McDonald Home Inspections LLC

Tom failed us on multiple accounts and we would NOT recommend him. First, the house had a previous history of a leaking roof. We asked him to check the home (he was provided the report of a previous inspector's findings of moisture in certain areas that was said to have since been cleaned). He used the moisture meter but did not check the bathroom area in the location noted on the previous inspector's report. We later found out there was mold in that location. Second, he indicated that he had checked the temp split in the home which read adequately. It did not. Third, all the windows were reportedly checked, which he had not. They opened, but did not close. Fourth, he indicated that while there was, "minor" water damage by our french doors in the office, it was not an issue. During the first heavy rain our carpets were soaked and we had to have the whole area replaced. Fifth, he said he checked the appliances. One of our two stoves does not reach functioning temperature. Finally, we had asked him to complete a mold sampling test as I was worried about the previous water damage (although his report found nothing) which he happily completed for another $400. However, his sampling methods were questionable such that when I reached out to a reputable sampling company and my suspicions were confirmed, he (eventually) returned my money after multiple phone calls, emails and involvement of our real estate agent. Run, don't walk, from this home inspector.

1)  Sale of home cancelled because McDonald did not provide accurate information to the buyers regarding single-pour, post tension concrete foundation, even when the proof was literally shown to him regarding the stamped concrete and post tension method.  As a professional, he should have provided this corrected information to the buyers, who were worried about slab separation, even though this is impossible with this type of foundation.

2)  He insisted that water would flow toward the house without checking the actual slope, i.e. not using a level or hose or any other measuring tools  Had he done this, he would have realized this error.  He never indicated how he tested this in his report, and witnesses on site know he didn't use any tools.

3)  He said water would flow toward the house because the decorative rock beds were too close to the house.  This also is not true because the rocks are resting atop the sloped concrete, and water could only come in contact with concrete!

4)  He missed the backflow connection (that separates home water supply from pool), even though it was 1/4 inch below the faucet

5)  He advised that the safety doors leading out to the pool were incorrect as he was unable to lock them -- all THAT required was his ability to raise the lever to lock the said door.

We have lived in this home for 4 years and have never had any of the water issues this inspector indicated would be a problem.  If this is indeed a problem for us, then it must be a problem for all the Pulte constructed homes in Oro Valley AZ.

Ask Tom about his guarantee, if he misses something he'll fix it.  No charge!