What is a home inspection?
It is the right of each and every Buyer to inspect a property prior to transfer. Customs vary from region to region, but, for the most part Buyers are allowed a certain set period of time (usually ten days from the acceptance of a bonafide offer) to inspect a home at their sole expense. Check your contract carefully to ensure that there is an inspection contingency.
Who is a Home Inspector?
May 1, 2001 set up a Board of Licensure for Home Inspectors. Laws require that Home Inspectors be licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Who is responsible for the home inspection?
The Buyer.
How is a Home Inspector contacted?
There are several ways to contact Home Inspectors. If you have friends who have recently completed the home-buying process, be sure to ask them if they were satisfied with their home inspector.
There is a complete list of licensed home inspectors at: http://license.reg.state.ma.us/loca/locaType.asp?profession=Home_Inspector&how=map&BI=submit.
In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Seller’s agents are not allowed to recommend home inspectors to Buyers. Buyers will be given the Massachusetts web site information and directed to the master list. If, however, you are represented by a Buyer’s Agent, it is permissible for the Buyer’s Agent to recommend a home inspector. It’s still best to contact a few inspectors before you choose one in order to determine who best represents your inspection requirements. If a pest, or insect, inspection is important to you make sure you ask up front if the inspection company is qualified to perform the tests you require, and if so, is there additional charge for that service?
Know what to expect by asking good questions during the interview process.
How much time does a home inspection take?
Plan on 2-5 hours.
How much does it cost?
Home inspection costs vary widely, so be sure to ask up front what the charge will be. Also be sure to inquire if there will be any additional charges for tests such as radon, pest inspections, and the like. Prices range from $195 to $800+. Check the qualifications of the inspector and the company, and be sure to ask what is included in the fee. What kind of a report will you obtain? Will it be in writing? When will you receive the report?
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