Chestnut Hill MA

Home Inspection Chestnut Hill MA

Thomas Herbst of Clayton Home Inspection – ASHI Certified Home Inspector

Home Inspector Chestnut Hill MA

My name is Thomas Herbst I am a Home inspector in Chestnut Hill Ma area. I started Clayton Home Inspections in 1994 with the purpose of delivering a thorough home inspection in Chestnut Hill 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. Also, I’m not just talking about having a Home Inspection license. I’m also talking about having the genuine experience as a Contractor. Anybody can get a Home improvement license.

If you want to find some of the best home inspector near me in Chestnut Hill 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.

What is inspected by a Home inspector near me in Chestnut Hill at a Home Inspection?

Water damage Inspection

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

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 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

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 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 and 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 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 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 Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Introduction to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

History

The Old Chestnut Hill Historic District encompasses the historic residential heart of the Newton portion of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. When first listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, the district extended along Hammond Street, between Beacon Street and the MBTA Green Line right-of-way, and along Chestnut Hill Road between Hammond and Essex, including properties along a few adjacent streets.[2] In addition the district expanded in 1990 to include more of Chestnut Hill Road and Essex Road, Suffolk Road and the roads between it and Hammond, and a small section south of the Green Line including properties on Hammond Street, Longwood Road, and Middlesex Road. A further expansion in 1999 added a single property on Suffolk Road.[2]

In addition the district consists of a residential enclave of high-quality architect-designed residences on ample, landscaped lots, that exemplified the development of Newton as a fashionable upper-class suburb. Also the area’s colonial history begins with settlement in the 17th century by Thomas Hammond and others. In addition Hammond was probably the builder of the c. 1700 Hammond House at 9 Old Orchard Road, considered to be Newton’s oldest surviving structure. The 1723 house at 521 Hammond Street, a substantial Georgian style house, also belonged to the Hammond family.[2]

Development

Development of the area did not begin in a significant way until after 1886, when the Circuit Railroad brought rail service to the area. A station designed by H. H. Richardson built at Chestnut Hill in 1883 and landscaped by Frederick Law Olmsted; demolished in 1960. The houses in the district predominantly Colonial Revival in their styling, although other forms popular into the 1920s also represented, including Tudor Revival. There only limited new construction in the area since 1942. The 98-acre (40 ha) district includes 132 buildings, of which 109 contribute to its significance.[2]

The Complete Home Inspection

  • 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 inspector in Chestnut Hill Ma