Frequently Asked Questions

Buying a home is a major investment. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often before, during, and after the home inspection process.

Scheduling & Pricing

Answers about scheduling, inspection fees, service areas, and payment options.

The cost depends on the size, age, location, type, and complexity of the property. Contact ABI for a personalized quote.

PRICING PLANS

As soon as your purchase agreement allows, so there is enough time to review the report and make informed decisions before important contract deadlines (inspection contingency date).

Most inspections take approximately 2–4 hours, depending on the property's size, age, condition, and complexity.

Advanced Building Inspectors proudly serves:

  • Greater Boston
  • North Shore
  • South Shore
  • MetroWest
  • Worcester County
  • Cape Cod
  • Springfield
  • Western Massachusetts

You can pay online through our secure payment portal. In addition, under certain circumstances with advanced approval you pay by check or money order. Cash is not accepted.

Before the Inspection

Learn how to prepare for your inspection and what to expect on inspection day.

Yes. Whenever practical, we encourage buyers to attend. Attending allows you to better understand the home, ask questions, and learn about maintenance and our observations.

If you're unable to attend because you're out of state or unavailable, we'll review the report with you and answer your questions.

  • Notebook
  • Mobile phone or tablet
  • Questions about the property
  • Property listing (optional)

No. The inspection can usually be completed whether the home is occupied or vacant, provided all readily accessible areas are available for inspection.

Absolutely. Buyers and their real estate professionals are welcome to attend.

The Inspection Process

Understand what is inspected, what isn't, and how our inspection process helps you make informed decisions.

Our inspections are visual, non-invasive evaluations of the home's readily accessible systems and components, performed in accordance with the Massachusetts Standards of Practice (266 CMR).

Your inspection generally includes the home's readily accessible major systems and components, including:

  • Roofing
  • Exterior
  • Structural components
  • Foundation
  • Electrical systems
  • Plumbing systems
  • Heating and cooling systems
  • Interior
  • Insulation and ventilation
  • Built-in appliances
  • Garage

Decks, porches, and other readily accessible exterior features

A home inspection is not technically exhaustive and does not include:

  • Items excluded by the Massachusetts Standards of Practice (266 CMR)
  • Components that are not readily accessible
  • Conditions concealed behind finished surfaces
  • Future performance of building systems

No. A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation performed in accordance with the Massachusetts Standards of Practice. While we perform a thorough inspection of readily accessible systems and components, no inspection can identify every condition or predict future performance.

Yes. We encourage questions throughout the inspection.

Yes. You're welcome to take notes and photographs while allowing the inspector to remain focused on the inspection.

No. Our role is to provide an objective evaluation of the home's readily accessible condition and explain our observations in a clear, easy-to-understand manner. The decision to purchase the property is yours. We encourage you to review the inspection report and discuss your options with your real estate professional, attorney, and other trusted advisors.

No. A home inspection is not an appraisal and does not determine or estimate the market value of a property. If you need an opinion of value, you should consult a licensed real estate appraiser.

No. Massachusetts regulations prohibit licensed home inspectors from providing repair cost estimates as part of a home inspection. The cost of repairs can vary significantly depending on materials, labor, contractor pricing, and the scope of work. If additional evaluation or repairs are recommended, we suggest obtaining estimates from qualified licensed contractors.

No. To maintain our independence and objectivity, we do not recommend specific contractors. If additional evaluation or repairs are recommended, we encourage you to research and select qualified licensed professionals who best meet your needs.

Property Types

Information about the different types of properties we inspect throughout Greater Boston.

Yes. Even newly constructed homes can benefit from an independent inspection before closing.

Absolutely. Many Massachusetts homes have unique characteristics that require experience and careful evaluation.

Yes. We inspect condominium units and explain the components that are typically the owner's responsibility and inspect common areas.

Yes. We inspect duplexes, triple-deckers, four-family properties, and other residential multi-family buildings.

Yes. These properties often present unique maintenance and condition considerations. Our inspection helps buyers better understand the property's current condition before purchasing.

Massachusetts Standards

Learn about the Massachusetts Standards of Practice and what they require during a home inspection.

Yes. All inspections are performed in accordance with the Massachusetts Standards of Practice (266 CMR).

No. Municipal inspections and private home inspections serve different purposes. Your ABI inspection is an independent evaluation performed on behalf of the buyer.

No. Our role is to provide an objective evaluation of the home's readily accessible condition and explain our observations in a clear, easy-to-understand manner. The decision to purchase the property is yours. We encourage you to review the inspection report and discuss your options with your real estate professional, attorney, and other trusted advisors.

No. A home inspection is not an appraisal and does not determine or estimate the market value of a property. If you need an opinion of value, you should consult a licensed real estate appraiser.

No. Massachusetts regulations prohibit licensed home inspectors from providing repair cost estimates as part of a home inspection. The cost of repairs can vary significantly depending on materials, labor, contractor pricing, and the scope of work. If additional evaluation or repairs are recommended, we suggest obtaining estimates from qualified licensed contractors.

No. To maintain our independence and objectivity, we do not recommend specific contractors. If additional evaluation or repairs are recommended, we encourage you to research and select qualified licensed professionals who best meet your needs.

After the Inspection

Learn what happens after your inspection, including how to understand your report, prioritize findings, discuss repairs, and prepare for closing with confidence.

Your detailed digital inspection report is typically delivered the next business day in the evening.

Your report generally includes:

  • Detailed observations
  • Color photographs
  • Identification of observed deficiencies
  • Recommendations for further evaluation when appropriate

Review the report carefully with your real estate professional. The information may help you:

  • Request repairs
  • Request additional evaluations
  • Negotiate repairs or a price adjustment
  • Plan for future maintenance
  • Make an informed purchasing decision

Yes. We encourage you to review your report carefully and contact us with reasonable questions about our observations.

No. Unless otherwise agreed during negotiations, the seller is generally not required to repair items identified during the inspection or reduce the purchase price

Consult an appropriately qualified specialist for additional evaluation.

That decision is entirely yours. Our role is to provide objective information—not to advise whether you should buy or not buy the property.