My name is Thomas Herbst I am a Home inspector in Sterling Ma area. I started Clayton Home Inspections in 1994 with the purpose of providing a thorough home inspection in Sterling 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. in Addition 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 Sterling 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.
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
I am also Confirming fundamental reliability of the roof. Making sure the attic is appropriately vented and insulted. Examination support system and for signs of water infiltration. also 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.
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.).
Inspect plus operate all plumbing fixtures. Observing for leaks in supply and drainage pipes everywhere. Inspecting there are no clogged pipes (backups). Water heaters are inspected.
Extremely important part of a home inspection from a cost standpoint, as well as safety. Inspecting all electrical panels. Ensuring proper grounding of an electrical system. 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.
I am actually looking for any kind of insect damage (ie: carpenter ant, termite, etc.) 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 Sterling, Massachusetts
Sterling was once part of the territory of the Nashaway Indians, at one time the most numerous and powerful tribe in Massachusetts. Owing to an abundance of lakes and streams, the land that is now Sterling was home to native Americans as far back as 7000 BC.
In 1643, the Nashaway Sachem, Nashawhonan, now known as Sholan, sold an 80 square mile tract of land to the founders of Lancaster. This land included the eastern portion of Sterling. In 1702, Tahanto, a nephew of Sholan, sold additional land which included both Waushacum Lakes and the western part of town. The first settlers lived around the Waushacum Lakes in the 1640’s. Also the first permanent settler was Gamaliel Beaman of Lancaster, who in 1720 settled near the present day Beaman Road. By 1740 about 50 families had settled. Also In 1743, a meeting house, a school and a pound were built in the Center on three acres of land donated by the Sawyer family. In addition The Town Common is a remnant of that land. Over 850 families lived in the town by 1764 which at that time was called Chocksett, “land of the foxes”.
In 1781, Chocksett separated from Lancaster and was incorporated as Sterling, in honor of William Alexander, Lord Stirling, a Scottish lord who helped the colonists during the Revolutionary War.
Sterling was primarily an agricultural community. In addition, many residents engaged in cottage industries. Also among these were the making of hats, needles, clocks, leather goods, shirts, chairs and pottery. Lack of sufficient water to power industrial equipment limited their growth and eventually caused many to move. The railroads came to town in the 1850’s. Their coming opened up new markets for both agricultural products and manufactured goods.
Sterling has also had its share of prominent residents and their names can be found in the street names and places in the town and among present residents. Lt. Joel Pratt was an aide to George Washington during the Revolution. Pratt’s Junction was named in his honor. Also In 1828, Silas Lamson invented the curved snath for the scythe which improved harvesting of hay and grains. In addition Silas Stuart invented a machine to make sewing machine needles in 1860. In 1863, Ebenezer Butterick developed dress patterns. Also Mary Sawyer whose pet lamb was the inspiration for the poem, “Mary Had a Little Lamb” was born in Sterling in 1806. In addition a statue commemorating the lamb stands on the Town Common.
Many traditions still continue in Sterling. The annual Town Fair was first held on the Town Common as a farm showing in 1859. The Sterling Cadet Band first played during the Civil War.