Call Us Today

978-689-8424
800-892-0500

Address: 105 Haverhill Street, Methuen, MA 01844
Email: homeinspectionassoc@verizon.net

Licensed in Massachusetts & New Hampshire

Residential Home Inspection Service for Cambridge, MA, and Surrounding Areas

Before you buy or sell a home, you should invest in a home inspection. And with Home Inspection Assoc., Inc., you’ll receive a thorough residential home inspection service to determine the condition of your home. We serve the Cambridge, MA, area, so call today.

Our Services

Our inspection services are designed to help you buy or sell a home. We provide a detailed written report one to two days after the inspection to give you a tangible guide to the home. We serve both buyers and sellers with our home inspection services.

Buyers:

If you plan to buy a home, you want to know exactly what you’re getting into. Our inspections are thorough and cover:

  • Structural integrity: We inspect the foundation, walls, and ceilings to make sure that the house is sturdy and needs no major repairs.

  • Electric and plumbing: You don’t want to buy a house with poor plumbing or faulty electrical wiring. We can tell you what condition these aspects are in and what maintenance they may need in the future.

  • Exterior elements: We inspect the roof, siding, brick, driveway, and all other exterior elements to ensure they are in good condition.

We inspect each home from top to bottom and back to front to make sure we catch all the good and buy so that you can make an informed decision when you buy.

Sellers:

A home inspection is also for sellers. Most sellers want to get as much out of their home as they can. And during our inspections, we look at all the areas that would help you sell your house for more. We inspect all the interior and exterior elements and recommend repairs that will increase your home’s value.You’ll also learn about potential problems ahead of time rather than when a buyer conducts their own inspection, allowing you to fix the problems or adjust the asking price accordingly.Call us today at 978-689-8424 for a home inspection service you can trust.

Foundation

The inspector will check the foundatio and look for evidence of settlement and/or seepage in the basement areas. The inspector will look for recent uneven settlement, foundation movement, and cracks where exposed. He looks at drainage, sump pump locations and the presence of dehumidification and ventilation. In addition, he will examine any crawl spaces for structural integrity, type of supports, joists and girders, and proper ventilation.

Plumbing

The inspector will check the foundation and look for evidence of settlement and/or seepage in the basement areas. The inspector will look for recent uneven settlement, foundation movement, and cracks where exposed. He looks at drainage, sump pump locations and the presence of dehumidification and ventilation. In addition, he will examine any crawl spaces for structural integrity, type of supports, joists and girders, and proper ventilation.

Hot Water Supply

The inspector will look at the type of hot water system present in the property, access its current condition and detail system operation and maintenance. He will inspect for proper pressure valve temperature as well examine exposed flue pipes and look for indications of potential problems.

Heating

The inspector will determine the type of system in the property, assess its current condition, and will explain how it operates and how to maintain the system. He will look for heat output in the living space. He will determine the number of heating zones present in the property. The inspector will examine the distribution system, flue pipes, fuel source, insulation type and any exposed tanks.

Air Conditioning

The inspector will determine the type of system present (if any) and the number of zones for the property, and he will determine if the systems is functional (weather permitting). He will also examine the distribution system for any potential problems.

Chimney & Fireplace

The inspector will inspect the firebox, hearth, damper and exterior chimney. He will determine if the expose masonry is in need of repair and assess the function of the damper. He will look at wood or pellet stove installations and make recommendations. He will operate gas fired fireplaces if operable.

Electrical

The inspector will review the type of system in the property, assess its current condition and will explain how it operates and how to maintain the system. We will open panels, where accessible and look for potential problems. The inspector will identify the amperage, number of circuits, visible loading issues, proper grounding and bonding. He will test a sampling of outlets for function and note if they have been wired properly. The inspector will test all undedicated GFI and AFI outlets in the home.

Termite Infestation & Wood Damage

The inspector cannot provide any certification regarding pests, for this you will need a licensed exterminator. The inspector will however look for insect damage and determine if there is any structural damage due to the presence of termites or other insects. We recommend that you schedule the termite inspection just prior to the home inspection.

 

Structure

The inspector will look for evidence of settlement and/or water seepage in the structure. He will assess the general structural support of the house, joints, girders, flooring, sub-flooring and interior walls. He will note any deficiencies and needed repair in the house, such as evidence of water leaks or cracks. He will check a subset of the windows and doors of the property, noting their type, function and condition. The inspector will determine if all hand rails, landings and stairs are in a safe and secure condition. We will check all egresses to determine condition and use. If the property is within a multi-unit building, he will also inspect the common areas where applicable for any deficiencies or needed repairs.

Attic

The inspector will go into the attic, if possible, and determine the presence of, type and amount of the insulation and ventilation in the property. He will perform a general structural assessment of the attic, framing and collar ties as well and look for leaks or conditions that require repair. The inspector will assess potential problems associated with ice dams, flashings or roof penetrations. We access all crawlspaces and determine structural integrity, ventilation and general condition.

Interior

The inspector will look at the interior walls, noting their type and condition. From ground level, he will examine for deterioration. We will look for signs of concealed damage and moisture entrapment. He will also determine the general condition of all interior features and make recommendations regarding their care.

Exterior

The inspector will look at the exterior walls, noting their type and condition. From ground level, he will examine all soffit, trim and fascia boards for deterioration. All decks, porches, balconies, stairs and hand rails will be checked to see if they are secure and safe. We will look for signs of concealed damage and moisture entrapment. He will also determine the general condition of all exterior building features and make recommendations regarding their care.

Roof

The inspector will determine the type of roof covering, its condition and any general problems or maintenance issues. Different roof types have specific maintenance issues associated with them. In addition, the inspector will assess the gutters for type, condition and function, and he will look at flashing and skylights as well as any other roof penetrations or features. He will visual inspect all other roof features, such as dormers, firewalls, penthouses and roof decks (and handrails).

Garage

The inspector will examine the garage for internal and external structural integrity, as he would the house. He will check the roof, exterior and interior walls, flooring, windows, etc. He will determine the presence and function of electric door openers. He will trigger the general safety features of the automatic garage door if safe to do so.

What does a typical home inspction include?

  • Lot and Landscape       
  • Grading and drainage       
  •  Basement, foundation, and crawlspaces       
  •  Water penetration and seepage       
  •  Foundation movement       
  •  Drainage and sump pumps, where accessible       
  •  Main water shut off valves       
  •  Interior plumbing, fixtures and faucets       
  •  Heating systems, fuel source, distribution systems, radiators, vents and duct work.       
  •  Cooling systems, duct work, line insulation and filters       
  •  Electrical service, panels, breakers and fuses       
  •  Main electrical disconnect and amperage       
  •  Grounding and bonding       
  •  GFI and AFI testing (non-dedicated)       
  •  Building structure, joist, girders, beams and supports       
  •  Interior surface conditions of walls, ceilings and floors
  •  Interior water penetration and leaks
  •  Attic and crawl space inspection
  •  Insulation and ventilation
  •  Fireplace damper doors, firebox, hearth and exposed masonry
  •  Garages
  •  Garage doors, safety sensors and openers
  •  Roof material, condition vents, flashing and trim
  •  Exterior siding
  •  Gutters and downspouts
  •  Skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations.
  •  Decks, steps, porches, walkways and railings.
  •  Common areas
  •  Radon and water test kits available at an additional fee.
  •  And many more areas…