HomeTeam Inspection Service

JANUARY 5, Cincinnati Revdex.com West 7th St., Ste1600, Cincinnati, OH HomeTeam of Cincinnati is responding to a letter we received from Cincinnati Revdex.com, on 12/19/The customer ID number of complaint is [redacted] We have acknowledged the above ID numberI followed up with an email on December 29, to the client asking her to get back with me to discuss her issuesShe responded with email that she was extremely busy and would call me Friday, January No call or email was receivedAs stated previously, we never knew there was an issue with the inspection until over a year after the inspection was performedAgain, our inspection was a visual inspection and I refer the client to read her signed agreement concerning her issues [redacted] OWNER OF HOMETEAM INSPECTION SERVICE

Revdex.com: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] , and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint We have finally spoke this weekendHe does not feel the rubber hose was over looked and was normal?? He said he was going to speak with the service techs in regards to dishwasher but only said it was good the oven got fixedI am supposed to hear back from him after he speaks to his guysI told him its in my report that they noted it was fineI'm not sure what he will do but not feeling confidentIf he gets back with me I will contact you Regards, [redacted] We have finally spoke this weekendHe does not feel the rubber hose was over looked and was normal?? He said he was going to speak with the service techs in regards to dishwasher but only said it was good the oven got fixedI am supposed to hear back from him after he speaks to his guysI told him its in my report that they noted it was fineI'm not sure what he will do but not feeling confidentIf he gets back with me I will contact you

Initial Business Response / [redacted] (1000, 11, 2015/10/13) */ The primary complaint relates to the deck being allegedly improperly installed with no flashingAs noted in the Inspection Report, the Inspection was based on "observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure." [redacted] [redacted] suggested that I failed to climb under the deck and inspect itI have several pictures from under the deckAs evidenced by the pictures in the inspection report, the deck was partially snow covered at the time of the inspectionThe report also specifically noted that flashing could not be inspectedMs [redacted] mentioned that the deck along the rear of the house was rotten and visible mold and fungus was growing out of the wall of the homeThis was only discovered, according to the conversation with [redacted] , after heavy rains in MayAs mentioned in the complaint, the inspection occurred on April 3, mold and fungus would not be visible since the winter season was just endingThe nature of the hidden defect is supported by the pictures sent from Ms [redacted] , all of which reveal that the deck issues were only visible upon demolition and removal of the decking materials The initial email we received from Ms [redacted] references a broken window and door that was not properly attachedWith respect to the window, the window was not cracked, but rather had paint on the exteriorWith respect to the door, the front exterior door was inspected and was functionalIt should also be noted at the time of the inspection there were numerous personal items and books stacked near the doorThe sellers of the home were present the entire time of the inspection and, in the process of moving with about or "helpers", so was completely cluttered with boxes, furniture and other personal itemsThe kitchen counters were cluttered with many items that made them very difficult to seeThe entire home was in disarray with these items Regarding the master bedroom window, again with all the items in the home being moved, it was not accessibleHome inspectors do not move boxes, furniture, personal items, etcduring an inspection The Home Inspection Report and Contract are replete with language addressing the limited scope of the inspection The Inspection Agreement plainly states this was a visual inspection onlyThese limitations are consistent with national standardsPursuant to the standards and practice of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, a home inspection is "is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property based on the observations made on the date of the inspection, and not a prediction of future conditions." See InterNACHI SOP § 1.1, ("Definitions and Scope")The same standards also specifically provide that a home inspection is "not technically exhaustive" and "will not identify concealed or latent defects." See InterNACHI SOP § 2.1, ("Limitations")The standards go on to provide that an inspector is "not required to determine the the condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible." See InterNACHI SOP § 2.2, ("Exclusions") Additional emails reference liability of the seller - that is the appropriate avenue for recourse, not the inspectorSellers are required to disclose defectsHere, Ms [redacted] stated that she discovered the deck issue during a recent rain and she happened to be at the property and a large amount of water came into the house through/under the sliding glass doorWhile cleaning it up, she noticed the floor felt "spongy"This is the type of hidden defect that would be impossible for a home inspector to discover given the general noninvasive nature of the inspectionHowever, given Ms [redacted] 's discovery after being present for a rain storm, it is difficult to believe the seller was unaware of this issue In short, a home inspector cannot be liable for finding hidden defects, which were only visible upon demolition of the deckThese items are plainly excluded in the Inspection Agreement and Inspection ReportCopies of both are available Finally, Ms [redacted] 's statement that we would not respond to calls or request to compensate is incorrectWe have responded to each communication from Ms [redacted] , even though she does not own the home and is continuing to explain the scope of the inspection and issues as the representative for the buyer/ownerI asked Ms [redacted] for the buyer/owner contact information to talk with them personally regarding this matterShe said that would not be necessary as she was representing the buyer/owner and that she would be the contact Initial Consumer Rebuttal / [redacted] (3000, 13, 2015/10/15) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) As co-trustee of the Trust which purchased the property I have legal authority to communicate with the Inspector The "snow" he refers to was less than 1/inch, which had nothing to do with the visible inspection of the deckThe fungus was visible immediately at the entry to the sliding glass door and under the deck which had no snow on itThe report made no mention of the deck didn't have flashing or that it could need additional inspectionIt was silent The leaking master bedroom windows and the bubbled paint on the sill indicating continued leaking was evident and not blocked by boxes Buyer's rely on home inspector reports- they hold themselves out as experts, and inform the Buyer/Seller of potential issues which may involve further investigationWhy hire a home inspector if they have no responsibility for identifying potential defects There was nothing hidden in disclosing the issues of this casePhotos of mushroom and fungus are not "hidden", no flashing is not " hidden", bubbled paint on sills indicating prior moisture is not hidden, large cracks in grout in the kitchen counter is not hidden, a front door that is not attached to the foundation is not hidden After receiving a copy of the contract for the inspection, which was scheduled on line, and took me weeks to get a copy of from the attorney representing the insurance company for the inspector, imagine my surprise to learn that "negligence" is not coveredAny business should be accountable for negligenceThis is unheard of and certainly had I known of this limit to their work I would never have recommended them, and won't in the future Buyer's and seller should be informed that the home inspection is not worth the paper it's printed on, especially when a faulty inspection results in 10,000s of dollars of damage to a buyer and the inspector won't stand behind his work or share any of the cost

Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the offer and/or response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] , and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below RE: Complaint ID [redacted] , Rejection of company's reply The company's reference to "concealed conditions ..." is irrelevant as the discoloration of the wooden floor near toilet base was not concealedTo a professional, that should have been a red flag and at the very least specifically noted in a home inspection reportCompany also asserts that they are not required to "determine" the presence of moldHowever that claim, whether true or not, is again irrelevantOnly a professional equipped for such testing can make a positive determination At the very least however, a proper inspection report should have strongly recommended such testing by a qualified professionalA plumber is NOT such a qualified professional to determine mold, and Company only recommended "repair by a qualified licensed plumber." A plumber cannot determine, let alone "repair" mold This report recommendation was in response to a toilet that ran continuously after flushing, not in response to a possible condition of moldCompany replied that their comments "were plainly suggested to put any person on notice of the need to remedy the damage in question." The "damage in question" they refer to in their reply was "an improperly sealed flapper" subsequently repairedAnd the toilet no longer runs continuously now after flushingBut there is absolutely no mentioned of the much greater potential damage of moldThere is no mention of floor discolorationNo mention of softening texture of surrounding wood floorNo recommendation of contacting an expert to make a determination of whether or not mold was presentFor this reason I reject the Company's reply and reassert that the inspection was negligent in failing to report visible signs a potential health hazard which would have greatly impacted my decision to purchase this house in the first place several weeks ago Regards, [redacted] ***

Home inspectors did not inspect water hookup for washing machineNo water supply to outletsNo refund, no coverage from inspectors I hired hometeam inspection service for a home inspection on 3/14/They did not inspect the washer hookupAfter moving in, I discovered the washer hookup was not connected to the house's main water supplyI had to hire a plumber for $to run pipes to the washer hookup When I contacted Josh H [redacted] of hometeam, he stated that because there was no washer in the home he did not have to inspect itI asked why he could not at least check to see if there was any water at all to the outletHe stated that was not part of a home inspection and not his problem, and that I should contact the selling agent and ask for a plumberThe selling agent stated it was an sale and would not divulge the plumber that installed the outlet Insuring that there is water to faucets and hookups should be a part of any home inspectionThe inspectors ran eve

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the responseIf no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered] Complaint: [redacted] I am rejecting this response because: this business broke one of my windows as they were inspecting my homeThey are refusing to take responsibility for the damage they caused during inspectionI discovered the subject window damage after they left my home following their inspection; therefore, this business is directly responsible Regards, *** ***

To Whom It May Concern, Please see the attached correspondence we issued to the client in this matterWe plainly noted the damage in questionThe client subsequently uncovered additional damage during repairs, based upon our recommendations [redacted] *** * ***

Home inspectors did not inspect water hookup for washing machineNo water supply to outletsNo refund, no coverage from inspectors
I hired hometeam inspection service for a home inspection on 3/14/They did not inspect the washer hookupAfter moving in, I discovered the washer hookup was not connected to the house's main water supplyI had to hire a plumber for $to run pipes to the washer hookup
When I contacted Josh H*** of hometeam, he stated that because there was no washer in the home he did not have to inspect itI asked why he could not at least check to see if there was any water at all to the outletHe stated that was not part of a home inspection and not his problem, and that I should contact the selling agent and ask for a plumberThe selling agent stated it was an sale and would not divulge the plumber that installed the outlet
Insuring that there is water to faucets and hookups should be a part of any home inspectionThe inspectors ran eve

The HomeTeam inspectors are incompetent and the owner does not have the integrity to stand behind the quality of their workThe inspectors missed clear and obvious signs of mold and water damage, as well as several code problems with the gas lines which our real estate agent reports are routinely included on home inspections by other inspectorsAll told, the repairs are costing us more than $30,Had we been made aware of the problems at the time of inspection, we certainly could have negotiated a better deal with the home’s previous ownersWhen the problems emerged shortly after closing, we contacted the franchise owner, Carl Craig, who came out promptly and immediately concurred that his inspectors had missed the problemHe had no interest, however, in doing anything beyond the contractually obligated fee refund to make it rightIf you choose to use HomeTeam of Alexandria for your home inspection, be aware that it might be an extremely expensive mistake and that they cannot be trusted to stand behind the quality of their work, even when they acknowledge having made a significant error

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the complaint filed by Ms*** We just returned home from travel, so I will fax this correspondence into you tonight to ensure we meet the ten-day timeline for response.Our corporate attorney wrote the response and this was my first ever complaint
from a home owner As you may know, I represent the home buyer inspection process I am paid to do a thorough examination of the property that my client is going to purchase from the seller (Ms***)In doing so, I am required to open as may windows as I can I am also required to access the electrical panel and other systems, including the thermostat to ensure the air conditioning and heater system are working properly This is the largest financial expenditure that most people make and they are counting on me to find as many issues as possible in the home, so they can negotiate or live with the conditions We have an exit checklist and DO NOT leave screws laying around or access panels open As our attorney most aptly pointed out, there were approximately eight people in the home after we left the premises when we completed the inspection I have no control over the actions of those people after I leave Our inspection report even mentions that to the buyer, so they understand that we cannot be held responsible for actions taken by others after we leave It is called the "last-man-out" theory, which I will address later

I received this email from *** *** on Jul 27, 2017: Press the Enter key to open the contact card.">*** *** ***Jul 7/27, 3:PMMy name is *** ***You completed an inspection for us at a home in *** we recently
moved in to at *** ***. I'm writing because we have just found out that you missed a serious structural problem that will cost us thousands of dollars to fix. We have had two separate contractors and engineers come to the house and immediately notice the defect in the main beam structure running the length of the basementThis is most certainly a 'material defect' as defined in our contract as is structural, which is included in the inspectionIt was not concealed at the time of the inspectionIt was and is visible to the naked eye upon viewing the basement utility roomIt's shocking to us that this was missed. Ultimately we would not have bought the house had we known about the structural issueIt is going to cost us thousands of dollars to fix, other costs associated with having to move out while the work is being completedWe have already incurred costs associated with a having a structural engineer assess & draw up plansIt is incredibly disappointing to us to learn that such a big issue was overlooked in our inspection and that the knowledge would have vastly changed our decision to purchase the home in it's current condition In looking back at the agreement in place for the inspection it seems your liability is limited to our amount paid for the inspection of $399. While this only covers a tiny fraction of the cost we are now stuck with due to this missed defect, we are seeking to reclaim that $ I contacted *** the following day by phone and left a voicemail that I would like to talk to her to discuss this email I received this email after I left the voicemail: *** *** *** Reply all|Fri 7/28, 9:AMHomeTeam of *** *** InboxI received your voicemail but would prefer that all communication take place in writing so there is a recordThank you.*** *** I responded with this email:Fri 7/28, 1:PMHi ***,Please provide the contractor and structural engineer reports for my review Also, please attach any pictures.After I have reviewed the reports and pictures, I would like to come by the property at a time that is convenient for youPlease do not proceed with any work until I have had a chance to re-inspect.Thank you. *** ***
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*** According to the inspection agreement that *** signed, item states: 11. Client shall provide HomeTeam with written notice of any unreported defect or deficiency, of any damage or injury caused by HomeTeam, its employees or agents, or of any other claim ("Claim"), within ten business days after Client discovers or reasonably should have discovered the ClaimClient shall not commence any legal proceeding relating to the Claim for thirty days after HomeTeam's receipt of notice of the Claim, during which time Client shall provide HomeTeam with reasonable access to the Property and opportunity to investigate and cure the ClaimIf Client fails to provide HomeTeam with the notice or cure period, or alters, repairs or replaces any system or component of the Property that may have a bearing upon the Claim, thereby preventing HomeTeam from independently verifying the existence or extent thereof, then Client shall be deemed to have irrevocably waived and released the Claim against HomeTeam, its inspectors, employees, agents, officers, directors, shareholders, members, principals, partners, affiliates, successors, heirs, assigns and legal representativesAny legal action arising out of, from or related to this Pre-inspection Agreement or arising out of, from or related to the Inspection or Inspection Report, including (but not limited to) the arbitration proceeding more specifically described below, must be commenced within one (1) year from the date of the home inspectionFailure to bring such an action within this time period shall be a complete bar to any such action and a full and complete waiver of any rights, or claims based thereon. I have not heard from *** by any means since I requested the information in the email I sent her on July 28, This is the first correspondence that I am aware of since that time. Please contact me if you have any additional questions. Thank you. *** ***
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I have not heard back from them since our conversation of going over everthing that has caused problem and reading his report to him I had on hand. He said he would speak to his guys who did the inspection and get back with me. As of today February 9, I have not heard back?
Thank you,
*** ***

Revdex.com:I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ***, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.Regards,*** ***
addendum........ I will call him and we will get a chance to resolve hopefully. I have very active kids that keep me running with sports. please note I have sent more then email to the company and had never rec'd a response. I do hope to resolve the issue, but not to be like this with email?? Second if need to and able to attach my emails to Revdex.com I will. He can not respond with a remark of a "year" when I have been trying to contact him waaayyy before I contacted Revdex.com. And second the american home owners are reviewing his inspection report do to the problems that has occurred. Again I will call him by the end of week, Do not expect a phone call response so quickly when my kids are on winter break , I have a job to schedule surgeries by the end of the year?!! Again I will call by end of day Friday January 9th!
Thank you for attention

Excellent TeamProfessionalCourteous teamAwesome workI would definitely recommend this company to any homebuyerWorth every penny

The business has provided a copy of the Hometeam Inspection AgreementYou will find the Inspection Agreement attached in a PDFPlease review and reply.Thank you

Dear Ms*** ***First, thank you for the opportunity to respond to the complaint from MrGleasonIn general I agree with Mr*** assertion that this job took too long to completeUnfortunately, a majority of these delays were caused by our supplier for the wood treads and
risers. I'm not trying to dodge responsibility because Mr*** is my customer and it was unfortunate he had to live through the trouble with my supplier and other delays on our part to complete this project. talked to Mr*** today and I will meet with them at their house to thoroughly understand what we need to do to complete this jobMr*** said he will call me back after talking to his wife to schedule an appointment next week as they are out of town this week. I will follow up with you after the meeting to document what is left to complete and any commitments I made to him to finish this project to his satisfaction

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the responseIf no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
Complaint: ***
I am rejecting this response because: this business broke one of my windows as they were inspecting my homeThey are refusing to take responsibility for the damage they caused during inspectionI discovered the subject window damage after they left my home following their inspection; therefore, this business is directly responsible
Regards,
*** ***

This business inspected my home in Woodbridge VA several weeks agoWhen I returned to my home, I discovered that the window in the master bedroom walk in closet was damaged, the temperature settings were changed, electrical units were not sealed properly, screws were not put back in correctlyI had to bring in a contractor to repair the damage to the windowI attached the repair receipt for $and requested compensation for the damages from the businessThe business completely denied their involvement

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the complaint filed by Ms***? We just returned home from travel, so I will fax this correspondence into you tonight to ensure we meet the ten-day timeline for response.Our corporate attorney wrote the response and this was my first ever complaint
from a home owner? As you may know, I represent the home buyer inspection process? I am paid to do a thorough examination of the property that my client is going to purchase from the seller (Ms***)In doing so, I am required to open as may windows as I can? I am also required to access the electrical panel and other systems, including the thermostat to ensure the air conditioning and heater system are working properly? This is the largest financial expenditure that most people make and they are counting on me to find as many issues as possible in the home, so they can negotiate or live with the conditions? We have an exit checklist and DO NOT leave screws laying around or access panels open? As our attorney most aptly pointed out, there were approximately eight people in the home after we left the premises when we completed the inspection? I have no control over the actions of those people after I leave? Our inspection report even mentions that to the buyer, so they understand that we cannot be held responsible for actions taken by others after we leave? It is called the "last-man-out" theory, which I will address later

Cincinnati Revdex.com
7 West Th St., Ste. 1600, Cincinnati, 0E145202
HomeTeam of Cincinnati is responding to a letter we received from Cincinnati Revdex.com, on 10/11/2014. The customer ID number of complaint is [redacted].
We have acknowledged the above ID number.
Issues...

mentioned in the complaint are not in the realm of a "visual home inspection" which is what the person that submitted the complaint signed in a written agreement. The agreement specifically states that liomeTeam performs a "visual" inspection. We do not move stoves or refrigerators out of their spaces, or take anything apart mechanically, especially regarding plumbing, electrical, or anything inside the walls of the home. Our home inspectors perform visual inspections; they are not code inspectors. We do not move or take anything apart. The issue she lays out requires both. We can only report on the appliances functionality on the date the inspection was performed not guarantee them for future use. The complaint that she has would have nothing to do with a "visual inspection". We can only inspect what we see. The agreement that she signed states all of these guidelines. She paid for a visual inspection not a technical or code inspection. We are not state certified plumbers, electricians, or code inspectors.
The only communication we have received about her complaints and our company has been by her email to us. The actual home inspection was performed on November 30, 2013. We received an email from her regarding these issues on September 19, 2014. I replied to her and told her to give us a call; we have not received any response other than email on the above date.
[redacted]
OWNER OF HOMETEAM INSPECTION SERVICE