NORTH SHORE BUILDING CONSULTANTS

The first home inspection went OK. I also brought in paint and mold inspectors, so between the 3 reports we made a good decision NOT to buy the first house. We were able to figure out what it would cost to fix the problems present and decided it would be too much. His report did not give any estimates on what it would cost to repair or update items - we had to figure it out on our own. The report also did not dissuade us from purchasing the home. It was very neutral and consisted mostly of checking off items on a checklist, such as humidifier was present on the heating system, but no remarks as to whether it was tested or working or even it's age. The painting contractor opened our eyes to the real costs and trouble areas. If we had not had the paint contractor come we might have bought the home. After we pulled out of that deal, we bid on another home. We used the same inspector because our realtor had recommended him. This second inspection was much like the first, a few things pointed out and lots of check marks on forms, but not great detail about each system or room. The house was newer than the first we considered and in better shape generally. Based on his report, we bought the house. Once we moved in, we discovered a number of items that had been missed, which now will cost us money to repair. Had they been found in the inspection, we could have asked for the previous owners to take care of these or perhaps negotiated a different price. The front (solid wood) door has two cracks in it where daylight can be seen through the door. The cracks are quite obvious and the report has no comments about this door. It will cost $500 or more to replace this door; more if we have to relace the entire door and sidelight windows as a unit. A copper pipe in the basement leaks in a slow and steady drip. The floor is stained where the calcium deposits dry from the water drips. How those stains were missed is amazing. This will require a plumber to cut and solder in new pipe. The fan in the bathroom, marked as working, was disconnected. Plus one other problem involving water. We did call Dave and informed him of the problems discovered and asked him to return. He did, and brought some epoxy to repair the door (which didn't fix the problem, although we tried it). He placed a neoprene patch on the leaking copper pipe, which he said he had done in his own home and should work. It did not and now the water leaks around the pipe. He told us to remove the light in the bathroom and then we could connect the fan to the light. We did, and now it works, but it is unprofessional to say that he checked the light and fan and that they worked, when in fact he did not check them. He could not offer help on the other water problem.

DAVE WAS ON TIME, MARVELOUSLY THOROUGH, CONSTRUCTIVE, AND FORTHCOMING IN BOTH HIS REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS.