The Dangers of Mold
Molds produce allergens, which are substances that can cause allergic reactions, as well as irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold, but can also occur.
Carpet at Risk
Carpeting is an area of the home that can be at high risk for mold growth. In order to grow, mold needs moisture, oxygen, a food source, and a surface to grow on. Mold spores are commonly found naturally in the air. If spores land on a wet or damp spot indoors that contains dust for them to feed on, mold growth will soon follow. Wall-to-wall carpeting, as well as area rugs, can provide an ample breeding ground for mold if conditions are right. At especially high risk for mold growth are carpeting located below ground level in basements, carpet in commonly moist or damp climates, and carpet that has been wet for any period of time.
Identifying Mold in Carpeting
Just because mold is not immediately apparent or visible on a carpet's surface does not mean that mold growth is not in progress. In fact, mold will probably only be visible on the surface of carpets in unusually severe cases of growth, such as carpet damaged in flooding that has remained wet for some time. The following are some examples of identifiable instances where mold growth has occurred or is likely to occur:
Preventing Mold Growth in Carpeting
The best method for combating mold is to not allow mold growth in the first place. The best way to do so is by ensuring that conditions conducive to growth do not exist. Below are some ways to prevent mold growth in carpets.
Removing Mold From Carpet
In many cases, if mold has grown on carpet, cleaning will not be possible. If growth has occurred on more than one area of the carpet, or if there is a large area of growth, the carpet will probably need to be replaced.
Small areas of growth that have been quickly identified can sometimes be dealt with. Detergent and water used with a steam-cleaning machine may be enough to clean the carpet thoroughly. It is then important to ensure that the carpet dries completely after cleaning to prevent the growth from recurring. Stronger cleaning agents can be substituted if detergent does not work. Anything stronger than detergent or common rug-cleaning products should first be tested on an inconspicuous area of the carpet to ensure that the rug will not be damaged during cleaning. About 24 hours is a reasonable amount of time to wait after testing to be sure that wider cleaning will not discolor or damage the carpet.
Another option in instances where mold growth is not widespread is to remove the ruined section of the carpet. If cleaning has been attempted unsuccessfully, the area of mold growth may be removed and replaced with a patch of similar carpet. Of course, this will only work in situations where aesthetics are not a big concern, since exactly matching the patch to the original carpet may be difficult and the seam may be visible. If mold has grown in more than one area of the carpet, or if the area of growth is larger than a couple of feet, this will probably not be an effective method of mold removal. As with all areas of the interior at risk for mold growth, prevention is the best method of control for carpet mold. Eliminating high-moisture conditions and preventing the risk of flooding or standing water will reduce the possibility of growth. Inspectors will want to know where to look for and how to identify mold growth in carpeting. It is also helpful to know how to determine if carpet should be replaced, or whether there is a possibility of cleaning and saving it.
Unless you have been living under a rock for the past two years, you already know it is a buyers market out there and sellers of owner occupied homes need to do everything they can to gain an edge. Sales of owner occupied homes have dwindled significantly in recent years due to the ever expanding foreclosure market, and recent studies indicate that it isn't going to change anytime soon. So what can you do to help sell your home in a reasonable amount of time and for the price you need?
Without question the best thing home sellers should do is to have a pre-listing home inspection performed prior to placing their home on the market to gain a better understanding of the true condition of your property and give you an edge over your competitors. Many homeowners are simply unaware of the issues in their home in need of repair. The pre-list inspection will provide valuable information and the opportunity for you to address any repairs needed in order to price your home correctly and place your home in better selling condition. It will also help to prevent the unwanted surprise that typically occurs after the buyers home inspector finds a long list of items that will be used for re-negotiation of purchase price and delays in closing. Obtaining a pre-listing home inspection will also serve as an addendum to the sellers disclosure list you are required to fill out, as well as show the potential buyers that you are serious and acting in good faith during the entire process.
Much like a buyer-seller inspection, a pre-listing home inspection is a visual examination of your homes systems, mechanicals and structure. Everything from the foundation to the roof is inspected to ensure that everything is in proper working order. Any defects, damage or deferred maintenance issues will be noted in a comprehensive home inspection report.
One of the key benefits of having the inspection done early, is that if there are any problems discovered that need to be repaired, you can have the repairs done on your own terms, on your own schedule. When a problem isn't found until the buyer has a home inspection performed, the deal you have worked so hard to get, and waited so long for, may fall apart unless you act quickly to get the repairs done, or even worse, you may have to lower the purchase price of your home, in order to keep the deal moving. In either case, you'll almost certainly have more headaches, and spend more money, than if you'd known about the problem before hand and had it repaired before negotiations began. You could save yourself thousands of dollars by simply being able to take your time and shop around to get competitive bids from contractors, rather than being forced into paying for a rush job at the last minute.
You can also benefit from simply offering certain items as is, but that same buyer may walk away from the deal if the conditions come as a surprise, after an offer has already been made. If the home is inspected before the house goes on the market you will have the upper hand. There won't be any surprises and the deal is far less likely to fall apart. If the buyers home inspector turns up problems that you were unaware of, the buyer will most certainly want to negotiate a new deal and that second sales agreement is typically not in your favor.
By having a pre-listing inspection done, you can identify any problems early on and it will give you the opportunity to address those issues before the buyers home inspector finds them. It will help the sale move quickly and smoothly to closing without delays or costly surprises. In this real estate market, sellers of owner occupied homes need to do everything they can to stand out in the vast sea of home inventory out there. Having a pre listing home inspection done is the best way to help facilitate a quick and smooth sale of your home.
Professional home inspection is a very real and unique profession like no other. Home inspection as a profession has been in existence for nearly 50 years. There are currently 31 states in the country that require home inspectors to be licensed and there are approximately 15,500 licensed home inspectors nationwide, however for some odd reason, many people still do not have a full understanding of our profession as a whole. Even though home inspection services are available to anyone at anytime, the only time most people think about a home inspection is when they are purchasing a home. Many in this profession such as myself are dedicated to educating people on home inspections in the hopes of raising awareness of the profession and its many benefits to people all across the country. Home inspections are the #1 consumer protection service available today.
So what exactly is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a complete evaluation of the visible and accessible systems and components of a home and is intended to give the client a better understanding of a home's overall general condition. Most often it is a prospective home buyer who requests an inspection of the home he or she is about to purchase. A home inspection delivers vital information so that decisions about the purchase can be confirmed or questioned, and can uncover serious and/or expensive to repair defects that the seller/owner has neglected or may not be aware of. It is not an appraisal of the property's value; nor does it address the cost of repairs. It does not guarantee that the home complies with local building codes or protect a client in the event an item inspected fails in the future. A home inspection should not be considered a "technically exhaustive" evaluation, but rather an evaluation of the property on the day it is inspected. Home inspections are also used (less often) by a seller before listing the property to see if there are any hidden problems that they are unaware of, and also by homeowners simply wishing to care for their homes, prevent unwanted surprises, and keep the home investment value as high as possible for resale.
The important results to pay attention to in a home inspection are:
1. Major defects, such as large differential cracks in the foundation; structure out of level or plumb; decks not installed or supported properly, mold, termite damage etc.
2. Things that could lead to major defects - a roof flashing leak, damaged downspouts that could cause backup and water intrusion, or a support beam that was not tied in to the structure properly.
3. Safety hazards, such as an exposed electrical wiring, amateur electrical repairs, lack of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) in kitchens and bathrooms, lack of safety railing on decks more than 30 inches off the ground, etc.
Your home inspector will advise you about what to do about these problems. He/she may also recommend further evaluation - and on serious issues most certainly will - by licensed or certified professionals who are specialists in the defect areas. For example, your inspector will recommend you call a licensed structural engineer if they find areas of the home that are out of alignment, as this could indicate a serious structural deficiency.
When do I call in the home inspector?
Before you sign the contract or purchase agreement, make sure your purchase obligation is contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. Contact a home inspector immediately after the purchase agreement has been accepted. Home inspectors are well aware of the time constraints involved in purchase agreements and most are available to conduct the required inspection within a few days. Don't find yourself scrambling to find a home inspector at the last minute to schedule your home inspection. Most reputable Inspectors are booked at least 3-5 days in advance.The earlier you call to schedule your home inspection, the better your chances are at getting the time and date that works best for you.
How do I know the inspector I choose is looking out for my best interest and not just trying to get another realtor referral?
One of the most difficult and highly debated question to answer. While conflicts of interests between agents and inspectors certainly exist in this industry, it is not the norm. There are many home inspectors to choose from, all with different backgrounds, knowledge, work ethics and morals. When searching for a home inspector one thing I can honestly tell you to watch out for are pages on their website that specifically target real estate agents. On those pages you might see catch phrases such as "non-alarmist", "team member" or "we won't kill your deal". These tell tale phrases should be viewed as a conflict of interest and it is in your best interest to continue your search elsewhere. An important thing to remember is that home inspectors are not employees of real estate offices or agents. True professional home inspectors are hard working owner/operators of their own companies. Their primary job and focus should be solely on you the client. They should only be working for you and be looking out for your best interest, no matter where their referral came from. Remember, the choice is completely yours to make when it comes to hiring a home inspector. Do not feel rushed or pressured by your agent to use one of their "preferred" inspectors. Take your time and find the RIGHT home inspector for you.
Home Inspections are only done by a buyer after they sign a contract, right?
This is not true! Contrary to popular belief, home inspection services are available to anyone at anytime. By hiring a licensed professional home inspector for services you can save yourself hundreds if not thousands of dollars off of typical prices charged by large corporate entities. Also, by hiring a home inspector you are getting an unbiased, third party service that only has one agenda, and that is making sure that you and your family get the inspection service you need, done right and at a price that you can actually afford. As you will see when you read on, a home inspection can be used as a maintenance tool by a current homeowner, a proactive technique by sellers to make their home more sellable, and by buyers wanting to determine the condition of the potential home.
Sellers, in particular, can benefit from getting a home inspection before listing the home. Here are just a few of the advantages for the seller:
•A home inspection will help the seller be more objective when it comes to setting a fair price on the home.
•The seller can take the report and make it into a marketing piece for the home. The inspection report can serve as an addendum to the sellers' disclosure as well as show potential buyers that the seller is serious and acting in good faith.
•The seller will be alerted to any safety issues found in the home before they open it up for showings and open house tours.
•The seller can make repairs leisurely instead being in a rush after the contract is signed.
Why should I get a home inspection?
Your new home has literally dozens of systems and over 10,000 parts - from heating and cooling to ventilation and appliances. When these systems and appliances work together, you experience comfort, energy savings, and durability. Weak links in the system, however, can produce assorted problems leading to a loss in value and shortened component life. Would you buy a used car without a qualified mechanic looking at it? Your home is far more complicated, and to have a thorough home inspection that is documented in a report arms you with substantial information on which to make educated decisions.
Why can't I do the inspection myself?
Most homebuyers lack the knowledge, skill, and objectivity needed to inspect a home themselves. By using the services of a professional home inspector, they gain a better understanding of the overall condition of the property; especially whether any items do not "function as intended" or "adversely affect the habitability of the dwelling" or "warrant further investigation" by a specialist. Remember that the home inspector is a generalist and is broadly trained in every aspect of a home's components.
Why can't I ask a family member who is handy or who is a contractor to inspect my new home?
Although your nephew or uncle may be very skilled, they are not specifically trained or experienced in professional home inspections and usually lack the specialized test equipment and acquired knowledge required for a proper home inspection. Home inspection training and expertise represent a very distinct, licensed profession that employs rigorous standards of practice. Professional home inspectors get what we call an "inspector's instinct" for problems. That instinct takes extensive ongoing training and experience doing inspections everyday to develop. Many contractors, realtors and other trade professionals hire professional home inspectors to inspect their own homes when they themselves purchase a home!
What does a home inspection cost?
This is most often the first question asked but the least important. Fees are based according to the square footage of a home. Inspection fees from a certified professional home inspector generally start under $300. An average price for a 2,000 square foot home nationally is about $300-$350. What you should be paying attention to is not the inspection fee, but rather the qualifications of your home inspector. Are they nationally certified (passed the NHIE exam)? Are they state licensed? Do they carry insurance? Are they members of the Better Business Bureau and or Angie's List? How many inspections have they performed? These things are FAR more important than what the inspection will cost. Think of it this way, you are looking for someone to inspect your potential new home, how much is THAT worth to you?
How long does the inspection take?
This mainly depends upon the size and condition of the home. You can usually figure 1 hour for every 1,000 square feet. For example, a 2,500 square foot house with a crawlspace would normally take about 2.5 hours, give or take.
Do all homes require a home inspection?
Yes and No. Although not required by law, we feel that any buyer not getting a home inspection is doing themselves a great disservice. They may find themselves with costly and unpleasant surprises after moving into the home and suffer financial headaches that could easily have been avoided by spending a few hundred bucks and obtaining a home inspection. Remember, a home inspection is the #1 consumer protection service available today!
Should I be at the inspection?
Yes, it's a great idea for you to be present during the inspection - whether you are buyer, seller, or homeowner. With you there, the inspector can show you any defects and explain their importance as well as point out maintenance features that will be helpful in the future. If you can't be there, it is not a problem since the report you receive will be very detailed and include digital photos of the entire inspection. If you are not present, be sure to ask your inspector to explain anything that might not be clear to you in the report.
Should the seller attend the home inspection that has been ordered by the buyer?
The seller is welcome at the inspection (it is still their home) although they should understand that the inspector is working for the buyer. The conversation that the inspector has with the buyer may be upsetting to the seller if the seller is unaware of the items being pointed out, or the seller may be overly emotional about any flaws. This is why many realtors ask that the seller not be present during the inspection. It just saves a great deal of emotional distress. This is also a good reason why the seller might want to consider getting their own inspection before listing the home.
Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector cannot not pass or fail a house. The inspector will objectively describe the home's physical condition and indicate which items are in need of repair or replacement.
What is included in the inspection?
The following list is not exhaustive. Not all of these may be in the inspection you get, but most home inspectors follow a standardized checklist for the home that includes:
· Site drainage and grading
· Driveway
· Entry Steps, handrails
· Decks
· Masonry
· Landscape (as it relates to the home)
· Retaining walls
· Roofing, flashings, chimneys, and attic
· Eaves, soffits, and fascias
· Walls, doors, windows, patios, walkways
· Foundation, basement, and crawlspaces
· Garage, garage walls, floor, and door operation
· Kitchen appliances (dishwasher, range/oven/cooktop/hoods, microwave, disposal, trash compactor)
· Ceilings, walls, floors
· Kitchen counters, floors, and cabinets
· Windows and window gaskets
· Interior doors and hardware
· Plumbing systems and fixtures
· Electrical system, panels, entrance conductors
· Electrical grounding, GFCI, outlets
· Smoke (fire) detectors
· Ventilation systems and Insulation
· Heating equipment and controls
· Ducts and distribution systems
· Fireplaces
· Air Conditioning and controls
· Heat Pumps and controls
• Safety items such as means of egress, TPR valves, railings, etc.
Other items that are not a part of a standard home inspection but can usually be added for an additional fee:
· Radon Gas Test
· Water Quality Test (Potability ie; bacteria, coliform, ecoli, Nitrate/Nitrite, lead)
· Termite Inspection
· Mold Inspections and Testing
• Well and Septic System Inspection
What is not included in the inspection?
It is important to be realistic in your expectations of the home inspector. Most people assume that a home inspection will reveal every problem area in the home. This misunderstanding has caused many a homebuyer to be upset with their home inspector. The inspections we do are not exhaustive and there is a good reason for this. If you hired someone with licenses for heating and cooling, electrical, plumbing, engineering, etc. to inspect your house, it would take about 12 hours and cost you over $1,500! It is much more practical to hire a professional inspector who has generalist knowledge of home systems, knows what to look for, and can recommend further inspection by a specialist if needed. Your inspector is also following very specific guidelines as he/she inspects your home. These are either national guidelines ( InterNACHI - International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) or individual state guidelines. These guidelines are carefully written to protect both your home and the inspector. Here are some examples: We are directed to not turn systems on if they were off at the time of the inspection (safety reasons); we are not allowed to move furniture (might harm something); not allowed to turn on water if it is off (possible flooding), and not allowed to break through a sealed attic hatch (possible damage). The downside of this practice is that by not operating a control or not seeing under the furniture, appliances, stored items etc., we might miss identifying a problem. However, put into perspective, the chances of missing something serious because of this is quite low and the guidelines as it relates to safety and not harming anything in the home is a good one.
What if there are things you can't inspect (like snow on the roof)?
It just so happens that some days weather elements interfere with a full home inspection! There isn't much we can do about this either. We have no control over Mother Nature. If there is snow on the roof, we will tell you we were unable to inspect it. Of course, keep in mind, we will be looking at the eaves and the attic, and any other areas that are accessible to get an idea of condition, but we will write in the report that we could not inspect the roof. It would be impractical for us to return another day once the snow melts for free, because we do have full schedules. However, you can usually pay an inspector a small fee to return and inspect the one or two items they were unable to inspect when they were there the first time.
Will the inspector walk on the roof?
This is a very common question we as home inspectors get. The answer is yes and no. Home inspectors are not required by law to walk a roof. However, if there is a genuine need to get on the roof, such as to inspect the top of a brick chimney dome, or inspect the flue, then yes we will get on the roof, if it is safe to do so (4:12 pitch max). Truth be told, a person can do significant damage to a roof by walking on it. When someone walks on your roof, they are actually damaging your shingles and shortening their life span. The added weight and particularly the shoes of a person loosen the protective granules of the roof shingles, thus making the shingles less effective against shedding rain water. Other issues that can arise from walking on a roof include: falling off, cracking rafters, ridge beam and damage to the roof decking from excessive weight (especially in older homes with conventional framing). In most cases, walking the roof is completely unnecessary. A good experienced home inspector will evaluate the roof by a ladder against the edges of the home, and more importantly from underneath by inspecting the roof decking from the attic. If there is an issue with the roof, the story is always told by the roof decking. In short, the only time anyone should be walking on your roof is when it is being repaired.
What is the Inspection Agreement?
Most service professionals have a service agreement, and home inspection is no different. In fact, there is enough confusion about what a home inspection should deliver already, that the agreement is that much more important. Some homeowners who get a home inspection expect everything in the home to be perfect after the inspection and repairs. This is not always the case! Imagine getting a call from a homeowner a year later who says the toilet is not flushing - remember that the inspection is a moment in time snapshot. In the inspection agreement the inspector is clear about what the inspection delivers and the things that are not covered, as well as what you should do if you are not pleased with the services. We really think that by reviewing this before-hand you will understand much more about the inspection and be happier with the results. A home inspection does not guard against future problems, nor does it guarantee that all problems will be found.
What kind of report will I get following the inspection?
There are as many versions of a "report" as there are inspection companies. Guidelines dictate that the inspector deliver a written report to the client. This can range from a handwritten checklist that has multiple press copies without pictures and 4 pages long to a computer generated professionally produced report with digital pictures that is 35 pages long and can be converted to Adobe PDF for storage and emailing. Be sure to check with your inspector about the kind of report he or she uses. We always recommend the computer generated report, since the checklist is far more detailed and easier for the homeowner/buyer/seller to understand. In this modern age, we feel the reports must be web accessible and e-mailable to match the technologies most of us are using.
There are some great things you can use the report for:
•The most common use for the inspection report is that it is used as a bargaining tool. Many times home inspections reveal several issues with a home. The report can be used to renegotiate the purchase price of a home or be used to have the sellers make the necessary repairs due to their negligence. In many cases clients are pleasantly surprised to see that a $300.00 home inspection turns into hundreds if not thousands of dollars saved in either repairs or home price reduction.
•Use the report as a checklist and guide for the contractors to make repairs and improvements or get estimates and quotes from more than one contractor.
•Use the report as a budgeting tool using the inspector's recommendations and the remaining expected life of components to keep the property in top shape.
•If you are a seller, use the report to make repairs and improvements, raising the value of the home and impressing the buyers. Then have a re-inspection and use this second report as a marketing tool for prospective buyers.
•Use the report as a "punch list" on a re-inspection and as a baseline for ongoing maintenance.
What if I think the inspector missed something?
Inspectors are human just like you, and yes, they can miss items. A home inspector will never be able to catch 100% of a home's problems, that is just unrealistic thinking. However, studies show that if you practice due diligence and choose the right home inspector, approximately 95% of home issues can be found and reported on. These home inspectors use tools and techniques to reduce the possibility that they will miss something. This includes very detailed checklists, reference manuals, computer based lists, and a methodical always-done-the-same-way of physically moving around your home. The number one reason that an inspector misses an item is when they get interrupted or distracted from their normal routine. Always make sure to give your inspector some breathing room during the inspection. The less your inspector is distracted, the more thorough the inspection will be, resulting in a much happier you. Remember, the inspector is doing the very best job they can, and probably did not miss the item because they were lax in their technique or did not care.
What if the inspector tells me I should have a professional engineer or a licensed plumber or other professional contractor in to look at something they found? Isn't this "passing the buck"?
You may be disappointed that further investigation is required, but, believe us, your inspector is doing exactly what they should be doing. The purpose of the inspection is to discover defects that affect your safety and the functioning of the home; the inspector is a generalist, not a specialist. Our code of ethics as well as national and state guidelines dictate that only contractors that are licensed in their specialty field should work on these systems and areas. When they tell you that a specialist is needed, there may be a bigger, more critical issue that you need to know about. If you move into the home without getting these areas checked by a qualified specialist, you could be in for some nasty and expensive surprises. The inspector does not want to cause you any more expense or worry either, so when they do recommend further evaluation they are being serious about protecting you and your investment.
Will the inspector provide a warranty on the inspected items?
Most inspectors do not give the homeowner a warranty on inspected items and for good reason, stuff happens! Remember, a home inspection is a visual examination on a certain day, and the inspector cannot predict what issues could arise over time after the inspection. Many realtors will suggest that you purchase a separate home warranty plan to be purchased at closing. This is yet one more way to protect yourself and your investment.
Do most inspection companies offer money back guarantees?
Most inspection companies do not offer a satisfaction guarantee nor do they mention it in their advertising. You usually have to call your inspection company right after the inspection and viewing of the report to tell them you are not satisfied. If you are not happy with the services, you should talk to your inspector first and let him/her decide if the reason is valid and falls within the scope of a typical home inspection. It is important to realize that a home inspector is trying to make an honest living just like the rest of us, and is not failing you on purpose.
What if my report comes back with nothing really defective in the home? Should I ask for my money back?
No, don't ask for your money back - you just received great news! Now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will have valuable information about your new home from the inspector's report, and will want to keep that information for future reference. Most importantly, you can feel assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision. The inspection fee was money well spent.
What if the inspection reveals serious defects?
If the inspection reveals serious defects in the home then pat yourself on the back for getting an inspection. You just saved yourself a ton of money. Of course it is disappointing, even heart wrenching, to find out that your well researched house is now a money pit, but you now know the facts and can either negotiate with the seller, or move on. You may want the home so much that it will be worth it to negotiate the price and then perform the repairs. Imagine, though, if you had not gotten the inspection - you would have had some very unpleasant surprises.
Can I ask my home inspector to perform the repairs?
You can, but if your inspector is ethical, he/she will refuse, and correctly so; it is a conflict of interest for the home inspector to inspect your home and also repair it! Inspectors are specifically barred from this practice by licensing authorities, and it's a good practice - an inspector must remain completely impartial when he or she inspects your home. This is one reason you should always have a professional home inspector inspect your home and not a contractor - a contractor will want the repair work and you are likely to not have an objective inspection from this person even though they mean well and are technically competent.
Does the Seller have to make the repairs?
The inspection report results do not place an obligation on the seller to repair anything mentioned in the report. Once the home condition is known, the buyer and the seller should sit down and discuss what is in the report. The report will be clear about what is a repair and what is a discretionary improvement. This area should be clearly negotiated between the parties. It's important to know that the home inspector must stay out of this discussion because it is outside of their scope of work.
After the home inspection and consulting with the seller on the repairs, can I re-employ the inspector to come re-inspect the home to make sure everything got fixed?
You certainly can, and it's a really good idea. For a small fee the inspector will return to determine if the repairs were completed, and if they were completed correctly.
What if I find problems after I move into my new home?
A home inspection is not a guarantee that problems won't develop after you move in. However, if you believe that a problem was visible at the time of the inspection and should have been mentioned in the report, your first step should be to call the inspector. He or she will be fine with this, and does want you to call if you think there is a problem. If the issue is not resolved with a phone call, they will come to your home to look at it. They will want you to be satisfied and will do everything they can to do this. Remember this, a home inspection is a snapshot in time and many things can happen to a home between inspection day and move in day. The best way to protect yourself between this time period is to conduct a final walkthrough on closing day. Your realtor should be able to facilitate this for you. Use both the inspection report AND a Walkthrough Checklist to make sure everything in the home is as it should be. This will help to make for a much more comfortable and enjoyable closing...the way it should be.
MC2 Home Inspections provides complete home inspection services for the entire Indianapolis metro area. Two full time home inspectors available 7 days a week to accommodate all of your home inspection needs. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the home inspection service they expect, completely unbiased reporting with no hidden agendas. We are a proud accredited member of the Central Indiana Better Business Bureau and winners of the 2010 Angie's List Super Service Award. We offer a wide array of home inspection services to meet your specific needs. Those services include:
Residential Home Inspections, Pre-listing Home Inspections, Home Maintenance Inspections, Condominium/Townhome Inspections, Builder Warranty Inspections, Indiana Housing Authority Inspections, Investor Quality Check Inspections, Mold Inspections and Testing, Infrared Thermal Imaging, Wood Destroying Pest Inspections, Well and Septic Inspections, Complete Water Testing, Radon Testing.
"We are changing the face of home inspections, one satisfied client at a time. Call us today and experience the difference".
Office phone: 317-605-3432
Office email: mc2inspections@yahoo.com
Web: http://www.mc2inspections.com
Home Inspectors Proudly Serving the Entire Indianapolis Metro Area.
Service area includes but not limited to: Indianapolis Indiana, Amo Indiana, Avon Indiana, Danville Indiana, Clayton Indiana, Clermont Indiana, Brownsburg Indiana, Speedway Indiana, Plainfield Indiana, Pittsboro Indiana, Crawfordsville Indiana, Darlington Indiana, Ladoga Indiana, Greencastle Indiana, Fillmore Indiana, Coatesville Indiana, Bainbridge Indiana, Putnamville Indiana, Stilesville Indiana, Jamestown Indiana, Advance Indiana, Eagle Creek, Homecroft, Bridgeport, Butler Tarkington, Camby Indiana, Zionsville Indiana, Lafayette Indiana, Lebanon Indiana, Whitestown Indiana, Fishers Indiana, Noblesville Indiana, Carmel Indiana, Westfield Indiana, Cumberland Indiana, Lawrence Indiana, McCordsville Indiana, Beech Grove Indiana, New Palestine Indiana, Southport Indiana, Greenwood Indiana, Mooresville Indiana, Monrovia Indiana, Martinsville Indiana, Whiteland Indiana, New Whiteland Indiana, Franklin Indiana and Bargersville Indiana.
Marion County, Johnson County, Hendricks County, Morgan County, Boone County, Hamilton County, Montgomery County and portions of Putnam County and Hancock County Indiana.
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“I had 2 home inspections by Mike. The first inspection showed a lot of major problems that the homeowner was trying to hide. Without this knowledge I would have bought the home and been in major trouble. I was able to get out of the deal because of problems found in the home. That is why I chose him for my second home inspection. Second home inspection turned out a lot better. Mike was very helpful and quick to explain things in a way I could understand. Thank you so much!” L. Masquelier 11/28/11
“It was an extremely positive experience from start to finish! Brian spent hours at my house and truly went above and beyond! I would highly recommend this company to others without reservation. Thank you MC2 for such a positive experience!” A. Baker 11/27/11
“I was extremely pleased with the inspection I received. Mike arrived early and got things going before the scheduled time. He was very pleasant and easy-going. He didn't mind a few people following him around and asking questions along the way. He was straightforward and gave honest answers to any issues that were found along the way. Mike gave good professional answers, but also was good with providing some DIY tips. He would go above the scope of the inspection and answer questions about things that aren't covered in the standard inspection. Mike was extremely prompt with his written report. By mid-afternoon I had a full report that was well organized and well illustrated with pictures. Overall extremely pleased and would be happy to recommend MC2 Home Inspections.” D. Lehenbauer 11/13/11
“This is the 2nd time I've used Mike to inspect a home I'm buying. He explains everything and is VERY detail oriented when inspecting.” C. Matchette 11/10/11
“Brian was absolutely amazing and was more than worth the cost of this inspection. He knows what he's doing and was incredibly helpful.” J. Ketchmark 11/9/11
“We were extremely pleased with the inspector. His professionalism, knowledge, and timeliness exceeded our expectations and we would recommend Mike and the company to our friends.” J. Helton 11/9/11
“Very pleased with the inspection. He explained how to fix the problems and even gave us suggestions on who to hire for the corrections. Well worth the money paid and have already recommended this company to others.” R. Batts 11/8/11
“This was the second time I had Mike do my inspection when buying a new home. I find myself looking at my home from a different perspective thanks to his help. “ Heather D. 11/7/11
“Brian was professional and I ask him to tell everything that was not up to code and that he would hurt my feelings. I wanted to make things as right as I could before selling our home. I did fix the major items and the buyers inspection went through without a hitch due to the knowledge I gained from my MC2 home inspections.” Aloha, William Grimes 11/7/11
“Found MC2 home inspections doing a Angie's list search. My inspection was 10-14-2011 at 9:00 a.m. I arrived around 8:45 and Mike was already there started. He was very thorough and explained everything to me in laymans terms. He took his time and picked the house apart; which was awesome cause a few issues surfaced thanks to Mike's excellent attention to detail. Would highly recommend Mike to anyone! Mike Inspected my potential house from top to bottom. He crawed in the attic and anywhere that he could squeeze in..lol. Awesome experience.” L. Powers 11/3/
“When I called, I spoke to the owner himself (very impressive) he was very professional and was available to do my home inspection the following Monday. He arrived on time and did a thorough inspection of the home. The report was emailed to me that evening complete with full color photos. He left the house as it was, did not track in any outside dirt or leaves. Explained things to me a little at a time and said the details would be explained in the report, which I appreciated. I will definitely be using this company for my next home, which will be soon since I found out this home was a lemon. MC2 deserves every A+ and then some! Thanks again for doing an awesome job!!!” S. Robertson 10/27/11
“It was apparent that Mike cared about the quality of his work and about the people for whom he was working. I would highly recommend Mike and MC2 Home Inspections. He far exceeded my expectations and provided me with information I needed to identify and prioritize maintenance and improvement projects to the house”. T. Thompson 10/13/11
“For being my first home inspection, my expectations were blown away! Mike showed up about 15 minutes early and was already on a ladder looking at the roof when I arrived. I followed him around and asked questions and he wasn't bothered at all. Mike explained what he was looking for and why it was important and he was more than patient with my sister and brother-in-law coming over to see the house and asking a bunch of additional questions. He took his time and never rushed and was very thorough in pointing out any potential hazard no matter how great. After Mike's inspection I'm not sure if this will be the house for us but if we ever need to have another inspection I will absolutely be using MC2”. J. Keller 9/27/11
“Brian was wonderful. He pointed out a bunch of little things I had not noticed and 1 big thing that needed to be addressed before the sale of the sale was final. So for me the price of the inspection was well worth it. Not to mention what a great person Brian is he spent a lot of time explaining the things he had seen good and bad. I would definitely recommend these guys to anyone without any hesitation. They are the best.” L. Ellis 9/23/11
“Mike was great! Took the time to answer all my questions and was very knowledgeable. I would DEFINITELY recommend to all my friends/family to use MC2!!” R. Madison 9/22/11
“Mr. Chamberlain was on time and conducted a very thorough inspection in a professional manner”. R. Roberts 9/7/11
“Our inspector was Mike Chamberlain. He showed up for our appointment about 15 minutes early. During the inspection he took time to explain everything in very good detail and gave us tips as well as the approximate cost to fix the issues. He was very easy to talk to and the inspection report was very detailed and easy to understand. At the end he made sure that any questions or concerns that we had were answered. This is our first home purchase and Mike really made us feel comfortable and confident with our purchase. I would recommend MC2 home inspections to friends and family and will definitely use them on any future purchases”. K. Carmichael 9/1/11
“Brian was early, which I find fantastic. He was very knowledgeable and willing to explain to me as much as I wanted. The report was received quickly and was comprehensive and also easy to understand. My experience in calling MC2 was better than calling other places. With other places I could tell they wanted to give me the info and get off the phone. This was NOT the case with MC2. They were willing to answer all my questions fully. OVERALL: Wonderful people and company!” Z. Schrink 8/31/11
“Great experience. I can't recommend Mc2 and Mike highly enough.” A. Smith 8/30/11
“My fiancé and I used MC2 and worked with Mike on an inspection of our first home. Knowing we were new to this process, Mike really took the time to explain everything he was checking for, why it was important, and what we should make note of to ask the sellers about. He worked quickly and thoroughly and made me feel very comfortable with the process and his knowledge of the industry, trends, builders, etc. I would highly recommend Mike and MC2 for anyone looking for a inspector! Not only was his time in the house informative, but the report he worked up and had to us within 24 hours was incredibly detailed and easy to understand... Even for a first time home buyer! Thanks, Mike! When/if we buy a house again in the future, you'll be the first we call.” S. D’Angelo 8/15/11
“Mike Chamberlain was very thorough and professional. They have a very informative & impressive website which was user friendly”. T. Murray 8/9/11
“Mike, I really appreciate the patience you had when you were explaining what was going on and what you were looking at. I really respect the fact that you have a strong work ethic and that you do what's right in situations where it would be easy not to. That's a rare thing and, in my opinion, you should be recognized for your moral and ethical values. Once again, thank you and I don't mind saying that I was lucky to have found you.” B. Kapadia 8/8/11
“Brian did a great job. Very timely with the written report”. T. Greenwood 8/5/11
“We actually live in Australia and did everything via email. We had no problems and if we had any questions we just emailed Brian and he answered our questions via email straight away. I would have no hesitation in using you again or referring you to other people.” H. Lefevre 7/29/11
“Brian was very friendly and knowledgeable. He answered all the questions I had, and really took his time examining every part of the house”. J. Wegerhoff 7/7/11
“I found MC2 through Angie's list, based on amount of positive reviews they received. Scheduling the appointment was easy and they were able to accommodate my time and day request, The inspector really knew his stuff and took a lot of time with us! He explained each area he was checking using terms I could understand. He had a warm personality and I felt confident immediately that I had made the right choice. The report I received (within HOURS of the inspection, mind you!!) was incredibly thorough and had additional helpful attachments regarding home maintenance that I will definitely also use. I am so impressed with this company!” J. Nutter 6/27/11
“This is a good company. They came out, went through my home, explained the problems, and it was a good experience. The technician was courteous, and he was very knowledgeable. I'm happy with their services.” P. Nicholls 6/22/11
“As a first time homebuyer, Mike was very helpful in pointing out little things to fix or improve the house, explained exactly where i can find the supplies. Mike was early to the inspection and prompt with the reports. All good things in my book :)” L. Seitz 6/20/11
“Very knowledgeable. Love the documentation that came with the report to help explain maintenance schedules and other home documentation.”J. Miller 6/19/11
“I had a great experience. As a new homebuyer, I didn't have much knowledge of terms and use of electrical equipment. He (Mike) took the time to explain things to me in their full extent. Also, because of his inspection, I was able to get quite a bit of things repaired before I moved in! :)” E. Newnum 6/17/11
“Mike does an excellent job including you in the process. He genuinely cares for the buyer and you end up feeling as though you have someone on your side. I was pleased.” J. Hebert 6/17/11
“Mike has inspected two homes for us and we truly value his opinion!! We will recommend MC2 to all of our friends and family who are purchasing a home in the future! Mike saved us from one bad purchase and helped us go forward and buy the last home he inspected. We will be closing next week and directly contributed our confidence in moving forward with our purchase to MC2 and Mike!!” L. Coons (#2) 6/16/11
“Thank you for doing the inspection so quickly and working with me, who is miles away in Los Angeles. I really appreciate Brian going back and inspecting the water at no additional fee as well. Thank you thank you! Will recommend you to friends.” E. Reidy 6/16/11
“Mike was a reasonable guy that was very easy to talk to. He was patient with my questions and overall pleasant to do business with.” D.Tucker 6/16/11
“Brian did a very thorough and efficient job with my inspection. He pointed out several areas for discussion with the seller of the home. I would recommend MC2 again.” A. Riffey 6/16/11
“For a first time home buyer I had no expectations as to how the inspection/inspector would be. I cannot tell you how relieved I was to have someone like Brian. He was so informative and knowledgeable but he explained things to me in a way that I could understand them. He was extremely thorough and helped prepare me more for what being a homeowner really means. MAINTENENCE! I would without a doubt recommend Brian and MC2 inspections to friends, family and anyone who may need an inspection!” R. Sparks 6/15/11
“Brian did a very good job and had a lot of good information. My realtor gave me numbers to 2 different inspection companies so I looked them up on Angie's List; one had poor reviews and the other had good reviews but when I called their prices were outrageous. I found MC2 Home Inspections through Angie's List and saw they had an A+ rating, when I called to get more information I was surprised at how inexpensive they were compared to the other company I called. I'm very pleased with my outcome. I'm a first time home buyer and the home inspection was the only thing that was stress-free during this entire home buying process. Also, my home is a new construction home and Brian was very thorough during his inspection. I will probably use you guys in the future just to inspect for maintenance issues that need to be addressed.” J. Shearin 6/15/11
“Brian did an outstanding job. He spent almost five hours combing over every detail of our new home. He took the time to explain issues to me, and made sure I understood. I found him to be extremely knowledgeable. A great experience!.” J. Dikeman 5/26/11
“Brian was fantastic, and as a first time homebuyer, made me feel completely comfortable with all of the things that he found. He was extremely patient with me and answered all of my questions without fail.” C. Taylor 5/25/11
“Mike is awesome! I am so glad to have found MC2. As a first time buyer, the inspection can be very intimidating and scary, however, Mike was patient & knowledgeable and was able to calm our nerves. He has a very approachable and personable personality; it felt like we were talking with an old friend. He explained everything to us and pointed out areas of concern. Extremely thorough! I arrived at the home a 1/2 hour before the scheduled time and Mike was already there and checking the house out. I also had Mike come back to reinspect the home and I was once again thankful for his expertise. As a home buyer, I will definitely recommend MC2 and as a Realtor, this will be my go to company for my transactions. Sorry for the rambling, just can't say enough good things about Mike & MC2!” S. Johnson 5/24/11
“I have already recommended them to a friend. That says it all.” T. Stephens 5/23/11
“Mike the inspector was on time, very well priced, and efficient! He told us everything he saw that needs fixed and was VERY nice. We are going to be referring him to anyone we know that needs an inspection!” N. Gorgie 5/11/11
“Quick response and very flexible with appointment dates/times. Great price. Quick emailed report of the inspection - within hours of the appointment time. Thorough inspection and thorough report with photos. Appreciated the 'green' values of the company by being paperless and providing online payment options.” B. Powell 5/11/11
“Mike, Again, thank you so much for your help today. You saved me and my boyfriend from spending tons of money by purchasing a "flop". I can't believe these guys call it "flipping". I can see why you do what you do. Please continue to do good work for the consumers; we rely on people like you.” L. Gray 5/9/11
"I was not present but one or both of my parents were. I've spoken to Mike on the phone. He was professional and friendly at all times, very knowledgeable, and my parents could say nothing but good things about him. Thank you!" K. Bennett 5/4/11
"We've hired MC2 twice. The first house we had planned to buy had too many problems, thanks to MC2 we learned about them BEFORE buying the money pit. When we found another house we liked, hiring MC2 was a no brainer. I've bought several houses, and Mike is the most thorough inspector I've ever worked with. I'm certainly going to recommend MC2 to anyone who asks." J. DeFant 4/29/11
"I was very pleased with the final inspection report. It was thorough and easy to understand. Brian was very personable to my representatives." S. Magee 4/28/11
"Mike showed up early and spent a lot of time going over every part of the house. He made sure to point out things that he saw and to let me know his thoughts or concerns. He took a lot of pictures and also provided a lot of educational material, which will be very helpful. He was all over the house; roof, attic, crawlspace. I received his full report via email that evening. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone wanting a home inspection." R. Collier 4/14/11
"Brian Hedge showed up about a half hour early and was already looking at things when I arrived to the home 20 minutes early. He explained everything that I asked about and was extremely thorough in his inspection. He is a nice guy to talk to and he really knew his stuff. I feel like I got my money's worth". R. Scott 4/6/11
"Brian was highly knowledge and very detailed in every aspect of the house inspection. He explained in detail how or why a defect had occurred, but more importantly took the time to thoroughly explain how to fix the defect. I definitely will use your company again for my next home purchase and will recommend MC2 to friends and family. Thanks again." T. Kwok 4/5/11
"MC2 inspected our new home today and it was the best home inspection experience I've ever had. Mike was incredibly thorough and thoughtful. First, he arrived 40 minutes early. Then, he explained everything to us as he worked and gave tips on how to fix things in a cost effective fashion. He also helped prioritize what we should focus on initially and then later on. At the end of his inspection, he gave us a summary of what he found. Later in the day, he sent a 34 page detailed report about the inspection. I could not believe how prompt this came to us. He was also kind enough to send other helpful documents about regular home maintenance, trusted contractors and ways to save energy and utility costs. Overall, things went incredibly well and we will certainly use his services in the future and refer him to all our friends. Thanks to Mike and MC2 home inspections." M. Baker 4/2/11
"Great job. Stopped us from buying a spit shined money pit!!" L. Coons 3/21/11
"I thought Brian's knowledge of home inspections was right on. He was very easy to understand and explained what the issues were and how to fix the problems. After having the inspection, I made the decision to not purchase the home. I would recommend MC2 to anyone who is looking at buying a home." T. Webb 3/21/11
"Brian did a great job and was very helpful. I would have no qualms referring anyone I know to MC2 Inspections." M. Allen 3/11/11
"I was very impressed with how thorough the inspection was, and I appreciated how well he (Mike) explained the issues of the house. Thank you!" Anonymous 3/11/11
"We were so impressed with the service we received and the actual written inspection report. Being that this is our first home, Mike explained things thoroughly so we didn't feel so green at this process." M. Black 3/4/11
"Mike was friendly, thorough and knowledgeable. He immediately built our trust, as it was clear he was qualified and experienced." T. Jennings 3/4/11
"Mike did an excellent job and took the time to explain any issues for our new home. He documented it thoroughly on the inspection report and helped us understand which issues were cosmetic and which were truly important. Mike was very knowledgeable and I would recommend to any of my friends looking to buy a house." B. Hayhurst 3/3/11
"Mike (owner) performs exhaustive and thorough inspections in, above, under and everywhere in a house. He leaves no stone unturned and performs more than what is (legally) required of him. Mike was friendly, approachable, patient and gives enough of his opinion that you're not just given facts without some useful context. I left the inspection (which took 3.5 hours!) feeling very confident over what needed done and how to prioritize it." K. Goesel 2/22/11
"Excellent! The inspector, Mr. Brian Hedge, was very nice, listened to every question and answered them-- very detailed and professional. Mr. Hedge sent the home inspection report the same night of the inspection being performed." A. Ortega 2/21/11
"Mr. Chamberlain was very considerate of my schedule and was very efficient in providing a very thorough inspection of my home. I was able to have peace of mind knowing just what needed to be done in my house in order to keep it safe and make it sellable if we decide to put it on the market. As a bonus, MC2 listed service providers they recommend to address some of the issues we discovered-some of these were smaller companies who were more reasonably priced and easier to contact than the big name companies. Very helpful!" M. Krasich 2/17/11
"Mike's report was very helpful in the way it broke down items of concern into different ratings; Satisfactory, Safety Issue, Needs Attention. I also appreciated his willingness to recommend local contractors. I definitely would recommend MC2 to others." R. Cullen 2/17/11
"I am an out of town investor. The detailed reports and extra photos that Mike took were very helpful to me. I had a contractor try to over-sell me on repairs. Based on the report, I knew some things need to be done, but was surprised by a handful of other items. My property manager confirmed that many items did NOT need to be done (as stated by the contractor). The inspection was worth the price just for that". G. Scott 2/3/11
"We were very pleased with the way Mr. Chamberlain performed the inspection on the property on which we have made an offer. He was very thorough and explained everything to us during the inspection. We would highly recommend MC2 Home Inspections and Mike Chamberlain to our family and friends." B. Adams 1/31/11
"Brian was very knowledgeable, and very thorough, and went out of his way to explain and educate me on things that were wrong. Even the most minute details that could eventually be big problems were pointed out. I would recommend him to anyone. Thanks Brian!" J. Murdock 1/23/11
"I was very impressed with Brian's knowledge and easy, approachable manner." K. Grause 1/3/11
"Mike, thank you for a very thorough inspection report. I appreciate all the detail you go into. Also, the pictures are a tremendous help. They really give me a better sense for the property that I can't get no matter how much I research the area or the specific property. Thanks again. Best wishes and happy holidays". G. Scott 12/21/10
"Mike was great. His knowledge of all aspects involved with the inspection provided a great deal of comfort to us. My wife has severe allergies and asthma and Mike's expertise in these areas was greatly appreciated. His detailed inspection uncovered some things that were not obvious to the naked eye and helped us make the right decision with our home purchase. Thanks again". Steve & Melissa 12/10/10
"It was an exceptional job. Mike explained everything that he was doing and answered all questions." J. Hughes 12/7/10
"I like the way Mike explained everything he was doing and checking. I liked that the report was to me a couple hours after he was finished. I have had 1 other inspection done years ago on another house and this one was much more thorough. Would highly recommend!!!" Anonymous 12/4/10
"Mike was very professional and worked in my best interest. I will be happy to recommend MC2 to anyone buying a home". C. Floyd 12/3/10
"Brian did a fantastic job. He was very friendly and informative. He brought things to my attention that he was concerned about and explained in detail why. He was happy to answer any questions I had. He took his time and was very thorough. I will gladly recommend MC2 to anyone that is looking at having an inspection done. Thanks for all your help!" L. McDowell 11/15/10
"I cannot say enough good things about MC2 Home Inspections! Mike was very professional, knowledgeable, and kind. I would highly recommend your company to anyone; current home owners or those purchasing a new home". Anonymous 11/15/10
"I was very pleased with Mike. He was great at explaining what he found and what he would recommend. He also was able to answer lots of questions from me! I have already recommended Mike to friends and family". M. Walker 11/10/10
"I felt that the inspection was very thorough and the discussions during the inspection were very informative. As a result of this inspection, I avoided buying a lot of small problems that could have become large ones had I not realized they were there. Thanks!" A. Davis 11/10/10
"Although I have never had a home inspection experience before, the report looks very nice, thorough, and was done quickly. I see why you were voted best in Indianapolis." C.J. 11/5/10
"I chose MC2 after looking online for Indy home inspection companies. I read several websites, called several companies and MC2 was by far the most credible - straight shooters. The company provided exactly what I needed". J. Maurer 10/28/10
Mike was friendly, knew his business, and explained everything nicely. He also supplied valuable information with the inspection report and recommended other businesses to help with fixes. B. Litherland 10/26/10
"The inspection was thorough and Mike was very easy to talk to and informative". T. Herzog 10/8/10
"Mike Chamberlain performed the inspection. He arrived early and immediately went about his business. He was incredibly thorough and professional and took time to explain every part of what he was doing. What we appreciated most is that he took time to educate us on not only what he was doing, but what we needed to do next. His written report came w/in hours of his inspection and contained recommendations, along with information on service providers who could take care of what we needed done. An incredible experience for us; we highly recommend Mike and will absolutely use him again." S. Barnes 9/21/10
"Mike & Brian were great guys to work with. Brian inspected my new house and pointed out things I would have never noticed unless I was in his shoes. He was already on the ladder inspecting the house before my appointment with him. Step by step MC2 leads you through the home inspection detail after every fine detail. Being a first time home buyer and dealing with these guys was a great experience and I highly recommend them to whomever might be looking for a great home inspection. Thank you for all the help guys!" Jason W. 9/16/10
"My boyfriend and I are purchasing our very first home. Going into the inspection, we weren't exactly sure what to expect since we had never done one before. We had arrived to the home 20 minutes before our appointment time and Mike was already there taking pictures of the outside of the home. He explained everything to us that he had concerns with and answered all of our questions that we had. He was very friendly and treated us like he had known us for years! The inspection went smoothly and we couldn't have asked for a better outcome. We would absolutely recommend Mike and MC2 Home Inspections to all of our friends who are in need of a home inspection! Thank you so much for making the inspection of our first home a wonderful experience; we will continue using MC2 Home Inspections for all of our homes in the future!! =)" J. Davis 9/15/10
"Mike was able to step in on short notice when another inspector fell through. What started as a frustrating experience turned out for the best thanks to Mike. I was very pleased." Anonymous 9/15/10
"This was my first home buying experience and Mike made it really easy to understand what he was doing and what he was looking for. He gave us some great tips on what we should be on the lookout for in the future and other little things that were well beyond his job description but were extremely useful to know for a first time home owner. Thanks so much Mike you did a great job." S. Karr 9/2/10
"The inspector was on time and very helpful throughout the whole process. I learned a lot about the house and how I can maintain it. Definitely would recommend MC2 to other individuals looking for an inspector." K. Chu 8/31/10
"Inspector was very helpful in giving me tips on how to keep up maintenance on the house. I learned a lot that day." R. Bridgeforth 8/31/10
"Very very informative. I learned more than I expected. Thank you!" C. Harrington 8/31/10
"MC2 Home Inspections was kind, knowledgeable and efficient. They explained and addressed all of my concerns at the time of inspection and provided an in-depth report following said inspection. Overall, they were excellent and I will certainly be referring people to them in the future." Anonymous 8/25/10
"Inspector was thorough and honest in his assessment". S. Bennett 8/20/10
"Brian was great. Explained everything, he did. I would recommend MC2 to everyone!" S. Windsor 8/20/10
"Thanks so much for the home inspection. Brian was fantastic explained everything and was very detailed." K. Petraits 8/18/10
"Thank you Brian, for what I believe to be the best, most professional home inspection I've ever witnessed (and I've owned three previous houses and observed the inspections for each). I also appreciate your thoroughness and your clear sense of dignity about the work you do, as well as the pride you clearly take in the work. Without question MC2 can count on me to recommend others to your company". R. Burrow Jr. 8/11/10
"The company provided a complete, timely inspection." V. Crow 8/2/10
"Everyone was great and Brian was very thorough." D. Morton 8/2/10
"Mike was great and continues to help us--will definitely have him again and recommend him to others. He was patient and willing to answer questions and give advice--which at this time is appreciated. He will be our home inspector of choice in the future! Thanks" P. Curran 8/1/10
"The experience was very straightforward and extremely helpful. Thanks." M. Sanders 8/1/10
"Mike was awesome! He was incredibly knowledgeable, super friendly, and made the process enjoyable. He gave us lots of valuable tips and things to look for in the future. It was definitely much more than a basic inspection. Excellent service and price!" J. Bales 7/31/10
"I have to say working with Mike was an excellent experience. He made me feel very comfortable and I felt instantly confident in what he was doing. Mike was also very helpful in recommending various things which has a been fantastic benefit. I would strongly recommend Mike to anyone." B. Goodgame 7/22/10
"I would highly recommend MC2 to anyone buying a new home. Brian was very thorough and took the time to answer all of my questions." B. Vanscoyoc 7/19/10
"Mike did a great job. He explained everything that needed to be done immediately and suggestion that would make my home more energy efficient. I would definately recommend your company. Thanks" J. Frost 7/2/10
"Mike has excellent knowledge of mold and mold problems. He asked direct questions which helped me show him the specific spots in our house that needed attention. He was extremely helpful and went above the call of duty to point out areas of preventions. I would highly recommend." J. Wall 6/29/10
"Mike Chamberlain's awesome!! He definitely knows what he's doing, knowledgeable, trustworthy, punctual, friendly, priced fair. Thanks Mike!!" L. Reed 6/27/10
"Mike was very professional, courteous, and above all, informative! This was our third home inspection in 9 years, and I rate it the best!" B. Coulson 6/27/10
"Using MC2 was a great experience. We decided not to purchase the property which was inspected based on the report. We will be scheduling another inspection with MC2 soon for different property in the same area. Everyone we have dealt with with your company was GREAT! We would recommend you to anyone we meet and we have told our Realtor the same." P. LaHue 6/27/10
"I went online, made the payment and the inspector Brian Hedge came to do the inspection the following day. He did a very thorough job and even took the time to go over the inspection with concerns (very minor) answering any questions that I had when he was complete. He left and I received the inspection with some really nice supporting documents via email around 8 PM that evening. Very thorough, prompt and fast with their work. I would recommend this company any time!" J. Lee 6/22/10
"Inspector arrived early and worked very thoroughly throughout the inside and outside. He emailed us a 33 page report approximately 3 hours after completing work. Definitely will recommend to our selling agent!" A. Ammons 6/18/10
"I would like to thank you for the timely response with your inspection report! =) I appreciate your thoroughness of inspection as well as your "easy to read" report, and great pics! Thanks again for your WONDERFUL work!!" L.R. 6/14/10
"I was really impressed by the time he took to explain the issues, and tell us why they were issues. he gave us helpful tips to use as we buy and improve our home. i have already recomended your company to a friend, thanks for your services! Very informative!" B. Levin 6/7/10
"Mike was great! His inspections are very user friendly. Keep up the good work." J. Tillotson 5/28/10
"Very informative and friendly. Would definitely recommend." T. Glass 5/28/10
"I felt that Brian did a great job. This was the second time that I used him and will use him for any future inspections needed." S. Stallard 5/27/10
"Thanks Mike. We appreciate the friendly and thorough service!" M. Robinson 5/27/10
"We had a very good experience. Mike found several issues (which we knew would happen, given the age of the home) and did a great job explaining what fixes were priorities, what were safety issues, and what could wait a while to be fixed. We enjoyed our time with him and learned a great deal!" D. Myers 5/26/10
"Mike showed up early for the appointment and was very professional throughout the process. He took the time to explain any problems he found to me. The report was detailed, but easy to read. Mike even returned to the property two weeks after the original inspection to inspect an area of the attic that was not accessible the first time. I would recommend Mike to anyone looking for a detailed and thorough home inspection." R. Cripe 5/26/10
"Mike showed up early, about 45 minutes @ request of H2O company which was fantastic because my husband and I were still at work! Mike was absolutely wonderful and very informative. I would advise anyone to use his company!" S. Coffman 5/26/10
"I was so impressed with mike his knowledge and his friendliness put me at ease rite away. Being a first home buyer and a single mom i was so nervous of what he would find. Mike knew that and assured me of all the details and even gave me some hints to do when i get into my home. Thank you mike i have already recommended you to some people. Thanks again, I. Nelson 5/25/10.
"Very informational and knowledgeable" S. Franklin 5/25/10
"Mike was very thorough and very patient in explaining all of his report. Digital pictures were taken, and were part of the report which is very helpful. Mike made the inspection a very positive experience." E. Dorsey 5/14/10
"Service was performed as agreed, at the agreed price and as scheduled. Mr. Chamberlain was polite, friendly and professional." J. Page 5/14/10
"Mc2 is a wonderful company the inspector (Brian) was very knowledgeable and took his time to answer all the questions I had. Thanks again MC2." J. Moore 5/12/10
"I really enjoyed meeting Brian. I am a first time home buyer and really didn't know what the process was, but he was very friendly and answered all my questions. He went above and beyond to help us that day." H. McClain 5/6/10
"Mike was a very wonderful, knowledgeable, and friendly inspector who was very helpful. I would recommend him to anyone that was looking for a home inspection." M. Warner 5/2/10
"Mike did a wonderful job! He even sent me extra information regarding lifespans of appliances and names of contractors in our area! He was as informative as they get!!! Thanks Mike and Melody!" B. McKenzie 4/30/10
"Very quick response and was able to set an appointment within just a few days. We had a great experience. Mike was very knowledgeable and 'picky' which is exactly what we were looking for. We wanted to be sure we didn't have any surprises with our current home and we wanted to know everything about the home we had purchased. He answered a lot of questions and pointed out several things just as 'general maintenance' that he would recommend in our new house. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!" L. Gerig 4/30/10
"Fantastic Inspection. Very personable. Will recommend to friends and family!" N. Mason & K.Alonso 4/29/10
"Mike arrived early and did a great job answering all my questions." D. Kinnaman 4/29/10
"Mike was on time actually he was there when we arrived at the home, he filled us in an what he had noticed and walked us through and around the house several times, We are first time home buyers so the information he had for us was very much needed. We felt comfortable with Mike's knowledge of the home. He was very informative. Thanks Mike." M. Salinas & C. Arthur 4/28/10
"Mike was wonderful! We really enjoyed meeting him." N. Hunt 4/28/10
"Mike, the inspector, was on time. He had great professionalism, was very courteous, and talked me through every step. He explained what he was doing and looking for during the inspection." P. Beriauct 4/28/10
"Excellent communication! Mike is very friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his line of work. He arrived early for my inspection and provided helpful tips for my home. To anyone looking for quality service, I would definitely recommend MC2 Home Inspections." M. Hutchinson 4/7/10
"Mike rocks! He explained everything and made sure I understood everything. He went way and beyond his job for me. Very easy to talk to and did not act like he was in a hurry. I definately will recommend this company to all my friends (and enemies :) )" C. Wilkins 3/25/10
"Mike Chamberlain by far exceeded my expectations. My girlfriend and I have recommended Mike to many friends already, and a co-worker has decided to use Mike as their inspector as well. Mike was very thorough, very timely with his inspection response, and made the home buying process less stressful. Thanks Mike!" K. Dotson 3/24/10
"I have not used anyone else but am glad I chose this company because I am very pleased with both experiences I've had using them. I got a Pre-Listing inspection on my current home and was very pleased so I also got an inspection done on a home we are currently in the the process of buying. I will definitely recommend MC2 Home Inspections to everyone. My daughter was there for a portion of one inspection and I am sure if she needs to have a home inspection done she will definitely contact MC2 Home Inspections as she was very impressed." C. Garcia 3/24/10
"Mike went over every little detail in the home with us. Mike was an amazing inspector. He was so precise and thorough with everything in the home. He went WAY above and beyond the call of duty and we couldn't appreciate him more! He made us aware of a few things that were important but he mainly gave us peace of mind. I would go back to MC2 Inspectors in a heartbeat if we had to do another home inspection. He made it extremely enjoyable and very easy for me to understand. He was extremely patient with all of our family members who came to see the home while he was there, also! :-) Thank you SO much Mike for all of your professionalism. We couldn't have asked for a better inspector!!!" M. Baker 3/21/10
"Being a first time home buyer, I was really happy with the amount of information that Mike provided me over the course of the inspection. I never felt like I was intruding or in the way, it was more as if I were a part of the inspection. Even though there were no issues found with the home, he went above and beyond to provide me with as much information as he could." R. Miller 3/3/10
"Melody and Mike - i just want to thank you guys for your GREAT customer service. I asked a ton of questions and never one did either one of you get frustrated. Mike was actually 1/2 hour early for the inspection and answered every question and concern I had. I definitely recommend MC2 to anyone who needs a home inspection done. They really know what they are doing!!" N. Hopkins 3/3/10
"My wife and I were very pleased with the thoroughness and quality of our home inspection. Thank you to Mike and everyone at MC2." D. Pennycuff 3/3/10
"You were awesome and the extra information you sent me on home up keep and maintaining it were very helpful and enlightening. Your service was superior. I would recommend you to anyone! Thank you." S. Gibbons 3/2/10
"Mike - I wanted to thank you for your very thorough and timely service! Your input was invaluable. I especially appreciate your unique offering of thermal technology, as well as the effort you clearly make to educate homeowners on how to maintain their homes. The latter truly is telling of your commitment to the work you do. Thanks for your polite, professional and honest approach. We very much appreciate it!!" Wanita & Chris 3/1/10.
"Very friendly and personable answered all and every questions I had." R. Hinton 2/18/10
"Thanks for the timely, well done report. It was a breath of fresh air dealing with someone that cared about their work and wanted to help. As you know, we have been dealing with this issue since Thanksgiving time and all we get is the run around saying that it the humidity and/or our home does not breath enough that is causing the problems that you saw today. Again, thanks for the report, and we would highly recommend your services." D. Stafford 2/17/10
"Mike was a great investment. He was early, patient, professional, helpful, and likable. He did his job efficiently, and thoroughly!" J. Denton 2/9/10
"Great overall experience. The internet site was easy to use, the inspection report was very helpful, and the service was just great!" A. Samaniego 2/9/10
"Mike was very thorough and I appreciated all of the information that came with the inspection report." D. England 2/7/10
"Thank you so much for the terrific work you did for us. I am so relieved to get this news! Thank you for the detailed report along with numerous opportunities to make improvements to our home. Thanks again for all your help and professional service. You will get my recommendation going forward." G. Schiffli 2/1/10
"Thank you Mike for doing a wonderful job on my son's Home inspection. This being his first home he needed it to be done right. Very nice job and the report was A-1. He now has a list of even the smallest things to work on. Thanks again. You can count me as a fan." D. Lifford 1/25/10
"Everything went well. Thanks for helping us know that we are getting a good home!" K.Riggs 1/12/10
"Our home inspection went well. Your Inspection made our presentation a breeze. They agreed to fix all of the defects you found and they will take into advisement the grading issue. Let your wife Melody know it was a pleasure talking with her on the phone, she is an attribute to your company". T. Wilson 12/22/09
"Mr. Chamberlain was very personable and very concerned with the home purchased. He even provided me with additional resources to help maintain my home. I appreciated him very much. I have referred to others". Anonymous 12/21/09
"Mike was there way before I got there. The feedback provided was in a very easy to read format. This has been the best bang for our inspection buck. I will use MC2 in the future!" T. Vermillion 12/9/09
"I enjoyed a very positive experience with MC2 Home Inspections. They were able to get me in on very short notice and Mike showed up on time and finished everything on schedule, which allowed me to tend to other appointments during the day." J. Scheidler 12/7/09
"My experience with MC2 was first rate. Mike and his wife were professional, friendly and very competent. Mike took the time to explain everything. I'm sure the to-do list he shared with me will prevent a lot of future problems. Thanks again." A. Alexander 11/24/09
"Not only was the inspection well worth the money, but it saved us money in the long run. We were able to have a portion of the roof and decking replaced before we purchase the home, and they also had the furnace serviced before we moved in. Mike was a pleasure to talk with during the inspection". C. White 11/18/09
"Mike's company promptly returned our phone call. Once our appointment was scheduled, it was verified by e-mail a few days prior. At the home site, Mike was punctual (actually early to try to beat the rain!) and courteous. He encouraged questions, so we discussed many home issues. He was able to explain complicated issues well. He was VERY thorough! I was extremely satisfied with his work and professionalism." H. Morlock 10/30/09
"Mike was great at showing me all the areas where there could be potential problems in the future, not to mention what was already there." M. Kelley 10/28/09
"Thanks Mike for doing a great inspection on our new home! You did a really great job and the sellers are going to fix everything we asked them too! Thanks again!" S. Corbeau 10/22/09
"I was recommended to MC2 Home inspections by a friend of mine, and I was not disappointed. All of my questions were answered and I learned important information about my future house that otherwise I would have never known." C. Lawrence 10/2/09
"I just want to thank Mike for all of his help with our inspection. We have used MC2 home inspections twice in our heartache to find the right home for our family. I will definitley use his company again and will recommend his business to everyone I know. Thanks so much, you have been a great assesst in helping find our home." A. Amick 10/1/09
"I forwarded my inspection report on to many people to look at. A lot were impressed with it and several were very interested in the recommendation to have a home inspection periodically, unrelated to selling or buying" C. Stewart 10/1/09
"Thank you for your inspection. It was very precise and the pictures were helpful in highlighting the concerns." T. Williams 9/14/09
"I felt like the inspector took the inspection very serious, and all I can give him is praise. He made me feel secure about making my new purchase by answering all of my questions very clearly and with sincerety. My agent was very impressed with the report and plans to use this company in the near future........Thank you!" R. Cobb 9/8/09
"I thought it was very prompt, professional and caring". T. Linstroth 9/3/09
"Would hire again!" L. Johnston 9/3/09
"Mike was great, he was on time and explained everything to me during his inspection.... then explained everything to my wife when he was done." J. Mannin 9/2/09
"MC2 Home Inspections kept us from buying a home which would have needed $25k worth of work! THANK YOU!!" K. Reeves 9/1/09
"Mike Chamberlain was quick to respond to my call. He was very professional and courteous. He was very knowledgeable. He quoted us a price and did everything he said he was going to do. He noticed that one of the tests was unnecessary and recommended we didn't do it which saved us $140. He is customer focused. I would recommend him to anyone and use him again if we ever needed this service. He stayed in contact via e-mail as the reports were coming back and he encouraged us to call back with any questions I had. He is courteous and responsive." D. Johnston 8/24/09
"The inspection was completed in a timely manner. The inspector was very informative about the needs of things that needed to be fixed. He also provided suggestions as to what occurred for the house to have those issues that it did" R. Woods 8/6/09
"The inspector was very knowledgeable and took his time evaluating the home. He was patient and took time to explain all of the issues and detail and answered all of my questions. He also made recommendations on how I can improve the life of my home appliances and how to protect my foundation. All around he was great!!!" J. Parrish 8/5/09
"We could not have asked for better service. Our inspector was on time, polite, professional, and made sure we understood every aspect of the inspection. The inspection report was given to us the same day (within hours) and the inspector was happy to answer any and all questions we had concerning the inspection and report. We plan to recommend anyone to MC2 Home Inspections whom may be in need of their services." K. Gearns 8/5/09
"I found my inspector very knowledgeable. He took his time explaining his findings to me and I would recommend him to others" Anonymous 7/27/09
"I really liked working with Mike and his company. He was very thorough and answered all my questions. We received the report within a few hours. I have given his name to our realtor for her records so that she could recommend him to her clients." C. Thomas 7/7/09
"Our inspector was fantastic! He did a very thorough job and took his time doing it. The rates were lower than some of the others I had called. He was very informative and helpful and we would definetely recommend him! Thanks."
A.West 7/6/09
"Mike was awesome---he was very friendly and explained everything. He was able to answer our questions and the report was very well put together and easy to understand. We have already referred him to others. Thanks again!" M. Helton 6/6/09
"We were very pleased with our inspection. We got very timely feedback when we sent questions after the inspection, and our inspection felt like a top priority. We were scheduled quickly, and we had a very good experience." A. Brown 6/1/09
"The experience was my first and it was very relaxing for me to have someone that I knew refer me to MC2. The inspection went very well and he was very patient each and every time I believe I was disrupting his progress of completing the paper work. Would I recommend MC2, YES I would recommend his services. The first impression is always the best and he sold me with the information he provided even for future references of different services." T. Battles 5/17/09
"Very professional and thorough. As someone with 10+ years experience in home construction and a civil engineering degree, I was very happy with Mike's work. Would recommend this company to anyone." S. Tolen 5/9/09
"Mike delivered everything that I could have asked for in his report and more. I will definitely be bringing him my business in the future." J. Naugle 5/5/09
"Thank you for the good report. Your inspection saved me $82.900 because I used that inspection to go back to the seller who didn't feel the issues were significant enough to warrant more than a maintenance and upkeep allowance which was unacceptable to me. I backed out of the sale based solely on that inspection. Thank so much for your time and effort. I will be using you again when I find another house." Lori G. 4/5/2009
"Inspector was not "rushing" through to get to payment processing...but instead took the time out to explain some of the concerns I may have had regarding my inspection." M. Adams 4/05/2009
"You came out on a cold and snowy day and I think you did me a great service in inspecting my home. You found some old wiring and fire damage that warranted attention and found that about half my outlets needed replaced because they weren't grounded. When I brought that to the closing table, the Sellers helped pay for some of the cost. Your service more than paid for itself. I am very happy in the new house. Thank you for your friendly service and for putting me at ease with the home. I will absolutely recommend your service to anyone in need of an inspection." Josh Graham 3/06/2009
"Mike was absolutely wonderful. He actually showed up early, and was extremely thorough in the inspection. He explained everything very well and was very helpful. I feel very safe buying our house thanks to him. His report was very detailed, very easy to read, and I liked having the pictures to refer to as well. I will certainly be referring him to anyone I know in need of an inspector. Thank you so much for doing such great work!" R. Miller 2/04/2009
"Mike was extremely thorough throughout the entire home. His inspection findings saved us from committing ourselves to a bad investment. We were so satisfied with his attention to detail that we used him again. This time we feel very comfortable with the home we are purchasing based on Mike's inspection. He was very flexible, working around our schedule. Mike is very friendly and helpful, answering all questions and explaining everything thoroughly." D. Kolm 1/04/2009
"Mike was very knowledgeable, professional, and polite! The guy knows what he's talking about. And he offers the best rate that I've seen! I would recommend him to anyone looking for a home." B. Brown 1/04/2009
"Mike is such a nice, friendly, and pleasant person to deal with. His report is very easy to follow and has a lot of pictures, as well. I would definitely recommend him to other investor friends of mine. I have already decided to ask him to help me again for my other future inspection needs. Thanks Mike!" Matt Inomata Bothell, WA 12/04/2008
"I am an out-of-state investor and I am so glad I found MC2 Inspections. After speaking to Mike Chamberlain, I had complete confidence that I would get a thorough report and that is exactly what I got! I will be using MC2 for all of my future home inspections! Thank you for making my business easier and less stressful!" Beth Pereira 11/4/2008
"Great overall experience at a competitive price. Inspector seemed knowledgeable, gave a thorough inspection, and was a pleasant person with which to work. As a result of these factors, I suggested that my realtor add him to her list of recommended inspectors." 9/27/2008
"Mike was actually early, and had begun before I arrived. He explained everything he was going to do, and offered opinions as he completed the inspection." 9/12/2008
"It really was a great experience. Mike was honest and professional. We will recommend him to all our friends who need an inspection. He was also very thorough, which we really liked. He did a great job and we trusted him with the safety of our new house." A. Trejo 9/9/2008
"I could not be happier with the inspection that was done by Mike. Everything was covered in a very thorough manner and all of our questions were explained quite well. The detailed report is also very helpful with its pictures as it will give us a guide on the things we need to fix up right away. I will recommend your company to any friends and family in the future that need an inspection. Thanks again for everything & keep up the good work!" Steven D. 8/31/2008
"Thank you for doing such an efficient job and taking the extra time to enlighten us as you did! We'll be sure to keep you in mind when we're ready to sell our current (rental) home as well as will refer you to any we know who are/will be in the market to buy/sell." Mary Ellen (& Mike) 6/30/2008
Do you have any good testimonials that clients have provided you in the past? Be sure to add them here.
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