HOMEGUARD INC

HomeGuard (Oscar) was called to inspect a home for us. In spite of the fact that there is already a newly issued pest inspection report, and a completed pest clearance that was only days old when HomeGuard was called, he talked us into doing a new pest inspection. In the course of inspecting the home as both a "pest inspector" and as a "home inspector" Oscar managed to actually CAUSE damage that now has to be repaired. Upon submission of Oscar's report to the pest company that had just previously, and in my opinion thoroughly, cleared the home of "active infestation by structural pests," the original pest control company was prompted to re-inspect the home. After reviewing the report completed by the HomeGuard inspector, the original pest company reported that "...although there is staining on the newly painted wood, the stains are simply bleeding through the paint, and are not active infestation. Further, the most recent inspection has competely destroyed several otherwise acceptible rafter tails, which now will need repair." Moreover, the HomeGuard inspector also damaged other items during his "inspection;" the recently serviced and inspected garage door opener. This is another cost we now have to incur to repair a previously well-functioning item. Also, the inspector climbed into the attic access in the front hall closet, ostensibly to look at the attic. For no apparent reason, the inspector tore the closet rod out of the sockets and broke it in half, and took the shelf in the closet and smashed it into multiple pieces. My opinion is that this "inspector" has the attitude that he should tear things apart in the course of inspecting. "Home inspection" does not include destroying things to determine if they are functional. I did not bother to comment on price, because I wouldn't have this company or this inspector do any work for me ever, at ANY price. There is one other issue that I have with HomeGuard, and that is that it is NOT a good idea to get a "free" inspection from a company that wants to sell you on letting THEM do the repair work (they offer a free, or nearly free, pest inspection and roof inspection with the home inspections). This is HomeGuard's game.

Inspection of home not very professional. Did not check obvious problems with toilets and electrical. Not very thorough. Also did not explain what to do if you need to use your home warranty. This company needs more professional companies they recommend for repairs not just cheap companies. Paid deductible.

This company will become your worst nightmare. Their staff did not notice significant problems like leaking water and moisture in windows, but wrongly reported that the home was missing smoke detectors in each room. The $395 inspection took less than a half an hour. I spoke with management to express my disappointment and they were of no help. I asked for a refund, but they refused to refund all of the money. The real kicker is they broke the phone in the home. They did not unplug the phone when testing the outlets and cause a power surge, burning up the phone. DO NOT USE HOMEGUARD. They were awful.