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Conference 7.286::home_work

Title:Home_work
Notice:Check Directory (6.3) before writing a new note
Moderator:CSLALL::NASEAM::READIO
Created:Tue Nov 05 1991
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2100
Total number of notes:78741

2016.0. "Contractors - Home inspectors" by JOET::WEISS (Trade freedom for security-lose both) Mon Feb 22 1988 19:19

This note is for recommendations for the type of contractor listed in the note
title.  If you need to ask for recommendations, please delete your query after
you receive responses so that only recommendations remain in the note.  Queries
not deleted by the author may be deleted by the moderators. 

In any recommendation, please include as much information as you can.  Cost, 
quality, and timeliness are all important.  DON'T forget to mention the area.  
Other information like sub-specialties, and the name of the particular person 
you dealt with if it is a large company, are also useful.

*VERY IMPORTANT*

Any negative references must remain as factual as possible.  As a mental 
guideline, ask yourself if you would send your response in to be printed in a 
major newspaper.  Any responses which could be considered libelous will be 
deleted.



The opinions expressed in this note do not represent Digital Equipment 
Corporation or the moderators of this file.
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
2016.1Commonwealth Home Inspections, WorcesterVIDEO::DCLDavid LarrickFri Feb 26 1988 02:5836
This note was copied here by a volunteer moderator's-little-helper, as part
of an effort to copy all old contractor references to the 2000-series
topics.  The first sentence is a little out of context, but it's all 
relevant after that...

            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
================================================================================
Note 144.5              Advice needed on 100 yr old house                 5 of 8
TONTO::EARLY "Bob_the_hiker :^) "                    23 lines  19-MAY-1986 12:56
                     -< Another vote for Home Inspections >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A little late for Bob's help, but if anyone wants to know: A good
    house inspection is time well spent, ESPECIALLY if you follow the
    inspector around and ask questions !
    
    I use "Commonwealth Home Inspections" out of worcester, and in 1-2
    hours I new more about how/what TO check than I had learned in the
    previous 20 years. Also, its nice to get a "second" opinion.
    
    I did buy my current house WITHOUT being inspected but only for
    some very specific special reasons. Even now, though, I still plan
    to get it inspected, but for other reasons, such as dating the
    house; getting opinions on "failure prone" items,and relative
    costs to repair.
    
    Best thing about home inspectors: Their "sole" (only) interest is
    the condition of the house from YOUR point of view, whereas contractors
    want to "sell" you something; city inspectors worry about code;
    etc.
    
    bob
    
    
    
2016.4Home Inspection Association - Boston MAALIEN::WEISSTrade freedom for security-lose bothMon Apr 11 1988 18:0235
            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
================================================================================
Note 148.2            NEEDED: Inspector for 100 yr old home               2 of 3
HEADS::OSBORN "Sally"                                27 lines   2-MAY-1986 16:31
                          -< Another Home Inspector >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Home Inspection Association, Inc.
	Donald A. George, PE (Professional Engineer)
	
	Office			Home
	80 Boylston St		99 Haverhill St
	Boston 02109		Methuen 01844
	(617) 227-8882		(617) 688-2750

He inspected the 1820s colonial I purchased in 1976.  Stuff he
said would go wrong in the next two years did.  Stuff he said
would last for five years did.  Stuff he said not to worry about
didn't give any grief.   He recommended a paint job immediately;
that didn't happen, things went from mediocre to bad to worse 
since it was original wood clapboards (pronounced claburd).
My knowledge only extends from 1976 to 1982 on that house.

He inspected the 1900s Victorian I purhcased in 1981.  Stuff he
said would go wrong in the next two years (like the roof) did.
Stuff he said to ignore hasn't changed.  He predicted a paint job
for 1983; we will paint the trim this year; it has aluminum
siding.  (DCL - are you listening - we gotta paint the trim to
make the old house match the addition!)   He gave me the kindest 
words of anyone about the furnace:  "it was probably new when
they put it in." 

I think he charged $300 or 350 for an hour's tour and a six page 
typed report.  I will use him again and again!
2016.5Stewart/Henry Associates - Medway MAALIEN::WEISSTrade freedom for security-lose bothMon Apr 11 1988 18:0524
            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
================================================================================
Note 148.3            NEEDED: Inspector for 100 yr old home               3 of 3
KELVIN::RPALMER "Mr Wizard take me home!"            16 lines   6-MAY-1986 08:33
                            -< Thanks for the help >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Thanks for all of the mail and replys.  We ended up using Stewart/Henry
    Associates, Inc. of Medway MA (617)-533-8883.  They specialize in
    older and antique houses.  They charged $175.  The inspection took
    about three hours starting in the basement and ending on the roof.
    He was very careful and very informative about what to fix and how
    to fix it.  It turns out the house is closer to 125 years old. 
    He called it a transition house, between post and beam and modern
    building techniques.  The house is framed with 6X8's and has beautiful
    oak trim that some one painted.  I've got a lot to learn about
    restoring older houses.
    
    
    	Now for the bad news.... He found that the roof needs about
    $1500 in repair.  Back to the bargaining table    

    						=Ralph=
2016.6Hallmark & Nor'Eastern - Clinton MAALIEN::WEISSTrade freedom for security-lose bothMon Apr 11 1988 18:16157
            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
================================================================================
Note 474.7                     Building Inspectors                       7 of 21
DRAGON::ENORRIS "What is it, Miss Pfeffernuss?"      18 lines  22-OCT-1986 13:04
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I called all the inspectors listed in the Clinton area yellow
	pages. Talking to them, the ones I liked best were Hallmark and
	Nor'Eastern Home Inspection Service. I went with Nor'Eastern
	because they did spectic system inspections. Gerald P. Morin
	was the inspector and spent 2 1/2 hours looking the place over,
	the house is 22 years old. He performed termite and lead paint
	inspections also (I have a child under 6). I thought he was
	excellent and showed real concern on why things were the way they
	were. He found a *small* leak in the shower because he noticed
	a rag that look like it had been wet before in the basement,
	and a few other things that I would never have thought to look
	for. He was very pleasant to deal with and loved to have you
	ask questions. I wasn't sure about getting the inspection done
	in the first place, but I'm glad I did. It cost me $180 but I
	should recover that cost by fixing thing he noticed that I didn't
	before they get any worse.

Ed

            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
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Note 474.8                     Building Inspectors                       8 of 21
CAVEAT::WOLFE "Lee Wolfe"                            22 lines  13-NOV-1986 10:01
                           -< Nor'East = top notch! >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    re .7
    
    	Hope this isn't too late but...  G. P. Morin of Nor'East also
    did my inspection in Milford Ma. nearly 4 years ago.  He saved me
    nearly $4k at closing time!
    
    	He has a list of credentials as long as your arm.  At the time
    he did my inspection he was the 'head' (President, Senior whatever)
    of the officiating board for home inspections required to meet
    the criteria for G.I. Bill loans.  Nor'East gives you what must
    be a 10 page document with all sorts of neat info to take along
    at closing time.  (For an extra fee he will also attend the closing.)
    
    	Nor'East has branch offices in Framingham, but Morin lives in
    Orange Ma.  He did come down to Milford for me back in 83'.  At
    the time I paid $135 ($10 of which was for the Lead Paint inspection).
    
    	BTW - I did all the repair work myself for all the 'faults'
    he found.  I ended up spending $1.5k for parts but when you consider
    he saved me $4k, I'm $2.5k the better for it!
    
    							Lee Wolfe

            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
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Note 474.10                    Building Inspectors                      10 of 21
DRAGON::ENORRIS "What is it, Miss Pfeffernuss?"       4 lines   1-DEC-1986 08:54
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Nor'Eastern Home's phone is 617-620-1512. He's not there most of
    the time but has a answering machine. He'll get back to you.
    
    Ed

            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
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Note 474.12                    Building Inspectors                      12 of 21
HPSMEG::LUKOWSKI "The Monday that wouldn't quit!"    29 lines   3-FEB-1987 11:29
                         -< Here's a good inspector. >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    re:  .11
    
      I used Hallmark back in October (that's fairly recent) and was
    very pleased.  Even the realtor was surprised how thorough the guy
    was.  Prior to this, the realtor had considered all home inspectors
    the same...useless.  The inspector's name is Bob Giroux and the
    charge is/was  $175 which included termite inspection.  He checks
    all areas that he can gain access to.  I don't know what inspectors
    normally do but I was surprised when he opened the electrical panel
    to verify that the service was 100 Amps and not just labeled as
    such.  He opened the water heater panel to check for insultion.
    He opened the FHA furnace to see if the add-on humidifier was defective
    and causing it to rust out the furnace (he said he had seen this
    happen too many times in the past so it was worth checking). 
    He checked for insulation in the walls and attic.  He recommended that
    I add more insulation in the attic as well as venting and explained to
    me how to do both. I don't know if other inspectors do these things but
    I thought that some of these were beyond the call of duty.  As I
    said before, he is very thorough and I highly recommend him.  By
    the way, he is in Shrewsbury.  If you want any more details let
    me know.
    
      Out of curiosity, I would like to hear from others how thorough/not
    thorough their home inspectors were.  Maybe this information will
    help others in choosing an inspector or at least know what questions
    to ask before hiring one.    
                       
    -Jim
    

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                         -< Better living through DIY >-
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Note 474.15                    Building Inspectors                      15 of 21
TOYBOX::BENNETT "blue skies and tailwinds..."        21 lines  16-FEB-1987 11:57
                      -< Don't write off Area Home Insp. >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I tried Mr. Gerry Morin of Nor'East, based on recommendations from
    this file.  He was adequate, but he did have a real 
    "more-knowledgeable-than-thou" attitude and wouldn't admit to having
    overlooked certain items I pointed out to him.  Adequate, but certainly
    not exceptional.
    
    My favorite home inspector is still Gabe Valenti at Area Home
    Inspectors.  I know others in this file have had bad experience
    with Area, and I can't vouch for the company, but if you insist
    on Gabe, you won't be disappointed.  He is knowledgeable, thorough,
    and will explain things in as much detail as you care to listen
    to.
    
    I was somewhat displeased with the written report from Nor'East.
    It was merely a checklist, with appropriate comments scratched in
    here and there.  Gabe, on the other hand, sends you a multi-page
    transcription of his thoughts, observations, and suggestions.  I
    found this to be much more useful.

    -Steve
    

            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
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Note 474.16                    Building Inspectors                      16 of 21
MORMPS::WINSTON "Jeff Winston (Hudson, MA)"          12 lines  16-FEB-1987 18:25
                        -< Qualified yes for G. Morin >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well...I used Gerry Morin just last Saturday, and I can sympathize
with those who say that he is apparently not overly thorough (checks
most rather than ALL of the outlets, etc).  However, I found his
attitude quite friendly, and as advertised, he seems to zero in quite
clearly on the biggie-type concerns.  In this house, the weaknesses
were the electrical system, and the roof.  He took the time to make
sure I understood the situations quite thoroughly, answered all the
questions I had (even when I called him later in the day) and his
report, while not verbose, was quite concise and to the point w.r.t.
any problems he found.   I'll let you know after I move in, but I 
walked away feeling that if there were any major gotchas, he would 
have found them (ignorance is bliss, no?)	/j
2016.7Probe - Worcester MAALIEN::WEISSTrade freedom for security-lose bothMon Apr 11 1988 18:2314
            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
================================================================================
Note 474.14                    Building Inspectors                      14 of 21
AGNT99::BROSNIHAN "BRIAN"                             6 lines   4-FEB-1987 14:11
                            -< sorry.... name n/a >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      I got this number from a friend who said they were very pleased:
    Probe in Worcester area. Tel# 755-2220 ...she paid $140.00 and the
    guy was there for 3 hours. I plan to use them on a house we will
    make an offer on this Friday.... if the seller accepts the offer
    that is.
                BB
2016.8Robert Gleason - Weston MaALIEN::WEISSTrade freedom for security-lose bothMon Apr 11 1988 18:2524
            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
================================================================================
Note 474.18                    Building Inspectors                      18 of 21
RUBY::LALIBERTE                                      16 lines  13-APR-1987 18:38
                       -< RECOMMENDATION FOR INSPECTOR >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We can recommend an excellent home inspector : Robert Gleason of
    Weston.
    
    We bought our home 8 years ago in Acton. I forget how we got this
    man's name but he was great.  About a year after we used him, he
    was mentioned in Boston Magazine, quite favorably.
    
    He was extremely thorough, down to earth , and honest. He made
    himself available for advice after the home inspection and my
    husband did call him a few times... he was always
    very patient. I think he was in business for himself but also
    taught at Brandeis.  I also believe he was into buying and
    renovating homes himself, so he knew his stuff.
    
                                                             
    I can't recommend him highly enough. I hope he is still around.
2016.9Rudy Stuart - Acton MaALIEN::WEISSTrade freedom for security-lose bothMon Apr 11 1988 18:2824
            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
================================================================================
Note 474.20                    Building Inspectors                      20 of 21
HELIX::DENHAM                                         2 lines  24-AUG-1987 09:26
                              -< Vote for Stuart >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Used Rudy Stuart to inspect the place we just bought in Chelmsford.
    Did a good job. Thorough, very willing to explain and advise.

            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
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Note 474.21                    Building Inspectors                      21 of 21
MAY11::WARCHOL                                        6 lines  26-AUG-1987 13:43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    I'll give Rudy Stuart another recommendation. I sold him the house
    he's living in now and he did a good job looking it over before he
    bought it. Very nice to deal with.
    
    Nick
2016.10Don't use the inspector the realtor recommendsPSTJTT::TABERReach out and whack someoneTue Apr 26 1988 12:4719
I don't know anything about Boston Home Evaluators, but I would like to 
pass on a little tip: it's not wise to use an inspector that has been 
recommended by your realtor.  The inspector is supposed to be working 
for you.  The realtor is working for the seller.  If the inspector feels 
that they got the job because of the realtor, that's a conflict of 
interest, and is bad.  

Go through the Yellow Pages, or a recommendation in this file, contact
an inspector yourself and make the arrangements. That wat, they know the
job came from you, and will work to protect your interests.  Be there
when the inspector arrives, and stay with them. (no sense letting the
realtor or seller get him off in a corner somewhere.) 

Most inspectors will get you off someplace quiet and ask if you really
want to buy the house.  If you say no, they'll flunk it.  If you say
yes, they'll tell you what you're up against.  I always look at that as 
a case of them working for my interests.

					>>>==>PStJTT
2016.11Investment Protection Services - Hollis NHARCHER::TRACEYMon Jun 20 1988 13:5123
    We used a firm out of Hollis N.H. call Investment Protection Services
    Inc. (David Caldwell) to inspect two homes we were interested in
    buying. He found a major problem in the first house that would have
    cost us a bundle if we hadn't had a pro do the inspection. That
    was key to us deciding to continue looking for another house.
    He was extremely thorough and explained everything as he proceeded. 
    He took about 2-3 hours to inspect a large colonial and checked
    electric boxes, all systems, all applicances, chimney's etc. They
    also arrange for pest and radon testing which was very convenient.
    Total tab for the inspection was $200. I believe. Pest and radon
    fees were extra. They also provided a complete report with all systems
    and features of the house rated on a scale of excellent to poor.
    Real Pro's, I'd give them a strong endorsement.
    
    By the way we used Stuart/Henry out of Milford also, they specialize
    in older homes. They did a nice job on an old victorian we owned
    in Massachusetts. I learned a few things about the house I'd lived
    in for 10 years. The handwritten report could have been better.
    These reports are somewhat subjective, but they can have a bearing
    on a price negotiation.       
    
    Dave
    
2016.17Probe - WorcesterHPSTEK::DVORAKDrink Grim,the Decoffeenated CaffeineTue Apr 04 1989 21:0431
    2012 
    
    We  used Probe home inspection (Worcester), based on the recommendation
    of  another  Deccie.   It is a one-man business, the guy  (Gill  Brust)
    apparently  used  to be a builder but now has knee (and probably  back)
    problems.  The guy did 2 houses for us, (one in Blackstone) on two
    separate occasions.  The first  house  had 3 different kinds of insects
    in it, the second one we bought. 
    
    He  took about 4 hours at each house, and the sellers Realtor HATED him
    on sight,  which is a good sign.  He also gave us good advice ( A first
    time home buyer  needs  all  he  can get) on how to terminate the first
    agreement, based on the  inspection,  and  pointed  out  to us that the
    sellers Realtor is NOT entitled  to  a  free  copy  of the inspection..
    which they of course asked for  (and  did not get!  :^) ).  The sellers
    Realtor  then  wanted the seller to offer  us  half  the  cost  of  the
    inspection to get a copy...
    
    We had the strong impression that he cared about the present and future
    well-being of his clients, and were very pleased with his services.  He
    also gave us DIY advice on how to fix some  of  the  problems  he found
    with the house we bought.  We'll be using him if/when we buy again.  

    Whomever  you pick to do the inspection-- Please don't pick the  person
    the sellers  Realtor  recommends!    There  is  too  much potential for
    conflict of interest.  Same goes for your real estate lawyer...
    
    To sum up- Probe is a great service if you are a buyer.  But if you are
    a seller, you're going to cringe when he drives up..  8^).

    George Dvorak
2016.18Mel Chalfen, NewtonCLOSET::T_PARMENTERFormer Sage FellowWed Apr 05 1989 20:4923
    We had our building inspected before we made a bid and we included the
    inspection, photographs, cost estimates to fix, and all as part of our
    bid.  The sellers got a copy for free, but it saved us thousands.  Our
    offer for the house was the seller's price minus the cost of fixing
    everything the inspector found.  

    The law in Mass. is that the seller's real estate agent does not have
    to assiduously seek out problems with the building being sold, but if
    the agent knows of any problems, he's obliged to tell prospective
    purchasers about those problems.  We delivered information about a
    whole bunch of problems to the seller's agent and suddenly, competing
    bids were withdrawn and new bids, much lower, started coming in.  And
    we got the house.

    The inspector was Mel Chalfen of Newton, and boy, do the real-estate
    agents hate him.  They call him "Kill-a-deal-Mel".  His reports are
    complete and technically accurate.  He's an engineer.  The reports
    include relevant laws and codes and estimates of the high and low cost
    of repairing defects.  He missed nothing, from the dimmest corner of
    the basement to the top of the chimney.  I'd recommend him
    unreservedly.  He's expensive and worth it.  He taught many of the
    other home inspectors in the area. 

2016.20Gil Brust, PROBE Home InspectionsSTROKR::DEHAHNFri Jun 30 1989 18:3117
    
    I would also recommend Gil Brust from Probe Home Inspections in
    Worcester. Gil covered all the bases and found many small things that I
    would not have thought of to check. Nothing was important enough to 
    take issue with the seller but I felt that if there was, he would have
    found it. He also took the time to draw pictures of how to fix up the
    small problems he found. Since there were no show stoppers what I got
    most out of him was his assessment of the structure and the details of
    it's construction. He related this to me in terms of the codes and
    laws which was most helpful. He also extended his service past the
    inspection day, if i have any other questions about what he found after
    we move in he said I was free to call him and he'd go over it with me.
    He knows about HOME_WORK and does a lot of work for Digital people.
    
    He's a nice guy, too.
    
    Chris deHahn
2016.21Able home inspection - SaugusBUFFER::LOMBARDIChuck LombardiTue Jan 02 1990 11:2915
A very good choice for HOME INSPECTION for the NORTH SHORE and inside the 495 
general vicinity is ABLE HOME INSPECTION.



           DENNIS R. ROBITAILLE

           ABLE HOME INSPECTION, INC.
   
           SAUGUS, MASS.

           (617) 231-0236  



2016.22Chris Monahon, Newton/Watertown/WalthamDAVE::MITTONMS-DOS: 50M sold, 15M per yearTue Jun 05 1990 00:1627
    My former roommate and myself both used:
    
    P. Christopher Monahon, Jr
    National Home Inspection Service
    31 Sterns St, Newton MA.
    617-923-2300
    
    My roommate used him for a Cambridge condo in fairly good shape.
    But he found a furnace flue that wasn't slanting upwards by an inch!
    
    I used him on a house in Lexington.  The broker (and another broker
    we spoke to) knew him from other jobs in the area.  He is very
    through (though some of the quirks in the additions on this place
    gave him fits and threw off the timing) and gives a hand written report
    on the spot after about a ~2.5 hour inspection.  Basic rate is $225 for
    building and pest.  Lead paint "spot" testing and Radon is extra.  
    (Real lead paint testing requires a lab)
    
    Chris is very friendly, he suggests that you accompany him while he is
    inspecting and he will comment as he goes.  I recommend this so you can
    ask questions and get better explanations on-the-spot. I followed him
    around with a camera, and cleared the way into a crawl space for him.
    
    My roommate mentioned that his father was a home inspector also, so
    experience must run in the family.  
    
    	Dave.
2016.23Antique specialist?NATASH::HYATTMon Jul 09 1990 20:428
	Can anyone recommend a top home inspector who specializes
	in antiques?  House is ~150 yr old brick w/ clapboard 
	addition, in Lancaster MA.  We really need someone who
	knows their sh*t when it comes to old houses.

	Thanks,
	Mike

2016.24Home Inspection Association, Inc.CARTUN::VHAMBURGERWhittlers chip away at lifeTue Jul 10 1990 12:3236
This note was buried inside another note when these requests were 
consolidated......I doubt Sally will mind my posting it here again.

    Vic H
================================================================================
Note 148.2            NEEDED: Inspector for 100 yr old home               2 of 3
HEADS::OSBORN "Sally"                                27 lines   2-MAY-1986 16:31
                          -< Another Home Inspector >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Home Inspection Association, Inc.
	Donald A. George, PE (Professional Engineer)
	
	Office			Home
	80 Boylston St		99 Haverhill St
	Boston 02109		Methuen 01844
	(617) 227-8882		(617) 688-2750

He inspected the 1820s colonial I purchased in 1976.  Stuff he
said would go wrong in the next two years did.  Stuff he said
would last for five years did.  Stuff he said not to worry about
didn't give any grief.   He recommended a paint job immediately;
that didn't happen, things went from mediocre to bad to worse 
since it was original wood clapboards (pronounced claburd).
My knowledge only extends from 1976 to 1982 on that house.

He inspected the 1900s Victorian I purhcased in 1981.  Stuff he
said would go wrong in the next two years (like the roof) did.
Stuff he said to ignore hasn't changed.  He predicted a paint job
for 1983; we will paint the trim this year; it has aluminum
siding.  
He gave me the kindest words of anyone about the furnace:  
"it was probably new when they put it in." 

I think he charged $300 or 350 for an hour's tour and a six page 
typed report.  I will use him again and again!
2016.25Home Inspector/Engineer Needed!VAXWRK::OXENBERGYou Know You KnowMon Oct 22 1990 13:277
    Would anyone out there recommend an engineer/home inspector?  This 
    would be for a house in Roslyn, NY, which is located on Long Island. 

    Thanks in advance.

    Phil
2016.26Paul Cornell - Accurate Inspection Tewksbury MA.TPVON::VONGregg von Sternberg - TPSG Design ConsultingSat Apr 18 1992 16:35217
2016.27Moderator action taken and explainedSENIOR::HAMBURGEROne more imbecile than I counted on!Sun Apr 19 1992 02:3719
As moderator, I have set the previous note hidden in accordance with 
Digital policies. We cannot have a discussion of contractors, inspectors, 
etc, by name in this file that cast dispersions, however obliquely, on 
those contractors or inspectors. I understand the authors' wish to discuss 
the problems of differing opinions between contractors, inspectors, etc, 
but those discussions must be of a generic nature, NO NAMES, PLEASE!

I think the problem is fair game for discussion, but bringing names into 
the note will accomplish nothing other than to get HOME_WORK into hot water 
and get the note summarily set hidden or deleted by myself or other 
moderators. 

Please reread the Digital policy by Mr. Ron Glover that is posted in one of 
the early policy notes for this file or send mail to the moderators to get 
clarification.

    Thanks,

    	Vic H, Moderator
2016.28Home Inspectors - perspective needing in dealing withTPVON::VONGregg von Sternberg - TPSG Design ConsultingMon Apr 20 1992 18:06214

	This note is being written by the seller of a home recently 
	inspected. I wanted to share the following experience to allow 
	other employees who may be considering hiring any home inspector 
	so from this experience  they may consider the need to weigh the 
	information which is provided as the results of the inspector. 
	This note is not intended to turn people away from hiring an inspector.
	In fact if the inspector my wife and I had hired when we bought our 
	home four years ago had done his job more thoroughly then, we would 
	find ourselves with less issues in selling our home today.

	The format of the this note is a selection of statements made by
	the inspector and the subsequent estimates and feedback from
	contractors resulting from these statements.

	The house inspected was 110+/- years of age residing in Newburyport Ma.
	All the notes below are related to inspector's findings within the
	basement of the home. It is not my intent to reflect the whole contents
	of inspector's report here but more the salient issues to give 
	substantiation to the lead paragraph of this note.

Main basement:

	o The bottom of the stairs are rotted. All treads need to be replaced.
	  Remove the bottom step and pour a concrete one in its place for 
	  support.

	 (stated as fact and determined resolution - note builders 
	  comment below)

	o Some asbeatos insulation is present on the old furnace.

	 (stated as fact - note local oil companies and local contractors
	  have reviewed the this for removal and have stated to the contrary)

	o The forward sill needs to be replaced and rear sill of the right side 
	  of the main house should also be replaced.

	 (stated as fact and determined resolution - note builders 
	  comment below)

	o Wood support posts should be replaced with non-compressive
	  lally columns.

	 (stated as fact and determined resolution - note builders 
	  comment below)


	o Joist under the stairs should be supported every four feet.

	 (stated as fact and determined resolution - note builders 
	  comment below)

	o 2" x 6" joist should all be sistered to increase the integrity
	  of all floors accessible.

	 (stated as fact and determined resolution - note builders 
	  comment below)

	o The main beam should be sistered with an 8"x8", supported by
	  footed lally columns. (adjacent beam does not line up under
	  the wall upstairs and therefore does not serve to adequately
	  replace the main beam.)

	 (stated as fact and determined resolution - note builders 
	  comment below)

Crawl space:	

	o At least 2/3rds of all sills show evidence of structural compression
	  due to moisture or insect damage.

	o The crawl space needs to be vented.

	 (stated as fact and determined resolution - note builders 
	  comment below)
	
	o Damage to many points is extensive enough to be warrant replacement
 	  or sistering of existing framing.

	 (stated as fact and determined resolution - note builders 
	  comment below)

	o The foundation will not support a second floor

	 (stated as fact and determined resolution - note builders 
	  comment below)



	Given the above findings the home inspection was terminated by the
	prospective buyer within the basement. At a later point the buyer 
	suggested bringing in contractors to access the work needed to be
	done on inpector's report and make a determination as to how then to 
	proceed in the deal.

	Four contractors were brought in. I can only reflect the findings
	of three here since two were obtained by the prospective buyer
	and only one of the buyer's contractor reports were made available
	to myself.

	From the buyer's contractor number one the above work stated by 
	the inspector was estimated to cost $5375- . That does not include
	an additional $5140- which would address all issues stated by the
	inspector's report like the doubling of the crawl space foundation 
	wall inorder to be able to support a second story $2,850 and other 
	extras. Contractor one appeared to find the inspectors report a 
	convenient work sheet upon which to hang a dollar figure for each 
	item listed.

	The second contractor for the buyer found none of the work on 
	the list above for the basement under the main house needed to be 
	done and disagreed with inspector's findings. He positioned
	himself as an old house person. He stated that the sill under the
	main house was sound and that he would not do work on it if asked
	because the disruption to the house that would cause far exceeded
	any benefit gained in doing any replacement. The main beam work
	was sufficiently supported in the repair which had previously been
	done and the sistering of all the joist was viewed as unnecessary.
	Eric stated that these houses were built like ships with white pine
	and although the construction was not to todays standards they
	were built to last. The crawl space was an area where he did express 
	the need to do sill work. I don't have detail or a work estimate 
	to his compare with either inspector's findings or contractor one's
	estimate, but given that the work which contractor one has estimated 
	to be $1525- in the main basement doesn't need to be done from 
	his view then there is $1525- difference there.

	The first of the contractors we brought in was number three. Number
	three provided an estimate for the replacing 65' of sill 
	(the main house and in the crawl space) and reframing under the crawl 
	space. This estimate came to $3880-. 

	The following note was written by number four - a Carpenter Builder.
	which was the second contractor which we brought in. 
	
	<start>
		After reading the inspector's report and observing the
		various deficiencies that he brings to light, it is my 
		opinion that, generally speaking, he is dramatizing very
		common situations found in older homes. I did not see
		any of the conditions he described as being serious in 
		nature, although I do agree with the necessity of replacing
		the sills in the rear of the one-story (crawl space) section of
		the house at some point in the near future.
	
		In specifically addressing some of the issues he raised, I
		would not deem it necessary to replace all the basement
		stair treads. Certainly the bottom tread is shaky and the 
		top tread has a patch that could use repair. The driveway
		side sills (main house) that he claims need to be replaced
		only show 1" of decay, leaving more than enough structural
		integrity to support it's load. In regards to replacing the
		wood supports with steel columns, the inspector appears to
		have little knowledge of the compressive strength of wood 
		parallel to the grain. I quote from R. Bruce Hoadley, the 
		nation's leading wood technologist:

		  "Calculations of supporting members of buildings show 
		   a wide margin of overdesign in compression parallel to 
		   the grain. I cannot remember ever seeing a failure or 
		   hearing of one, due to compression stress parallel to
		   the grain. A chair made with 1.5" diameter hickory
		   legs could support 32,430 lbs. Wood is surprisingly 
		   strong in compression parallel to the grain."

		Also, the joist under the stair is more than adequately
		supported. Addressing the issue of the main beam, that
		I believe he calls for an additional 8x8 underneath:
		there is some decay at the bottom of this beam, but the
		two additional beams that were added more than compensates
		for whatever strength may have been lost in the main beam.
		It's hard to understand concern over a beam's strength
		when you jump on the floor above and there is less deflection
		than what is allowed under modern codes. Sistering new 2x6 to
		the old joist hardly seems an efficient thing to do when the 
		floor appears to be stiff enough as is. The crawl space does not
		necessarily need to be vented. Studies show that often times 
		vents introduce more moisture than they eliminate. Leveling the 
		grade and installing a vapor retarder is definitely a good idea,
		however. The ability of the foundation to support any potential
		second story should be addressed by a structural engineer, not
		by a builder or an inspector.

		Back on a more general note, the sill and framing problems
		are not nearly as serious as the report portrays. There are
		many, many years of life left in some of the components he
		says should be replaced.

		<end>

	Four's estimate was $600- to replace the rear sill and 8-10' on each
	side sill within the crawl space area.

	In Summary:

	I can not assume that any of the above may have killed the deal on 
	my house. Deals come and go for many reasons and some people are 
	just not suited for some homes or visa-versa.  I won't say that the
	inspector did his job incorrectly I'll defer to the experts for that 
	as I would hope that inspector would. I will not assume either that 
	some of the contractors were trying to ride the fear and ignorance of 
	the buyer and seller in this case. One thing I do take a stand on here 
	is that there were a broad range of opinions stated above which when 
	reduced to dollar figures went from substantial to insignificant in 
	relative terms. I leave it to you to judge who the experts are. I hope 
	the above was enlightening for some, it was surely educational for 
	myself. If nothing else is read from this read "Beware the Experts!".

	regards,

	 Gregg von Sternberg

2016.29Inspector needed for Nashua - Soon!LANDO::BERGERONFri Apr 24 1992 15:1927
    
    
    Hi!  I am looking for recommendations for a Home Inspector in the
    Nashua, NH area.
    
    The house that would be inspected is approx. 47 years old.
    
    If recommendations were offered, it would be helpful if phone numbers
    and est. costs were included.
    
    We need to have the house inspected within the next 7 days, so the
    sooner the recommendation, the better.
    
    We're first time home buyers and it would be nice to get a thorough
    house inspection and know exactly what we're getting into.
    
    Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.
    
    
    Serena
    
    (a mortgage, a move and a marriage, all within the next 5 months!  Talk
    about STRESS!!!!)				:)
    
    
    
     
2016.30Gil Brust, PROBE good referenceFSOA::BERICSONMRO1-1/L87 DTN 297-3200Thu Apr 30 1992 16:508
    Another thubs up for Gil Brust, Probe... Yesterday he saved me
    thousands of dollars.  He really know his business... know what to look
    for.  "Hmmm southern pine spanning 16 feet... that's maxed out lets
    check upstairs we should see some sag" We did. "Sawdust here, lets pry
    up the insulation and look for leakage"  There was. "The design of that
    chimney near the house will trap snow." etc etc. I'm buying my fourth
    house and thought I was reasonably savy... NOT!  When you see a pro at
    work you know it.
2016.31Paul CornellKAHALA::FULTZED FULTZTue Jun 09 1992 18:194
I am looking for the phone number for Paul Cornell.  Anyone have it?


Ed..
2016.32Xref to REAL_ESTATEVIA::SUNGLive Free or Live in MAWed Jun 10 1992 15:305
    See note 73 in TALLIS::REAL_ESTATE
    
    73 SAFETY::WALKER 2-FEB-1987 81 *** Official Home Inspector Referral Note ***
    
    -al
2016.33Paul Maida - Plaistow NHBRAT::PAQUETTE_LWed Jun 17 1992 20:4119
    Paul Maida just inspected a house I'm thinking about purchasing (a bank
    forclosure) and I'm very pleased w/ the quality of work that was done. 
    If he hadn't removed insulation in the cellar I never would have known
    the extent of rot and carpenter ant damage that had been done on what
    the real estate agent claimed was "almost perfect condition" and a 
    "real steal".     
    
    He gives you a 30 page report on the premeisis immediately following
    the inspection.  I'm extremely impressed with the fact that I've been
    able to call him several times since then and he has returned all my
    calls and answered my questions.  
    
    The inspection took almost 3 3/4 hours (for a 26'X44' split).  
    The cost was $190 for the inspection and $50 for the radon test.  The
    bank is going to have to invest $3500 +- to get the home into good 
    enough condition for me to buy it.  (Definitely well worth the $ for an
    inspection!)
    
    Paul's # are 1-800-669-3809 and (603)382-3839. 
2016.34 Home Inspector Don Poole Sr. Framingham, Ma. Excellent!EMDS::MANGANWed Jul 08 1992 13:461
   Home Inspector Don Poole Sr. Framingham, Ma. Excellent! 
2016.35RANGER::PESENTIOnly messages can be draggedMon Jul 13 1992 12:022
I used Don Poole Sr. back in '84 when I bought my house in Lunenburg.  I second
the recommendation.  Excellent!
2016.36Northeast Inspection Services, Peterborough NHABSISG::CHIQUOINEAFoolAndHisMoneyAreSoonElectedMon Jul 13 1992 23:5610
    Northeast Inspections Services, Peterborough, NH.
    
    I'll tell you up front that Geoff Aldrich is a friend of a friend,
    but I'm also familiar with his work both as a seller and a buyer.  When
    we sold our house last year I hired him to inspect my then future
    home.  Apparently the buyer of my house decided to follow my lead and
    hired him as well.  Geoff has many years experience in the building
    trade and was very forthcoming with comments and advice about my new
    house (he didn't hide anything from the buyer of my last house either
    :-)).
2016.37Maida Home Inspection, Plaistow, NhTNPUBS::MACKONISFor a time,I rest in the grace of the world, and am free...&quot;Wed Jul 15 1992 17:1218
I will have to declare myself another satisfied cutomer of Paul Maida.  I am
in the process of purchasing an "old" home and his inspection was both 
thorough and professional.  

He arrived about an hour and half before I did and had already done a lot of the
roof and crawl space inspection before I got there.  Then we walked through the
balance of the house and he went over all the areas with me as well as com-
pleting a written report that was ready at the end of the inspection.

He was extremely helpful as was his wife Sandy who takes care of the calls and
is very good about answering questions that pop up either before or after the
actual inspection.

Paul is located in Plaistow, NH  
1-800-669-3809


dana
2016.38SEPTIC InspecterJLOCKE::CALDERAFri Mar 18 1994 17:5520
    Don't know if this should be under Septic Systems or under Home
    Inspecters.
    
    I was looking at a place in Wayland had Don Poole Sr. do the home
    inspection, he is still as good as he was, great guy and knows what he
    is doing.  House passed.
    
    I then had the SEPTIC SYSTEM inspaected by Lakeside Sewerage Service,
    Inc. out of Marlboro.  GOOD thing I did, it failed B I G time.  The 
    property abutted wetlands.   The system was not a "System" it was
    2 cesspool with a connecting pipe.  Gary the guy that did the
    inspection said it would be about a $15,000 job, I had that confermed
    by others.  The seller was not willing to make any concessions, so I
    got out of the deal.  Lakeside Sewerage Service, Inc. was very
    professional, the selling broker called him and tried to get him to
    change his report, and he said he was a professional and he was
    sticking to what he had written and would not change even under the
    great pressure the broker exerted.  I am still in the market so I will 
    use him again.   (508)485-1063.
    
2016.39Ace Home InspectionsFREEBE::SPARGOTue Mar 29 1994 19:5014
    I found an excellent home inspector for the central MA area. I had him
    (Tim) come out to look at a 35yr old cape in Princeton MA, and he found
    a number of problems that I would have missed:
      Water temp. to high
      Bathroom GFI's not wired properly
      Roof in need of repair
      Floor in back of toilet rotten (I wouldn't have crawled back there)
      and worst of all, termites and carpenter ants infesting one whole
      wall.
    
    Ace Home Inspections
    Gardner, MA
    (508) 630-2178
    1-800-474-7007
2016.40Help...KUZZY::LEBLANCMon May 16 1994 16:3516
    
    	Does anyone have any experience with the following inspectors:
    
    		Don Poole
    
    		Tiger Insurance
    
    		Professional Home Inspectors
    
    	Also, should a 'specialized' inpsecotr be used for septic systems
    	or are the 'better' inspectors capable of performing the septic
    	exam???
    
    	Thanks for your help,
    	Ken
2016.41DFSAXP::JPAnd the winner is....Wed May 18 1994 11:348
    I had DOn Poole do my house about 10 years ago.  He was very good.  Did
    a thorough inspection.  There were LOTS of little things that he talked
    about as he did the inspection.  I strongly recommend following him
    with a notepad, as he'll rattle off lots of little tips for doing minor
    and major repairs and touchups.  
    
    As for septic inspection, that's usually done by the person who pumps
    it out.  
2016.42Something for FREE!(no kidding!)WMOIS::FLECK_SLove me, Love my dogs, cats, etc.Wed Jun 19 1996 13:2227
    
    	I would like to recommend that every homeowner have an audit
    done by Mass-Save.  I had them come to my house last night and 
    what they do is go around your house and tell you where to save 
    money.  Everything is FREE!  The guy wrapped my hot water heater,
    put a new shower head on(2 1/2 gal.) put a new thing on my kitchen
    faucet and put a new light bulb in one of my lights.  They also
    test your furnace and make recommendations to make it run more
    efficient.  This whole thing takes about 1 1/2 hours, but its
    well worth it and its FREE!  The guy came at night, after work
    which worked well for me.
    		If you have electric heat, you'll make out like
    a bandit!  They will insulate areas that need it and caulk(?)
    windows etc.  They audited my friends house(elec.heat) and
    they did about $7000. worth of work for FREE!  The auditor
    told me they do do more for electric heat customers seeing
    Mass Electric sponsers this audit.
    		Here's the info I have and feel free to contact
    me off line for more info.
    				MASS-SAVE, INC.
    			200 Fifth Ave.  Waltham MA 02154
    		617-890-7788   1-800-649-7788   Fax:617-890-7530
    
    p.s.  they will come back and do a checkup if you make repairs
          or have someone come in and make repairs.
    		also I believe this is in Massachusetts only.
    							Sue Fleck
2016.4319096::BUSKYWed Jun 19 1996 14:0815
>    windows etc.  They audited my friends house(elec.heat) and
>    they did about $7000. worth of work for FREE!  The auditor

    Such as...?

    It's a good program and they do through in a few free-bees to get
    you going and thinking about conservation. For example, the low
    flow shower heads, probably worth about $5, the low wattage light
    bulb, maybe $10 or so and the water heater wrap, probably cost
    them $15 or so. And they throw in the labor to install them.

    But what did they do that was worth $7,000! Insulate the whole
    house?

    Charly
2016.44MROA::MACKEYWed Jun 19 1996 14:2820
    They also did a lot at my house. pressure tested the house for leaks
    etc.  They ended up spending the entire day.   I needed more insulation
    in my crawl spaces and they would have had another crew come out to
    do that. All I would have to either do myself or pay them to do was
    install 3 roof vents before they would add the insulation. I never
    botherer.   They have two plans, the one for the normal owner where
    they do small stuff like mentioned in .42 then the more agressive one
    if you heat by electric.  You must qualify by usage for this.  The
    funny thing was they had called me 2 years in a row.  I have two meters
    one for the house and one for a barn that really is used for the pool
    filter.   We have electric but really heat by coal. they would not
    qualify the meter associated with the house but would the barn, I
    think they actually would have insulated my barn.  The next year they
    called again and I did not mention the barn having a meter. this is
    when they came out and did the house, They were confused at why the
    meter was listed as rear because the could not find the apartment
    on the house.  I never told them what it really was. I did notice there
    paperwork showed in big letters that the meter labeled FRONT does
    NOT QUALIFY.  After they were done he asked me what the front meter
    was and I said it was the barn.  But it really was the house.
2016.45Maybe not 7K, but they do a lot!ICS::GREENEWed Jun 19 1996 15:3425
    We had an energy audit performed a couple of years ago. I don't recall
    the name of the organization, it was mentioned as a free service in one
    of our electric bills. Our house has electric heat.
    
    Similar to .43 and .44, we had the pressure test; had the maximum
    number of energy saving lights given to us; had some weatherstripping
    installed for a couple of doors; as well as replacement of the shower
    head and 2 or 3 sink faucet heads. When they checked the attic, we
    found out that it appeared to have the original insulation that was
    installed when the house was built, ~25 years ago - ~6" worth! We did
    qualify for free insulation to be blown in, provided that we get the
    house upgraded to include a couple of ridge vents as well as soffit
    vents. We gladly paid them to have them come back and install the
    vents, and bring the installation up to current standards. Apparently
    our consumption combined with the previous owners qualified us.
    
    I remember the day that they came with the insulation. They arrived
    in a van for the employees and their equipment, as well as a separate
    Ryder truck for the insulation. When they were done, they had blown in
    90 30 pound bags of insulation! I'm not sure how much 90 bags of
    insulation is worth, but to me it was well worth the ~$200 to install
    the vents. 
    
    kjg
                                                         
2016.46Just passing along info.WMOIS::FLECK_SLove me, Love my dogs, cats, etc.Wed Jun 19 1996 15:435
    
    	My friend is the one who quoted $7000.  They insullated the garage,
    and attic and did many other things.  Maybe 7000 is a high figure but
    considering the labor (all day) I'm sure it totaled up to be quite
    high.				Sue
2016.47WRKSYS::MACKAY_EWed Jun 19 1996 16:3814
    
    We had them come by years ago. The pipe insulation was great.
    But forget about the shower head and the light bulbs for us.
    We tried the shower head for a couple weeks and I was so
    frustrated with it. It took me 2 x as long to rinse the shampoo
    and conditioner off my hair, time worths more than money to me, 
    spending extra time in the shower each day isn't my idea of 
    "improvement". The light bulbs bothered my eyes, so we used them 
    in closets!
    
    
    Eva
    
    
2016.48NOTIME::SACKSGerald Sacks ZKO2-3/N30 DTN:381-2085Thu Jun 27 1996 20:206
>                   The light bulbs bothered my eyes, so we used them 
>    in closets!

Since they're fluorescents, they use a significant amount of electricity
to start up.  They don't make much sense in applications like closets
where they're only on for brief periods.  
2016.49maybe twice the electricity for one secondEVMS::MORONEYIt's alive! Alive!Thu Jun 27 1996 21:484
They use a little more energy than "on" but not significant.  They may not
have the rated life by going through many off-on stages, however.

-Mike