HOMES FOR SALE IN MASSACHUSETTS SHOULD HAVE A HOME INSPECTION
Click on a city/town link below for more information on home inspection services.
As part of your Standard Massachusetts Home Inspection you will receive:
- A copy of the Massachusetts Home Inspector Definitions
- A copy of the Massachusetts Home Inspector Standards of Practice
- An electronic form of the Massachusetts Home Inspector Standard Questions
- A copy of the Massachusetts Home Inspector Energy Audit Handout
Other Inspections and Test to Consider
The MA Board of Registration of Home Inspectors strongly recommends that potential buyers consider having the
following inspections and/or tests performed prior to signing the final
purchase agreement:
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 (of your choice and hire) in those fields.
 | Massachusetts Health and Human Services Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification, Property Transfer Certification Form http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/laws-regs/dph/regs-i-l/lead/property-transfer-lead-paint-notification.html Under Massachusetts and federal law, owners and real estate agents must comply with Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification requirements when a prospective buyer or tenant with an option to buy is about to purchase a home built before 1978. Massachusetts Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program's database http://webapps.ehs.state.ma.us/leadinspect/default.aspx |
 Water Quality | A Guide to Water Quality Testing for Private Wells Some contaminants in drinking water have been linked to cancer and toxicity, posing a risk to human health. Many contaminants often have no taste, odor, or color. Their presence can only be determined by laboratory testing. While there is no state requirement to have your well water tested
(although there may be from your mortgage lender or local Board of
Health), the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
(MassDEP) recommends that all homeowners with private wells do so, and
use a state certified laboratory. http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/mapwell2.htm MassDEP Certified Laboratories |
| Wood destroying insects, including termites | http://www.mass.gov/agr/pesticides/index.htm |
| Air quality, including radon gases | http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/community-health/environmental-health/exposure-topics/iaq/ |
| Fungi, mold and allergens | http://www.mass.gov/lwd/labor-standards/occ-safety-and-health/workplace-safety-and-health/hazard-info/416-mold-and-indoor-air-quality.html |
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 (of your choice and hire) in those fields.
MA Home Inspection Report
The MA Board of Registration of Home Inspectors recommends 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.
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 are required, or whether or not there are any risks of concealed damage, and whether further investigation is recommended and/or required.