My name is Thomas Herbst I am a Home inspector in Topsfield Ma area. I started Clayton Home Inspections in 1994 with the purpose of providing a thorough home home inspection in Topsfield 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 also electrical system, plumbing 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 Topsfield 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In addition Inspect and operate all cooling systems in-season (ie: condensers, compressors, evaporator coils, heat pumps, etc.).
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.
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.
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.
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
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 Topsfield, Massachusetts
Topsfield’s human history goes back well over a thousand years when Native Americans lived in the area as hunters and gatherers. By 1650, when the village was incorporated, there were few left due to a devastating plague, probably Small Pox, which decimated their numbers. Masconomet, Chief of these survivors, appears to have had a good relationship with the early settlers. He sold much of what is now Northern Essex County to John Winthrop for 20 pounds.
Virtually all of the settlers were self supporting farmers with some involved in blacksmithing and saw and gristmill operations. Topsfield citizens took strong supportive positions for independence at its town meetings beginning with the Boston Tea Party in 1773. When the alarm came on April 19, 1775 , some men immediately left for Lexington and Concord to fight the Redcoats back to Boston. Throughout the Revolution, Topsfield men were considerably involved. Some had previous military experience during the French and Indian wars which was invaluable.
By the 1800’s shoe factories, stores and inns appeared. The Newburyport Turnpike completed in 1805 and the railroad came in 1854, making it possible for residents to travel and work in other communities. In 1818 the first Topsfield Fair held and is now the nation’s oldest continuing fair. The historical society’s records show an active abolitionist movement during the 1850’s. The population in 1860 was 1292, with 132 men serving in the military during the Civil War. 22 never returned, making this the deadliest war in Topsfield’s history.
Approaching 1900, the town’s character changed from a farming and shoe manufacturing community to a town of many large estates. This change preserved much open space which might have otherwise disappeared by now. Topsfield’s character changed further as shoe making operations ended and the town gradually became a rural suburban community, a characteristic still present today. During World War I, a home guard unit formed and the women of the town organized a canning club to conserve food. The town’s character changed yet again after World War II which saw a large increase in population as many urban dwellers left larger towns to enjoy the town’s rural atmosphere. Construction of Route 95 and other highway improvements made the town much more accessible.