Home inspection, Mold Testing & Remediation, Radon Detection & Reduction
About us
"Whether buying or selling, you deserve professional expertise. We take pride in our work and offer you prompt and courteous service."
-Michael McDowell, President
Business highlights
37 years of trusted experience
Services we offer
HOME INSPECTIONS, WOOD-DESTROYING INSECT INSPECTIONS, SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTIONS, WATER QUALITY TESTING, RADON TESTING, MOLD TESTING, COMMERCIAL BUILDING INSPECTIONS & EXPERT WITNESS CONSULTATIONS.
Just had Michael inspect a property that we are about to close on. I've been present at many inspections and Michael is the finest inspector I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. He is personable and will share valuable information with you and also encourages you to ask as many questions as you want. No question is to silly to ask. I highly recommend Building Inspector of America. Make sure you get this one because many have very similar names. As for the other review from a previous person, I am totally befuddled how they could have graded Michael that way.
Description of Work: Inspection of Condo/Townhouse
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$500
Nina Z.
03/2017
1.0
home inspection
+ -1 more
The purchase and sale was nullified and we went on to sell house to another party. The house was inspected and no issues were found. The original potential buyer left her realtor. I have to wonder if she went with Michael, who is also a realtor. I would think being an inspector and realtor would be a conflict of interest.
Description of Work: In selling my home the buyer hired this company. Michael did a report for the buyer stating falsehoods. For example, he stated the furnace and roof needed to be replaced. We had to go to the installers and prove that they did not need to be replaced. He made assumptions based on age without regard to quality and manufacturer. He also found minuscule items that our contractor found ridiculous. So the potential buyer hired a roofer for an estimate to replace. When we showed proof that it had another 5-10 years left in its life, the roofer then gave a quote for repairs. When my husband called the roofer to find out what type of repairs the roof needed, he would only say they were minor. When pressed for specific info, the roofer hung up! Also had to go to oil burner installer, who wrote a report for us stating that this model was top of the line and had a long life ahead of it. It also stated that we maintained it annually.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
1.0
Geoffrey O.
10/2013
5.0
home inspection
+ -1 more
This was the second time I had hired Michael McDowell. I appreciate his candor and openness. I also appreciate his openness with information — he'll explain or teach anything. Mike wen through the entire house, inside and out, top to bottom. He even inspected the carbport and shed. After showing me all his thoughts and concerns (even giving me tips for things like grading, painting, sealing, and more), he supplied a full report, nearly 20 pages. Months after I bought the home, I emailed him for additional tips based on a suggestion he had made, and he gladly supplied me with answers. He just a great guy with tons of experience and know-how. I would recommend him to anyone. He's really good at what he does.
Description of Work: Performed full home inspection.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$650
Patrick C.
08/2013
1.0
home inspection
+ -1 more
For the most part I thought Dave did an good job with the inspection. He did a very through wood destroying insect inspection checking the bait traps around the home and potential areas of entry for the wood destroying insects. He also provided advice on how to limit the attractiveness of the home to the insects. Dave seem to do a thorough job providing a 16 page report to us within 24 hours of his inspection. The reason why I have to give him an F, is that although he noted knob and tube electrical in one portion of the house he missed it all together at several other junctions in the basement and attic. We were able to get the sellers to remedy the knob and tube that Dave had found in one section of the home. However I am now stuck with it in several other areas of the home. I am now facing a $6500 bill to remedy the situation, one that I would have expected the inspector to find so that I could have negotiated a remedy with the sellers of the home. Also please note Building Inspector of America does not take photos during the inspection, so if you require this from your home inspector I would recommend you look elsewhere.
Description of Work: Dave Shannon of Building Inspector of America performed a home inspection and a wood destroying insect inpection on the home I eventually purchased on July 15, 2013
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
$575
Geoffrey O.
11/2012
5.0
home inspection
+ -1 more
I hired Michael McDowell, president of the Building Inspector of America company, to inspect a property I was hoping to purchase. The home was built in 1908, had a couple small additions, private water, and a greenhouse building. The property is located in Wilbraham, Mass. The cost of the inspection was slightly higher than others in the area, but I opted to pay for various water tests and other add-ons. He also came highly recommended. So, I moved forward with him. Michael was responsive and professional from the start. He told me what I could expect on inspection day, and he assured me he would spend all the necessary to discuss any concerns or questions that came up. We met at the house. His inspection took a couple hours. He was very thorough. Moreover, he taught me a lot about the house as we went through it. In the end, Mr. McDowell supplied me with a 16-page report, noting all of the home's issues, and provide recommendations or comments on each of them. I would hire this building inspector in a heartbeat. I was very happy with his attention to detail, deep knowledge, and willingness to spend time and answer questions.
Description of Work: I hired Michael McDowell, president of the Building Inspector of America company, to inspect a property I was hoping to purchase. The home was built in 1908, had private water, and was located in Wilbraham, Mass. In addition to a full home inspection, I also contracted this inspector to take charge of various water tests.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$650
steve D.
06/2008
5.0
home inspection
+ -1 more
Everything went very well Dale showed up early and was helpful, informative and professional. I would recommend him to anyone buying a house.
Description of Work: Home inspection for the purchase of a new home. The entire outside and inside of the home was inspected for structural integrity and safety issues. An inspection was also conducted for wood burrowing insects.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$425
Kim W.
03/2008
5.0
home inspection
+ -1 more
Mr. McDowell was very knowledgeable and spent two hours explaining every detail. He began outside the home looking at the electrical coming into the house, the shingles, windows, roof, garage, stairs and porch. Inside the house he started upstairs and worked down to the basement. Unfortunately the house was winterized, so he wasn't able to check the plumbing but did check all heating units and appliance to make sure they were operational. I know most of these items will be checked by any inspector, what separates this one from others is the time taken to answer all questions, detailed explanations, suggestions and knowledge of what repairs might cost. Very happy with the inspection, it made me absolutely aware of what I was getting into.
Description of Work: Home inspection for the purchase of a new home. Both the entire outside and inside of the home was inspected for structural integrity and safety issues. An inspection was also conducted for wood burrowing insects.
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,
Mold Testing & Remediation,
Radon Detection & Reduction
FAQ
THE BUILDING INSPECTOR OF AMERICA is currently rated 4.2 overall out of 5.
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
THE BUILDING INSPECTOR OF AMERICA accepts the following forms of payment: Check
No, THE BUILDING INSPECTOR OF AMERICA does not offer free project estimates.
No, THE BUILDING INSPECTOR OF AMERICA does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, THE BUILDING INSPECTOR OF AMERICA does not offer a senior discount.
No, THE BUILDING INSPECTOR OF AMERICA does not offer emergency services.
No, THE BUILDING INSPECTOR OF AMERICA does not offer warranties.
THE BUILDING INSPECTOR OF AMERICA offers the following services: HOME INSPECTIONS, WOOD-DESTROYING INSECT INSPECTIONS, SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTIONS, WATER QUALITY TESTING, RADON TESTING, MOLD TESTING, COMMERCIAL BUILDING INSPECTIONS & EXPERT WITNESS CONSULTATIONS.