FAQs

How did you become a home inspector?
I got into this profession in 1980 after 10 years in the building/renovation business. Many home inspectors start that way. However, there were no serious training programs for home inspectors when I started.

What are your qualifications?
My qualifications include: 10 years of experience in renovating buildings; 22 years as a professional home inspector; certified member of the American Society of Home Inspectors® since 1986.

Are you licensed?
I am Licensed in the State of Massachusetts (#288) and in the State of Connecticut (#HOI.270). Licensing was implemented in both states in 2001. Currently, license applicants must pass a written exam, but initially licenses were "grandfathered," which meant that licenses were granted to any applicants who had performed at least 125 fee-paid inspections within 24 months prior to May 31. 2001. This also meant that applicants who did not belong to a creditable professional home inspection organization were licensed without any form of written testing or evaluation.

Are you a member of a professional home inspector organization?
I have been a certified Member of the American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI®) since 1986. ASHI® is the largest and oldest organization for professional home inspectors. Members must pass two written exams; complete 250 fee paid inspections; and their reports must comply with a strict Standards of Practice. Members must also adhere to a Code of Ethics and must obtain 20 education credits each year. In my local chapter, ASHI® New England, I served in the elected offices of Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President, and President. Currently, I am serving on the chapter Board of Directors as Immediate Past President, and as Senior Representative to the Council of Representatives of ASHI® (national), where I was recently elected Alternate Speaker of the Council. I am also a member of the Historic Building Inspectors Association.

Do you have any affiliation with real estate agents?
No. I am not concerned with the sale of the property. My mission is to make sure that the client knows everything he or she needs to know about the property. I provide the information needed to make a decision. That information explains what the existing conditions are and approximately how much it will cost to bring the property to a reasonable standard.

How long does your typical home inspection take?
A typical inspection requires roughly 4 hours to complete, but it is not uncommon for an inspection to take 5 or 6 hours. Some properties can take an entire day, and a few might require a second day.

Should a buyer/client be present during an inspection?
Yes, if possible. This gives the client an opportunity to see first hand what I am inspecting.

Should the seller be present during an inspection?
Preferably not. Having one's home scrutinized by a stranger, who could possibly be considered the cause of a failed sale, is an emotional situation for the seller. If a broker is involved, it is a professional courtesy to arrange for the seller to be absent during the inspection. If it is a sale by owner, some ground rules may need to be set to assure that no adversarial confrontations occur.

Do you climb onto the roof?
Yes. However there are certain safety conditions that I consider, and I reserve the right to determine those conditions. Surfaces that are wet or contain snow or ice are obviously conditions that would prevent climbing onto the roofing. Slate, metal, or wood shingles are not walked on due to their generally fragile nature. If I cannot climb onto the roof, I will at least attempt to get to the eaves for a closer observation of the roofing. I will always be able to make a proper determination about the condition of the roofing.

What kind of written report do you provide?
The report is prepared on my PC using 3D Inspection System, the most widely used software for home inspections. This software is a proprietary data system developed specifically for home inspectors and can be customized to meet the personal style of the individual professional home inspector. My reports are about 40 pages and contain digital photos of key deficiencies. With these valuable tools, the client is able to make an intelligent decision about the property.

How soon will I receive the report?
I send the reports out the day after the inspection by email. If the client does not have email capability, I can overnight mail the report. This will extend delivery by one business day. Additional charges will apply to weekend delivery by Express Mail or FedEx.

Does your report include digital photos of visible defects?
Yes. I take photos of certain visible conditions for documentation, and to help the client visualize the nature of the existing condition of the property.

What is your main objective or primary focus of the inspection?
My primary goal and obligation is to obtain the best possible information about the existing condition of the property and its major components and systems, and to gain an understanding of what it will take to bring the property to a reasonable condition.

What additional services do you provide?
For additional fees I provide wood-destroying insect inspections, radon testing, water quality and quantity analysis, lead paint testing, soil analysis, and mold testing. For no additional charge, I will verbally review a Title 5 report (Massachusetts), if available at the inspection. I can also perform a septic system inspection in other states.

Do you recommend or furnish names of contractors who can perform repairs on the property?
No, but I will advise clients on how to find and select a prospective contractor or tradesperson.

How do you structure your fees?
The fee takes into account the listing price of the property; the size and age of the property; the square feet of living space; the estimated time to inspect the property; and time required for preparing and sending the report.

Are your fees competitive?
I charge a fee that is compatible with the amount of time devoted to the inspection, preparing the report, and my expertise. The value of my fee is reflected in the extent of details provided during the inspection; in the written report; and in the extensive knowledge and experience that I bring to the inspection.

How can I set up an appointment?
You can call me at 800-894-4687. I work by myself and may not be able to respond until later in the day. You can also send me an email at dan@adventhome.com with all of the pertinent information about the property, such as age, number of rooms, and gross living area. An MLS number for the listing can also be helpful. The MLS number is usually a seven digit number (305xxxx).Also, you can go return to the home page and click on the “Request Inspection” button.