Too bad there is no "0" stars available or even a minus stars. I was in the process of selling my first home ever and was naïve enough to allow pre-inspections for potential buyers. Never ever will make that mistake again! and that is "thanks" to Chris Bartlett from Custom Home Inspections!
During the inspection Chris kicked my garage's siding twice really hard, which, of course!, cause a damage to the siding.
I don't know if Yelp allows for video links to be posted here, but I'll try. This is the link to the video of Chris kicking my siding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzhOqPUzmTI
If someone is calling themselves an experienced and savvy home inspector, then there should be no need for breaking stuff to inspect it. A truly seasoned professional inspector can see the condition of the things without breaking them because their eyes are already trained. Siding can be touched with fingers to see the condition of it. Don't kick, toss, throw anything. Be gentle. The siding is not new, it can be seen clearly. Why break it?!
Anyway, Chris acted very unprofessionally by damaging the siding. When I tried to talk to him about it, he basically told me to go screw myself and that it is his job to break things during inspections.
I had to spend time researching WA code for inspectors and this is what I found.
According to InterNACHI's Standards of Practice for Performing a General Home Inspection, an inspector is to perform a non-invasive, visual examination of the home's systems and components that is designed to identify defects. When inspector is performing any type of testing to verify functionality, they are to use normal operating controls under normal conditions, and assume regular maintenance.
In addition, per Washington State Standards of Practice for Home Inspectors & Inspections, Chapter 308-408C WAC Exclusions and Limitations (15), Inspectors are not required to: Perform any procedure or operation that will, in the opinion of the inspector, likely be dangerous to the inspector or others or damage the property, its systems or components. Structure (1) Probe, of the same chapter stipulates: The Inspector will Probe a representative number of structural components where deterioration is suspected or where clear indications of possible deterioration exist. Probing is not required when probing will damage any finished surface or where no deterioration is suspected.
Therefore, it was unnecessary to damage the siding by kicking it hard twice to asses its condition.
Long story short, do not hire this company for home inspections, no matter if you are selling or buying a house. If they break anything and you still buy the house, then you would be fixing it after you become an owner.
If your are selling your home, do not allow pre-inspections and for actual home inspections, make sure you get their business card and insurance info before allowing them to proceed.
That's the lesson I've learned while selling my first house ever. read more