Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/16/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  During a home purchase, I was suggested to use **** by my realtor. He was thorough and prompt. On 6/12/24, we had an inspection with **** ($1050, added Radon and Termite), based on the square footage of the home. **** didn't want us at the home until the end to go over the results, which we obliged. **** took many photos of the home and looked at various points of the home. However, some "basic" issues were not found. Example, did not open the sump pump to review - if he had, he would have seen it was stuffed with towels. This led to a code violation, which **** wouldn't necessarily have known (as discussed with him on the phone 8/1). Other issues included the gutter guards not matching the slope of the house, mold in the basement (visible without having to open anything - due to the gutter guards not working - led to respiratory issues with me/daughter). The main issue is that we wouldn't have purchased the house based on a full inspection with the contingencies we had, as we are now tens of thousands of dollars into repairs and health issues/concerns for my family that are delayed due to newborn and cost.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/23/2024

  Sump Pump top of page 23 worked properly time of the inspection. Sump had a battery back up system installed. with a wood cover. 

  The inspection was 8 - 3:30 pm 7.5 hrs The cost was Inspection $765 Termite $95 Radon test $150 which came back very high 15.2 

  Based on what I reported I was extremely surprised the buyer went through with the sale, The home was priced several hundred thousand under the market in the area based on the major updates needed. I explained the inspector is a generalist only we are not code inspectors.

  Code Violations are outside our scope ,this conversation was explained later after the inspection. Gutter guards are an option to bring up to a buyer. 

  The entire basement was covered with paneling and wall paper through out this house had so many concerns in my past 25 years doing extremely detailed inspections. I was shocked with what I put as you now can see in my Summary that the buyers even moved forward with purchasing this home.  

  INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT
  ******************************************************************
  Maintenance Items noted:
  ROOF SYSTEM
  ATTIC
  Through the visual inspection of this property the inspector has noted areas that have what appears to be indications
  of mold Like substance in the .
  Some molds are known to produce toxins and toxic responses. Toxic mold detection and testing is not within the
  scope of a home inspection.
  It is recommended the interested parties consider further specialized testing to confirm mold; /fungi and bacteria
  growth. This is only a visual screening and in no way can determine the actual presence or absence of potentially
  dangerous organisms.
  EXTERIOR - FOUNDATION - BASEMENT
  CHIMNEY VENT SYSTEM,FLUES & CHIMNEY: **********
  MATERIAL: Stucco
  CONDITION:
  Along the exterior some repairs are needed, FYI
  Window *****
  Condition
  1 window was observed cracked the one in front of the basement steps
  GARAGE
  GARAGE DOOR(S):
  MATERIAL:
  Metal clad insulated
  CONDITION:
  1 spring needs serviced as the tension is causing the spring to bind and will lead to the spring possibility breaking in
  the future. adjustment to insure safe conditions when the door is opening and closing is recommended .
  
  GROUNDS
  LANDSCAPING:
  CONDITION:
  Trees planted close to structure. Removal may be needed Trees were also overhanging the roof. Damage is
  possible note there is a lot of limbs on the roof that need removed.
  GRADING:
  SITE:
  Flat site
  Drainage improvements advised as the grade is flat I recommend the addition of fill dirt to provide a positive slope
  away from the home. This will help keep the basement and or lower level dry.
  INTERIOR - COMMON AREAS
  4hearth Season Room
  Furnished Residence Comment
  General condition appears serviceable we have evaluated the area and found it to be in acceptable condition.
  The windows NW Wall 1 window was observed cracked and 1 window had to be closed from the exterior .
  The screen door will no longer work and the thresh hold was loose, the door needs serviced and repaired.
  STAIRS & HANDRAILS:
  CONDITION:
  Interior stairs serviceable Stair handrail serviceable
  Improvement needed to stairs along the open side of the steps
  Missing balusters along the open side of the basement steps adding railing is recommended for added safety. Install
  handrail with balusters spaced no greater than 4 inches apart. Contact a qualified contractor for repair solution and
  cost.
  FIREPLACE/WOOD /GAS BURNING DEVICES:
  LOCATION - TYPE - CONDITION :
  WOOD - Burning fire place. GAS Starter several attempts were made to lite and all failed . The Brick along the
  front hearth was loose FYI Damper is operational
  SMOKE / FIRE DETECTOR:
  COMMENTS:
  I recommend replacing all units all were out of date and need updated, for peace of mind and added safety.
  Smoke alarm(s) responded to test button operation likely because of the 9 Volt battery based on the age all should
  be replaced for added safety
  Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. To determine the age of your smoke alarm, look at the back
  where you will find the date of manufacture. Smoke alarms should be replaced 10 years from the date of
  manufacture. Immediately replace any smoke alarm that does not respond properly when tested. Replace
  combination smoke-carbon monoxide alarms according to the manufacturers recommendations.
  BATHROOMS
  BATHROOM AREA:
  BATH LOCATION:
  Primary
  CONDITION OF SINK:
  Appears serviceable The following problems were noted at the drain: Drainage is a bit slower than normal the sink
  closest to the tub , the root cause maybe hail in the drain line. FYI .
  Copyright 2000 ******************************, ********, ** All Rights Reserved RESIDENTIAL REPORT 65
  PLUMBING
  FUEL SYSTEM:
  NATURAL GAS
  FUEL STORAGE
  Piping observed Galvanized steel
  FYI I recommend having your gas lines grounded for added safety note this was code for all homes built in
  2008
  PROPERLY BONDING cost is about $150.00 this is well worth your safety. And grounding the Corrugated
  Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) system may reduce the risk of damage and fire from a lightning strike.
  Lightning is a highly destructive force. Even a nearby lightning strike that does not strike a structure directly
  can cause systems in the structure to become electrically energized. Differences in potential between
  systems may cause the charge to arc between systems.

  ***The findings of the inspection CLEARLY indicate the property was in poor condition as discussed and photographed with more than 300 photos. With all that was provided to the buyer for them to make a sound purchasing decision, it's is not surprising that they certainly have BUYERS REMORSE. That is unfortunate; however, a decision on their part. *** is not responsible or warranted in providing a refund. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/25/2024

  [If you do not say why you are rejecting the company's response, BBB must close your complaint.] 
  
  Complaint: 22291768
  
  I am rejecting this response because: 
  The sump pump works, yes; however, you didn't state that the actual drain for the sump pump was stuffed with towels and being diverted into a second drain. If we had known that we would have known to look into this more. I recognize you do not do code violations, but you should detail the status of the systems you are inspecting and that was a failure for the sump pump.
  RE: You thought that this was a home that shouldn't be purchased.... You actually stated it was a wonderful home and did not think there were any major issues - congratulations on your new home, with realtor present. The only comment of shock you made had to do with the large oak tree, but you also barely mentioned that in the report and verbally stated you did not think it was an issue. In fact, I barely see anything 'shocking' in your summarizing comments - routine maintenance on a home in a wooded lot. Had you stated what you did in this email response, we would not have gone through with the purchase.
  It feels as if though you and the realtor, who I received your recommendation from, coerced a better rating in the inspection than warranted. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** *******