Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

co and smoke detectors

In Massachusetts, prior to selling or transferring a one or two-family residence, state law mandates that the property must comply with specific smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector requirements. The local fire department must inspect the residence to confirm proper smoke/CO alarm placement and issue a Certificate of Compliance confirming that the alarms meet the necessary standards. This certificate is valid for 60 days and is required at the time of sale or transfer. If the home does not meet these standards, the sale cannot legally proceed.

Smoke Detector Requirements

Regardless of home age, smoke alarms must be installed:

* On every habitable level of the home, including finished basements and finished attics.

* At the base of every stairway leading to the next level.

* Outside each sleeping area within 10 feet.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements

Regardless of the home's construction date, CO alarms are required as follows:

* Placement: On every level of the residence, including habitable portions of basements and attics, and within 10 feet of each bedroom door.

* Type: CO alarms can be battery-powered, plug-in with battery backup, hardwired with battery backup, or system type. Combination smoke/CO alarms are acceptable if they meet placement requirements.

Massachusetts Home Inspections does not test residential smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors. In Massachusetts, the local fire department is responsible for inspecting these devices and issuing a compliance certificate. As the buyer, you are not responsible for the installation or certification of these detectors. It is the seller's responsibility to obtain the certificate of compliance prior to closing. This certificate is required in order to close escrow, and it will be provided by the seller at your closing. When you move into your new home, all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will be up to code, as verified by the local fire department.

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Buying a home is arguably the most important, exciting and nerve-wracking purchase a person will ever make. This is the reason you need a great home inspector, and Dave Valley is just that. He is empathetic – he understands and appreciates the various emotions a potential home-buyer goes through. Most importantly, Dave provides you with objective information so you can make the most informed decision possible.

It was a pleasure working with Dave – he contains all the qualities that make a great home inspector – he is the consummate professional, prompt, courteous, meticulous in his detail and honest. Dave was reasonably priced – in fact Dave charged me the same amount I spent 10 years earlier on a smaller house and provided a far better work product.

Prompt

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Courteous

Dave was pleasant to deal with, personable and thoughtful not only to his client but also to the buyer’s real estate agent.

Detail-oriented

Dave spent almost four hours in his investigation of a 2,000 square foot house. He answered all my questions and reviewed every observation he had with me. David provided a detailed report, and encouraged me to call and email him to discuss the report and to ask questions.

Conclusion

The highest compliment I can give Dave is to say that I would use him again and will encourage and recommend him to others.

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