Suburban Property Inspections, Inc

Review: The pre-purchase inspection of my home was inadequate. The report of 12-19-2012 states that the furnace was found to be “S,” or “Functional with no obvious signs of defect.” Consequently, the furnace does not appear in the report's cost estimate summary, and as a result I was not prepared for a substantial expense related to the furnace.

When the inspection was performed, at least three lights on the unit were lit. In addition, water could be heard running down a drain continuously. The water continued to run during the somewhat extensive time we spent in the garage looking at the disconnected garage door opener. This water could be heard from the adjoining room, where we spent time discussing the two radon testing devices. I have since learned that these signs—fault lights and the continuously running water—are obvious and unmistakable signs of malfunction in this type of furnace, a “pump and dump.”

I was alerted to the malfunction only when I received an electric bill for the first two weeks of my occupation of the home. After being assured by [redacted] that the astonishing amount was an accurate representation of usage, I immediately sought out service for the furnace and found that a valve was defective. A serviceman from [redacted] Inc. of [redacted] arrived the next morning and explained that the auxiliary heat as well as the continuous use of the well pump caused by the malfunction together contributed to the exorbitant electric bill.

Unfortunately, the valve had to be ordered, and it was only yesterday that the repair could be completed. So far, I know that the repair will cost at least $180 in labor and about $250 for the valve. In addition, [redacted] estimates that the electric bill for this period of time will be well over $600.Desired Settlement: Refund half of the cost of the home inspection.