TLDR version: I'm very glad I chose Green House Home Inspection (GHHI) and was incredibly impressed…read morewith Jared's thoroughness during the walkthrough. Highly recommend him if you need a home inspection as a buyer!
Now, for the lengthier review. My agent provided me with a list of home inspection companies, and after reviewing each company's website, GHHI stood out. I quickly understood what the inspection included, that the team had the necessary qualifications and certifications, and that they were a BBB accredited business with an A+ rating (I verified!). My husband and I had a laundry list of inspections we wanted done, and GHHI was able to provide most of them for reasonable, additional fees; at the time of this review, they also offer wood destroying organism inspections, radon air tests ($150), and comprehensive water tests ($250, includes water quality and radon). The total cost of the home inspection + all add-ons for a 2-story home with an unfinished basement was $1,125. This felt incredibly reasonable, and it was also very convenient to schedule so many inspections with one company.
I've only had one other home inspection experience as a buyer, and while I remember that report being detailed and somewhat helpful, the inspector did everything himself for 3+ hours, so we had no context for the details he shared and we felt quite disconnected from the process. Jared (the owner of GHHI) takes a totally different approach, and I'm here for it. Jared arrived early and started to walk the property, and once I arrived, he explained his style and how he prefers for folks to walk with him. I was impressed with how thorough he was and his multi-tasking; not only was he performing the inspection, but taking photos and notes, educating me, and answering my questions. As an aside: I'm interested in learning about my future home but this is absolutely not my wheelhouse, and I think Jared did a great job of explaining things in layman's terms. The inspection took roughly 4 hours; I had a septic inspection at the same time, and Jared was very accommodating (and helpful!) when we needed to stop and chat with that inspector.
Jared conducted our home inspection in the morning and we received the report that night! I appreciated that photos were included (for evidence purposes but to also jog my memory) and a rating system was employed. A Table of Contents made it easy to jump around. I think the report provided helpful general information as well as notes about recommendations and issues. While the amount of text was more on the concise side, I felt it was adequate and professional. Jared really went above and beyond during the inspection itself, so I think a review really needs to take that process and those conversations into account. I will take Jared's combo approach, which includes a thorough inspection with the client + conversations + a report with photos, over another inspector's approach that is quite removed and only includes a report.
Again, I highly recommend Green House Home Inspection, specifically Jared. He was incredibly personable and ensured the inspection process was educational, and dare I say, enjoyable!