Reviews

10/10

We hired Ted on two occasions (Aug 2014 and October 2014) during the process of searching for a new home, and we could not have been more satisfied and appreciative of the job he did. Ted has enormous experience and knowledge in the applicable areas of home construction, maintenance, and contracting, and he brings all of it to his inspections. It is also apparent that he keeps himself up to date on recent building science. His expertise elevates the title of "inspector" far above common notions. What impressed us even more, however, was his attitude and integrity. Ted truly advocates for his clients, and it is obvious he takes tremendous pride in his work. I will try not to repeat what other reviewers have already praised, but highlight just a few examples of the many ways in which Ted surpassed our expectations. Ted took the time and made the effort to look everywhere. It is telling that on our first inspection, Ted injured his head and drew blood attempting to get into some basement spaces needing inspection. Despite hurting himself, he barely paused. On our second home inspection, Ted somehow found a way to maneuver his way into an attic through a tiny awkward space in a closet. Keep in mind that home inspectors are not required to inspect things or areas that are not readily accessible at the time of inspection. And I would not have faulted Ted for skipping these difficult spaces. But it speaks to his attitude that he would persist in these situations. Another example: by now, many will have read about the impressive, detailed, and comprehensive reports that Ted produces. They blow people away, and our experience was the same. But in addition to his report, his follow up was incredible. After the inspection of the second house he inspected for us, there was some remediation work that needed to be done on the home. Ted contacted us several days after he had already completed our inspection, because he had been passing through the neighbourhood where the house was located. He had taken a second look to re-examine some points, and also managed to speak to the service person who had been hired to do repair work that day. I would have never expected this kind of conscientious followup from a home inspector before meeting Ted. It seems the process of searching for and purchasing a home is fraught with encounters with deceitful self-interested parties. In all of this, our experiences with Ted and his home inspections were a a much needed reminder of what genuine, committed, and competent service is.

Approximate cost of services:
$1,000.00
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Company Response

Hi Lawrence,
Thank you so much for the account of your experience. Your 1st house was one of those situations where we discovered just about everything that can possibly be wrong/go wrong with a house. A 100-year-old house, as charming as it may have been, had deep-rooted problems that had not been addressed over the years including safety, roof, drainage, structural, funny wiring and insurance concerns, actually everything.
Your 2nd house had very few issues of significance, a testament to your attention with the 1st inspection, yes that 1st house was a fantastic learning experience; after which you could probably have passed a multiple-choice home inspector test and passed. Yes, prior to March 2009 (government licensing) you could have written a NACHI online exam and become a certified home inspector.
Your account of my reporting is much appreciated, my reports are totally custom, yes I put a lot of effort into making the report easy to follow and quantify. Your report is the most valuable part of the inspection, it's a true conditional account of the house, it will continue to be a reference and maintenance guide. Yes, the joys of homeownership are realized with every point of maintenance and repair; as you transform your house to your home.
As I've mentioned before, my home inspections do not appeal to everyone, the cost of an inspection appears to be a real factor in choosing. Contrary to industry norm; 90% of all my clients are past client referral, the remaining 10% are from my website and HomeStars, contrary to the norm; I get 0 inspection referrals from real estate agents; after being in business for over 16 years.
As you have pointed out: a thorough and detailed home inspection is its own reward.

Happy trails...
Ted