[calgalt]

I would like to know if anyone knows of a good home inspector for our new home purchase. It is in Sunrise Manor area.

Or if you know bad ones, let me know that too.

Thanks

[bassfan11]

I don't usually go out of my way to give referrals for fear that they may not be happy with the service and it'd be my reputation on the line. But without hesitation, I'd have to refer who I used for my recent home inspections (twice!).

Bill W.G. Thomas
FYI Inspections Inc.

Hands down, probably the best money I spent on a home purchase (maybe even including the house itself! ). Extremely informative, personable, a cool character, honest, completely detailed and thorough, and most importantly, not beholden to your real estate person. He'll give you the goods on a house, no holds barred. You'll know more about that house than anybody after he's done. I know it seems exagerrative, but I'm serious. We got very lucky insisting on using him. He may not have been cheaper than the our RE person was telling us to use, but he was comparable if not cheaper than all others we found online and other sources. This surprised us after using him because it was something we would have paid more for.

A quick story about our experience. Finally got an offer accepted on an REO and came to inspection time. Got Bill Thomas to come in and told us what's what. Us being home buying newbs, he was very patient and went out of his way to explain how all kinds of things work and how they should be. The education alone was priceless. There was nothing horribly wrong with the house. But all the things here and there added up to just not feeling right. He respectfully didn't try and influence us either way. We made the decision and turned it down. Next house we got an offer accepted on he found to be in great condition. A few simple fixes here and there, and that was about it. Needless to say, we now live there. Couldn't have asked for a better inspector and experience.

Of course I have to say YMMV because nobody on Earth is perfect. But I am confident enough to post on here my recommendation and comments about our experience. Best of luck!

[Diaper1234]

I just called Bill. Picked his brains and got some great information. Very reasonably priced although I haven't had him out yet. I am sure he will do a solid job. Like the poster above said, the education alone is priceless.

The construction quality in this town is absolutely horrendous. I would never touch anything without having every little thing inspected. Imagine the thousands of tract homes that went up in the past 10 years and how hurriedly they were put together and how poorly they were constructed. Don't pay for a job in full until you have it inspected, this town is full of extremely shi*ty work!

[calgalt]

thanks I have already sent him an email.

[skugelstadt]

You may wish to see if the inspector is ASHI certified and check with Better Business bureau.
sk

[calgalt]

I had Bill inspect our house last weekend.
I was pleasantly surprised at how in depth he was. And he explained everything in terms we could understand.
I would also highly recommend him.

[sheriwx]

Thanks for this thread!

How soon can he make it out after you call him?

[calgalt]

I think he is pretty open because I called Wed to schedule for the following weekend and he was avail. Tell him Terri sent you

[sheriwx]

Okay, we've got an appointment with Bill on Saturday to inspect a home we are under contract to buy. I hope he's as good as everyone says! I can't find his name on the ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) website, does this matter? Is ASHI certification imporant?

[crazy_bd]

I just had Bill Thomas come and inspect my future home. It was a bit of an unusual situation, because I actually had two inspections, one earlier from another company - the main reason was I wanted a walk along and wasn't sure if I'd make it to the first company's visit. Secondly it's my first house and I wanted two inputs, even though I did have some thoughts about the extra money spent. Bill also made himself available on very short notice.

Bill was thorough beyond expectations, spotted things the other inspector passed, and also took the time to tell me how to address these things. All in all, Bill spent close to three hours on the inspection. I felt very confident after the inspection in knowing what I was getting into. It was worth every penny.

I can strongly recommend Bill!