CONNECTICUT
(860) 646-9983The Trusted Home Inspectors in Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts trusts Sherwood Inspection for all of their property inspection needs. From bustling “Bean Town” and the exclusive Martha’s Vineyard to fishing villages along the picturesque coast, we understand the unique variety of properties that exist in this beautiful state. It is our pleasure to serve the state of Massachusetts and to bring our 40+ years of property inspection experience to our customers here. We assure our client’s satisfaction with each inspection that we do.
Sherwood Inspection, Inc. began in the state of Connecticut and has earned the reputation of the #1 home inspection company in the state. We have brought that same high standard of quality and dedication to excellent customer service to our clients here with our award-winning home inspections in Massachusetts.
The Best Home Inspectors in the Business
Each of our dedicated inspectors are state licensed and certified by respected inspection organizations such as ASHI and NACHI. Our inspectors are also committed to continuing education and training led by our nationally-recognized owner, David Sherwood, to stay abreast of the latest standards and tools available to provide you the most thorough inspection available.
Are Buyers Required to Have a Home Inspection in MA?
While there is no legal requirement to have a home inspection in Massachusetts, it is definitely a worthwhile investment. A home inspection will reveal any issues in the major systems of a home and ensure that a buyer is making an informed decision in the most important investment most people ever make.
How Much Will I Pay for a Home Inspection in MA?
The average cost of a home inspection in Massachusetts is typically $300-$500. The cost is based upon the property’s square footage and its unique features. Costs can go as high as $1000+ when specialized inspections such as radon and mold testing are included.
What is Included in the Home Inspection?
A standard home inspection will cover all the major components of a property including plumbing; the home’s heating and cooling systems, the electrical systems; roof; attic; ceilings; windows, doors, walls; the foundation; basement, and other structural areas of the home.
Options Available for all of Your Inspection Needs
SIS covers all of your property inspection needs. Our inspectors have extensive training in residential, multi-family and all types of commercial properties. Sherwood Inspection has 30+ years of experience with multi-family properties and extensive experience with historical properties which have been especially in demand for our customers in Massachusetts. We are truly your one-stop shop for home inspections in Massachusetts.
Our home inspections are tailored to each property’s special features. We are a full-service company and provide radon testing, mold testing, termite inspections, well testing along with other specialized services depending on the needs of the property. We are also one of the few home inspection companies that provide pool inspections in the state of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Title 5 Septic Inspection
If you live in the State of Massachusetts and own a home that has an on-site sewage system, otherwise known as a septic system, chances are you have at least heard of a Title 5 Inspection. This guide will cover absolutely everything you need to know about getting a Massachusetts Title 5 Inspection, what you can expect when you get one and what to do about the results.
What is a Title 5 Inspection?
The State Environmental Code is in charge of inspecting every stage of the process with regard to Massachusetts residential septic systems, including the design, construction, expansion, inspection and placement. Throughout the State of Massachusetts, the Title 5 code is administered locally by the Board of Health in each city. Which means that if you live in the city of Middleboro, you would deal with the Middleboro Board of Health.
What is the Purpose of a Title 5 Inspection?
A Title 5 Inspection is designed to ensure that your septic system is running efficiently, that it has been properly pumped and maintained and that there are no issues with regard to the construction or use of it. A Title 5 Inspection is required for residential septic systems each and every time you sell your home. A Title 5 Inspection is also required for specific types of renovations or remodeling projects.
How Do I Get a Title 5 Inspection?
You need to hire a licensed, certified septic system inspector, such as Sherwood Inspection Services, LLC (SIS). SIS services clients throughout MA and are certified to do an official Massachusetts Title 5 Inspection. After the inspection, the inspector will submit a copy of the report to the Board of Health. Depending on the findings of the inspection, the Board of Health will either accept the inspection, reject it due to findings, or send out an enforcement order compelling the homeowner to make some changes.
What Can I Expect During a Title 5 Inspection?
If you need a Massachusetts Title 5 Inspection and you’ve never personally experienced one before, it can be a little nerve-wracking to worry about what the inspector will find. Every part of your septic system will be inspected, including the septic tank, distribution box and cesspool. Your drain field will also be checked during this process. The inspector’s goal is to locate all of the components for your system and check for signs of hydraulic failure. Construction will be checked, determining where the high groundwater elevation is located and the overall design flow of your system. In some cases, the inspector will request that the homeowner get the “as-built” plans that are held on file at the Board of Health, or to see pumping and/or maintenance records for the last two years in order to complete the report. Make sure you have everything available or can get the required information if it is requested by the inspector.
What Do the Results Mean?
There are three results provided from a Massachusetts Title 5 Inspection: pass, conditional pass or fail. What happens next depends upon your results and what the inspector suggests in his report.
- PASS– A passed Massachusetts Title 5 Inspection of residential septic systems is good for two to three years, depending on your pumping schedule. The Board of Health will not need to do anything if your system is passed. Inspection information must be shared with the buyer – whether it is passed or failed – if you are in the process of selling your home.
- CONDITIONAL PASS– A conditionally passed Massachusetts Title 5 Inspection is an indication that some component of your septic system has broken down or failed and needs to be replaced. Examples of this would be a crushed pipe, a septic tank that is leaking, a distribution box that has failed or a broken baffle, among other things. The good news is that the repairs that are required for a conditionally passed system to become Title 5 compliant are usually substantially less expensive than what it would cost to completely replace the system under a failed inspection. Under a conditional pass, once the repair has been made it becomes Title 5 compliant and achieves a passing result. A new report is submitted to the Massachusetts Board of Health to show that the system has now passed the Title 5 inspection.
- FAIL– A failed Massachusetts Title 5 Inspection of residential septic systems can go one of two ways. If it is determined that your system poses a threat to public health, you will need to replace or repair your system within a specific allotted amount of time. However, if your system fails, but is not considered a threat to public health, the inspector will give you two years to complete all of the work necessary to get it to pass. The work can only be done by a septic system repair technician that is licensed and certified in the State of Massachusetts. Soil testing will need to be completed and a new septic system that will work better with your home and usage will need to be designed and installed.
The Sherwood Team is Best-In-Class
Our highly skilled team is led by talented engineer and company founder, David Sherwood. He is the former President of the American Society of Home Inspection (ASHI), located right here in Southern New England. David was appointed to the Home Inspection Licensing Board by the CT Secretary of State, and to this day, he trains our inspectors to guarantee an exceptional inspection service for all of our clients. As Master Inspectors, accredited NACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) and ASHI members, our licensed Sherwood inspectors have helped countless home buyers in Connecticut and Massachusetts uncover problems quickly and efficiently, saving both time and money.
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Jen S.❝
Jeremy came out to inspect our new home. He gave us the time and attention we deserved while answering all of our questions about things we noticed around the house. Sherwood ended up saving us a lot of money and we're so glad we went with them. Would definitely recommend!


























