Home Inspection in Boston: Do I Need One?
By Sean Creamer on July 30, 2024
The moment has arrived! You’ve finally decided to purchase a home in the Boston area and you’ve found the perfect place. The home has everything you have been looking for, from the updated kitchen to the heated floors in the modern bathroom. It seems so perfect, how can you be sure it isn’t too good to be true?
Luckily, there is one way to have greater peace of mind when buying real estate in Boston, and that is by inspecting the home with a licensed inspector.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is the chance for a prospective homebuyer to have a licensed professional thoroughly review a property. By performing a check of the systems of the home - including the heating system, air conditioning, plumbing systems, joists, windows, appliances, electrical systems, and roof - the inspector can determine the condition of the home as well as identify any potential costly repair or maintenance needs in the immediate future.
When purchasing a home in Boston, many homebuyers request a home inspection contingency as part of their offer. This gives the buyers the right to have the property inspected and the ability to walk away from a purchase within a certain period of time if the inspection is unsatisfactory.
Minor issues or the need for repairs may be discovered during the inspection and in most cases these small items can be negotiated to keep a deal on track. However, the key benefit of the home inspection contingency is that you can call off the deal if you find a major issue such as a structural problem or costly repair that a seller is not willing to fix (or adjust the price for).
Are home buyers required to have an inspection?
While there is no legal requirement in Massachusetts, or Boston specifically, to have a home inspection completed, it is always a good idea to get a professional inspection when buying a property. In historic cities like Boston, where the housing inventory is older, you want to see how well the home has been maintained and avoid any unforeseen issues to the untrained eye.
Inspecting historic homes in Boston presents unique challenges due to their diverse construction practices and materials spanning over centuries, which require a detailed understanding to assess properly.
In some cases, you will see Boston homebuyers waive a home inspection contingency. This can occur in competitive situations where buyers try to make their offer stand out, but it can be risky so make sure to speak to your real estate attorney before doing so.
The more common occurrence of skipping an inspection is when a real estate developer or contractor purchases a rundown property and is planning to perform major renovations to the house - in which case, the added cost might be a waste.
What is the average cost of a home inspection in Boston?
- Condo inspection: $200
- Small home inspection: $300
- Large home inspection: $400 to $500
- Home plus specialty inspections: $1,000+
The average inspection cost in Boston is between $300 and $500. This amount could be even higher if specialty inspections are needed - for example radon, asbestos, mold, termite, sewer, septic, or well testing.
Some inspection companies offer a discounted rate for pre-offer inspections, making it an affordable option for prospective homebuyers.
How do I find a home inspection company in Boston?
One of the greatest resources to find a reputable inspection company in the greater Boston area is to search on Google and read their online reviews. When searching, it is crucial to choose experienced home inspectors who can assess the condition of properties thoroughly. Unfortunately, in Massachusetts real estate brokers and agents are not allowed to recommend specific inspectors to their clients. The reason for this is to avoid any conflicts of interest.
Massachusetts real estate agents can provide a list of all licensed inspection companies in the state which can also get you started on your selection of an inspector.
What’s included in a home inspection report?
In general, Boston homebuyers can expect to receive a detailed report within 24-48 hours after the inspector’s visit to the home. This comprehensive report includes thorough descriptions of the property's condition and a gallery of photos, helping potential buyers make informed decisions. Depending on the inspection company you choose, you may still receive a physical written report, however many reputable companies today provide a digital copy of the report that is sent to you electronically via email.
The home inspection report will include the primary findings of the inspector with details on the condition and age of key mechanical systems, an outline of obvious issues that are in need of repair or not up to building codes, as well as photo documentation to support such findings.
Can I negotiate credits on issues found during the inspection?
Most houses in Boston are sold "as is" which means the owner is selling the property to the buyer in the current condition it is found in. Home inspections are intended to allow buyers the courtesy to review the building’s systems to discover any major problems. They are not intended to be used as an opportunity to renegotiate the deal over minor issues.
In the event something is discovered during the inspection that warrants the request for a credit, your buyer’s agent will help you negotiate such a credit. At that point, it will really depend on the owner’s willingness to make concessions in order to get the deal done.
Do I need an inspection for Boston condos as well?
The cost of a Boston condo inspection is lower than that of a house, therefore it is less common to see buyers skip such an inspection. While major mechanical systems in the building are maintained by the overall condominium, it is still beneficial to have the condo unit itself and the key systems of the building reviewed by an inspector.
Final thoughts on Boston home inspections
Many buyers choose to have a home inspection to ensure they are making a sound investment. For many people, their home purchase in Boston will be the single largest investment they will make in their lives. Therefore, it is wise to have a home inspection performed to reduce the risk of making a bad investment.
It is also important to heed the advice of your buyer’s agent as they have been through countless home inspections before and can prepare you for what you might expect to find.
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