Our Services

Single and multi-family home inspection

All visible and readily accessible areas of the house are inspected for quality, defects and damage. A typical inspection starts on the roof, either physically or with high powered binoculars. The chimney, flashings, dormers, ventilation and roof surfaces are viewed and evaluated for remaining life of the materials.

The upper exteriors, soffits, gutters fascia and trim are inspected following the roof. The exterior siding, paint, windows, porches, doors, steps and foundation are also evaluated. Important items such as drainage and landscaping to direct water away from the foundation are thoroughly discussed with you the buyer. Any major defects are discussed and remedies are offered.

The garage will follow the exterior if applicable and the same details are covered with the garage as they would with the main house. Safety tests are performed on the garage door openers.

Moving along to the next stop, would be the basement. Here the foundation interior and structure would be assessed and signs of defects such as water entry, would be covered thoroughly. During most home inspections, a WDI (wood destroying insect) inspection (additional fee) would be conducted at this time looking for common destructive insects such as termites, Carpenter ants and in some older houses Powder Post Beetles.

The plumbing, heating, air condition, central vacuum and electrical systems would then be evaluated for condition, age and performance. Recommendation would be made if any defects were observed or if maintenance was needed. The next stop would normally be the interior of the house. A representative amount of readily accessible appliances, switches, outlets, doors, windows, whirlpool baths and other fixtures are operated as they normally would, to determine their status and condition.

Plaster, paint and the overall condition of the interior would be noted and commented on if needed. Fireplaces and wood stoves are visually inspected for defects. These open flame items would not be operated by the inspector.

Finally, the attic (if accessible ) would be inspected and insulation, ventilation and the structure would be observed.

When the inspection is complete (2-3 hours) the inspection results are briefly reviewed with the client and a through narrative report is prepared off site and e-mailed, faxed within 24 hours.

Commercial & Industrial Buildings

QBC has experience in inspecting any size building, business, or manufacturing facility, regard less of size or configuration. Quote on pricing and references are available as needed.

Wood Destroying Insects FHA/VA Licensed in MA and RI to perform pest inspections for Wood Destroying Insects. The outline provided by the FHA and VA are followed on all inspection. Form NPCA-1 are used to report all findings. QBC does not perform treatments for any type of infestation that may be discovered. Our company feels this is a conflict of interest. Names of qualified pest control contractors are available if needed.

Radon Gas Testing EPA and State (RI) Certified screening for Radon gas is available from this company. Using the Accustar LS method of testing buildings for the presence of Radon gas. Radon is know to be a cancer causing gas that can reach unhealthy levels in any house or closed space. The LS (liquid scintillation) counts virtually 99% of all radon in the air making this test method the most sensitive and reliable screening test available. QBC has performed over 1000 radon tests in the New England area.

Mobile Homes, Trailers

Many mobile homes in the New England area are bought and sold annually with out the advice of a professional inspector. Most people are not aware that mobile homes have many of the same problems that conventional homes experience along with numerous other conditions that are unique to their construction. Many of the items inspected on a mobile home are health and safety issues that are easily overlooked in day to day living. Inspections by a experienced company are strongly encouraged.

Septic Systems (Title V)

QBC does not do physical inspections of septic systems, but does schedule qualified septic inspectors to coincide with the time and date of the home inspection as a convenience for our clients. Both conventional and Title V (MA) septic inspections, are available at your request.

Lead Paint Inspections

QBC is not licensed to perform Lead Paint inspections. We do however, provide a Professional Lead Paint inspection using qualified individuals at your request. State and EPA Certified contractors are scheduled to be in attendance during your normal home inspection to test for lead and prepare a written report in regard to your lead paint findings. These individuals are working for you exclusively and their findings are confidential.

Well Flow & Water Quality Testing

Water quality and quantity testing is available through QBC. Well water sampling and testing is conducted following the guidelines of the EPA. Many different water tests are available. The testing facility we use is a EPA listed lab to ensure accurate results. Well flow testing (quantity) is available during any normal inspection or as a separate test. This test determines the output of the well and mechanical system used to supply water to the home. The EPA guideline for this flow testing is closely followed.

EMF

Electro-Magnetic Field Testing Power lines, household appliances, microwave ovens, televisions and computers are just a few of the common items that produce potentially harmful Electro-Magnetic Fields. If your new home is within range of High Voltage Transmission lines or if you are concerned with the level of EMF in your home, testing for EMF can be conducted by our company. Special EMF detectors are available to the public today and very accurate results can easily be obtained when used properly.

UFFI (Hazardous Insulation, Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation)

This two part foam insulation was used in New England during the 60’s & 70’s as a blown in wall insulation in many residential properties. Several years after its popularity the EPA determined that toxic Formaldehyde gas was escaping from this insulation into the homes at very high and dangerous levels. Properly installed UFFI was determined to be much less of a health risk, but improperly installed UFFI was very much a health risk. A UFFI inspection consists of a visual inspection to determine if it is present in a home. A sample is taken and analyzed to determine the content and a air quality test is then conducted by a CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist). This testing can be very expensive. Consulting with your inspector for more information is encouraged

Asbestos Insulation Testing

Asbestos was used extensively in residential building for many years throughout New England. A visual inspection and advice on asbestos and it’s condition is supplied during our home inspection at no extra charge. QBC has a qualified inspector that can answer all your asbestos questions. Air quality testing and sampling is available.

Radon Mitigation

Click here for Possible Sources for Radon Mitigation

HUD REAC (Real Estate Assessment Center) Inspector 1999-2002 Project Assessing large residential housing projects, elderly housing, handicapped living centers, and high rise HUD subsidized housing.

FHA-VA, Farmers New and existing home inspections following the FHA, VA and Farmers mortgage guidelines are available through this office on request. The report and prepared paper work meet or exceed the required government guidelines as outlined by HUD.

To schedule an inspection please call 888-327-7400 or Fax 508-679-4480 or go to our Request an Inspection Page.

Request more information…. E-mail tomquinn@qbc.cc