PILLAR TO POST

5/20/13, I called today and spoke to Tom over the phone and he told me that their prices were based on style of home (basement), sq. footage and age of home (I asked him how they price their inspections, I forgot) .I told him the home was only 956 sq. ft - no basement , one level and built in 1910. He quoted me $365. A bit shocking for me since we used this company last year and the home was double the square footage, a bi-level, and built in 1974. I asked Tom why it would cost me more for this home and he said that it was due to the year and Ken Peter (I requested him) would have to work very hard and do extra things to inspect this home. My question: Was does he do differently due to its age? "Well I'm sure the basement is ... " my response "there is no basement " his response " he just has to work harder and use different tools" My response " What different tools does he use for an older home? " I then told him that I used them last year and I told tom the price charged to me ($345.00) for an inspection on a home double the square feet, bi-level and built in 1974. Tom was at a loss of words so he gave me Ken Peter's cell phone number, I called an left a message a few hours ago. I'm disappointed in the price fluctuations and unprofessional answers to my questions. I spoke to Ken Peter last night and he said that they have a base price for all homes of $325 and go up from there using sq, footage and age, etc.. ?? I woke up this morning not convinced by the above rhetoric, I called Lisa Case from Case Inspections, an Angie"s list business member with great reviews, and they did quote me based on square footage and year and it was way less expensive than Pillar to Post. Guess who I'm using for our next home Inspection!!!

Ken was recommended by my Buyer Agent. I looked up reviews on this Longmont, CO Pillar to Post location and the reviews were mixed for the different inspectors there. Ken however consistently received excellent reviews. I booked the appointment and insisted that Ken himself should do the inspection. This meant a few days delay, but within my time line. I selected the mid-level inspection package that included infrared testing of hidden moisture. I also opted for the Radon Gas Testing. I asked for asbestos testing but Ken informed me they no longer conduct such tests even though the website stated otherwise. When I arrived at the 1 p.m. appointment at the house, Ken was already there for half an hour (according to him); I could see the ladder against the roof and later he showed me pictures of what he found atop the roof. He went through the house in extreme detail keeping me informed all the time. He fully tested all the major appliances except for the outdoor hot tub; half filled the jacuzzi and tested its jets, ran full cycle washer/dryer/dishwasher among other things. The inspection for the 5,000 sq.ft. mountain home (including report writing, printing and final summary) lasted until 6 p.m. What I particularly liked is that everything Ken relayed to me verbally was put in writing with highlighted major concerns. The report he handed to me was 52 pages long with an additional 16-page summary. The Radon Gas Test results were an additional two pages that were sent to me two days later as the test required automated hourly readings for 48 hours. The report also included a few leaflets on home maintainance, repair/replacement cost estimates, and coupons for local companies. The inspection cost was on the high side, however, I'm not sure I would get the same service from a $300-$400 inspector. I would definitely use this inspector again.