Home Inspection Bellingham MA

My name is Thomas Herbst I am a Home inspector in Bellingham Ma area. I started Clayton Home Inspections in 1994 with the purpose of delivering a thorough home inspection in Bellingham Ma so, homebuyers can feel good about moving into their new home. Prior to that, I was in construction since 1979. I started from the ground up and have a Pest Certification License over many years and Certified Wood destroying certification for many years now and retained my pest license and Home inspector License ever since.

Knowledge and Experience

This knowledge and Experience is useful when inspecting the structure also electrical system, plumbing system, heating system and looking for signs of active insect or damage, as insects can cause significant damage to a house. It is highly unlikely that you will find another home inspector with that much experience in House construction and pest damage Identification, along with that much experience in home inspections. Now, I’m not just talking about having a Home Inspection license. I’m speaking about having the genuine experience as a Contractor for almost 40 years who has overseen multi-million dollar house constructions. Anybody can get a Home improvement license.

If you want to find some of the best home inspectors near me in Bellingham Ma, you certainly need to do some research. There’s nothing worse than moving into a house and then recognizing that you need to drop $10,000-50K into it immediately, all because of an unskilled home inspector.

First, go to the State’s Board of Home Inspectors’ website and make certain the inspector’s license is still effective. Next, check the inspector out at the Better Business Bureau. Check for complaints and read any reviews that may be posted.

Don’t go for the inexpensive home adviser home inspector. In this industry, oftentimes you usually get what you pay for. Whatever you’re spending for that house, it’s a lot of money and searching for a home inspector with a “bargain-basement hunter’s” mentality is certainly not the right method. Hope to hear from you soon.

What is inspected by a Home Inspector in Bellingham Ma at a Home Inspection ?

Water damage by a Home Inspector in Bellingham Ma

This is a significant part of a home inspection, as water is a home’s “worst adversary”. I am additionally inspecting the gutters and downspouts to safeguard they are taking the water far enough away from the structure.

Exterior Inspection

I’m examining the walls/siding, fascia’s, rake boards, soffits, and windows. I’m also checking the structural integrity of the building. Inspecting for structural integrity and safety. Inspecting underside, as well (if possible). Examining the condition of the roofing material (ie: shingles, etc.). Also inspecting vent pipes, exhaust vents, and skylights.

Attic Inspection by a Home Inspector in Bellingham Ma

Confirming fundamental reliability of the roof. Making sure the attic is appropriately vented and insulated. Examination support system and for signs of water infiltration. Inspecting chimney (if present) and making sure there is a sufficient amount of insulation.

Interior inspection

Walls, Floors, Ceilings, Doors & Windows Inspection. The State regulations only require that we operate one door and window per room. I go well beyond that.

Kitchen Inspection

State regulations do not require us to inspect appliances. I do not inspect and operate dishwashers, ranges, microwaves and trash compactors.

Bathroom Inspection

Inspect plus operate all toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers, checking for leaks and proper functionality. Also, inspect any exhaust fans.

Basement Inspection by a Home Inspector in Bellingham Ma

Ensuring structural integrity, looking for signs of water penetration and also inspecting bulkheads.

Heating System Inspection (Temperature Permitting)

Inspect and operate all boilers, furnaces and air handlers. Making sure each room has a heat source. Inspection of oil tanks is not mandated by the State but they certainly included in my home inspection.

Cooling System Inspection (Temperature-permitting)

Inspect and operate all cooling systems in-season (ie: condensers, compressors, evaporator coils, heat pumps, etc.).

Plumbing System Inspection by a Home Inspector in Bellingham Ma

Inspect plus operate all plumbing fixtures. In addition observing for leaks in supply and drainage pipes everywhere. Inspecting there are no clogged pipes (backups). Water heaters inspected.

Electrical System Inspection

Extremely important part of a home inspection from a cost standpoint, as well as safety. In addition Inspecting all electrical panels. Also ensuring proper grounding of an electrical system and Inspecting all visible wiring throughout the building for loose and/or exposed wires. The State regulations only require us to check one outlet per room. I go way beyond that.

Termite Inspection

I am also looking for any kind of insect damage (ie: carpenter ant, termite, etc.) and my 15 years (previous) experience as a contractor along with my 24 years experience as a home inspector simply cannot be matched. If you or someone you know has more experience than me in each of these two fields (and can prove it) then I will gladly remove this claim.

Well water test

This test is highly recommended for any house with Well water. I can test for up to 26 items in the water (ie: bacteria, lead, iron, VOC’s etc.).

Radon Testing (add’l fee)

Radon

If there is a finished basement or if you plan on finishing it, then this test is highly recommended. There are also other situations that would constitute performing a radon test.

Introduction to Bellingham, Massachusetts

Bellingham, Massachusetts

Introduction to Bellingham, Massachusetts

The Town of Bellingham also named for the third Governor of the colony of Massachusetts Bay, a Puritan lawyer, Sir Richard Bellingham.  In addition Sir Bellingham, name is preserved in Hawthorne’s famous “Scarlet Letter”, born in England in 1591 and educated as a lawyer there.

Sir Richard Bellingham also was one of the original twenty-six members to draw up the Massachusetts Bay Colony Charter, established in Boston by Puritan leaders for religious and political refuge.  Settlers in Boston could not become citizens until they joined the church and accepted as free men by vote.

In 1719, Bellingham was the last Town incorporated in Norfolk County.  Early history and records show that the Town was once an active and flourishing manufacturing Town, producing boots, shoes and other leather goods.

Bellingham’s most significant contribution, in its 250 years of existence, was the part it played in the fight for religious liberty.  The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is in debt to this Town and its early settlers who hold a prominent place in the annals of history, in their fight for equality and liberty, a half century before Lexington and Concord.

The Town is also eight miles long, two miles wide at its Southern end and three miles wide at the North end with an area of 18.55 square miles.  It is also surrounded by seven Massachusetts towns and Woonsocket, Rhode Island to its South end.

Today Bellingham is a vibrant community of 16,000 residents.  The Town has a mix of industry, major distribution centers, as well as nearly 1,000,000 sq. ft. of retail which is located off exit 18 of Interstate 495.  Thanks to the aggressive development of the 1990’s, Bellingham maintains a very modest residential tax rate and boasts some of the best services in the region.

The Complete Home Inspection Bellingham Ma

• Exterior home inspection (walls, trim, siding, grading)
• Porch, patio, balcony and deck home inspection
• Roof, flashing, and chimney, vents home inspection
• Structural integrity home inspection
• Interior (walls, floors, ceilings, windows)
• Attic home inspection (including rafters, ceiling joists, insulation, ventilation)
• Basement home inspection (water seepage)
• Heating system home inspection (Force Hot Air, Forced Hot Water, Heat Pumps, and distributions)
• Cooling system home inspection (Compressor, evaporator coil, service lines, drains, disconnects)
• Plumbing system home inspection (waste drains, venting, supply pipes, fixtures)
• Electrical system home inspection (Electrical outlets, wires, service panel(s), breakers, fuses, lighting)
• Termite (VA) home inspection (Included Termites, Carpenter ants, Rodents)
• Radon testing (add’l fee)
• Water analysis (add’l fee)
• Home Inspection near me in Bellingham Ma