DIAMOND HOME INSPECTION SERVICES

Bob Scott, Diamond Home Inspection, failed to identify a dangerous, improperly-installed gas water heater prior to the purchase of our home. The water heater is installed as a direct-vent type of unit. However, the water heater itself is not a "direct vent" model and cannot be installed as one. The installation is hazardous since waste gases emitted from the unit may not vent properly to the outside of the house and may instead build up inside the garage/house. The water heater is in plain view. It is also a required part of the home inspection process according to North Carolina's regulations and guidelines for home inspectors. The dangerous condition of the water heater should be clearly obvious to anyone with basic training in such systems. Bob Scott failed to identify it. After revisting to inspect the unit, he offered to install a two-story vent stack up the back of the house. This will not correct the condition however as the unit is not designed for this type of ventilation. By several estimates from Charlotte-area plumbing companies, the cost of the repair/replacement is over $1,000. Bob Scott is obligated contractually to refund his inspection fee, but has so far refused. As well, contractually, any dispute resolution is to be conducted through arbitration. Our complaint with Bob Scott, Diamond Home Inspection, is not yet resolved.

He was detailed and took the time to explain exactly what he noted. I am planning to use him for any future inspections. He noted a number of items that I would not have caught in a million years. He was personable and very, very helpful. Recommended.

HE LET ME GO ALONG WITH HIM, AND ANSWERED MY QUESTIONS. HE GAVE US ESTIMATES ON THE REPAIRS THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE.

BOB IS AN ACCOMPLISHED HOME INSPECTOR AND DOES GOOD WORK. HOWEVER HE WAS HARD TO GET IN TOUCH WITH AND DID NOT ''WOW'' ME WITH HIS ATTENTION TO CUSTOMER SERVICE. AT ONE POINT I NEEDED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH HIM IN ORDER TO GET SOME ADDITIONAL DETAILS SO I COULD ENSURE MY BUILDER COULD FIX THE PROBLEM BEFORE I CLOSED, BUT I COULD NOT GET IN TOUCH WITH HIM. I ENDED UP HAVING TO CLOSE WITHOUT FIXING THE PROBLEM HE HAD NOTED. THE INFORMATION IN HIS REPORT REGARDING SHINGLE DAMAGE WAS NOT DETAILED ENOUGH FOR MY BUILDER TO BE ABLE TO FIX WITHOUT HAVING BOB THERE IN PERSON.

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