What to Look for When Buying a Home

April 25, 2019January 9, 2023 claytonhome

When buying a home, If you’ve ever been to an open house or toured a home then you’ve most likely marveled at different home layouts, lamented over beautifully designed kitchens or critiqued the color choice in the bathrooms. But beyond the veneer that makes a house shine to potential home buyers, have you ever wondered what could be lying below the surface?

Buying a Home, Is the home you’re touring actually in good shape or are there hidden issues that only a trained eye can spot? Here’s your chance to learn what to look for when buying a house so you too can begin touring homes like a professional home inspector.

Inspecting the driveway when Buying a Home

All parts of the home need to work in unison and that includes your driveway. When entering a driveway you’ll want to look at its surface conditions, levelness, and the areas around the driveway.

Walk the entire driveway, noting any deterioration, cracking, heaving or settling. Driveways are known to crack over time but the reasons behind these cracks can vary, such as:

Improper compaction of the soil prior to pouring the concrete.
Trees near the driveway can cause heaving if their roots grow underneath the concrete.
A slope in the driveway can cause rainwater to settle, causing it to erode the supporting dirt below.
Deterioration of any wood used in the pouring of the driveway may leave a gap that can both become a tripping hazard and a means of moisture entering the fissure, causing more damage.

Scot Baker

Baker Inspection Group– Modesto, CA

Inspecting the living room when Buying a Home

When inspecting the living room, use three passes to look at everything.

On the first pass, walk the floor in a circle and look for any signs of the floor moving or shifting, water damage, or any damage to the floor itself.

During the second pass, check out the ceiling by walking around the room again. Check for water stains and any cracks that could indicate a structural problem. Also, check out any air conditioning vents to see if they are clean, as dust or other debris around these vents may signal a lack of maintenance.

On your third pass, look only at the walls, keeping an eye out for cracks or separations between the walls, the ceiling, or the fireplace that could be another indication of a structural problem. Look at the electrical outlets to make sure they are clean (not painted) and don’t show any indications of smoke or burn marks. And don’t forget to check all of the light switches and ceiling fans to make sure they work.

David Selman

Selman Home Inspections– Dallas, TX

Inspecting the fireplace when Buying a Home

Fireplaces can be an attractive focal point in many homes. It’s a place where family and friends get together to relax and warm themselves during the cold winter months. That’s why when touring a home you’ll want to know if that fireplace with a great mantle is a winner, or if it will be in need of repair.

First, you’ll want to inspect the exterior of the chimney by looking for any structural issues around the foundation, as well as the chimney case, crown, flue and cap (if installed). Whether it’s around the foundation, firebox area, or chimney case you should make a note of any signs of cracks as these indicate some deterioration. These cracks could have occurred from normal settling of a home, movement from past earthquakes, or the deterioration could have been caused by years of moisture seeping into these cracks, resulting in more damage. Most of the time these areas can be repaired by a mason.

Inspection of the chimney

Inspection of the chimney crown, flue and cap usually means a trip up to the roof, which during a home tour you most likely won’t do. If you decide to make an offer on the house, your home inspector will look for any damage to these areas to make sure dangerous carbon monoxide or moisture is not reentering the home.

Inside the home, you’ll want to inspect the fireplace for signs of cracked or damaged mortar and brickwork. Your home inspector will go one step further by inspecting the fireplace throat and determine if it has a proper sized hearth and that the mantel is secured properly.

Mike Phegley

Napa Valley Home Inspections– Calistoga, CA

Inspecting fire and carbon monoxide detectors when Buying a House

In a newly constructed home, smoke detectors should be installed inside each bedroom and in the adjoining area outside the bedroom door (such as a hallway). Newer homes are required to have smoke detectors wired into the electrical system with battery back-ups. They should be interconnected so that activation of one alarm sets off all alarms. In older homes, at least one smoke detector is required per floor, including basements, and should be within 21 feet of each bedroom.

Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are highly recommended for homes with gas appliances such as stoves, hot water heaters, furnaces, and when the home has an attached garage. They should be installed on each floor of the home and within 15 feet of all bedrooms.

After you buy a home, it is a good idea to test the smoke and CO detectors every 2-3 months to ensure functionality. You’ll also want to replace your batteries regularly and it is recommended that you replace your devices after 10 years.

Ryan Sorensen

R. Sorensen Construction & Inspections– Pilot Rock, OR

Inspecting the kitchen when Buying a House

A good idea for prospective homeowners attending an open house or touring a home privately is to look under the kitchen sink, which can actually tell you a lot about the overall condition of a house.

If you see a well-kept cabinet under the sink, it’s usually a good reflection about the upkeep of the rest of the home. In fact, if you see water damage or possible mold under the kitchen sink, it usually means the rest of the house is in disrepair. Of course, this doesn’t always hold true but more often than not, it’s a great barometer of the house as a whole.

When touring a home like a home inspector, the kitchen is obviously a major component since they are unique in regards to the volume of items that can have issues.

During a typical inspection, home inspectors usually operate all installed appliances such as the dishwasher, range/oven, microwave, vent hood, disposal, and sink. They also note issues with the countertops, cabinets and drawers, R/O systems, compactors, and built-in refrigerators (if any).

Liz O’Neall

AZ Property Inspections– Phoenix, AZ

Inspecting bathrooms when Buying a House

In each bathroom, you will want to turn on all the lights and the bathroom fan. If there isn’t a fan, make sure you take note because if you end up buying the house you’ll need to open a window every time you shower. Also, you’ll want to check and make sure there is a heat/air conditioning vent.

Next, look for water stains around the toilet, the bathtub/shower, and especially under the sink. You’ll also want to make sure the toilet is secure. Start by straddling it and then using your knees see if the toilet rocks or moves.

Look at any glass within five feet of the shower or bath and make sure there is a tempered stamp etched in the corner. Do the same for the shower doors as well if they are glass. You’ll also want to check for water damage around windows of the shower enclosure. Then make sure the shower head pipes and faucets don’t wiggle.

Outlets

Check for an electrical outlet within thirty inches of each sink and that they are 3-prong (grounded). One of the bathrooms should have a GFCI electrical outlet. You can easily spot it as it’s the outlet with the two buttons in the middle.

Finally, look at the ceiling, walls, and floors to make sure there isn’t any damage. If the bathrooms are on an upper level, go downstairs and look for water stains or patches on the ceiling under the bathrooms.

Michael Marlow

Veteran Home Inspections, PLLC– San Antonio, TX

Inspecting bedrooms when Buying a House

Houses with bedrooms that are too small, too few or on the wrong floor can make a great house dysfunctional for your needs. Luckily, when it comes to inspecting, bedrooms are easy for most homebuyers to evaluate for themselves.

You’ll want to note the number of windows each bedroom has. Something that most people do not realize is that building codes do not require a bedroom to have a closet, so make sure to see if each bedroom has one.

Safety

Bedrooms also require several important features and security measures, such as a smoke alarm, an emergency escape/rescue opening (such as a window or door), heat, and some means of light and ventilation. The condition of the bedroom will often be indicative of the overall condition of the house as damaged and scratched doors, stained walls and carpets, and dirty ductwork can indicate a poorly maintained home. Consider the heating and cooling system for each room and note any bedrooms above garages as with older houses these can be less comfortable.

Dylan Chalk

Orca Inspection Services– Bainbridge Island, WA

Inspecting the basement when Buying a House

The basement may not be the place you seek out first on a home tour. However, basements can offer great extra space in a home that you can potentially use as extra bedrooms, a family room or playroom, or storage area.

If the basement is unfinished and insulation is not covering the foundation walls, then you have a great opportunity to view the foundation wall for signs of structural concerns. While minor concrete cracking is somewhat typical, larger cracks and, in particular, horizontal cracks, can be an indication of structural movement.

Efflorescence

A white powder-like substance called efflorescence, can be an indication of poor drainage around the home and possibly a grading or gutter issue. Your nose is one of the best tools for inspecting a basement. If things smell musty or damp, this can also be an indication of moisture concerns.

Lastly, look around for signs of any unwanted insects or rodents who tend to make their way into a home through the basement. Droppings could indicate a pest concern.

George Scott

Scott Home Inspection– Denver, CO

Inspecting the garage when Buying a Home

When entering the garage make sure all light switches work. Though you most likely won’t check electrical outlets during a home tour, your home inspector will do it for you during the home inspection and report any that are not working.

You’ll want to check the walls and ceiling to see if they are fully sheetrocked. Sheetrock provides a fire barrier to your home when properly installed.Also, make sure that the access point to the attic also has a sheetrock cover; if it’s just plywood this would be a breach in the fire barrier.

Test the garage doors

Test the garage doors and the wall mounted remote as well. Look at the condition of the springs, tracks, and rollers of the garage door. Do they appear to be in good condition? Your home inspector will go further by testing all remotes, the laser eye barrier, and reverse sensor to make sure it meets minimal resistance.

Look at the garage floor, also known as the garage slab. Slight cracks are pretty common, but you should take note if you see excessive cracks or settlement.

Clinton Betchan

Betchan Home Inspections– Guthrie, OK

Below are things you won’t typically see during a home tour. However, your home inspector will certainly look into these areas of the house during a home inspection.

Inspecting the HVAC when Buying a House

One of the largest systems in the home, the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems (HVAC), require periodic maintenance to ensure they run properly for years. Neglected and dirty HVAC equipment is the main reason for system failures. Though you most likely won’t inspect these systems, here’s an overview of what’s involved during an inspection:

Visual inspection of each component of the system if it is accessible.
Check for loose connections, leaking gas lines, worn out components, and damaged coolant lines.
Inspect the heat exchanger and evaporator coils to ensure they are clean and in good condition.
Listen for hard starts, irregular combustion, and worn out bearings.
Check for clogs in the condensate line and verify there is a proper discharge location.
Check the filter to ensure it has been changed regularly.

Life

The average gas furnace lasts 15-25 years, the heat pump about 12-20 years, and standalone AC 12-15 years. An annual inspection is a small investment to protect your HVAC system. It’s a good idea to maintain your HVAC system biannually in the spring for air-conditioning units and the fall for furnaces. To improve efficiency, use a small portable vacuum to remove any dust buildup on the system and the air-conditioning coils.

Grant Waller

PacWest Home Inspections– Beaverton, OR

Inspecting water heater when Buying a House

You probably won’t personally inspect the water heater during an open house, however, you can count on your home inspector to:

Visually inspect the surfaces of the tank and plumbing lines for signs of leakage and overall condition.
Verify proper earthquake strapping—one strap on the top third of the tank, one strap on the lower third.
If it’s a gas water heater, the home inspector will inspect the fuel supply piping, ensure a proper sediment trap is present, check the length and type of the flexible fuel supply hose, and look at the burner and venting from the water heater.
If it’s an electric water heater, Ensure the electrical supplys protected in the conduit, check for a ground wire attachment on top of the tank, and ensure the element covers are present and properly secured.

Additionally

Inspect the Temperature Pressure Relief (TPR) valve and ensure proper material, routing, and termination of the discharge piping.
Evaluate for vehicle impact if in a garage – typically, a bollard (post) should be present in case the water heater is in the path of a vehicle.
Look at the area around the tank checking for past leaks, ensure the tank is sitting on a stable base.
Refer to the manufacturer’s identification label for size, age, and capacity of the tank.

Matt Fellman

Crawford Inspection Services– Portland, OR

Inspecting the home’s exterior when Buying a House

When approaching the home, take a look at the roof ridge to make sure it is level and not sagging. This will give you a clue that the house itself is not sinking and the walls are not spreading. It can also give you a feel for the solidity of the roof support.

Look at the grounds around the home and soil is sloped away from the home and that gutters, downspouts, and downspout extensions are present and in good shape. This is especially important if the home has a basement as it helps prevent water intrusion into the basement and to protect the integrity of the foundation.

Condition of the siding when Buying a Home

Walk around the home observing the condition of the siding, eaves, fascia, and soffits. Look for wood rot, termite damage, and water staining, as well as carefully examine caulking and flashings. Look for deteriorated or missing caulk and flashings especially around windows, doors, butt joints, and siding transitions. These simple observations can save some huge expenses down the road.

Michael Stanford

Watch Dogs Home Inspectors- Las Vegas, NV

Inspecting the Landscape Irrigation (sprinkler) System when Buying a Home

On a home tour, take note if the property has an irrigation sprinkler system, as many homes have these types of systems to water the lawn. Though you probably won’t be able to test it, your home inspector will inspect the irrigation system controller along with each sprinkler zone.

Any broken sprinkler heads and leaks found will be noted, and the backflow valve will be visually inspected for damage. The findings of the inspection will be included in your home inspection report along with photos of each zone during operation.

Danny Smith

Semper Fi Home Inspections– Dallas, TX

Inspecting fences Buying a Home

Inspecting the fence of a residence is extremely important as it provides for the safety and security of a home. During a home tour, you’ll first want to note what material the fence is made of (most commonly treated wood) and then see if there is any indication of rot, damage, and other signs of deterioration.

The home inspector will also look for those same things but then test the amount of resistance the fence can withstand and what type of code may need to be applied. Once those items have been identified, the inspector is notified about the property line to ensure they are inspecting the proper fencing for the specific property. Next, the inspector will then assess whether the standard expectations associated with the fence have been applied, including:

Fences

4×4 posts should be at least 2 feet in the ground and they should be 6 to 8 feet from each other depending upon the crossbar and planks being used.
Concrete used to hold each post in place should be 3 times the width of the 4×4 posts.
The crossbar should be a 2×4 if being used with the standard 4×4 posts.
Each post should be perfectly vertical or plumb.
The proper industry standard brackets need to be used to secure the cross beams to the posts.
Any insect damage will be carefully identified.

Only if all of these standards are identified with the fence in mind can the inspector be sure that the fence is meeting code and will provide safety and security for the homeowners.

James Beck JR

Sound View Home Inspections– Seattle, WA

Inspecting decks when Buying a Home

Decks can be a great asset, especially during the summertime, but also they may have hidden hazards. Often times, they were added to a home by do-it-yourselfers who had good intentions but may not have used safe construction methods.

During a home tour, pay particular attention to how decks attach to the home, which is usually done with a ledger or starter board. A pro will use ½” lag bolts with washers in a staggered pattern to attach this board. They also will protect the ledger with flashing to stop water infiltration. If there is no flashing water will weaken and rot the ledger over time, possibly finding its way into the home and causing hidden pockets of rot and mold.

Deck and rails

Railings also get extra scrutiny at inspection. Did you know that railings need to resist 200 pounds of force at any point along their length? Always look at a deck with safety in mind. If someone stumbles at your next BBQ, the railing needs to prevent them from going over the edge.

There are many considerations when it comes to deck construction and all decks should be professionally inspected and regularly maintained.

Steve Nadeau

Metro Home Inspections– Denver, CO

Inspecting retaining walls when Buying a Home

Retaining walls are used to hold back earth and landscaping and are typically made of poured-in-place concrete and then backfilled. You want to make sure these walls are perfectly plumb (vertical) without any leaning away from the retained earth.

This rule also applies to basement foundation walls as well. Besides the retaining wall being plumb, there should not be any significant cracks. Small fractures are typical but any differential movement on either side of the crack may be of concern.

Cracks

If there is a crack, see if it is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, which would indicate one portion of the wall is sinking in relation to the other. If one part of the wall is sticking out in relation to the other side of the crack, that is a concern as well. Sometimes these walls lifted back into position or pulled back towards the earth but this generally requires excavation and added structural support.

Joe Konopacki

Insight Property Services, Inc. – Naperville, Illinois

Inspecting the roof when Buying a Home

Each type of roofing has a different life expectancy. However, the variables of installation, exposure, attic venting, and maintenance are what determine the actual life of each roof.

Roof inspection begins in the attic by checking for water staining, leaks, damaged roof members, and evaluating the available venting. Heat and moisture build up quickly in improperly vented attics and shorten the lifespan of the roof.

Roof condition

An accurate assessment of the roof condition determined from closely examining the surface of the roofing. Inspectors will look to determine the number of roof layers, such as multiple layers of roofing hold more heat which causes more wear. Once on the roof, we evaluate the surface of the roofing, flashing, and roof transitions. We also evaluate roof penetrations (skylights, vents, chimneys) and note conditions like overhanging trees that can damage the roofing.

Chad Sulloway

PDX Inspect Inc– Portland, OR

Inspecting the foundation when Buying a Home

The most important part of any home, foundations are primarily built with stone, brick, concrete or block. A home inspector will inspect the foundation for any damage that can affect the integrity of the house.

When inspecting the foundation the inspector looks at both the exterior and interior for cracks, deterioration, and other environmental factors. Most foundation damage is the result of water infiltration such as a missing gutter system, which can result in water entering cracks and crevices of the foundation and then, in the colder winter months, freezing, resulting in damage due to hydrostatic pressure.

Cracks in the foundation

Type, size, and location of cracks in the foundation are very important to note. Any cracks in the foundation require monitoring over time for movement and water penetration. Shrinkage and settlement cracks are common in most homes, as are hairline cracks in foundations. V-Shape cracks are something to be concerned about as these could be evidence of structural settlement. Depending upon the size and location, these cracks generally require further evaluation, especially those greater than 3/16 of an inch.

Thomas Herbst

Clayton Home Inspection Inc. – Boston, MA

Inspecting crawl spaces when Buying a Home

Every part of the country has their own unwanted pests, so when inspecting the crawl space be aware that you might not be alone. As such, a strong flashlight and keen eyesight are required.

The most important system in the crawl space is the foundation. There are several types of foundations, each with their own unique components and possible problems. Regardless of type of foundation the home. Look for loose material (stone, bricks, etc..), bulging walls, excessive settling, sagging, moisture intrusion, and the building structure is secured.

Ventilation and moisture

Ventilation and moisture control are another key factor. Is a vapor barrier required in your area? Is there sufficient vent area for outside air to displace the moisture? Dryer vents can’t ever end in the crawl space, and HVAC ducts supported and insulated. In colder climates, the floor well insulated from underneath.

Plumbing

Plumbing components in the crawl space inspected for leaks but also supports, hangers, and insulation. Some crawl spaces sump pump to remove water and inspected as well.

Electrical connections and terminations contained in sealed junction boxes and, mechanical systems found in the crawl space and require inspection.

Steven Von Ehrenkrook

White Glove Home Inspections– Peoria, AZ

Source: Redfin

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Robin McCann

17:46 22 Oct 24

Tom did a wonderful job and was so thorough. I would highly recommend him!!!

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21:30 24 Aug 24

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Allen Shaughnessy

00:29 20 Aug 24

Tom did a great job, thoroughly going over the house and explaining to me, along the way, the issues he found along with many important points I needed to know once we bought the house. He gave me a good list of questions to ask the owners. I feel good that I know a lot more about the house and what to address now and in the future.

Joon Chong Yee

16:04 25 Jun 24

Tom is a very thorough inspector and he will list all the improvements and potential problems for the house. As a first time homebuyer it can be overwhelming to see the long list of issues, you might want to clarify with him what are the serious problems that needs to be addressed with the seller, and just keep that in mind.

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19:07 19 Jun 24

I am completely satisfied with the roof inspection Thomas did for me. He was thorough and explained his findings clearly. Because I needed the inspection for insurance purposes my need was urgent and Thomas acted in a timely manner in both completing the inspection and producing a written report. The cost was reasonable. All in all a great value and I highly recommend him.

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17:24 02 Jun 24

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15:01 12 Apr 24

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14:38 02 Dec 23

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12:05 24 Oct 23

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13:48 04 Oct 23

Very quick and knowledgeable. If you are considering buying a new home This is your guy! He doesn't miss a thing and can save you tens of thousands of $$ or more. Highly recommend.

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15:20 02 Oct 23

The inspector assigned was very through and professional with the inspection. He revealed all the essential details needed for any potential home owner swiftly.

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08:14 13 Aug 23

If your looking for a home inspection, this is the one. Had such a great experience doing a walk through with Tom. What a wealth of knowledge. Such a great personality as well. From the very first encounter with a firm handshake (finally a hand shake that felt like competition) it felt like I went to school with Tom. Great conversation made the hours go by fast. I highly recommend Clayton Home inspections Inc to anyone, whether it's your first home or third. Thank you Tom. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and to have you share your expertise.

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20:04 25 Jul 23

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02:19 15 May 23

As a satisfied customer of Thomas, I highly recommend his home inspection services. Thomas came highly recommended by a friend who recently purchased a house, and I am so glad I took his advice. As a first-time homebuyer from China, I was unfamiliar with the nuances of homes in the United States, but Thomas was incredibly patient and took the time to explain everything thoroughly until I understood.Thomas is highly experienced, and it shows in the quality of his work. He was punctual and conducted a thorough inspection of my new home. His attention to detail and expertise in the industry was evident in the detailed report he provided, which was instrumental in negotiating with the seller.What impressed me the most about Thomas was his willingness to go above and beyond to ensure my peace of mind. He didn't hesitate to spend extra time on my case, which is a testament to his dedication and professionalism. It's no surprise that he has an excellent reputation in the industry, and many people recognize his work.Overall, I would highly recommend Thomas for anyone in need of a home inspector. His professionalism, expertise, and patience made me feel at ease during this otherwise stressful process. Thank you, Thomas!

Second Account

16:32 12 May 23

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Jeanne Roque

20:55 11 Apr 23

John Bush

04:27 14 Feb 23

Tom did an excellent job inspecting a home we are purchasing in Middleborough, MA. This is the second time that we hired Thomas. He is an extremely well qualified home inspector with a lot of experience. He's seen everything in his career as a home inspector. He was extremely thorough, noting every detail, and prioritizing the items that required attention. No stone was left unturned. He fully explained everything in layman's terms. Tom produced the inspection report quickly, without introducing any delay in the purchase of our home.

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15:17 10 Oct 22

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20:44 03 Sep 22

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13:05 03 Aug 22

I couldn't recommend Clayton Home Inspections any higher. We are first time home buyers, and had Tom inspect our house the day after we purchased it, one to learn if there were any immediate repair needs, and two to just learn how the house works. He was incredibly thorough and did an amazing job clearly explaining everything to us in an easily digestible manner. He also did a great job prioritizing near term items versus down the line items. He is an extremely nice person as well, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. Tom came highly recommended to us, and I'm very glad he was the home inspector we chose.

Katie Jankowski

17:22 20 Jul 22

We had Tom come out twice to look at a prospect home and our eventual home as well, both times Tom was on time and very very knowledgeable, not only providing us with information on the home but also offering several great recommendations to improve the home. He took many pictures and answered all of our beginner homeowner questions. Would definitely hire Tom again for a future home!

Gyasi McClarence

15:45 17 Jun 22

I called two other inspectors a week ago and still haven't heard back from either one. But I was able to get confirmation for a next day appointment on the same night.Tom was ultra responsive and professional. When we arrived early the next day, he was energetic and enthusiastic to do the inspection. He stayed with us for three hours explaining the pitfalls and dangers of the home; everything from structural damage, insects, to water irrigation mediation and his visit to Rome. He made sure that I understood exactly what was meant every step of the way.The inspection report was well detailed, and he even took time to give a personal summary over the phone. As nervous home buyers, my experience has never been better, thanks to Tom.

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00:34 06 Jun 22

Thomas was knowledgeable and thorough in his home inspection work. He took the time to explain everything clearly and wrote a detailed report. Would recommend his services in the future.

Skipton Pet Lodge

11:17 30 May 22

Thomas inspected the commercial building that I was purchasing in January. We closed on the sale in May and when I got into the building had several questions. I called Thomas and he took the time to answer all of my questions even after the inspection! He cares about his work and helping people understand what they are buying. Thank you Thomas!

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21:30 16 May 22

I recently had a great experience working with Thomas from Clayton Home Inspection. He was thorough, responsive and competitively priced. He took the time to answer all of our questions. Even after the inspection was over, he still answered our phone calls and was happy to explain things. I have worked with inspectors in the past who were alarmists, but Thomas was able to communicate the issues on this property without making my girlfriend freak out. That was a huge plus. I highly recommend Clayton Home Inspection!

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02:46 06 May 22

Clayton Home Inspection was absolutely fantastic to work with. Thomas was very responsive, timely, and payment was very easy.

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17:53 03 Mar 22

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10:20 19 Dec 21

Thomas was extremely professional, thorough and informative throughout the inspection process on my commercial investment. He was able to answer any questions I had throughout the inspection and provide effective solutions and resources for the issues that were identified. Would highly recommend Clayton Home Inspection to anyone looking for a detailed home or commercial inspection.

Peter Boure

12:27 06 Dec 21

Tom inspected the house we bought last year. He said to let him know if questions ever arise about the house. I reached out to him, and he opened his files and took the time to walk me through how to deal with a complicated issue. He is knowledgeable, asks great questions and gives good advice.I highly recommend Clayton Home Inspection.

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14:09 01 Dec 21

I am a scientist and my wife is an engineer. We relocated to Massachusetts for our work, and choose Clayton Home Inspection for our first house purchase in MA.I had been disappointed by other home inspectors in the past, missing some pretty obvious issues, but the Clayton Home inspector carefully reviewed every accessible area methodically. The inspector discussed each finding in detail and put together an easy to understand report.A good home inspection is very important for the older houses typical in MA. I would recommend anyone looking for a home in my area to go with Clayton Home Inspection.

Patricia Mclaughlin

21:17 05 Oct 21

Thomas was great! He set my mind at ease right away. In need of a last minute inspection for a refi. I scheduled my inspection within 3 days! He was prompt and very professional. He took his time and checked all areas in and around home relating to our issue. All of my questions and concerns were answered in a way I could understand. Very knowledgeable and patient. Gave us specific remedies to take care of our problem. Most Home inspection companies only perform full home inspections. Thomas did not hesitate to offer his services to inspect the area of our home that was required. He even responded back within hours with his official write up! I would not hesitate to call on Thomas in the future if needed and will highly recommend him to any friends or family in need of an inspection!

Denise Bush

13:28 07 May 21

Tom was professional, thorough, and gave helpful tips and suggestions about how to fix items and which replacements to use. He was also patient and responsive when scheduling. Would recommend!

ying shen

15:12 28 Apr 21

I got Tom's contact information from a friend of mine, who highly recommanded him. The experience of us through the whole inspection process gave the same impression. Tom is very knowledgeable and pays attention to very details, a bunch of things we never notice until he pointed out to us, he also shared a lot of information in regarding to the heating system and appliance usage, very helpful in the long run. I will highly recommand Tom too, five star profession

Erin Wentworth

11:23 21 Apr 21

Thomas was great! He showed up early to the house to get started on the outside. He explained everything he was seeing and commented on his own mitigation ideas. His report was thorough, and his online Portal made communication and scheduling a breeze! I would highly recommend his services.

jaeyong yoo

14:48 22 Mar 21

Tom was very punctual and kind. This was my first time home-purchasing inspection and he walked me through the details of how to maintain a home. Answered all my dumb questions in very kind manner. His input to the home inspection seemed to be insisting on very high standard, which gave more confidence on the inspection report.

Teague Owens

17:04 16 Mar 21

Very thorough, explained everything concisely, and the report was detailed and prompt. Highly recommend

Chuck Johnson

23:02 15 Feb 21

Tom was very thorough and discerning in his evaluation of our potential new home. He was personable and gave us practical advice about what he saw in addition to his complete write up of what he found. He takes the time to do it right.

Eugene linkov

11:53 31 Oct 20

Thomas provided an extremely thorough inspection and went above and beyond to help answer all the questions we had throughout the process. Great experience with Clayton Home Inspection!

Kana DeLuca

19:59 13 Oct 20

Thomas inspected our very first home! He was thorough, friendly, and made sure to ask us throughout the inspection if we had any questions. He also delivered the reports very quickly which worked perfect for our tight closing schedule.

Lynn Gelski

20:17 26 Aug 20

Thomas is so professional, highly competent thorough, and so personable. Turn around time was expedient in a very detailed and comprehensive inspectors report. Extremely experienced and personable. Every detail was explained in the report to my complete understanding. I recommend Thomas highly.

Candice Stevens

02:46 25 Aug 20

Thomas was very professional and informative. He was a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend for home inspection.

andrea boure

02:18 24 Aug 20

Home inspection for a house we are buying. Very responsive, detail oriented and while thorough, did not exaggerate findings. Would recommend them to anyone in their service area.

Deryn Bradstreet

13:42 07 Aug 20

Single family (attached) home inspection. Tom was on time, very easy to work with, and professional. He explained everything to make sure I understood the house. He is very knowledgeable and provided a detailed inspection report which made me aware of things I would not have otherwise been aware of. I will be using Tom's services again.

Tara Watson Humphrey

09:58 07 Jun 20

Will use this service again! Money well spent. Tom was prompt (in fact, early), knowledgeable, and thorough. We were very close to buying an historical home, circa 1830's, that we knew needed major renovations, but Tom, gave us a view to what lay beneath the surface. His report was very detailed, and was provided quickly. We appreciated his experience and expertise in working with antique homes and are continuing our search. Special note: thanks, Tom for being so easy to work with especially during this covid-19 crisis.

Robert Gately

21:56 05 Apr 20

Tom was great, very detailed and brought a lot of things to my attention that I completely missed. Also explained everything and made sure I understood. It was very easy and quick to schedule appointment. I would recommend to anyone needing a home inspection.

Mary Walsh

17:58 09 Mar 20

Tom performed the inspection for the purchase of my condo back in October 2019. I have purchased 3 homes and Clayton Home Inspection is, by far, the best that I have dealt with. My closing was fast-tracked and I needed the inspection done quickly - Tom worked with me to find a convenient time (coming on a Saturday so that I didn't need to take time off from work, no less) and spent a significant amount of time and attention to detail during the actual inspection. The report he provided (very soon afterward) was complete and detailed. I would definitely use him again (although I hope I don't have to as I plan on this being my last and forever home).

Andrew Blair

01:46 05 Dec 19

This was my first experience with a home inspector and I am beyond impressed with the professionalism and care that I was met with. Tom was incredibly thorough and took great care to give details and insight into what he saw. He showed up early and I could not have asked for better service. If you are looking for a home inspector, look no further.

yulia garvanovic

19:30 24 Nov 19

I was very lucky to hire Tom to inspect the house I was interested in. We had to get the house inspected very promptly and, fortunately, Tom had an opening for us within 48 hours, on a Saturday afternoon. We found Tom very knowledgeable (you can't beat 40 years of experience in this business!) He treated the house as if he was the buyer, so he made sure to address every potential issue. Tom also gave us great recommendations on how to make the house more energy efficient. He was very professional and pleasant to talk to. The inspection report arrived within 24 hours. Highly recommend!

Joseph

00:51 06 Nov 19

Tom was extremely thorough, pointed out areas of concern to me directly (rather than me waiting for the report) and gave suggestions on how to economically remedy them. Seems he genuinely enjoys helping potential home buyers not waste money. Fantastic inspection. Highly recommended!

Galina Plotkina

21:46 17 Sep 19

Tom conducted home inspection for me last week. He is the best Home Inspector I've ever met: extremely professional and easy to communicate to, highly knowledgeable and detail oriented. Tom provided us with a very thorough home inspection, gave many important advices. Friends and family recommended me to invite Tom for home inspection. Now I can confirm that it was a real pleasure to meet Tom. I recommend Clayton Home Inspection to anyone who is in need of a home inspection and home education. Tom, thank you so much for great job!

More reviews

Can I get a home inspection during the pandemic?
Yes, you can get a home inspection during the pandemic! Buyers don’t have to attend the inspection in person, especially if they are at high risk. If they do attend the home inspection in person, they need to follow the CDC guidelines by wearing a mask, avoiding crowds and staying at least 6 feet away from other people at all times. Sellers are not required at the inspection, and agents should remain outside and secure the property.

Safe pandemic home inspection

Getting a home inspection is an important step in the selling or buying of a home, and we understand that life doesn’t always wait – even during a pandemic! You want to be safe and feel as comfortable as possible in what’s likely to be an uncomfortable situation for some. So we rely on the guidance from the CDC and use protective equipment like masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, and protective glasses to help prevent the spread of the virus. And to maintain peace of mind too!

Pandemic home inspection tips to stay safe

Bring hand sanitizer and wear a mask, gloves and protective glasses during the home inspection while maintaining a safe distance of at least 6 feet from others. Don’t touch anything in the house and definitely don’t touch your face. We recommend that a maximum of one buyer/representative be present at the inspection, to reduce the risks of spreading. During the inspection we generally open windows to get fresh air into the house, and we try to honor any other requests that are made to ensure everyone in attendance feels safe.

Ready for a home inspection? Here’s one last thing…

We ask that if you think you’ve been exposed to the virus, are experiencing symptoms or don’t want to follow the CDC guidelines, that you kindly send someone else to attend the inspection or reschedule for another time. Thank you for making it a safer home inspection for everyone!