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    Consumer document created and updated by Commonwealth of Massachusetts for Home Buyers

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    Home Inspectors Facts for Consumers

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    Consumer document created and updated by Commonwealth of Massachusetts for Home Buyers

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    Download as pdf or txt
    47 views2 pages

    Home Inspectors Facts For Consumers

    Uploaded by

    hobedei
    Consumer document created and updated by Commonwealth of Massachusetts for Home Buyers

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    Home Inspectors

    FACTS FOR CONSUMERS

    Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs Division of Professional Licensure


    Jane Swift, Governor

    plumbing and
    problems.

    electrical systems for potential

    Board of Registration of Home Inspectors


    www.state.ma.us/reg/boards/hi
    The Board of Registration of Home Inspectors is
    charged with evaluating the qualifications of
    applicants and granting licensure to those who
    qualify. It establishes rules and regulations to ensure
    the integrity and competence of licensees. The Board
    protects the public health and welfare through
    regulation of the profession in accordance with the
    state statutes and board regulations.
    The Board is responsible for insuring that licensed
    home inspectors have proper training and experience
    through an education program and meet minimum
    inspection requirements in each inspection
    performed. Applicants are required to pass a board
    approved examination prior to licensure and fulfill
    continuing education requirements for license
    renewal.
    The Board publishes a Standards of Practice and
    Code of Ethics for home inspectors.

    Home inspections are not intended to point out every


    small problem or any invisible or latent defect in a
    home. Most minor or cosmetic flaws, for example,
    should be apparent to the buyer without the aid of a
    professional.

    Timing of the Home Inspection


    A home inspector is typically hired by a potential
    homebuyer right after the offer to purchase contract
    is signed, prior to executing the final purchase and
    sales agreement. However, before the potential buyer
    signs the offer to purchase contract, he/she should be
    sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract
    making the purchase obligation contingent upon the
    findings of a professional home inspection. This
    clause should specify the terms to which both the
    buyer and seller are obligated.
    A current homeowner may also want to get a home
    inspection to identify any problems, especially if the
    owner plans to sell the home in the near future.

    Selecting a Home Inspector


    About Home Inspections
    A standard home inspection is a visual examination
    of the physical structure and major interior systems
    of a residential building consisting of one to four
    dwelling units. An inspection can be likened to a
    physical exam by a physician; however, it should be
    clearly understood that a home inspection is not to be
    confused with an appraisal, a building code
    inspection, a guarantee of any kind, and/or an
    insurance policy on the condition of the property.
    During an inspection, the inspector will review the
    readily accessible exposed portions of the structure of
    the home, including the roof, the attic, walls, ceilings,
    floors, windows, doors, basement, and foundation as
    well as the heating/air conditioning systems, interior

    Good referral sources for home inspection services


    are friends, neighbors, or business acquaintances who
    have been satisfied with a home inspector. In
    addition, lawyers and mortgage brokers may also
    recommend a home inspector. The names of local
    inspectors can be found by searching the Division of
    Professional Licensure website or in the Yellow
    Pages where many advertise under "Building
    Inspection Service" or "Home Inspection Service."
    Real estate brokers and salesmen may not directly
    recommend a specific home inspection company or
    home inspector unless representing the buyer as a
    buyer's broker. Brokers, however, may provide
    assistance to buyers in accessing information on
    licensed home inspectors.

    This form was created by WILLARD CUNNINGHAM using e-FORMS. e-FORMS is copyright protected and may not be used by any
    other party.

    Division of Professional Licensure 239 Causeway Street Boston, Mass. 02114 617-727-3074
    updated 4/27/01

    Home Inspectors
    FACTS FOR CONSUMERS

    Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs Division of Professional Licensure


    Jane Swift, Governor

    Following are additional tips when searching for a


    home inspector:
    As of May 2001, home inspectors are required to be
    licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A
    home inspector's license should be verified prior to
    hiring. Consumers should not be confused by home
    inspector "certifications" offered by, or sold by home
    inspection trade societies or companies, obtained via
    home study courses, or provided by home inspection
    companies that certify their own home inspectors.
    Since the home inspection business is unregulated in
    most states, certifications are available to anyone. A
    home inspector's license can be verified with the
    Board of Registration of Home Inspectors at its
    website at www.state.ma.us/reg/boards/hi or by
    calling the Board at 617-727-9931.

    At the conclusion of the home inspection, the buyer


    should be well informed of the condition of the
    home. It should be known if there are visible,
    apparent problems, if repairs need to be made, or
    whether or not there are any risks of concealed
    damage, and whether further investigation is
    recommended and/or required.

    Other Inspections and Tests to Consider

    Those hiring an inspector should expect an open


    door policy from the home inspection company to be
    able to ask questions about the content of the home
    inspection report in the future.

    It is strongly recommended that potential buyers


    consider having the following inspections and/or tests
    performed prior to signing the final purchase
    agreement: lead paint, pests, wood destroying insects,
    including termites, and air quality including radon
    gas. While some home inspectors are qualified to
    offer these services, these inspections and tests are
    not part of the basic home inspection and should be
    contracted through qualified licensed professionals in
    those fields. It should also be noted that the seller is
    required, under 105 CMR 651.010, to provide the
    potential buyer with an affidavit disclosing the
    presence of Urea Formaldehyde Insulation if it exists.
    In addition, the seller under 105 CMR 460.750(A)
    shall disclose if the property has been inspected for
    lead paint and provide copies of any lead paint
    reports concerning the residential premises or any
    dwelling unit therein.

    During the Home Inspection

    Filing a Complaint

    While not necessary, it is recommended that the


    buyer be present for the inspection. This allows the
    buyer to observe the inspector, ask questions directly,
    and obtain a better understanding of the condition of
    the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain
    it. The written report may be easier to understand if
    the buyer was present during the inspection.

    While most licensees conduct themselves as true


    professionals, the Division of Professional Licensure
    will take action against those licensees who fail to
    maintain acceptable standards of competence and
    integrity. In some cases, complaints are made by
    dissatisfied consumers, however, dissatisfaction
    alone is not proof of incompetence or sufficient
    grounds for disciplinary action. If you have a
    complaint about a home inspector, call or write the
    Division's Office of Investigations and ask for a
    complaint form. The Division's Office of
    Investigations is located at 239 Causeway St.,
    Boston, MA 02114. The phone number is 617-7277406. A copy of the complaint form can also be
    downloaded
    from
    the
    Division's
    website
    (www.state.ma.us/reg/).

    The home inspection company that is retained


    should welcome the potential buyer's presence at the
    home inspection. The home inspector should be
    willing to address all of the buyer's questions and
    provide a full verbal and written report.

    It is important that safe access and sufficient lighting


    is provided so that the inspector can inspect the
    property.
    Inspectors must provide a written evaluation report
    based on the standards of compliance in accordance
    with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 146.

    This form was created by WILLARD CUNNINGHAM using e-FORMS. e-FORMS is copyright protected and may not be used by any
    other party.

    Division of Professional Licensure 239 Causeway Street Boston, Mass. 02114 617-727-3074
    updated 4/27/01

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