Types of Home Inspections

PRE-PURCHASE (BUYER'S) INSPECTION

A pre-purchase home inspection in Massachusetts typically occurs after a property is listed for sale but before the Buyer takes possession, prior to closing. Before ordering the inspection, the Buyer usually signs a contingency agreement with the Seller. If the inspection reveals issues that do not meet the Buyer’s expectations, the sale may be jeopardized. However, the inspection benefits both parties by identifying potential damages or concerns. This allows for renegotiation of the sale price or gives the Seller the option to address repairs at their expense before closing.

Even if the Seller has already conducted a home inspection and obtained a report, Buyers should always arrange their own inspection to avoid potential "Seller's bias." I will perform a thorough inspection of your prospective home, evaluating over 400 items throughout the property. The process typically takes between 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the home's size and condition. Afterward, I will generate a detailed report in my office, providing comprehensive information about the home. What Do I Inspect?

PRE-LISTING (SELLER'S) HOME INSPECTION

Pre-Listing, or "Seller," Massachusetts Home Inspections are typically conducted before a home is listed on the real estate market but can also be performed while the home is actively listed. The earlier the inspection is completed, the more time the Seller has to make necessary or desired repairs, reducing the chances of extensive repair requests from the Buyer. This helps streamline the sale and closing process. All Pre-Listing inspection reports are prepared once the inspection is complete. I will compile a detailed electronic report, complete with images, and email it to you by the end of the day.

POST HOME INSPECTION

At times, the Massachusetts real estate market can be highly competitive, requiring you to purchase your dream home while waiving a home inspection. If you find yourself in this situation, I strongly recommend hiring me to assess your property immediately after closing and before moving in. During this walk-through, you’ll accompany me as I inspect your new home, ensuring there are no major defects or safety hazards. I will also guide you through how your home functions and provide essential maintenance tips. Give yourself peace of mind—let me walk you through your new home and cover every important detail. After the post inspection, I will compile a detailed electronic report, complete with images, and email it to you by the end of the day. Give yourself peace of mind—let me walk you through your new home and cover every important detail.

INFRARED (THERMAL) INSPECTION - VIDEO

An infrared inspection in Massachusetts is a non-invasive, predictive maintenance technique that uses an infrared imaging and measurement camera to detect and measure thermal energy emitted from surfaces within a building. Unlike the human eye, which sees light, infrared cameras detect heat, allowing them to reveal issues that are otherwise invisible. I use advanced infrared technology to identify a wide range of building conditions. When combined with traditional home inspection methods, infrared inspections provide a deeper, more comprehensive evaluation of your home, uncovering issues that conventional tools and the naked eye might miss. Don't settle for a standard visual inspection that could overlook hidden problems—thermal imaging brings potential issues to light in vivid detail. All thermal imaging inspection reports are prepared once the infrared inspection is complete. I will compile a detailed electronic report, complete with images, and email it to you by the end of the day.

MASSACHUSETTS THERMAL IMAGING WEBSITE

NEW CONSTRUCTION (BUILDER) INSPECTION

New construction inspections in Massachusetts are typically conducted once your newly built home is deemed “ready” for occupancy by the builder and relevant legal authorities, such as zoning or code inspectors. I perform a thorough inspection of the home and its components, ensuring that everything meets quality and safety standards. Even though the home is brand new, my inspection process remains as detailed as it is for older homes, evaluating hundreds of critical components throughout the property. A typical inspection takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the home’s size and the builder’s workmanship. All new construction inspection reports are prepared once the home inspection is complete. I will compile a detailed electronic report, complete with images, and email it to you by the end of the day.

BARNS, HORSE STABLES and HORSE ARENAS

I have a trained eye for farm structures, having inspected numerous equestrian-related buildings across rural Massachusetts. My inspection process begins with the exterior, where I assess the siding, wall penetrations, roofing materials, and installed components. The building’s outer shell provides critical insight into its overall stability. Inside, I conduct a thorough examination of the structure, starting with the lower sills, then progressing to the wall framing, and finally up to the long-span roof system designed to withstand heavy snow loads. I carefully inspect all structural elements, including beams, supports, and stall perimeters. Next, I evaluate the electrical system to ensure all wiring is safe for both people and animals. If heating, plumbing, or other mechanical systems are present, they will also be included in the inspection. As we walk through your farm structures together, I will identify any compromised components, safety concerns, or structural issues that could pose risks to occupants and livestock. All inspection reports are prepared once the farm inspection is complete. I will compile a detailed electronic report, complete with images, and email it to you by the end of the day.

CHURCH INSPECTIONS - SEE IMAGES

I have conducted numerous church and rectory inspections across Massachusetts, ensuring that these unique structures are thoroughly evaluated. You can trust that your entire church will be inspected with the same attention to detail as any other commercial building, with special consideration given to key areas such as the steeple, altar, parishioner seating area, kitchen (if applicable) and heating and water mechanicals. As part of the inspection, I will also access the upper belfry cavity to assess the condition of the existing bell, its supports, and the overall structural integrity of the steeple. Allow me to walk you through your building(s), identifying any existing issues while also providing guidance on proper maintenance practices to help preserve your church for another 100 years. All inspection reports are prepared once the church inspection is complete. I will compile a detailed electronic report, complete with images, and email it to you by the end of the day.

NEW HOME WARRANTY INSPECTION

A New Home Warranty Inspection is an essential step for homeowners before their builder-provided warranty expires—typically within the first year of ownership. This inspection ensures that any defects, construction flaws, or system malfunctions are identified while still covered under the builder’s warranty, saving you from costly repairs in the future.

Why You Need a Warranty Inspection

Even though your home is new, construction defects or installation issues can arise over time. A professional inspection helps uncover:

✔ Structural concerns (foundation, framing, roofing)

✔ Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC system issues

✔ Poor insulation, ventilation, or moisture problems

✔ Improperly installed doors, windows, or fixtures

✔ Cosmetic defects that may worsen over time

What to Expect

I will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your home, assessing over 400 key components to ensure everything is in proper condition. The inspection typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the home's size and complexity. Once completed, I will provide you with a detailed report, including images and findings, outlining any concerns that should be addressed by your builder. Your report will be sent to you the same day, allowing you to promptly submit a warranty claim before your coverage expires.

Protect Your Investment A New Home Warranty Inspection gives you peace of mind, ensuring that your home meets quality standards and that any necessary repairs are handled at the builder’s expense—not yours. Don’t let your warranty expire without a professional evaluation! Let me help you protect your investment—schedule your New Home Warranty Inspection today!

COMMERCIAL BUILDING INSPECTIONS

Office Buildings
Retail Space
Medical Facilities
Multi-Family Housing
Apartment Buildings
Condominium Complexes
Churches
Hotels/motels
Restaurants
Industrial Warehouses
Shopping Malls and Strip Malls

A commercial inspection is a thorough visual evaluation of a building’s structure—inside and out—including the roof, mechanical systems, and essential components. My objective assessment of your prospective property ensures that its current condition aligns with your expectations, allowing you to plan accurately for future maintenance, repairs, or major expenditures, such as a new roof or HVAC system replacement.

Investing in a commercial property is a significant financial commitment. If you proceed without an inspection, you may face unexpected costs later to bring the building up to today’s standards. Whether you’re purchasing, leasing, or managing a commercial property, knowing its true condition before closing is critical to avoiding costly surprises down the road.

I take a meticulous approach to every commercial inspection, carefully evaluating properties of all sizes. I will personally walk you through the building, explaining its condition and pointing out any concerns that could impact your investment. My goal is to provide you with clear, accurate insights so you can make an informed decision. It’s possible that my findings may challenge your initial expectations about the building’s condition. However, if the inspection confirms what you already believe, you’ll gain added confidence in your investment. Either way, you’ll have the knowledge needed to move forward with clarity.

A commercial inspection minimizes risks and provides peace of mind, ensuring that you fully understand the condition of your property before making a financial commitment. Don’t leave your investment to chance—schedule your commercial inspection today!

Once the inspection is complete, I will compile a detailed report, documenting all findings, including images and recommendations. All commercial inspection reports are completed in my office and emailed to you the same day.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS

Periodic Maintenance Inspections in Massachusetts are best if performed every two years, to assure the health and safety of you and your family and to protect the security of your real estate investment. All New England structures will get weathered and worn down over time from our heavy seasonal rains, and the windy blizzards, so Periodic Maintenance Inspections are necessary in order to assure the integrity of your structure. While performing your maintenance inspection, I can also identify possible indoor pollutants such as Radon, dangerous Carbon monoxide levels, and Mold build-up. I will also evaluate your building's integrity by inspecting crucial components that could be compromised by cracked or stressed beams or one of many foundation issues. I can also visually inspect for Termites or other wood-destroying insects that can destroy your home without you even knowing it. Any of these situations can contribute to a decrease in your home’s value and can pose a significant physical risk to you and your family if not identified in a timely manner. All Periodic Maintenance Reports are completed in my office and emailed to you the same day.

INVESTIGATIVE INSPECTIONS

Investigative Inspections are most-often used when a Massachusetts homeowner feels that a problem may exist on their property. For example, you may want to engage in an Investigative Inspection after a hurricane with heavy winds and rain or a blizzard, if you experience an odd smell in your home that cannot be identified, or if you notice unusual pest and insect activity. In many cases, Investigative Inspections can help homeowners to catch problems before they become an expensive or irreversible liability. All Investigative inspection reports are completed on-site the same day. Once the investigative inspection is complete, Ill be emailing your report to you the same day.

BANK LOAN (DRAW) INSPECTIONS

Bank Loan Inspections are required by all Massachusetts Lending Institutions to determine the amount of work that has been completed at a construction site so that the Borrower (a Construction Company or Home Builder) can draw on their loan. I provide this inspection service to construction lenders throughout the United States. I act as the eyes and ears for Lending institutions that are prepared to commence on a partial payment of a construction loan for residential and commercial buildings. I basically report on the current state of a construction site by providing Lenders with an accurate snapshot of the building that is under construction or ready for renovation. When bank draw inspections are performed, the reports are submitted to the Lending institution within hours of being requested.

RENTAL PROPERTY INSPECTIONS

A Massachusetts rental property inspection is performed when property owners have tenants moving in or out of their rental apartments or homes and they would like to document the existing condition of their property from negligence. I act as the eyes and ears for the Landlord and report my honest, independent and unbiased views of the living areas of the home. I will be reporting on safety issues, fire issues, holes in walls/ceilings, missing appliances, inoperative or unsafe electrical, etc. All Rental Property inspection reports are completed in my office and emailed to you the same day.

WOOD BORING INSECT INSPECTIONS

This is one very important inspection that I highly recommend every Massachusetts home Buyer has performed during my home inspection. I will inspect and carefully probe all visible areas of the home for Termites, Powder Post Beetles and Carpenter Ants. Additional information

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Here is what my clients have to say about my home inspection services:

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Dear David,

I just wanted to write a quick thank-you for the professional and informative job that you did at my home inspection on Monday. As a first time home buyer I was incredibly nervous going into the inspection not knowing what to expect - what should I be asking? What should I be looking for? it was all very overwhelming. However, after the first 15 minutes of the inspection, you quickly put all of my fears to rest!

The way that you took the time to point out and explain to me everything that you were looking for, as well as all of the helpful suggestions that you so freely gave out instantly, had put my mind at ease. I was able to feel that I was in good hands and knew that I had a “Professional” doing the job. This was solidified for me at the end of the inspection when you went over your extensive report with me, item by item ensuring that I fully understood what was there.

Your professionalism and expertise was so greatly appreciated. If ever anyone asks for a recommendation please feel free to give them my name, it would be my pleasure to help put another home buyer’s worried mind to ease by letting them know that with Massachusetts Home Inspections, they can count on a professional job well done.

With Kind Regards,

Karen S.