SCHEUNEMANN HOME INSPECTIONS

Horrible. We hired Scott Scheunemann in July 2016 prior to buying a new home. I was concerned about possible water intrusion and asked Scott Scheunemann to look at some areas specifically for water leakage. He told me that it was merely condensation, and that the roof has some wear and tear, but has another 5-10 years before it should be replaced. He told me the chimney needed new flashing and a chimney cap. A mere 3 weeks after we move in we get a rain storm and there is massive water leakage. I have had 3 independent assessments since and have learned that a) the roof is in terrible shape and needs immediate replacement b) the chimney cap and mortar is badly degraded with cracks and holes and multiple caulked areas, requiring a new chimney cap and tuckpointing. My initial attempts to contact Scott after this occurred were ignored completely. When I mentioned that my Allstate representative recommended I speak with an attorney he decided to email me, but only deflected blame to the sellers and claimed that he told me the roof required immediate replacement, which is a blatant lie. We lost out on possible negotiation of a better price and have to come up with the funds to replace the roof immediately, as well as have the chimney repaired immediately. Scott Scheunemann's negligence is going to cost us thousands and thousands of dollars. Avoid him at all costs.

Mr. Scheunemann's inspection was so incredibly wrong that I can only think of two explanations: either he lied or he is grossly incompetent. There were many areas of concern in the home we bought, and Mr. Scheunemann downplayed each of these issues and so we bought the house with very minimal negotiation. It became apparent very soon after buying the house that his report was inaccurate. When I contacted him about the many issues he got wrong, he was non-responsive. When I threatened legal action he finally responded, but only to blame the sellers of the house, admitting that these problems did in fact exist before we bought the house. Bottom line, if you want an unbiased and accurate inspection steer clear of this company. Very sad situation because Joe Scheunemann, who started the company was a stand up guy and had integrity.

Stay away from those parasites! My major mistake was that they were referred to me through my real estate agent. So, in order to keep his business in the future, the crook, who came to appraise the home that I was going to buy, gave me the report saying that there were just a few minor things that needed correction, i.e. like a missing wall plate, or a little wire needed here or there. What this criminal conveniently forgot to mention that the house had several major problems like cracked concrete around the house, leaky basement, a portion of a back wall that rotted away. They come to your place with a laptop, on time and give you a high-tech report in a nice binder, and you'd think wow, they look very professional, but don't be fooled by their appearances, they are not working for you, their source of referrals seems to be through real estate agencies, like Edina Realty (I used to work there) where they periodically come and leave boxes of donuts. You have been warned!

Overall, I am supremely disappointed by Mr. Scheunemann's downplay of significant deficiencies during the house inspection. Specifically, I pointed out to him unsecured brick mold that surrounded two large windows at the rear of the residence in the walkout basement. My concern was that moisture could get behind the sagging brick mold and rot the underlying wood window frames. Mr. Scheunemann inspected the windows in my presence, verified that the brick mold surround was largely unsecured at the top and bottom of the window, and then assured me that the underlying felt and wall sheathing was intact and undamaged. Consequently, he recorded the rear window brick mold as a ?marginal? deficiency in his report. Unfortunately, he made no effort to further observe that the windows lacked any sort of flashing or a drip cap either above or below: a red flag indicator that the windows were improperly installed. Meanwhile, all the water that hit that rear wall over the years drained and collected along the windows? sills and they rotted. In fact, one of the sills is completely disintegrated to dust. I now know that these two sets of windows are absolutely ruined and must be replaced at an estimated cost to me of $5000.00. Additionally, the house's basement foundation walls had cracks that extended the entire height of the walls - both through the mortar and actual blocks. In one case, the wall actually shifted inward approximately 1/8". I asked Mr. Scheunemann specifically about these cracks; his response was that all old homes have cracked foundations and that I had nothing to worry about. In actuality, those cracks allow both air and moisture to enter my basement and must be repaired. Had I been properly advised of these damages I would have required repairs as an additional term of the house?s purchase. I paid and trusted Mr. Scott Scheunemann to find just these sort of deficiencies to protect me from what I didn?t know. Not only did I waste my money on Mr. Scheunemann's inspection, but I also overpaid for my house as well. I will never again use, nor recommend to anyone, this company's services.

Scott was prompt (got there before we did!), thorough, professional and honest. He not only explained major systems to us-heating, cooling, water, sewer, gas, water softener, washer, dryer, electric, wiring-he tagged all the shut offs. We both feel we learned more about being a responsible homeowner in the 2.5 hours we spent with Scott than in the nine years we've lived in our current home! Scott made it very clear about what repairs were vital for safety and what was more cosmetic in nature. We were able to get the sellers to correct the top safety issues and we have a list of what else needs our attention listed in priority order. As mentioned in other reports we also got a three ring binder with lots of great information for home owners.

Excellent. The home is very old, so we were pleased to get reassurance about some items that worried us. Scott also found some additional items that we will want to have fixed. We used those in negotiating the price. Scheduling the appointment was easy. Scott arrived on time and was very thorough.

Hired Scheunemann for a pre-purchase inspection for a 1930's home in St. Paul. Scott was our inspector and he arrived at the property early. Inspection was thorough. Scott walked through explanations of all mechanical equipment, providing a general functional overview as well as advice/input on age, wear and condition. We are first time homebuyers, so we had a lot of questions. Scott was patient with us and took all the time we needed. Spent 3.5 hours altogether. He typed and printed a report on the spot, then emailed us a digital copy later. Prices were competitive. They only had canister type Radon testers, which required 1+ week for test and lab time, so we had to get another company for this. We would recommend Scheunemann again.

Scott was always early and very helpful. He explains everything he is doing as he goes along, including labeling shut-off valves, etc. In addition to a very thorough inspection, Scott also gave very helpful maintenance hints and information. Wonderful service!

VERY PROFESSIONAL AND KNOWLEDGEABLE.

I PULLED OUT OF THE DEAL ON ONE OF THE HOMES BASED ON THE INSPECTION THEY DID. THEY ARE A GREAT FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS.

STEVE WAS ON TIME, THOROUGH, FRIENDLY BUT NOT TOO FRIENDLY. THE REPORT WAS VERY DETAILED AND VERY WELL EXPLAINED. HE ALSO, TAGGED AND EXPLAINED WHERE SHUT OFF VALVES WERE. WE HAVE ALREADY RECOMMENDED HIM. WE WERE NOT CHARGED EXTRA FOR USING OUR CREDIT CARD.

VICKI SCHUENEMANN WAS THE INSPECTOR WE USED, AND SHE WAS GREAT!

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY. THEY WERE VERY FLEXIBLE IN HOLDING A TIME OPEN FOR ME WHILE I REARRANGED MY SCHEDULE. STEVE SPENT 3 1/2 HOURS GOING THROUGH THE HOUSE. I AM A CURRENT HOME OWNER SO I UNDERSTOOD BASIC MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS. STEVE WAS ABLE TO EXPLAIN HOW THE SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT IN THE HOUSE WORKED COMPARED TO MY CURRENT HOME. HE WAS VERY DETAILED AND MADE SURE I UNDERSTOOD WHAT HE FOUND. HIS REPORT AND BOOKLET GAVE ME MANY EXTRA USEFUL HINTS FOR HOUSE MAINTENANCE. IN ADDITION, HE FOUND A NECESSARY AND EXPENSIVE REPAIR THAT I WAS ABLE TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE SELLER AND HAVE FIXED BEFORE I MOVED. ALSO, MY REALTOR RECOMMENDED THIS COMPANY TO ME. NORMALLY, I WOULDN'T GO ON JUST THAT RECOMMENDATION. WHEN I FOUND THEM ON ANGIE'S LIST I DECIDED TO PICK THEM. IT WAS A GREAT CHOICE.

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THEY CAME OUT THE VERY DAY AFTER I CALLED THEM. THEY WERE CHEERFUL AND PLEASANT AND OFFERED MANY GREAT TIPS AND THINGS THAT WOULD NOT COST TOO MUCH TO DO THAT WOULD HELP MAKE MY HOME MORE SAFE. THEIR PRICE IS VERY COMPETITIVE.