Issues, Concerns & Inspections
There are any number of issues or concerns you have that may or may not require
inspection to give you the peace of mind you need to proceed with your purchase.
Below, we list some common (and not so common) inspections and issues that may be
applicable to you, as well as links to sites you can go to for more information
on these topics. You may click on one of the topics below to go right to that topic.
Home Inspection
This is a comprehensive inspection of the subject property performed by a licensed Home Inspector. The Brackett & Bates Team STRONGLY urges all of their buyers to invest in a home inspection. It should be used as an informational tool, but will also determine if there are any underlying material/structural problems with the property (i.e., evidence of pest infestation, outdated plumbing or electrical systems, evidence of past or ongoing water issues from a leaking roof, etc.). There are literally dozens of things that a home inspector "inspects," and many times, they will give you a written report with their findings. The bottom line is, this is short money for long term peace of mind! For information and a list of Home Inspectors licensed in Massachusetts, click on the link below:
reference:
http://www.mass.gov/dpl/consumer/fspagehi.htm
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Asbestos
Asbestos is a material that can be found in pipe insulation, insulating boards, textured wall surfaces, electrical equipment, floor and roofing tiles and certain adhesives. Microscopic asbestos fibers from friable (loose and crumbling) asbestos can be suspended in air and inhaled. Once inhaled, these fibers remain in the lungs and can cause lung cancer. Generally, if asbestos is in good condition and fibers are not exposed, it does not need to be removed. In instances where asbestos needs to be removed, it should be handled by a certified asbestos abatement contractor.
reference:
http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/hazards/asbestos.htm
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Lead Paint
Massachusetts law requires the removal or covering of lead paint hazards in homes built prior to 1978 where children under the age of six live. This is NOT a guarantee that lead paint does not exist in many properties still being lived in today. Lead paint chips and/or dust can be very harmful to small children, causing a number of health problems including brain, liver, kidney and nervous system damage. Lead is not an issue to be taken lightly. Only you can decide if you'd like to have a lead paint test, based on your particular situation, but if it is a concern to you, you should include lead paint on your list of inspections you will be performing.
reference
http://www.mass.gov/dph/clppp/clppp.htm
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Title V (Private Sewer Systems)
For most property transfers, a Title 5 inspection must occur within two years prior to the time of transfer. If an inspection was conducted within the two-year timeframe, the inspection will fulfill the inspection requirement for more than one transfer of title, and does not need be repeated within the two-year period. Legally, the owner of the property is required to conduct the Title 5; hence, in the case of a buyer purchasing a home with a septic system, in order for the property to convey, the seller is responsible to provide Title 5 certification.
reference:
http://www.mass.gov/dep/brp/wwm/faqsprop.htm#sysfail
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Mold
It is important to note that there are many types of mold, and relatively few that pose serious health risks. This being said, there are certain molds that will cause people with allergies and/or asthma to react, and more serious types of mold can release potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Your home inspector may be able to identify mold for you, but if you have concerns, you may want to schedule a mold test with a certified mold testing/remediation company.
reference
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldbasics.html
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Well Water
If water is supplied by a private well, you may want to have the well water tested. The EPA regulates public water systems, but not private wells. Therefore, special precautions must be taken to ensure the protection and maintenance of these drinking water supplies.
You may also want to have the well inspected by a well company to determine the quantity of water the well is producing; to determine it is working at its capacity.
reference:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewells/index2.html
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Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is produced in the ground through the normal decay of uranium and radium. Radon cannot be detected by human senses because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Since it is a gas, radon can also move into any air space, such as basements, crawl spaces, or caves. Once inside an enclosed space, such as a home, radon can accumulate. For this reason, indoor concentrations are usually higher than those found outdoors. Houses with little air exchange because of improvements to prevent heat loss will generally have higher indoor radon levels than draftier houses. Although there are no Massachusetts state or federal regulations for naturally occurring radon or radon daughters, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recommended guidelines for taking action. Concentrations of radon gas are measured as "picocuries per liter" (pCi/l). The EPA suggests that if an initial screening measurement results in a reading greater than 4 pCi/l, further measurements should be taken to determine the annual average exposure to radon and that action be taken within a reasonable period of time. The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to do a radon test. Your home inspector will generally have test kits available. These are canisters that are left generally at the lowest living level in the home for a period of no less than 48 hours. The test is then mailed to a lab who performs a test on the canister and typically mails the results directly to you.
reference:
http://www.mass.gov/dph/rcp/radonfq.htm
This is a list of the most common issues and inspections we see. It is by no means a complete list of every issue that may arise; it would be impossible to compile such a list! There are other issues or inspections that may be important to you (i.e., pool inspection, etc.). You are entitled to have any or all of these inspections performed (at your expense) prior to the signing of the Purchase and Sales agreement.
Back To Top
Home Inspection
This is a comprehensive inspection of the subject property performed by a licensed Home Inspector. The Brackett & Bates Team STRONGLY urges all of their buyers to invest in a home inspection. It should be used as an informational tool, but will also determine if there are any underlying material/structural problems with the property (i.e., evidence of pest infestation, outdated plumbing or electrical systems, evidence of past or ongoing water issues from a leaking roof, etc.). There are literally dozens of things that a home inspector "inspects," and many times, they will give you a written report with their findings. The bottom line is, this is short money for long term peace of mind! For information and a list of Home Inspectors licensed in Massachusetts, click on the link below:
Asbestos
Asbestos is a material that can be found in pipe insulation, insulating boards, textured wall surfaces, electrical equipment, floor and roofing tiles and certain adhesives. Microscopic asbestos fibers from friable (loose and crumbling) asbestos can be suspended in air and inhaled. Once inhaled, these fibers remain in the lungs and can cause lung cancer. Generally, if asbestos is in good condition and fibers are not exposed, it does not need to be removed. In instances where asbestos needs to be removed, it should be handled by a certified asbestos abatement contractor.
Lead Paint
Massachusetts law requires the removal or covering of lead paint hazards in homes built prior to 1978 where children under the age of six live. This is NOT a guarantee that lead paint does not exist in many properties still being lived in today. Lead paint chips and/or dust can be very harmful to small children, causing a number of health problems including brain, liver, kidney and nervous system damage. Lead is not an issue to be taken lightly. Only you can decide if you'd like to have a lead paint test, based on your particular situation, but if it is a concern to you, you should include lead paint on your list of inspections you will be performing.
Title V (Private Sewer Systems)
For most property transfers, a Title 5 inspection must occur within two years prior to the time of transfer. If an inspection was conducted within the two-year timeframe, the inspection will fulfill the inspection requirement for more than one transfer of title, and does not need be repeated within the two-year period. Legally, the owner of the property is required to conduct the Title 5; hence, in the case of a buyer purchasing a home with a septic system, in order for the property to convey, the seller is responsible to provide Title 5 certification.
Mold
It is important to note that there are many types of mold, and relatively few that pose serious health risks. This being said, there are certain molds that will cause people with allergies and/or asthma to react, and more serious types of mold can release potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Your home inspector may be able to identify mold for you, but if you have concerns, you may want to schedule a mold test with a certified mold testing/remediation company.
Well Water
If water is supplied by a private well, you may want to have the well water tested. The EPA regulates public water systems, but not private wells. Therefore, special precautions must be taken to ensure the protection and maintenance of these drinking water supplies.
You may also want to have the well inspected by a well company to determine the quantity of water the well is producing; to determine it is working at its capacity.
Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is produced in the ground through the normal decay of uranium and radium. Radon cannot be detected by human senses because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Since it is a gas, radon can also move into any air space, such as basements, crawl spaces, or caves. Once inside an enclosed space, such as a home, radon can accumulate. For this reason, indoor concentrations are usually higher than those found outdoors. Houses with little air exchange because of improvements to prevent heat loss will generally have higher indoor radon levels than draftier houses. Although there are no Massachusetts state or federal regulations for naturally occurring radon or radon daughters, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recommended guidelines for taking action. Concentrations of radon gas are measured as "picocuries per liter" (pCi/l). The EPA suggests that if an initial screening measurement results in a reading greater than 4 pCi/l, further measurements should be taken to determine the annual average exposure to radon and that action be taken within a reasonable period of time. The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to do a radon test. Your home inspector will generally have test kits available. These are canisters that are left generally at the lowest living level in the home for a period of no less than 48 hours. The test is then mailed to a lab who performs a test on the canister and typically mails the results directly to you.
This is a list of the most common issues and inspections we see. It is by no means a complete list of every issue that may arise; it would be impossible to compile such a list! There are other issues or inspections that may be important to you (i.e., pool inspection, etc.). You are entitled to have any or all of these inspections performed (at your expense) prior to the signing of the Purchase and Sales agreement.
