Real Reasons Massachusetts Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Inspections Fail: Examples from Local Sellers

Passing a Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Inspection is required to sell a home in Massachusetts. While the official “Guide to Massachusetts Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Requirements” explains the rules, it can be lengthy and confusing. Here are real-life examples from my South Shore clients whose inspections failed — even after reviewing the guidelines.

Age of Detectors

A Plymouth home had hard-wired fire detectors that were over ten years old. The homeowner knew they wouldn't pass inspection, but wasn’t comfortable replacing them himself because of the electrical wiring, and didn’t want to hire an electrician, so he installed new battery-operated smoke detectors next to the outdated ones. This shortcut is not permitted. If your alarms are hardwired, they must remain hardwired.

Location of Detectors

A different Plymouth seller had a carbon monoxide (C/O) detector on the furnace in a closet on the first floor. When the Plymouth, MA, fire department came for the test, they required an additional C/O detector to be placed outside the closet in the main living space. The fix was easy; the seller added a plug-in C/O detector on the first floor.

Isolated Detectors

One smoke detector on the first floor was a different brand from the ones on the second floor. So, when the fire department came to inspect them, the first-floor detector wasn't communicating with the second-floor detectors.  

If you push the button on a detector, all the detectors need to go off at the same time. When the fire department tests the alarms, they check to make sure all the alarms go off at the same time. That sometimes doesn't happen when the brands are different. 

Make sure the alarms are the same make and model. Before the inspection, make sure you test each fire alarm to ensure they all communicate with each other.  

Age of Alarms

The basement alarm was over ten years old.  All alarms older than ten years must be replaced.

No House Number

There was no house number on the exterior of the house.  Your house number must be clearly visible so the fire department can easily find you in an emergency.  These numerals have to be at least 4 inches tall.  Some towns don't allow sticker numbers. Check with your city if sticker numbers are allowed, or make sure the digits are permanently attached.

Additional tips:

* The cost of a Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Inspection on the South Shore of Massachusetts varies by town.

* The certificate is only valid for two months.  It is best to make sure you are always ready for the inspection. But do not have the fire department come out until you have a signed P&S and know the closing date.

If you have questions, call me. I’ll help you feel prepared before the fire department ever steps foot in your home.