Let me start off by saying that even though we would like to think that all people are good and kindhearted, things come up to prove that to be wrong. In the beginning of April I finally reached an agreed upon purchase price of a home in a sought after neighborhood. Being a single mom, I wanted this house to work so bad. McNichol Home Inspections came highly recommended from various people who have used him in the community. Upon arrival, Richard was already there and already inspecting the outside. He promptly took me around and pointed out things that I had easily overlooked, potential issues that would need to be addressed. When we finally entered the home, he went through every room with a fine tooth comb, explaining everything as he went. Since this home needed some serious TLC it was important for me to understand what I was taking on and Richard went through every finding with me. When we finally entered the basement (a finished basement) you could tell that it had been freshly painted and Richard became suspicious right away. This sent him on a mission, a mission in which he refused to give up on. Finally, way in the back, in the darkest corner of the basement he found what he was looking for. Indication that there had been water in the basement. I never would have seen this nor would I understand the seriousness of this matter. Upon even closer inspection of the fresh paint he discovered what he described as paint over top of mold. Again, I'm hearing this about mold, but not really understanding the seriousness. At the end of the inspection, with all of Richard's findings in hand, he told me that if I really still plan on purchasing this home that I should have a mold inspector come and check it out. He also said that even though he could tell the roof was old and needed replacement, that he would recommend that I have a roofer come, look at it and let them give me their findings, which any roofing company would do as part of their free estimate. Within a week I had the 'mold guy' Mitchell from AM/PM Environmental at the address. His immediate reaction to the basement area was that either I put on a mask or leave the basement. His finding were shocking!! The whole basement was covered in mold and the home was considered unsafe for human inhabitants. This could have turned deadly. Though I can't prove it, I honestly believe that the homeowners were aware of the situation in the basement and they just painted it hoping that the unsuspected buyer (which would have been me) would not find it, which in my book is considered criminal. If I did purchase the home and discovered the mold after the fact, I am told that it would be upwards of $30,000 - $40,000 to correct the problem. In my opinion, Richard McNichol not only saved me from buying a money pit, he saved me from buying a death trap.
As I continue to look for a home, I know that without a doubt when it comes time for my next inspection, that Richard McNichol will be the one inspecting it for me. read more