My name is Thomas Herbst I am a Home inspector in Athol Ma area. I started Clayton Home Inspections in 1994 delivering a Thourough home inspection in Athol Ma so, homebuyers can feel good about moving into their new home. Prior to that, I was in construction since 1979. I Also 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. Home Inspection Athol Ma
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. Also, 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 Athol 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.
Water damage
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
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
In addition Confirming fundamental reliability of the roof and making sure the attic is appropriately vented and insulated. also examination support system and for signs of water infiltration. Inspecting chimney (if present) and making sure there is a sufficient amount of insulation.
Interior
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.
Home 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
Ensuring structural integrity, looking for signs of water penetration and also inspecting bulkheads.
Heating System Inspection (Temperature Permitting)
In addition Inspect and operate all boilers, furnaces and air handlers and making sure each room has a heat source. Inspection of oil tanks is not mandated by the State are inspected at home inspection.
Cooling System Inspection (Temperature-permitting)
In addition Inspect and operate all cooling systems in-season (ie: condensers, compressors, evaporator coils, heat pumps, etc.).
In addition to Inspect plus operate all plumbing fixtures and observing for leaks in supply and drainage pipes everywhere. also Inspecting there are no clogged pipes (backups). Water heaters are inspected.
Electrical System Inspection
Extremely important part of a home inspection from a cost standpoint, as well as safety. also Inspecting all electrical panels and ensuring proper grounding of an electrical system. also Inspecting all visible wiring throughout the building for loose and/or exposed wires. The Home Inspection 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 30 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 Athol, Massachusetts
Originally settled in the 1730s and known as Pequoiag, the town of Athol is located amongst the rolling hills of north-central Massachusetts, 70 miles west of Boston. Early settlers lived by farming and hunting and the growing community incorporated as the town of Athol in 1762.
Also By the end of the 18th Century, a handful of grist, saw, and fulling mills dotted the banks of the Millers and Tully Rivers and in the mid-1800s the town witnessed a boom in industrial growth typical for “mill towns” of the time.
Factories powered primarily by the Millers River, augmented by access to markets facilitated by the construction of the Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad in the 1840s, spurred such rapid growth in commerce that additional railroad lines to Springfield and Fitchburg soon followed.
Also In 1868, the Athol Machine Company was established to produce the chopping machine invented by Laroy S. Starrett. Then in 1881, Mr Starrett founded the L.S. Starrett Company, now an international company still producing high-quality precision tools. Also the Starrett mills dominate the downtown landscape along the Millers River and the company remains the largest local employer.
The Union Twist Drill Co. also operated a large mill downtown and employed up to 800 at its peak until ceasing operations in the 1980s. Also These two companies helped earn and maintain Athol’s legacy as the “Tool Town.”
In addition the town and North Quabbin region are blessed with a natural beauty and many recreational opportunities. From camping to swimming, to fishing, also hiking trails with stunning vistas the area is rife with opportunities to interact with nature. In addition, through the Library and Historical Society, there are many cultural and entertainment activities.
Today, Athol is a safe and affordable community that nearly 12,000 people call their home.
What about you?
Check out the Athol History Trail brochure!
Home Inspection Athol MA