Paragon Property Services Inc

Michael was excellent. He had a cancellation and was able to fit us in with just a few days notice, which was important in helping us move along in the process of buying our house. He was extremely professional and thorough before, during, and after the inspection. He patiently answered all of our questions, got us our report in a timely manner, and continues to respond promptly to my emails with questions months later. I highly recommend him.

Michael is great to work with, always on time, meets deadlines and great at communicating via email or on the phone. Michael correctly identified the leaks were coming in the parapet wall versus our roof. This saved us significant time and money. I would recommend Michael to anyone having water issues in their building. It will stop you from wasting money and chasing problems.

Mr. Thomas performed a very comprehensive inspection of the roof, chimeny and attic and found many areas where water (rain) was entering and could potentially enter the house. He also found several issues with exhaust fans while in the attic that was leading to water damage in the bathrooms. He provided digital photos so we could show our repair company.

Michael first came out in the fall of 2010. Our contractor had put new roofs on both buildings, and the roof on the coach house leaked almost immediately. Michael conducted an inspection and was very straightforward and thorough, telling us exactly what was done wrong, why it was wrong, and what should be done to remedy it. While he was out, he told us that the flat roof on the main building was done even more shoddily. In early spring of 2011, we had Michael out again, this time to document the problems with the job on the flat roof of the main building when that roof also leaked. Again, Michael responded immediately, and was thorough, documenting the main issues with the roof. For this inspection we asked for a formal report for an anticipated lawsuit with the roofer. The report was very detailed, citing code manufacturer installation requirements. I have since recommended Michael and Paragon to a coworker, who also had a very positive experience. I wouldn't hesitate to call Michael again.

This was a great experience. Michael's methodical approach was truly educational for me. He helped me see patterns in our leak experiences as he tried to work through a theory of the problem and devise a testing plan. (Basically, we presented him with the mystery of a serious leak in our first floor unit that presented no problem to units above--even though prior water testing showed that the problem was nowhere near the first floor.) Michael explained the steps of his investigation, which involved equipment like a hose, water meter, and infrared camera. He showed us images of wall cross-sections so we could see a model of what might be happening in our walls. As we went along, I was beginning to understand the architecture of buildings and how they're built to take on and drain away water; this was entirely new to me. The education itself is invaluable because I'm now more informed and confident when talking to contractors about possible repairs. Michael is selling his expertise and truly cares about educating his clients. I've now got knowledge that will help me with home ownership well into the future. If I ever buy again in Chicagoland, Michael will be doing my inspection. If anyone is buying--especially a condo on any floor of a 1990s-era building--then they should hire him. If anyone ever has a leak, call Michael. He'll save you time and money when it comes to getting bids from contractors. As an extra note, Michael is very professional in all dealings--down to the smallest detail of putting covers on his shoes.

We had a very tricky leak in the house. Wet insulation was found in a wall around a window underneath a flat roof with a roof deck on top, and eventually the source of the leak was traced to the roof around drain pipe 15 feet away. Michael Thomas at Paragon Property Services provided invaluable services during the process. He was very knowledgeable about leak related issues. He was thorough and considered all possible causes of the leak, from the window frame and the wall right next to the insulation, to the roof above and the wall around the roof. He inspected the ceiling's moisture level with infrared imager and other profession devices even though we didn't have any issue with the ceiling or roof. He systematically conducted water tests to eliminate suspects and narrowed it down to the roof leak (though we didn't want to believe the hard reality as we just had new roof installed less than a year ago). However, to prove the leak and to locate the exact spot of leak were extremely difficult. Any subsequent rain never wet the wall anymore. Michael was persistent and determined to get to the leak spot. He offered to conduct more investigation free of charge. We were impressed. He eventually persuaded us to open some trouble spots in the ceiling. He treated our house like his own, and cut the ceiling very neatly with minimum dust. After another water test and careful observation, he found the leak spot by tracing the moisture level in the roof. The leak was found in winter, and the water tests were not done until spring due to weather constraints. During those months, Michael was very proactive, and extremely reliable. He monitored the weather forecast, inquired about any new leak after rainy days, conducted water test as soon as the weather permitted, and scheduled follow up moisture reading after rainy days. He always did exactly what he promised to do. During those difficult days, having somebody whom we could trust and count on was invaluable. We were grateful to Michael's service, and would hire him again anytime.

This would be the 3rd time that my wife and I have used Paragon for a home inspection. All three homes were multi-family units (2 flats). Working with Paragon has consistently left me feeling confident that I've chosen to go with the right guys for home inspection--and I've already referred three friends and co-workers to this company. Michael Thomas (Owner/Inspector) is excellent at explaining things, and definitely goes the extra mile when it comes to an inspection. All-in-all his service is money well spent.

Let me begin by stating that this is the 2nd time that we used Paragon for a home inspection, and both inspections left me feeling confident that I had chosen the right company. For both inspections Michael Thomas arrived 45 minutes early and already had a wealth of information for me upon my arrival. He was also very patient and skilled in explaining his findings in a way that the average person (me) could follow, and thoroughly understand. After climbing the roof and examining every imaginable aspect of the exterior (within reason), he proceded to inspect the interior. I felt that he was just as thorough on the inside. He made his way through the (very cramped) attic crawlspace, complete with a furnace and various ductwork, which I didn't think he would physically be able to do (he's a thin guy, but it was TIGHT in there). He then worked his way down to the basement, inspecting every room, on every floor along the way, noting more things than I have time to mention. He explained everything that he was doing and finding as he went along, and encouraged us to come along with him (for the safer stuff) After all was said and done, I was provided with a 45-page report detailing his inspection, complete with numerous photographs so that I clearly understood what was being reported. I was also provided with a shorter, summary report. His detailed report included even more info than he provided for me onsite, as he had continued to research various aspects of the property, even after the physical inspection was over. My real estate agent commented that Michael was probably the most thorough home inspector that he'd ever come accross in his 15+ years of selling homes. In summary, THIS IS A MAN WHO TAKES PRIDE IN HIS WORK, and it shows.

Michael Thomas is very knowlegeable, and we were able to understand the source of the leaks in the building. He investigated the building with infrared camera, and pointed out the source of the problem. We had performed the recommended repairs, and were able to save some money by not repairing what did not need to be repaired, which other contractors recommended.

It went very well. He gave us several good references for home services.