Home Inspection North Grafton Ma
My name is Thomas Herbst I am a Home inspector in North Grafton Ma area. I started Clayton Home Inspections in 1994 with the purpose of providing a thorough home inspection in North Grafton 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.
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 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 North Grafton 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 at a Home Inspection by a Home inspector in North Grafton Ma
Water damage Inspection
Water 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 Home Inspection
I’m also examining the walls/siding, fascia’s, rake boards, soffits, and windows and I’m also checking the structural integrity of the building. Inspecting for structural integrity and safety. Also Inspecting underside, as well (if possible)and Examining the condition of the roofing material (ie: shingles, etc.). Also inspecting vent pipes, exhaust vents, and skylights.
Attic Home Inspection by a Home inspector North Grafton
In addition Confirming fundamental reliability of the roofing 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 Inspection by a Home inspector in North Grafton Ma
In addition Walls, Floors, Ceilings, Doors & Windows Inspection. Although The Home Inspection State regulations only require that we operate one door and window per room. I go well beyond that.
Kitchen Inspection
In addition Home inspection State regulations do not require us to inspect appliances. Although 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 North Grafton Ma Massachusetts
Ensuring structural integrity, looking for signs of water penetration and also inspecting bulkheads.
Heating System Inspection (Temperature Permitting)
Also Inspect and operate all boilers, furnaces and air handlers. Making sure each room has a heat source. Although Inspection of oil tanks is not mandated by the Home Inspection State but they are included in my 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.).
Plumbing System Inspection by a Home inspector in North Grafton Massachusetts
Inspect plus operate all plumbing fixtures. Also Observing for leaks in supply and drainage pipes everywhere and Inspecting there are no clogged pipes (backups). Water heaters are inspected.
Electrical System Inspection by a Home inspector near me in North Grafton Massachusetts
Extremely important part of a home inspection from a cost standpoint, as well as safety. In addition Inspecting all electrical panels ensuring proper grounding of an electrical system. Also Inspecting all visible wiring throughout the building for loose and/or exposed wires. Although The State regulations only require us to check one outlet per room. I go way beyond that.
Termite Inspection by a Home inspector near me North Grafton Ma Massachusetts
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) by a Home Inspector in North Grafton Ma Massachusetts
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 North Grafton, Massachusetts
Introduction to North Grafton, Massachusetts
History of Grafton
Grafton also a semi-rural town in east central Massachusetts lying southeast of the City of Worcester. In addition the population according to the federal census in 2010 was 17,765. Grafton originally occupied by a tribe of Nipmuc Indians and called Hassanamisco (place of small stones). In 1671, an English missionary named John Eliot, who preached in Hassanamisco, also established an Indian church and school here where the Bible was studied in the Indian language. The church and school were located near the current common. Today there is an Indian homestead on Brigham Hill.
In 1724, a group of 39 men and one woman, mainly from Marlborough, Sudbury, Concord, and Stow, presented a petition to the General Court and granted the right to purchase 7,500 acres of land from Indian owners. Additionally the money held in an account under the direction of the General Court for the benefit of the Indians. The Town of Grafton established in 1735 and named in honor of Charles Fitzroy, Duke of Grafton, and grandson of Charles II.
Grafton common
The present Grafton common established in 1738. The original 40 proprietors of Grafton voted four acres of land at the center of the plantation of Hassanamisco placed common land and a meetinghouse, burial ground, schoolhouse, and militia training field be situated at this place. The first meetinghouse of the Congregational Puritan settlement was built in 1730 and stood at the center of the common. This meetinghouse remained on the common for 100 years. The cross behind the pulpit in the present Congregational Church is fashioned of timber from this building, which was subsequently demolished. In 1845, a portion of the original Common was fenced, graded, and planted with trees. The present bandstand was built in 1935 by Hollywood filmmakers for a scene in the production of “Ah, Wilderness,” which was filmed in Grafton.
The earliest of homes of the 40 proprietors, some of which are still standing, scattered throughout town. By the early 19th century, houses built along North Street, South Street, and Worcester Street. Many fine examples of Early American, Greek Revival, and Victorian architecture still exist along these streets. Six villages formed near the centers of manufacturing activity and called: Grafton (center); New England Village (North Grafton); Centerville (Brigham Hill by the river); Farnumsville, Fisherville, and Saundersville (South Grafton). All but Grafton were located by significant water power.
Existing Mill Sites
Remaining from the 19th Century
Upper Mill, North Grafton
The Upper and Lower mills, frequently called New England Village, had their beginnings in 1824 when William Hovey of Worcester built a dam to supply water for the Blackstone Canal, which opened in 1828.
Lower Mill, North Grafton
The Lower mill developed in 1831 by Smith and Pratt, who manufactured cotton goods. In 1878, the firm sold to Mr. Crocker, who started grinding emery, which came from Turkey as ship’s ballast. It continues to operate as the Washington Mills Co., manufacturing abrasives. They took over the Upper mill in 1949.
Farnumsville, South Grafton
In 1827, Peter Farnum and his son built a stone mill 74’ x 30’, four stories high with a 40’ x 30’ wooden el of two stories for the manufacture of woolens. The company known as the Grafton Manufacturing Co.
Fisherville, South Grafton
The Fisherville mills established about 1829 by Timothy McNamara. Initially a joint venture with the Blackstone Canal Company, a dam built to supply water to the canal and for manufacturing.
Centerville, site of A.E. Burgess Leather Company, Grafton
The earliest mill site in Grafton is at Centerville, on the Quinsigamond River where it crosses Brigham Hill Road. It was, at first, a grist mill, then a saw mill, a blacksmith shop, and cotton mill. The cotton mill called the Quaker Mill and produced light goods known as Quaker sheeting. The mill burned in 1890. This site also produced the first electricity in Grafton. Other owners operated a “shoddy,” or waste mill, here.
The Complete Home Inspection by Home Inspector in North Grafton 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 inspector near me in North Grafton Ma
