Charlestown homes have character - exposed brick, original hardwood, views of the harbor. But homes built in 1850 come with their own set of challenges. That electrical panel? Probably outdated. Those beautiful old windows? Likely drafty. The brick foundation? Worth checking closely.

That's what we do. We inspect historic homes throughout Charlestown so you know exactly what you're getting into before signing anything.

When You're Buying in Charlestown

Charlestown's real estate moves fast. Bidding wars happen. But speed doesn't mean you skip the inspection - especially in a neighborhood where some homes are nearly 200 years old.

Here's what buyers often miss: Is that knob-and-tube wiring still active? Does the heating system work efficiently or just look historic? Will that gorgeous brick foundation handle another New England winter? Is the roof actually slate or just asphalt made to look like it?

Our buyer inspections answer these questions before you're locked into a mortgage. We check everything from foundation to roofline. That means crawling through tight attic spaces in July heat and damp basements that haven't been touched in decades. We test 100-year-old heating systems, examine electrical panels that should've been upgraded years ago, and look for water damage behind those charming exposed brick walls.

Our firefighter background makes a real difference with historic homes. We've seen what happens when old wiring fails. We know which "period features" are actually safety hazards and which ones are just cosmetic quirks that add character.

We explain everything in plain English. We tell you what's urgent (that main electrical panel is a fire risk), what can wait (roof has 2-3 years left), and what's just normal for an old home (yes, those floor joists will creak - they're 150 years old).

We're not trying to kill your deal. Maybe the home's been well-maintained and everything checks out. Maybe there are minor issues you can negotiate. Maybe there are serious problems - foundation settling or outdated electrical throughout - that need significant negotiating leverage. Either way, you'll know before you commit.

When You're Selling in Charlestown

Here's the typical scenario: Sellers list their historic home and hope buyers will see the charm. Then the buyer's inspector finds issues. Negotiations get complicated. Deals stall or fall apart.

Smart sellers take control. Get your own inspection before listing.

Why this works: Buyers looking at Charlestown homes expect some age-related issues. But they overestimate costs. They'll see "moisture in basement" and imagine $30,000 in foundation work when it's a $400 dehumidifier and some weatherstripping. They'll see "electrical upgrades needed" and panic, when you can negotiate repair credits or handle the work yourself before listing.

When you know what's wrong ahead of time, you control the narrative. Fix the urgent stuff - like that outlet that doesn't have GFCI protection in the kitchen. Price appropriately if selling as-is. Disclose issues upfront with documentation showing exactly what they are and what they'll actually cost to fix.

Transparency builds trust. Pre-inspected Charlestown homes typically close 15-20% faster because buyers feel confident they're getting an honest deal. Learn more about our approach to historic home inspections.

Radon Testing in Charlestown Homes

Radon isn't on most people's radar, but it should be - especially in Charlestown's older homes with stone foundations and old basements.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps through foundation cracks, old mortar joints, and gaps around pipes. You can't see, smell, or taste it. But long-term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Testing matters in Massachusetts because our granite bedrock means higher radon potential. Old homes with stone foundations and unfinished basements? Even more reason to test. We use continuous monitors that test for 48-72 hours, giving accurate readings.

If levels come back at 4 pCi/L or higher (the EPA's action level), mitigation involves installing a sub-slab depressurization system. Costs typically run $1,200-$2,500 for Charlestown homes. Not cheap, but it protects your family's health long-term and is usually required by lenders for homes with elevated levels. Our comprehensive testing services include radon testing with every inspection.

Fire & Life Safety Inspections

Renovating your Charlestown townhouse? Converting that basement or attic space? Planning to rent out a unit? You'll need fire safety inspections before the city signs off.

Having actual firefighters on our team makes all the difference with historic buildings. They know exactly what Boston inspectors check in older homes: smoke detector placement (every level and outside bedrooms - even in those quirky layouts), carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas, proper egress windows that meet current size requirements (minimum 5.7 square feet), emergency escape routes that actually work, electrical safety (no overloaded circuits running off old panels), and proper separation between heating systems and combustibles.

Historic homes get tricky because they're often grandfathered under old codes until you renovate. Converting that attic to a bedroom? You'll need proper ceiling height, egress windows, smoke/CO detectors, and electrical that meets current code - even if the rest of the house doesn't.

We prepare you to pass on the first try, not after three failed inspections and contractor delays. Our Fire & Life Safety team identifies code issues before the official inspection and helps you address them correctly. We've seen inspections throughout Boston and know what to expect.

Why Charlestown Homeowners Choose BeaconLight

A lot of our team members are firefighters. We've responded to emergencies in Charlestown's historic buildings. It changes how you look at old homes - you notice safety issues that other inspectors walk right past.

We also talk to you like regular people. No corporate speak about "comprehensive assessments" or "robust evaluation protocols." We explain what we found, answer your questions without making you feel dumb, and help you understand what actually matters for your specific situation. Check out our client reviews to see what Charlestown homeowners say.

Ready to Schedule Your Charlestown Inspection?

Whether you're buying a North End rowhouse or selling a family home that's been in Charlestown for generations, give us a call at (617) 681-HOME or reach out online. We'll talk through what you need and get you scheduled.

-The BeaconLight Team