What Home Inspections should you do as a buyer of Massachusetts Real Estate?
There are many to consider!
Below is a partial list & description of home inspections to consider when buying a home in Massachusetts. Contact us today for a Buyer Agent skilled in negotiation and advising on Inspections and the buying process
Want a video with more explanation, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z8ca6XlhMo for a narrated explanation and a list of common inspections below :
Home Inspection: The "Main" inspection which covers items such as: Structure, Exterior, Roof, Foundation, Heating, Electrical, Plumbing and more. Most MA Home Inspectors will also conduct a Pest inspection which is looking for pests such as termites, carpenter ants or powder post beetles ... things that eat homes in our area!
Water Tests: When you have private water, it is more common to test for the quality or quantity that the well water produces. You can also test well or municipal water for a bevy of items such as minerals, Radon etc... all these will be graded on the test results provided.
Radon Gas Test: Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that tends to gather in basements and lower areas ( it is heavier than air ). You will typically test the lowest finished or lowest accessible area and the level should be below the EPA recommended level or should be considered for remediation.
Lead Paint: Any home built before 1978 may contain lead paint. Your Realtor will provide you with disclosures that let the seller know you are reserving the right to have a lead paint test if you so choose... the seller must provide any tests they have by a licensed professional as well.
Title V: Any time you have a private sewerage or septic system ...you will need a passing inspection certificate or "Title V" Certificate that shows the system is working and acceptable. Not only will YOU want this but your bank will need to see it to issue a loan.
Follow up tests: Your inspector is a generalist, and his/her job is to identify issues that warrant more detailed specialties. Some of the more common ones are Mold and Asbestos. Although the inspector may have a very good idea of these items they must be tested by a trained and specific inspector for each, so it is becoming more common for a buyer to request a follow up inspection for these items.
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