompass and whether it will be necessary for you to bring in other subject matter experts. Additional inspections to consider include pests, water quality/quantity, radon and lead paint.
Schedule as soon as possible to ensure an inspection within your allotted inspection time frame. Some inspectors are booked out for several days.
Wear comfy clothes and shoes. You may also wish to bring a notebook, water and snacks.
Make a list of any questions you have for your inspector.
CHOOSING YOUR INSPECTOR
The Home Inspector is a third party professional who works solely for YOU. As such, it is up to you to interview and hire a qualified Home Inspector whom you trust. Below is a list of local, qualified and reputable Home Inspectors.
Midstate Home Inspections
Dan Eilertsen | 508-754-7548
The Building Inspector of America
Steve Ducharme | 508-752-3008
Walsh Home Inspections
Mike Walsh | 339-298-1124
Michael’s Home Inspections
Michael Gleason | 508-769-9871
Inspections Plus
Stephen M. Gaspar | 508-293-1770
OTHER INSPECTIONS
LEAD PAINT – ASAP Environmental, INC.
Benjamin Misch | 1-800-349-7779
STRUCTURAL – Criterium Dudka Engineers
508-589-8020
WELL – SafeWell
888-450-9355
OPTIONAL RESEARCH
This checklist outlines optional research you may choose to conduct during your inspection contingency period. Depending on the town, some documents may be easily accessed online. This research is optional. Matters that are important to you should be researched by you at your discretion.
Town Assessor
Copy of the Property Assessment (Assessor’s “Field Card”)
Building Inspector
Copies of building permits
Were permits properly pulled and closed in accordance with town guidelines?
Zoning regulations pertaining to additions, setbacks, etc.
Planning Board / Town Planner
Knowledge of any planned or approved projects, or projects under consideration, or zoning changes that would directly affect property and/or property values
Conservation Commission
Knowledge of any nearby wetlands/conservation land (i.e. watersheds, endangered species, etc.) resulting in additional restrictions/setbacks
Police Department
Crime statistics, emergency services, sex offender registries, etc.
School / Education Committee
School performance, school choice options, bus services, etc.
Other Items
Betterments (e.g. road paving, sewer connection)
Knowledge of environmental hazards (e.g. underground oil storage, chemical spill)
Stigmatized Property (e.g. newspaper articles, crime committed on premises)
Past fire damage
