Greentree Environmental Services, Inc.

The inspector was nearly 30 minutes late; this was the only downside to the process. Given that this agency operates out of Indianapolis and Portage, and it sends inspectors throughout Indiana and Illinois (our inspection performed in Terre Haute), it is understandable that sometimes the inspectors may not be prompt. The inspection itself was time-consuming, given the number of painted surfaces in the home. As we were invited to follow the inspector and ask questions throughout, we were glad to see that they did not cut any corners - every painted surface was identified and inspected. The XRF "gun" x-rays each surface to identify the presence of lead and returns the amount of lead, NOT JUST a positive/negative reading. At the end of the inspection, the inspector told us each of the surfaces in the home that tested positive, as well as discussed the condition of the paint. He also answered our questions about different methods for handling the lead paint. The risk assessment also included dust and soil samples. He followed good procedure using a clean pair of gloves for each sample taken, careful not to contaminate any samples. He also obeyed our requests on the location of the soil samples, ensuring that the area sampled is the area that would be used most by our children. A detailed report was delivered via email within 10 days of the inspection, which was faster than the quoted 14 days. The report included a summary of the findings, suggestions for repair, estimated costs of repair, background on lead hazards, and a detailed appendix outlining the methods used. Pictures showing the locations of the lead and their condition (taken by the inspector during the inspection) were also included. In addition, a copy of the inspector's license was included in the report. The report listed not only the lead hazards (where paint was deteriorating or positive dust/soil samples), but it also included a complete list of every surface tested and the resulting reading (the amount of lead present). Thus, we can determine where lead is present but does not meet state standards for declaring it to be "positive." This allows us to use extra caution during future remodels. Having the report emailed to us made it easier to share with the sellers of the property, which is a plus because they are required to share it with future buyers should this purchase fall through. Similarly, it is easy to store digitally for future use should we sell the home at a later date. Overall, we were very pleased with their service. It was clear that everyone from the receptionist who booked the appointment to the inspector were passionate and knowledgeable about lead-based hazards.

It looked quite nice, however, four days after moving into my home (in Dec. 06), the glaze begin to flake off of the sink and tub. My agent contacted the seller and we arranged for Julie of Greentree to come out and assess the problem in Jan. 07. She could not determine the cause and was to send another representative out (the actual glazer, I believe). After emails and several phone calls over the months (I think I stopped calling in May), I could not compel anyone from the company to come out. It's now been eight months and the glaze continues to deteriorate as the company has not fixed the problem. The original fixtures were 1960's pink and the glaze is a neutral off-white so in addition to the lead being exposed, it also looks unattractive.