What is ASHI?
The American Society of Home Inspectors, formed in 1976, is a nationwide, non-profit, professional society. ASHI has developed formal inspection standards and guidelines which define the minimum scope of a home inspection. ASHI inspectors must meet rigorous, professional and educational requirements which include: passing an eight-hour written exam, maintaining continuing educational requirements to retain membership, and they must subscribe to a set of principles contained in the Society's Code of Ethics. These specifically prohibit inspectors from conflict of interest activities, such as using the home inspection as a vehicle to obtain related work on the house.
Are Sherman Home Inspections, Inc. inspectors members of ASHI?
As a consumer, it is very important to remember that it is the individual inspector, not the company, who is a member of ASHI. Head inspector Guy Occhino has been an ASHI National and ASHI New England Chapter member since 1985. Guy attends educational seminars and workshops on home inspecting and related industries topics on a regular basis, and is an active participant in the New England Chapter of ASHI.
Are Sherman Home Inspections, Inc.'s inspectors Massachusetts licensed home inspectors?
Guy Occhino is licensed under MA guidelines for Home Inspectors (MA License #157).
May I be present during the inspection?
Client attendance and participation in the home inspection process is encouraged and welcomed! Being present at the time of the inspection allows Guy to teach as he points out items or areas of interest or concern, and to answer any questions you, the client, might have. You also receive the report on site at the conclusion of the inspection. Areas of concern are discussed and photographed during the inspection process. After returning to the office he labels, then e-mails the pictures to you to add to your inspection folder.
Does Sherman Home Inspections, Inc. participate in continuing education programs to keep their expertise up to date?
Yes, Guy Occhino attends a minimum of 60 hours per year on continuing education programs related to the home inpsection industry.
How long will the inspections take?
A normal home inspection generally takes between 3 1/2 to 4 hours to complete, depending upon the size, age, condition of the house, and questions that you, our clients, might have.
How many years have you been in business?
Sherman Home Inspections, Inc. has been in business since 1982.
Why should I bother spending money on a home inspections?
- To become a well informed consumer.
- To receive an unbiased audit of the present condition of the property's component systems (structural, heating, plumbing, and electrical).
- To use the home inspection report to renegotiate the selling price of the home when necessary.
- To be advised of current and possibly future concerns.
- To prioritize projects and repairs that may be required.
- To be advised on how to maintain your future investment.
What types of property do you inspect?
We perform inspections on residential single and multi-family homes, condominiums, mobile homes and commercial properties.
What is radon? How can it harm you?
Radon is a naturally occurring odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in the rocks and soil. Normally, it comes up through the soil and dissipates in the outside air, but when it is found around and under the home, it finds its way through the foundation by various means and gets trapped in the home. Radon is the first leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and second leading cause in smokers. Studies conducted in Massachusetts indicate that one out of every four homes in MA has a higher than EPA recommended limit of 3.9 pCi/L. In most cases, high levels can be successfully mitigated. Mitigation costs usually range from $950.00-2,500.00. At Sherman Home Inspections, Inc., we can test for Radon employing either the canister method (RTCA) or the tamper proof continuous radon monitor method (Radalink CRM Telemonitor). Please note: it is recommended that in a real estate transaction, the method of choice is the tamperproof continuous radon monitor.
Am I required to have my home tested for Radon before I buy?
NO! It is your decision whether you would like to have your present or future home tested for Radon gas. Because the EPA and the Attorney General recommend that everyone have their home tested, and many don't, we suggest that you, as the buyer, take advantage of this opportunity and protect your family by having the home tested before you buy, thereby putting the cost of mitigation on the home seller. If you'd like to learn more or have questions about this very interesting subject, Barbara would be very pleased to talk with you! Just call our office at 508.947.7595. Protect your Investment. Become an informed consumer!