Home Inspection Salem Ma

My name is Thomas Herbst I am a Home inspector in Salem Ma area. I started Clayton Home Inspections in 1994 with the purpose of providing a thorough home inspection in Salem 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. 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. Anybody can get a Home improvement license.

If you want to find some of the best home inspectors near me in Salem 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. Also, check the inspector out at the Better Business Bureau and 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 Salem 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 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 Inspection

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 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

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 Salem 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 Salem 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 in Salem Ma

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

Salem Ma 

Introduction to Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, Massachusetts, in Essex county, is 4 miles NE of Lynn, Massachusetts (center to center) and 13 miles NE of Boston, Massachusetts. It’s a residential area and a popular tourist destination. The city is well known for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Salem has numerous impressive mansions and homes from the colonial era. It has an excellent collection of Federal, Victorian, Post-Medieval, Greek Revival and Georgian architecture.

Salem History

The town was established in 1626 along the mouth of the Naumkeag River by a group of fisherman. The majority of people accused during the well known Salem Witch Trials lived in the close by Salem Village. The witchcraft accusations began with Abigail Williams, Betty Parris and some of their friends. By 1790 Salem was one of the largest cities in the nation. It had a renowned seaport and was very active in the China trade.

Due to the prosperity of the city, a large number of mansions were constructed during the colonial era. Nathaniel Hawthorne worked in the customs house located close to Pickering Wharf; which was the setting for his famous book The Scarlet Letter. The Great Salem Fire of 1914 destroyed over 400 homes.

Salem Attractions

• The Salem Maritime National Historic Site was the first National Historic Site designated by congress.
• Corwin House/Witch House is the only structure leftover from the 1692 Salem Witch Trials.
• House of the Seven Gables is a wooden mansion from the 17th century and is well known due to the Nathaniel Hawthorne story.
• The Pickman House is one of the oldest houses in Salem.
• McIntire Historic District is a popular tourist destination.
• Peabody Essex Museum features art, including an excellent collection of maritime art. It features architecture and culture regarding New England and the world. The Philips Library has the original court documents of the famous Salem Witch Trials.
• Burying Point is the oldest cemetery in the city.
• Chestnut Street is regarded as one of the most architecturally attractive streets in the country. It features impressive historic homes.
• Trolley tours of the city are available.
• The New England Pirate Museum includes numerous relics.
• Phillips House is a Federal Style mansion and includes a variety of artifacts.
• Pickering House showcases a variety of antiques.
• Pickering Wharf is a recreation of the past and includes numerous shops with items from all over the world.
• The Friendship is a notable tall ship reconstruction.
• Pioneer Village is a recreation of an old English community.

The city features other noteworthy attractions including the Nathaniel Bowditch House, Salem Witch Village, Salem Wax Museum, Witch Dungeon Museum, Hamilton Hall, Old Town Hall and the Ropes Mansion Garden.

Salem Common offers concerts and a variety of community activities. Salem Marketplace includes shops, restaurants, art galleries and nighttime entertainment. North Shore Music Theatre is a popular venue.

Salem Activities

The Forest River Park also popular with families and includes beach areas. Cruises are available for touring the historic lighthouses and islands. The Salem Willows Amusement Park offer children’s rides and games and provides scenic views of the harbor. Salem Woods, also known as Highland Park is popular with bird watchers and with nature enthusiasts. The city attracts a large crowd during Halloween and provides a vast number of Halloween related events during October.

Salem Higher Education

The city is home to Salem State College.

Salem Transportation

Air Travel is provided at the Logan International Airport, located in Boston. A commuter rail and the Salem High Speed Ferry provide transportation to Boston.

The Complete Home Inspection by a Home inspector in Salem 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 Salem Ma