VALLEY BUILDING INSPECTIONS

Paul (and Martin) both do a fine job inspecting real property. *** DO NOT PURCHASE THE ADDITIONAL TERMITE INSPCTION!! Have a company that specializes termites and termite remediation do it. *** #1 Why? Paul will not come out and reinspect unless you pay a minimum $150 reinspection fee. This is NOT consistent with the industry. This is extraordinarily high. #2 He DOES NOT charge "more competitive pricing" (Per email 10.10.14) for an inspection. He charges $65 - a very normal fee (and you can get lower ones). "Although we are licensed termite inspectors, we do not perform termite inspections as a stand-alone inspection offering. We offer it to our clients, as an additional service which we can provide when we are already on site to perform the home inspection. This allows us to offer the more competitive pricing of $65." #3 I was told by his office manager, Jeanne, that he could not do a supplemental report because there was not such a thing. This was done in a conversation, but the following email excerpts document my claim: ME: " I just called the Office of Pest Management (602-255-3664) and was told that in a case where an issue was found on a termite inspection (specifically, a condition conducive) and inspector can reinspect just the area of concern and file an Addendum or Supplemental Report if the follow up inspections with in 30 days." VBI: "Thank you for clarifying your question with OPM. I will make a note of it should a future situation arise." Summary: If you get a Termite Inspection at the time of your home inspection YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN if termites or condition(s) conducive are present. You will have to call another Termite Inspection Co., they will have to do another inspection (which could lead to additional issues), you will have to have it remediated/repaired, and then a Supplemental Report can be filed. (A second company CANNOT come and inspect the repair/remediation and just file a supplemental. It has to be done by the original company per the OPM.) Save yourself the trouble and JUST GET A SEPARATE TERMITE INSPECTION from a Termite Company that will follow through as a matter of course, particularly if you are using a loan program that requires a clear termite report. In this case, on the second inspection, termites WERE found. So ask yourself, did they happen to just show up in the intervening 20 or so days since Paul's termite inspection.... or did he miss them? Hummmmm....... If you are a Buyer, you want to know ANY issues with your home. You need an Inspector whose termite inspection can last 30 days. As Jeanne noted in her final email to me, "While I understand your concern of not wanting another termite inspector to potentially identify new termite activity, I am sure you will agree, that it is in the client?s best interest to fully understand the condition of the home and have these items addressed prior to close of escrow. " I would respond, "You are right Jeanne! That is why we hired your company!"