SERVING PIONEER VALLEY
At Housemaster serving Pioneer Valley we provide a thorough home inspection that exceeds industry standards every time. We focus on educating our clients. Each home inspection includes a detailed verbal summary of our findings. During the inspection and summary we will answer all of your questions and concerns. A detailed computer generated report with pictures, summary and an easy to use repair/request builder will be delivered within 24 hours. We have over 20 years experience with over 9000 inspections performed! We are licensed, fully insured and have additional certifications in the major components of a home. We have the experience to decipher between common issues and more significant concerns so that you can make an informed decision. Call or schedule your home inspection today.
ROOFING
What we inspect: Visible roof covering materials, (shingles), flashings at roof penetrations and valleys, skylights, chimneys, gutters and downspouts. We assess the condition of these elements for proper function; looking for evidence of leakage or worn, damaged, or missing components. Watch us in action!
EXTERIOR ELEMENTS
Here is what we inspect: Visible siding and trim, windows, doors, garages, porches, decks, stairs, and railings. We assess the elements for proper construction and function; looking for damage, missing components or other conditions that might lead to infiltration or functional concerns. Watch us in action!
INTERIOR ELEMENTS
What we inspect: visible areas of all walls, ceilings, stairways, representative windows and doors, and attic areas for signs of leakage and damage, sagging or other structural concerns. Windows will be operated to determine function. In accessible attics, besides assessing structural components, we will note insulation and ventilation conditions. Watch us in action!
FOUNDATION AND SUBSTRUCTURE
What we inspect: Visible load-bearing framing components, foundation walls, slabs, piers and columns and major structural components. Visible, accessible structural components will be assessed for function and presence of damage, decay or defects. We look for water penetration at below grade areas. Watch us in action!
KITCHEN
What we inspect: Plumbing fixtures and built-in appliances. We check plumbing fixtures looking for water pressure or drainage issues and visible signs of leaks. We check basic operational modes of the appliances and ventilators and look at cabinets and countertops for significant deficiencies. Watch us in action!
HEATING SYSTEM
What we inspect: Visible components of the central AC or heat pump system including condensers and air handlers, and the distribution ductwork. We operate the systemto assess function and condition of the accessible indoor/ outdoor components. The distribution system will also be assessed. Watch us in action!
COOLING SYSTEM
What we inspect: Visible components of the central AC or heat pump system including condensers and air handlers, and the distribution ductwork. We operate the systemto assess function and condition of the accessible indoor/ outdoor components. The distribution system will also be assessed. Watch us in action!
ELECTRICAL
What we inspect: Visible service panels components and household wiring and devices. We assess the condition of readily accessible panel components, note the presence of GFCIs, AFCIs, smoke alarms and check the operation of representative outlets, switches, fixtures and other devices. Watch us in action!
PLUMBING
What we inspect: Visible water supply piping, distribution piping, waste system piping, water heaters and plumbing fixtures. Also includes inspection of the physical condition of piping, kitchen and bathroom fixtures; tubs, showers, toilets, and operation to assess flow, drainage and leakage. Water heating components will also be assessed. Watch us in action!
RADON SCREENING
A short-term test is performed to determine the possible presence of elevated levels of radon gas pursuant to local regulations or practices for real estate transactions. Radon is an odorless, colorless and radioactive byproduct of natural soil decay known to increase the risk of cancer in those exposed.
WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS
A Termite Inspection (also referred to as a Wood Destroying Inspection or Wood Destroying Organism Inspection) includes a visual examination of the readily accessible areas of the home for evidence of wood-destroying insect activity such as termites, or carpenter ants or the visible damage caused by infestations.
WATER TESTING
Water testing services include taking a water sample following accepted protocols with analysis of samples performed by a certified lab. General options include a basic water Potability test for Coliform (bacteria) and other elements such as Nitrate/Nitrite, Hardness, Acidity (pH). Expanded testing options may include volatile organic compounds (fuels), heavy metals (lead, etc.) or other elements required or recommended by local authorities or common practice such as when a property is located in close proximity to agricultural land, mining, dry cleaning establishments, gas stations, industrial facilities, landfills, or other known or suspected local hazards exist.
PRIVATE WATER
A private on-site water supply (well) system inspection involves an inspection of visible interior pumps, piping, pressure and/or storage tanks and an assessment of the water flow (volume/pressure) from representative fixtures based on a representative water draw from plumbing fixtures. A well inspection does not include inspection of any buried or concealed components, determination of the water supply/source adequacy (yield or well capacity) or water quality.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Inspections include: draw inspection (verification of installed elements for lender release of funds); phase inspections (conducted at several stages of the construction process); and inspections of new homes ready for occupancy and assessment of the condition of installed components to supplement code compliance inspection provided by local authorities.
COMMERCIAL /MULTIPLE DWELLING PROPERTY
Inspections include: inspection of the visible and readily accessible areas of the roof, structure, mechanical and electric components of the public areas of a building, as well as all or representative individual dwelling or office/store units, as requested by the client.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION
This inspection involves: a review of the condition of the exterior and interior components of a home and the systems. Includes review of the roof, flashings, insulation issues, heating and air conditioning units, grading, the proper function of appliances and plumbing, electric components, smoke alarms for deferred maintenance and recommended action.
