BW FOSTER HOME INSPECTION INC

Description of Work: Mr Foster inspected a 1963 2br 2ba condominium in Evanston that I have under contract to buy. He arrived right on time, was very friendly and courteous, and at the same time quite sensible, knowledgeable and professional, not just your ordinary home inspector. He arrived with an impressive set of tools that enabled him to gather quantitative information quickly--everything from a digital camera and electrical testing tools to a thermal heat-imaging camera to evaluate air conditioning, windows, insulation or faulty wiring. First he explained the process, the legal commitments and limitations, and even provided me with a thoughtfully-assembled package containing the paperwork and a concise handbook to help new home-owners understand and maintain their homes' essential systems. He was meticulous yet efficient, testing and measuring every wall socket, every appliance, every fixture, every bit of accessible plumbing and stuctural element. For example, he ran the dishwasher through a full cycle to check for problems; he tested drainage rates for sinks, tubs and showers; close study of the breaker box found subtle errors that reduced safety. He thoroughly inspected floors, walls, lighting, cabinet drawers and hinges, stove, refrigerator, heating/cooling, windows; everything. He noted problems as he found them, and concisely explained how to repair each problem (none of them major). He promised his final report within 24 hours, but less than 12 hours later I received a 30-page PDF file from him that gave a detailed, well-organized assessment of the property. It described both what was right and what was wrong: each trouble-spot illustrated with a photo that made the necessary remedies quite clear and obvious. This first-rate report made the real-estate lawyer's job simple, and we soon had agreement from the seller to correct the shortcomings.

Description of Work: Inspected 100+ year old house. Checked electrical outlets, took pictures, provided diagrams of correct structure, checked cracks for moisture, checked electrical panels, foundation, roof, structure, whole house inspection.