There are many factors to buying a new home, and it can quickly become overwhelming. One thing you don’t want to forget about is getting a home inspection. A home inspection will make sure your new house is safe to inhabit and will help spot what needs fixing before you move in.

If the whole concept feels daunting,

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What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an examination of your home’s structure and systems. Home inspections are performed by professional home inspectors who take the time to thoroughly explore the interior and exterior of your house, from the basement to the attic. A home inspector will also inspect your electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, along with all doors and windows.

There are several reasons to get a home inspection, including searching for mold, pests, or other health issues. You also will need to have a home inspection if you’re buying a home. A home inspector will make a detailed assessment of what needs repairs and can catalog what may need repair in the future. This can help you determine your potential costs as a homeowner.

Key Takeaway A professional will examine the structure and main systems of your home during a home inspection.

How much does a home inspection cost in Massachusetts?

You can expect a home inspection to cost somewhere between $350 and $500 in the state of Massachusetts. For example, the average home inspection price in the city of Boston is $410. A smaller home, condo, or townhouse may pay a little less, with prices as low as $200.

In general, the two main factors that determine the cost of a home inspection in Massachusetts are where you live and the square footage of your home.

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How to get a home inspection in Massachusetts

The first step is finding a licensed home inspector. Consult the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), which are two great organizations that list their certified inspectors in each state.

Entering your zip code and the words ‘home inspector’ into a search engine will also populate local options.

What is covered in a home inspection?

There are many different types of home inspections, and you may hire a specific inspector depending on what needs to be checked. Some inspectors are to search for specific risks like asbestos, while others are checking the general safety of your home.

However, according to ASHI, a home inspector should generally report on the following in your home:

Heating system

Central air conditioning system

Interior plumbing system

Electrical system

Roof, attic, and visible insulation

Walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors

Foundation, basement, and structural components

There are possible exceptions to the above list. For example, if any areas are deemed unsafe to access or are inaccessible, your inspector will not be able to examine that part of your home. Any exceptions should be noted on a report.

Here are other possible situations where you’ll need a specialized home inspection:

Radon and asbestos inspection

Pool inspection

Lead-based paint inspection

Sewer/septic inspection

MORE: How to make a counteroffer after a home inspection

Who pays for a home inspection?

If you get an inspection as a part of buying a home, it is usually the home buyer who pays for the home inspection. However, this is negotiable, and you could ask the seller to pay for the inspection when you make an offer on the home.

Also, some sellers will preemptively get a home inspection to help with their selling prospects and may have even already handled all the issues that arose from the inspection.

MORE: How to settle into a new house

Protect yourself with home insurance in Massachusetts

A home inspection is just one aspect of the home buying process. Another is settling on the correct home insurance for you. If you want help, turn to the insurance super app,

Jerry

Jerry simplifies insurance shopping, taking all the stress and hassle out of the process. After our free and fast sign-up process, you’ll be given access to a long list of insurance quotes, all from top providers. Plus, Jerry can help you with the paperwork and has a team of knowledgeable agents ready to answer any of your questions.

Join today and learn why Jerry is the #1 insurance app in the App Store.

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