Our firm received a phone call last week from a young newlywed couple that now regrets buying their "Dream Home".
Why?
They purchased a home that has Chinese Drywall!
The "Dream Home" they found was built in 2006 and was perfect to begin their life together while having enough room for them as their family grows. When the offer they made on this home was accepted, they did the right thing by deciding to have the home inspected. Unfortunately, the Inspector they chose was one referred by their Realtor and missed the fact that the home was contaminated by toxic drywall. The newlyweds are more upset with themselves than they are with the Inspector or the Realtor.
Why?
In March of 2011, the couple contacted Kross Inspectors inquiring about our Home Inspection services. (Kross was one of three firms referred by their Realtor.) Their first question to each firm they contacted was "How much do you charge for a Home Inspection?" Even though we explained that we were the FIRST in the country to offer Chinese Drywall Inspections and had the MOST experience, they decided to go with the least expensive firm and save $25 compared to fees quoted by Kross Inspectors.
To make things worse, the Inspector they chose did not even report on Chinese Drywall in his Report. He disclosed to the Clients that he would only "check around" for problems, but could not include it in his report. Unfortunately, the newlywed couple is found in a situation in that they have to move out of the home (she is now pregnant) and rent a home while they decide what to do.
Our hearts go out to this couple. Kross Inspectors is providing free consulting services for them as they go through the process in order to help prevent them from making another costly mistake when it comes to remediating the home (should they choose to do so.) For now, they have abandoned the home as they realize the cost to properly remediate is almost equal to the amount they paid for the home!
What's the moral of this story?
When interviewing Inspection Firms, your first question should not be "How much is a Home Inspection?", but "What do I get for my money?"
The Client commented: "I wish I had gone with you guys instead of taking the cheap way out. My $25 mistake may end up costing me my home and my credit."
Although our fees are competitive, we are not the "Cheapest" in town. Remember, "you get what you pay for." Don't make the mistake that this couple made.
To find out more about why to use Kross Inspectors, visit www.krossinspectors.com or call (239) 677-4403. | 
