Safeway Home Inspections

The advertisement was for a “comprehensive home inspection” with a “complete thermal scan of the home up to "1800 sq. ft.” We would receive a “detailed report.” It was advertised for $149 and we paid an additional $40 because the house was 2300. ft.;We also had to find and hire a licensed roofer on our own to inspect the roof. We paid the roofer for his services $100. Eric is very nice. We paid for the service online. When Eric arrived he had my husband sign an additional inspection agreement. We were not sent this agreement beforehand. Eric expected him to read it and sign it on location, minutes before his inspection of the property. He didn’t give him a copy after it was signed. Please note that we do not know any of the SC laws regarding home inspections. All seemed to go well during the inspection. However, we were very disappointed with the report. In fact, we noticed there were many things that were not mentioned. Examples: appliances, electrical outlets, the roof. Later we realized that we didn’t remember seeing him check any of those things. (It doesn’t mean he didn’t, but we don’t remember seeing him do it. I was in the kitchen area for the majority of the time of the inspection.) Within a month we had to buy a new refrigerator because the one in the home had many issues. We also expect to buy a stove soon because there are many things broken on it. No comments were in the report regarding appliances. He did find some water stains in the ceiling but never got on the roof even though it was supposed to be included in the inspection. He found on some windows that the sealants had deteriorated but he didn’t check the other windows. Later we had them checked by a window person who discovered the problem was with most of the windows. There were many disclaimers that referred to the “inspection agreement.” (This was the document that he had my husband sign when he arrived and did not give my husband a copy.) So, we had to contact him to get a copy of the signed contract. In the report there were photos and many comments of “limitations of… inspection.” Although the report was 9 pages, only 3 pages actually had useful comments. Our realtor and roofer were surprised with the brevity and lack of thermal imaging photos and/or lack of mention of results. We have had inspections done in 4 different states for multiple properties. This was the thinnest report we had ever received. Later when we tried to reach Eric with questions, it was noticed that his website doesn’t work, his email address is not on his card. The license# on his card is different than the license# on his stationary. However, when we did reach him, he was responsive and helpful. He offered to give us $75 back. But an important purpose of having a home inspection for home purchase is so that we would be aware if thousands of dollars of repairs will be needed so that this can be discussed in your negotiations. We didn’t bother to pursue receiving $75 back. As a buyer, it is very difficult to ask sellers if you can hire an additional inspector. In our area it is presently a sellers’ market. Therefore, we did not want to risk asking for an additional inspection. Otherwise, we would have. However, due to there not being a report on the roof, we hired a licensed roofer for an additional $100 to inspect the roof. Our roofer’s report indicated that there was so much miscellaneous repair that he could not certify the roof. The multiple unprofessional repairs were very easily seen by our roofer and would have been seen by Eric if he had gotten on the roof. Overall, it is important that the readers of this review understand that we do not know SC state laws regarding home inspections. Maybe an inspection is supposed to be full of disclaimers and references to hire additional experts. We also do not know if Safeway is a franchise and perhaps Eric was following what he was trained to do. If someone wants a thorough inspection, you may want to hire another company, but if you do not need a thorough job or report, Eric is very nice and presents well.

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He provided me with a detailed and happily-favorable overall report.  Nice man.  Was moving his family back up North.

Eric arrived exactly on time, did a thorough examination of my home, and went over his findings with me.  He took pictures of items that needed attention and scanned the walls with an infrared camera, which helps him spot areas of water damage.  Within hours, he provided me with a written report on my house, including many of the pictures he had taken.  He answered all of my questions and addressed my concerns.  I was very pleased with his service ad would recommend him to others.

Although it is hard to come by in this day and age, Eric Genther of Safeway Home Inspections is a true professional. We are very grateful for his honesty, thoroughness and guidance concerning our home. He promptly worked us into his schedule despite the short notice. We look forward to using his services in the future and will be sure to spread the good news of his work.

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Excellent, professional service, punctual and explained complicated subject matter in a manner which could be understood by a layman. Made my first time home purchasing experience less stressful. Extremely affordable and gave military discount. Would recommend to others including close friends and relatives.