PDV INC

What he missed:

1) Foundation is compromised with evident cracks to the trained eye in both the basement and on the outside stone, yet he signed off on structural integrity.  This will cost max $8000, middle fix $3,700.
2) Failed to test sump pump and advise about venting. It emptied into the town sewer.  Not testing the sump pump meant I didn't know that the sewage pipe was leaking. Other plumbing code violations not recognized: $1,500.
3) Noted knob and tube but failed to discuss the fact that knob and tube could be anywhere, not just where it was visibly connected to power.  nearly $5,000.

This inspector's contract requires the home owner to sign agreeing to use the American Arbitration Association to arbitrate any disputes.  My realtor, Laura Sandvik, Fitzgerald Real Estate, suggested this inspector but neither of us thought to question this contract.  To file a claim with AAA for under $75,000 requires a non-refundable fee of $800.  The New York Times did an investigative piece on arbitration clauses, finding that the process is weighted heavily on the side of business and effectively denies a consumer her day in small claims court. 

Paul Viens was extremely professional and very knowledgeable.  He spent 2 1/2 hours going over the Cape we purchased with a fine toothed comb.  He answered every question I had with confidence.  His report is not a computer generated form, but a handwritten report showing every detail as per Massachusetts law.  I was extremely impressed and wouldn't hesitate to recommend his services to everyone.

The inspector spent a long time (approx. 2 hours) doing the inspection and gave some recommendations that seemed helpful. However, he really just did a visual inspection -- what is required by law. Because he only did a visual inspection, he missed something that turned out to be a real headache once we moved in. Also, I had very good licensed plumber come in to install a new gas range after we moved in. While the plumber was at my house, he looked at some other plumbing. He said that the plumbing work was not good at all, and he was surprised that the inspector had said it was ok. | |We called the inspector to discuss the first issue which we felt he should have discovered during the inspection. He was not at all willing to take any responsibility for the oversight. I finally let the matter drop because I did not feel I had time to deal with it. | |I would not recommend using this inspector because I feel like he does the minimum kind of inspection required by law. Some really good inspectors go above and beyond what they are required to do and do both visual and hands-on inspection, and they really get into the guts of the house.

When I called Paul to schedule an appointment, he spoke with me for about a half hour expaining how he does inspections and what to expect. Paul took 3.5 hours to inspect the 2,400 square foot house built in 1975. He really took the time to point out and explain areas of concern. He offered us some great advice about replacing the aging water heater with a rebate that would make it virtually free. It is evident he has YEARS of experience and knoweldge and we got our report the very same day.

He is very good and quite and fast.