Find top-rated Pros in your area

Enter a zip code and get matched to businesses near you.

First Choice Building Inspections

Home inspection

About us

Our Certified Home Inspector will spend 2 to 3 hours thoroughly evaluating all aspects of the property you are purchasing, from the roof to the foundation and all areas in between. We want you to come along with us during the course of your inspection. Okay, if you’re a seasoned home buyer it may not be as important that you’re there the entire time. However, if you’re new to the home buying process, it’s very important that you’re there from start to finish as we’ll not only inspect the house you’re buying, but we’ll share with you what needs to be maintained and why. You’ll get a real education about your new home.

Business highlights

27 years of trusted experience

Services we offer

Home Inspection.

Amenities

Free Estimates
Yes
Warranties
Yes
Senior Discount

10%



Accepted payment methods

American Express
Check
Discover
MasterCard
Visa

Photos of past projects

Reviews

4.878 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
92%
4
4%
3
1%
2
1%
1
1%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.9
value
4.8
professionalism
4.9
responsiveness
4.9
punctuality
5.0
Showing 1-25 of 78 reviews

catherine P.
12/2017
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
Excellent job . Was thorough and honest.
Description of Work: Inspection on certain areas

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$200

shannon M.
07/2017
4.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
it went well but, a few things were not on the list.
Description of Work: Home Inspection.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$425

Ryan S.
01/2017
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
They were professional and thorough. They inspected my subject property at 9:30am and I had a complete detailed report before 5pm on the same day, a Friday at that! They definitely have earned their high rating on Angie's List.
Description of Work: I needed a quick turn around on a home/condo inspection for a property that I have under contract.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$450

Glenn S.
11/2016
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
Actually used them for two different homes we were considering. Extremely thorough (to the dismay of one of the home's selling agent) and extremely knowledgeable. Without a doubt the best inspection company I have ever worked with!
Description of Work: Home Inspection

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$400

Jeffrey S.
10/2016
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
Lou was awesome I followed him around and he was very professional and did not mind me asking questions. He showed me things as we went about the home that were of concern to him as well as things that were minor. Arrived on time took about 2-3 hours. He noticed that my roof was new and said I should qualify for a home insurance discount which cost me an additional $85 but he said he would take the pictures and fill out the documents and I could contact an insurance company and see how much discount I could get and then decide if I wanted it. As it turned out I saved $250/year due to that report. I have since referred him to a family member who is also getting a home inspection and I highly recommend him. Cost was $450 + $85 for wind mitigation report
Description of Work: Home inspection on new home purchase

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$450

Ashley T.
08/2015
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
Lou was very knowledgeable and polite. He took the time to tell me everything as he went along and explained whether it was something to worry about or just an item to watch out for down the road. His inspection ended up saving us a large amount of money for repairs by being able to submit a very detailed and organized request to the seller. I would use him again and I recommend him to everyone.
Description of Work: Home Inspection.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$425

Debbie H.
12/2014
3.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
He was very polite but he told me all these things were wrong with the house and after a lot of money spent he was not completely accurate. ** just a note - I do not remember when I used his services because it has been some time so I just picked a date. That is also true for how much it cost.
Description of Work: Did an inspection of the outside of the house.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
3.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0

$100

Response from First Choice Building Inspections
Thanks you for the feedback, it's always welcomed. I remember this inspection very well. It was completed over a year ago in November 2013 and included the stucco only. There was so much cracking throughout all sides of the home as well as evidence of moisture intrusion behind the stucco when scanned with a moisture meter, that I felt it was wise to have a stucco expert evaluate it for repairs needed and that's what I recommended. The client was advised regarding the potential for additional hidden damage behind the stucco and since my inspections are non-invasive and I can't see behind the stucco, it may be necessary to remove a portion of the stucco to determine the extent of any hidden damage. In addition, the support header above the garage door appeared to be sagging to a point that I recommended she obtain a structural analysis from the builder if available and if not, to have further evaluation completed by a professional contractor. I've never been contacted by this client since the inspection, so I'm not certain what unnecessary expenses she is referring too. I supplied my opinion and recommended further evaluation/repairs by other professionals. Hopefully they did not overcharge for their services. As info, I always inform my clients that I'm available for free consultation should they need it when contractors get involved. It's unfortunate she did not take me up on that offer.

Linda C.
09/2014
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
They were very good. They were just very professional, thorough and prompt. I have nothing bad to say about them.
Description of Work: I used First Choice Building Inspections.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$495

Rob M.
06/2014
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
We have moved many times over the years and this is the BEST and most professional inspector we've ever used. Lou was punctual, very detailed and found a number of issues with the late 1990's home we are purchasing. His attention to detail was fantastic; he found a safety issue with the dryer vent / exhaust that many inspectors might have missed (just one example of many things he discovered). He promptly emailed us an excellent report that outlined all the issues. We provided the list to the seller for repairs, and Lou even came back out for a courtesy re-inspect at no charge. I would recommend First Choice Building Inspections to anyone who needs a home inspection done! There is a reason why the reviews are so good-- this is a top notch company. Thanks Lou!
Description of Work: Lou provided a thorough home inspection and wind mitigation report.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$440

wesley S.
05/2014
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
They were excellent. The guy did a really thorough inspection and he was really trustworthy. His name was Lou Brinbi. He took his time and went through everything. He pointed out a lot of things and we were able to have the builder come out and correct a lot of the issues he brought up. He also told us that the home was in really great condition. He was really impressed with the home. He actually gave us a discounted price because it was so nice. He pointed out a lot of stuff that if we hadn't had corrected could have caused some major issues later on down the road. It was well worth the money. They were really prompt and on time. It was great.
Description of Work: We used First Choice Building Inspections for a home inspection. We had him come out because our year warranty was almost up on the house so we wanted someone to come out and do a real thorough inspection of it so we could get our home builder to fix anything that was wrong.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Alex B.
04/2014
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
I purchased a new 4300 sq. ft home that had not yet been lived in. I even pondered whether or not to inspect as I was receiving a builders warranty but, as the saying goes, better safe than sorry. I booked Lou and the process was very professional (he has an admin so you don't have to wait for a call back). As I am relocating, I could also not be present. Every opportunity was afforded to Lou to say its new, its great and you are good. While there is some disclosure, suggestions etc, I received a 60 page report, with photos of everything that needs remediation. Small stucco cracks, squeaky floor boards, a window that didn't open properly. I found Lou on Angie's list (gut says realtors may be a bit nervous to recommend him) and I believe it was absolutely worth the money. His admin did a nice job, payment was easy, and he was punctual and professional with a DETAILED report in approximately 7 hours post inspection. I would encourage you to consider this inspector.
Description of Work: Performed full house home inspection on new construction home.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$600

SHELON R.
04/2014
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
Being a first time home buyer, some things about this process can be a bit overwhelming, so it?s nice to work with people who are knowledgeable, professional, and polite. This is exactly what you?ll get with Mr. Prinzi at First Choice Building Inspections. He went room by room thoroughly checking all aspects of the home, while educating me on how things should function, what I could do to maintain or fix it and answering any questions I had. He identified issues that needed immediate attention and items that I needed to keep an eye on. Later that afternoon, I received a copy of the home inspection report that included detailed information and pictures of all that was discussed. Also, Mary (I believe that is her name, if not, please forgive me) was polite and helpful whenever I called the office with a question. Thank you First Choice Building Inspections!
Description of Work: Provided a home inspection and wind mitigation inspection.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$420

steven W.
03/2014
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
One time, through, explained everything and made recomendations, and I was emailed the full details of the report that evening. Very curtious and a true pro. Lou is the best.
Description of Work: Full home inspection for a house I am purchasing.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$369

KEVIN F.
02/2014
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
After going through 4 previous inspections on other houses, FCBI did a good job. | |The inspection report was sent to me later in the day - it way easy to read, comprehensive, with photos that had arrows and circles on the photos. | |I also liked the suggested maintenance report provided.
Description of Work: First Choice (FCBI) performed a visual home and wind mitigation inspection on a house I'm buying.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$400

David Z.
02/2014
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
First Choice did a standard home inspection and I added a Wood Destroying Organism inspection. To say that the inspection was thorough is an understatement. Lou reported back an issue with a burned on the stove and a problem with the toilet seal but the most significant finding was a dry-rot problem where the stucco installation was not done correctly. This caused me to go back to the seller to have them hire a contractor to fix the dry-rot and re-stucco the section of the exterior. At the end of the day Lou saved me nearly $2,000 in necessary repairs. But wait there is more. When the owner reported that the repairs were done, Lou went back and re-inspected the work and found out that the toilet repair did not fix the problem so there was another service call cost avoided. I then asked Lou if he could perform a wind mitigation inspection which cost an additional $80. This inspection resulted in a savings of nearly $350 per year on homeowners insurance. Customer care after the inspection report was delivered was excellent also. I was out of the State when the inspection was performed. Lou took the time to explain to me in detail the issue with the dry-rot and he provided documentation to describe how the repair should be completed. Lou sends you report as a link in an email. He was very accommodating as after the link expired and I could not find the report of resending the report. Two other important notes: Lou is not an expert in Wood Destroying Organisms but he brings a quality WDO inspector with him and, Lou does not do re-inspections of work that is done through un-licensed contractors..
Description of Work: Home Inspection/Wind Mitigation Inspection

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Eric A.
01/2014
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
Chose this business based on reviews here and on other sites. Chose them over a competitor because they were up-charging for similar services and their ratings were spotty [also, the competitor inspected and signed off on a co-workers home. They discovered after the sale the house did not have a heating system, AC only, even though the inspector said he tested the system]. Mr. Prinzi was on time along with the recommended WDO Inspector. I followed Mr. Prinzi as he performed his inspections. He pointed out areas of concern as we went and answered my questions. I had some questions that came up during our earlier visits to see the house and he answered all of those. There we a few items we asked the seller to address and Mr. Prinzi made himself available for the re-inspection, working around the seller's listing agent's vacation. His electronic report was very thorough. The IR camera and it's pictures were a nice touch. I would not hesitate to use his services again.
Description of Work: Home Inspection prior to purchase.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$400

Sky N.
11/2013
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
Mr. Prinzi is the best, very professional, on time and very detail. This is my second time that I work with him. But his customer service crews are terrible. I feel so sorry for him. I called them this morning to schedule my re inspection and I know the policy, so one of the customer service said I need to submit the request online on their website which is I didn't have to do that when I worked with him the previous time for requesting re inspection, I thought this is might be a new thing for his company so I went to their website but there's no such thing about make appointment online. I called them back, one of the other asked me "DO YOU READ THE POLICY"? Basically they just want me to read the policy. So I told her that I used to work with him before I know the requirements for re inspection. Then they told me she will have Mr. Prinzi call me back. I am not sure now if I should referral him to other clients that I'm working with because of the re inspection thing. To make appointment for the home inspection, it is very easy and smooth but to have the re inspection, it is very inconvenient.
Description of Work: HOME INSPECTIONS

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$334

Anna F.
08/2013
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
Mr. Prinzi's attention to detail and explanation along the way were extremely helpful to me. Immediately upon meeting Mr. Prinzi, I knew I had hired the right person! His professionalism, promptness, and kindness made this process stress free for me! He didn't mind that I walked with him through the entire inspection which was wonderful because I could ask questions as we went along and get immediate clarification of things I didn't understand. A couple times, I asked his input for suggestions of some options for me to consider in minor improvements or enhancements for the home, and he was more than happy to offer wonderful ideas. I appreciated the fact that he took all the time he needed for a thorough inspection. I highly recommend First Choice Building Inspections, Inc. and Mr. Prinzi to all customers out there looking for an outstanding Home Inspector! His rate is reasonable for everything he did. And, having the peace of mind before we make this major investment is well worth the price. EVERYONE should hire a Home Inspector prior to a purchase. It doesn't matter if it's a traditional, short sale, or "As is". Everyone deserves a proper home inspection. Call Mr. Prinzi!
Description of Work: Mr. Prinzi conducted a thorough inspection of the home we plan to purchase.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$491

Response from First Choice Building Inspections
Another happy customer. Thanks so much for the kind words. Glad to be able to help out. Much luck and happiness in your new home.

Gerald C.
08/2013
2.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
BUYER BEWARE!!! If you are having an inspection done prior to buying a home especially if new to the process as I was, I would like to advise you against using this inspector Lou Prinzi, owner/operator of FCBI Inc. If you read through all the legalese in the standard NE Florida Purchase and Sale Agreement there is a paragraph which talks about buyers right to inspect and states that the buyer is responsible for repairs of all damages resulting from any inspections to return said property to pre-inspection condition. That said let me explain what happened to me and hope no one else has to go through the same thing. On a Thursday morning of inspection Lou arrived on time at the home meeting both myself, my wife and realtor. My realtor had brought her laptop with her and plugged into an outlet in the dining room and did her work while I walked around the house with the inspector. I have no issue with Lou's inspection technique, tools or demeanor. I found he was friendly and thorough during the inspection. It was what happened during the inspection and how he handled the matter (or didn't) that leads me to write about it here, as it was this website where I found him and decided to hire him based on his "credibility". When testing outside electrical outlets, he found one in front of the house that will not reset after tripping, tells me and notes it in his report. Later while in the garage he inspects the breaker panel and tests it and lets me know about some single strand aluminum wiring concerns. At some point in his electrical system diagnosis, a circuit gets tripped- one that my realtor is plugged into and her laptop turns off since her battery was not charged/working. She came out to tell Lou and he says everything is back on to his knowledge, but that outlet is still not working so she has to find another outlet to plug into and does so. Meanwhile Lou moves to the kitchen to continue and while there I'm looking at appliances and open refrigerator/freezer doors to see its size and condition. I notice there is no lights on in either side and find that odd mention it to my wife but it was still cold at the time. Long story short, the inspections were finished, we all left went home and later that evening I received and email from Lou with the inspection report. After much contemplation and reviewing the reports we decided not to purchase the home. Two days later, I get a phone call from my realtor saying she has some bad news- the owners were out of town that week and when they came home on Saturday they found a puddle of water in the kitchen and that the refrigerator's power was off. Owner says he found the breaker in the garage off and when he reset it it came back on, but all his food was spoiled and had to be thrown out. Now the owner will not sign a release of binder form saying that he is going to file a claim to pay for the damages which turns out to be excessive in my opinion and I refuse to pay what he is asking out of my binder money. When Lou is informed by my realtor and broker of the problem he refutes the fact that he caused the power outage to the fridge and refuses to take any responsibility at all in the matter. He suggests that I take it up with the broker and seller because he feels the claim is fraudulent and advises me to seek legal council if necessary. Well I have filed a rebuttal on the amount being claimed with the NE FL RE commission, but until resolved I still do not have my binder money back yet, I do not have a house and Mr. Prinzi has my $435 inspection fee and has not even offered ANYTHING towards the damages, let alone offer a refund for the inspection! There's a lot more I can tell about this problem but do not want to into any more details than necessary here. I just want somebody else to to know that Mr. Prinzi's attitude and lack of responsiveness to my situation that HE caused is UNPROFESSIONAL! No one else was flipping breakers or testing GFI's in the house so how could it not be his responsibility??? Feel free to email me for more info- gkc324@comcast.net
Description of Work: Pre-purchase home and pool inspection.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
3.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
5.0

$435

Response from First Choice Building Inspections
I'm happy to see that I was able to prevent this client from purchasing a money pit. He seemed very happy with the service and satisfied knowing that he was saved from making a huge mistake on this property. It saddens me though to see that he feels my character and professionalism is in question based solely on the statements of a disgruntled seller; someone who may be a little upset that the sale fell through. The reason I did not "step up and take responsibility" as he says is that I found it very odd that the sellers' itemized list of "spoiled food from lack of refrigeration" included ketchup, mustard, apples, bread, hot dog rolls, and a number of other items found on non-refrigerated shelves in the market. The list he supplied of the "spoiled food" was produced seven days after the fact with photos of the food he supposedly threw away. He was adamant that he be reimbursed for the entire contents of the refrigerator, regardless of spoilage for a total of around $950.00 and would not settle for any less. At that point, I felt the claim to be artificially inflated, highly exaggerated and possibly fraudulent (there were other factors which contributed to my decision which I will not get into). None of the steps I took to inspect the electrical system on this home, or any home for that matter, would have resulted in a loss of power to the refrigerator. I explained this to my client. Home Inspectors do not "flip breakers" on and off for testing as my client stated. The main electric panel/load center inspection is visual only. And I'm certain the power did not go off by just looking at the circuit. If the refrigerator lost power, it was not a result of anything I did and quite possibly happened after we left. The Realtor did complain about a lack of power to her computer so we both checked the main panel and found all circuits were on. I even have a photo of the panel with all circuits on. My client seems to disregard these facts. Paying for damage that was not verified, had inflated cost estimates, and was highly questionable would be very irresponsible and nothing any professional business owner should do. I knew my client was going to post a negative review and still did what I knew to be right. I think that speaks more to my character and professionalism than anything else. I advised this client to file a rebuttal claim with the Broker which I hope will provide some satisfaction.

Michael U.
07/2013
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
This is the second time that we have used First Choice inspection. The appointment was handled very efficiently with the customer service team. The inspection was completed on schedule. The report was very informative and provided an excellent summary along with details & photos of the issues. All in all very useful and very efficient.
Description of Work: Inspection of a condo

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$450

James T.
07/2013
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
It went great. Low showed up on time and began the inspection. He allowed me to show him my areas of concern then proceeded with his inspection. He answered any questions as he went about the inspection. When completed he told me when to expect the report.The report came the next day via email with a hardcopy arriving within the next week.
Description of Work: Provided a complete home inspection of my property including thermal imaging.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$425

Ross G.
06/2013
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
I was very impressed with the level of detail that Lou exhibited when conducting the review. He found several material issues that would have been missed in any walkthrough. He took time to explain each of the issues, and the report was extremely detailed. I would recommend FCBI to other home purchasers. The price was extremely competitive based on other providers that I researched. Additionally, the WDO inspector that Lou engaged was also polite, thorough and extremely knowledgable.
Description of Work: Lou provided a full inspection of home and pool areas. I am the purchaser of the property that was inspected.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$606

Ann H.
06/2013
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
His service was fantastic and I couldn’t be happier. He had excellent office staff and they were very efficient. I would recommend to the other people to use him in the future.
Description of Work: I used First Choice Building Inspections Inc for home inspection. The contact person’s name was Louis Prinzi.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$460

LINDA T.
06/2013
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
I walked through the inspection with Lou and he answered all my questions regarding the process, age/condition of items inspected and the process itself. While most homeowners don't walk through the process with inspectors, I found it to be very valuable and added to the value of the report. He was very courteous and professional. I received his full report the following day and it contained all the information that we discussed which will be helpful in the future for items requiring immediate attention as well as items requiring ongoing maintenance. I highly recommend him for anyone looking for a home inspection.
Description of Work: Inspection of house

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$400

Response from First Choice Building Inspections
Thanks so much for the positive feedback. It was great meeting you and explaining the different components of the home. Clients are always welcome to attend the inspection and to tag along while I evaluate each area. It's a real learning experience, and happy I was able to provide it for this inspection.

Mark L.
06/2013
1.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
We Find The Defects That Cost Big $$$ - The end result is you save more money. Most contracts obligate the seller to make repairs or give you credit at closing. The more defects your inspector finds, the more money you save. We Don't Rush - We don't do more than 2 inspections per day. This allows us the time to do a thorough inspection of your new home. This also means we charge more than most of our competitors. You don't want a cheap inspection. A cheap inspection may be the most expensive thing you'll ever buy, it may cost you thousands of dollars down the road because of missed or overlooked defects. Cheap inspectors often know less and do less, which is one reason they're charge less. Bottom line - The more thorough we are, the more defects we find - the more money you save. Above is the inspector's guarantee. He missed so many items that I had him back out to the house after closing on my loan. He found 5 windows that the thermal seal was broken and in reality there was nine windows with broken seals. One was a very large window that will cost over $500 to repair. He stated that he missed the windows due to it being cloudy outside. My insink garbage disposal leaked the first time it was used and had to be replaced. Two burners on the gas stove not working properly. Toilet attached to the floor with only caulk. He also did not get on the roof to inspect. Excuse was it had rained and appeared to be slick and the roof was very high. Said there were no visible leaks inside the house from the roof. He did not even offer to refund my money on the inspection.
Description of Work: Home inspection.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0

$450

Response from First Choice Building Inspections
Lou Prinzi, Owner FCBI here. Since this is the first negative review ever received, I feel compelled to go into detail regarding the issues stated by the client. I was asked to come back to the property to discuss this inspection, which I did without hesitation. I would like to address each issue individually. We discussed the thermal seals and he was informed that the only way to detect an issue is through "visual evidence". Current weather conditions, light, dirt, and temperature can all affect the ability to detect thermal seal failure. What I look for are signs that indicate there may be a problem and, if there is, refer it to a professional window contractor for further evaluation which is what I did on this inspection and stated such in his report. No other windows, other than the ones I flagged, had visible evidence at the time of the inspection indicating a possible thermal seal failure. If they did, I would have flagged them as well. The fact that I found 5 with seal failure evidence indicates that the windows were checked. Now that the window treatments are removed, the windows cleaned and fully exposed, time of day and weather conditions are different, evidence of seal failure is becoming visible. That does not mean I "missed" them initially. It only means the variables have changed making the evidence more visible now. Since this client did not attend the inspection, I'm not certain how he can be so certain there was visual evidence that I missed. I would also have explained these issues personally. I wonder what the window contractor found when he/she evaluated the windows as I suggested. Since they were not identified by the contractor, I have to assume the evidence was not visible at that time either. Not certain why the disposal, oven and commode are issues now. We discussed them when I returned to the property a few weeks back. He said the disposal only leaked when it was running and full of debris. Since I don't carry any trash to put in the disposal when I test it, there was no way to tell. I test all disposals with the water running though, and this one had not issues. He seemed happy with that. He also stated the oven did actually work the night before and it operated again when I tested it then. He admitted it probably did operate when I did my initial inspection and only stops working sporadically. He stated that the commode was secured to the floor with sealant cement. When I checked it, as I do on all inspections, it appeared to be firmly attached to the floor. It was only after he removed the sealant that he found it not secure. I don't remove sealant from commode edges to see it if moves. If it is secure, does not rock or move, is sealed at the base, operates properly and not leaking, then there's is nothing to report. The roof was not walked on due to the fact that is was raining at the time of the inspection making traversing the wet, slick shingles very dangerous. This was disclosed in the inspection report. I'm not aware of any home inspector (or roofing contractor for that matter) that would walk on a roof in the rain or on one that was slick. That does not mean it was not inspected. I carry an 18 foot Little Giant and 12 foot telescoping ladders and could have very easily gotten onto the roof from the low eave along the rear. I chose to inspect this roof from the eaves via ladder and from the ground with binoculars due to safety concerns. My wife would kill me if I got killed falling off a wet roof. I also viewed the underside of the decking via the attic. I provided a complete and accurate report listing a number of items needing repair at the exterior, interior, garage, plumbing, bath, kitchen and laundry. I'm sorry this client feels that I should have identified damage that was not evident or did not exist at the time of the inspection. That's why it's very important the client attend the inspection, or at the very least have their Realtor or a representative present. At this point, I do not feel a refund is warranted which is why it was not offered.

Contact information

13245 Atlantic Blvd #04-104, Jacksonville, FL 32225

http://www.fcbijax.com

Service hours

Monday:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Licensing

Bonded

Insured
State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.


Service Categories

Home inspection

FAQ

First Choice Building Inspections is currently rated 4.8 overall out of 5.

Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

First Choice Building Inspections accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,MasterCard,Visa
Yes, First Choice Building Inspections offers free project estimates.
No, First Choice Building Inspections does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
Yes, First Choice Building Inspections offers a 10% senior discount.
No, First Choice Building Inspections does not offer emergency services.
Yes, First Choice Building Inspections offers warranties.
First Choice Building Inspections offers the following services: Home Inspection.

Contact information

13245 Atlantic Blvd #04-104, Jacksonville, FL 32225

http://www.fcbijax.com

Service hours

Monday:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM