MKC Resources & FAQs

A Massachusetts home inspection typically takes 2–4 hours. The exact time depends on factors such as the size, type, and age of the property. At MKC Associates, we take as much time as necessary to thoroughly inspect the property and ensure no detail is overlooked. For more on what to expect during a home inspection, visit this guide from the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

No, you cannot use a previous buyer’s home inspection report. Reports are non-transferable and valid only for the client who commissioned them. To ensure an accurate and up-to-date evaluation of the property, you’ll need to have your own buyer’s inspection conducted. For more on the importance of independent inspections, visit this American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) guide.

No, home inspection reports cannot be transferred for use by others. In Massachusetts, the report is valid only for the client who commissioned it and for the specific property inspected at the time and date of the inspection. MKC Associates accepts no liability or responsibility for the use of the report by others or for purposes other than the original intent. For more on home inspection report limitations, visit the Massachusetts home inspection regulations page.

This comment is included in your report when the extent of the damage is unknown, the area was not accessible, or specialized expertise is required because the issue is beyond the scope of a standard home inspection. For accurate Massachusetts home inspection additional investigation guidance, it’s essential to consult an experienced and licensed tradesperson. Our final report will specify the type of specialist needed or the conditions required to complete the investigation. For more information about the scope of home inspections, visit the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

No, Massachusetts Regulations for Home Inspectors (MA CMR 266) prohibit providing repair cost estimates during a home inspection. At MKC Associates, we focus on delivering a comprehensive inspection. For accurate repair costs, we recommend obtaining quotes from licensed professionals familiar with Massachusetts home inspection repair cost estimates.

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You can view sample reports of our comprehensive home inspections. These reports are from real inspections but have been anonymized to remove address and client information. They highlight the detailed and interactive format we use to document findings. For a better understanding of what a professional home inspection report includes, visit this guide by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

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Any inspector hired by the builder is working in their interests. It’s essential to hire a home inspector who prioritizes your interests, not those of the builder or contractor. An objective evaluation from MKC Associates ensures an unbiased assessment of the property. For more on why independent inspections matter, visit this American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) guide.

A new construction inspection typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size, type, and age of the property. The duration of a Massachusetts home inspection may vary based on these factors, but our team takes as much time as needed to thoroughly inspect the property and answer your questions. For more information on what to expect during a home inspection, visit this guide from the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

You can view sample reports of our comprehensive home inspections. These reports are from real inspections but have been anonymized to remove address and client information. They highlight the detailed and interactive format we use to document findings. For a better understanding of what a professional home inspection report includes, visit this guide by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

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While the local municipal government ensures homes meet minimum code standards, a Massachusetts new home inspection goes beyond basic requirements. Builders, even those with excellent reputations, can sometimes overlook issues or make errors during construction. A thorough inspection can uncover potential problems, saving you from unwelcome surprises and costly repairs in the future.

A Massachusetts home warranty inspection typically takes 2–4 hours to complete. The exact time depends on factors such as your home’s size, age, and condition. At MKC Associates, we work closely with every client, ensuring all questions are answered during and after the inspection. For more information about home warranties, visit this Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guide on home warranties.

You can view sample reports of our comprehensive home inspections. These reports are from real inspections but have been anonymized to remove address and client information. They highlight the detailed and interactive format we use to document findings. For a better understanding of what a professional home inspection report includes, visit this guide by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

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Builder’s warranties can vary significantly in coverage and conditions. As part of our Massachusetts builder’s warranty inspection coverage guidance, we recommend thoroughly reviewing the warranty provided by your builder to understand which issues may qualify for repair. For more details on builder warranties, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) guide on home warranties.

No, Massachusetts home sellers are not legally required to fix anything identified in the pre-listing inspection report unless the issues are violations of law or state regulations. It’s recommended to consult with your real estate sales agent to develop a strategy for addressing areas that may need repairs. For more information on seller obligations and home inspections, visit this Mass.gov home inspection guide.

A Massachusetts pre-listing home inspection typically takes 2–4 hours to complete. However, factors such as the size, age, and condition of the home can affect the duration. At MKC Associates, we ensure a thorough and detailed inspection to help you prepare your property for sale. For more information on preparing your home for a pre-listing inspection, visit this National Association of Realtors (NAR) guide.

You can view sample reports of our comprehensive home inspections. These reports are from real inspections but have been anonymized to remove address and client information. They highlight the detailed and interactive format we use to document findings. For more on what home inspection reports typically include, you can also refer to this guide from the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

Walk-through inspections are brief and lack the thorough analysis provided by a full inspection. At MKC Associates, we believe that Massachusetts home inspections should be detailed and comprehensive. While walk-through inspections may seem convenient, they often miss critical issues, such as defects in plumbing, electrical systems, or structural components, that require close examination and documentation. They often are done without the inspector priducing a written report and lack accountability. We highly recommend a full inspection to ensure nothing is overlooked.

A pre-offer home inspection in Massachusetts is a home inspection conducted before submitting an offer on a property, often limited in scope. It is intended to help buyers identify major issues so that the buyer can waive their inspection contingency in their offer to purchase. These inspections are typically faster and omit important analysis that is common in full home inspections. They expose buyers to risk while not providing sufficient due diligence.

The difference between a pre-offer and full home inspection in Massachusetts comes down to scope and timing. A pre-offer inspection is shorter and limited in nature—typically a rapid view of major systems like the foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC—and often missing/without a written report, conducted before an offer is submitted. A full inspection is a more comprehensive evaluation conducted after an accepted offer.

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Pre-offer home inspections are popular in Massachusetts—especially in competitive markets like Greater Boston—because buyers want to get a sense of what is happening in the property in order to waive traditional home inspection contingencies. This strategy helps buyers stand out in bidding situations, but also exposes them to high potential repair costs and potential safety hazards.

New Massachusetts home inspection law changes in 2024 are expected to introduce consumer protection measures, including potential requirements for disclosing to seller and buyer that a buyer may obtain an inspection after their offer is accepted. These updates aim to clarify buyer rights and prevent waived contingencies from becoming loopholes for concealing property defects. For updates and legal details, visit the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Commujnities.

The new Massachusetts home inspection law is expected to take effect on June 6, 2025. MKC Home Inspection stays up to date on state regulations and will guide clients through any legal updates that may impact how inspections are conducted. For official updates, visit the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

No. At this time, MKC Home Inspection does not offer pre-offer inspections in Massachusetts. We believe full home inspections offer the most thorough evaluation and better protect our clients’ investments. We encourage buyers to avoid waiving full inspection rights—especially with upcoming legal changes designed to improve consumer protections. For an overview of your inspection rights, visit the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Home Inspectors.

Yes, radon in well water can be mitigated using specialized treatment systems. If your well water is found to have elevated radon levels, consult with a water conditioning specialist to determine the best mitigation system for your home. For more information on radon mitigation in water, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) radon in water guide.

Yes, radon can infiltrate both your drinking water and plumbing, especially if your home relies on a private well. Radon in water often becomes a concern in areas where water is aerated, such as bathrooms, showers, and sinks. For more information on radon in drinking water, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) radon and water guide.

Radon testing in Massachusetts during summer is possible, but only under certain conditions. If the home has air conditioning, testing can proceed without any issues. However, if the property lacks air conditioning, maintaining closed windows and doors for the required 12 hours or more could lead to uncomfortable or even unsafe indoor temperatures. Contact one of our associates to discuss your specific situation. For more information on radon testing guidelines, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) radon guide.

Maybe. Radon testing in Massachusetts condos depends on the type of unit. If the condo is a townhouse-style property with no shared open spaces in the basement or attic, we can perform the test. However, for apartment-style condos, radon testing is not feasible due to the need for closed conditions throughout the entire building during the test. Since we cannot control windows and doors in other units, a successful test cannot be guaranteed. For more details on radon testing, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) radon guide.

To ensure accurate results for a radon test, windows and doors in the home must remain closed for at least 12 hours before and throughout the testing period. Failure to follow this guideline can lead to inaccurate results, requiring the test to be repeated. For more tips on radon testing preparation, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) radon guide.

A radon test typically takes 48–96 hours to complete. After retrieving our equipment from the property, we will deliver your results within 24 hours. For more information about radon testing and safety guidelines, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Radon Information Page.

Frustratingly, you often can’t tell the presence of WDI. Detecting wood-destroying insects in Massachusetts homes can be challenging because signs of their presence are often hidden. Non-professionals may not recognize subtle indicators, especially if damage is not visible on the surface of exposed wood. Trained pest inspectors know how to identify and locate these pests effectively. That’s why hiring a professional home inspector is crucial. For more information, refer to the National Pest Management Association’s guide on wood-destroying insects.

Wood-destroying insects, such as termites and carpenter ants, damage homes by eating or nesting in wood. This compromises the structural components of the property, making them weaker and potentially unsafe. Repairs to significantly damaged areas can be costly and extensive. For more information on how wood-destroying insects impact homes, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) guide on termites.

Loans from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) typically require a WDI (Wood-Destroying Insect) Inspection, along with a report completed on the industry-standard NPMA-33 form. Some state and federal loan programs may also require WDI inspections. For specific requirements, particularly for VA home loans in Massachusetts, it’s best to check with your lender or local municipality.

No, it’s not recommended to rely on a previous owner’s home inspection report. It’s essential to obtain your own report to verify the current status of the property before purchasing. Additionally, the prior owner’s report is only valid for their use at the specific time and date it was conducted. At MKC Associates, we accept no liability for the use of a prior report by others or for purposes beyond its original intent. For more on the importance of independent home inspections, visit this American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) guide.

Of course! You can view a sample report here. This sample report demonstrates the detailed and interactive format we use to document our findings.