My name is Thomas Herbst I am a Home inspector in Stow Ma area. I started Clayton Home Inspections in 1994 with the purpose of providing home inspection in Stow Ma also, 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.
This knowledge and Experience is useful when inspecting the structure also electrical system, plumbing system, heating system and inspecting the structure 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 also talking about having the genuine experience as a Contractor who has overseen multi-million dollar house constructions and Anybody can get a Home improvement license.
If you want to find some of the best home inspectors near me in Stow 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 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 insulted. Also examination support system and for signs of water infiltration and 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.
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
Ensuring structural integrity, looking for signs of water penetration and also inspecting bulkheads.
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 are 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
In addition Inspect plus operate all plumbing fixtures and Observing for leaks in supply and drainage pipes everywhere. 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 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.) In addition 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.
Any Questions?
Call Today (978) 793-1346
Introduction to Stow, Massachusetts
Written for the Stow Town Website by Stow Things author Ralph Fuller on behalf of the Stow Historical Society. Historical photos from town archives. Contemporary photos by the author.
From its earliest settlement by English colonists in the 1600s through the first half of the 1900s, Stow was first and foremost a farming community.
In 1686, its population of 37 settlers occupied a dozen or so farms. By 1870 the town had 150 farms, focused mostly on beef, milk and hay production, and counting 600 cows. By 1900 it had fewer farms, but some 1,000 cows.
At the same time, its waterways supported mill operations that grew into significant textile mill centers. One of the oldest woolen mills in the country was established at the Assabet River village of Rock Bottom. On both sides of the river downstream, the area of Stow and Sudbury called Assabet Village hosted a substantial mill community.
As farms and mills declined in numbers – and the automobile expanded America’s mobility following World War II – Stow began transitioning from an agricultural center to a countrified residential suburb.
Today, with a population of nearly 6,700 residents, its farm community encompasses three commercial produce farms and a number of “gentlemen farms” that raise horses and other livestock as avocations.
Its residential structures include more than 2,000 single-family dwellings and another 400 condominiums and multi-family homes.And, Stow has orchards. As the 20th Century began, some Stow farmers turned to orchards, raising apples and other fruits. More than a dozen commercial orchards operated in the town.
In addition Today, five working apple orchards operate in Stow, emphasizing the “pick-your-own” experience that, on some fall days, draws as many as 10,000 apple-seekers from throughout New England and Other entrepreneurs took a different approach to utilizing former farmland. Stow’s first golf course was the nine-hole course built at Assabet Lodge in the 1920s. A second, Mapledale Country Club, soon followed – as one of the first courses established for African-American golfers. Quickly, it began serving both black and white players. Today, Stow is a significant golfing center with four courses encompassing 81 holes.
Boaz Brown House– An early Stow settler, Boaz Brown, Jr., built this house on Harvard Road in the 1690s. Restored in the 20th Century, it’s listed on the National Register of historic places.