Housemaster Home Inspection Service dangerous home inspection service Pittsford New York

The original inspection report dated 1/7/03 was full of deficiencies related to this 100+ year old run down multi family property. It had not been very well maintained over the years and was very clearly in need of many repairs and updating at that time.

The written recommendation for the heating system was that it be evaluated prior to closing due to it's age and condition. The report also indicated that replacement cost should be anticipated.

Numerous electrical deficiencies including improper feeds form one panel to the other were observed and reported with the recommendation that an electrician evaluate and repair.

One of the water heaters did not operate and needed replacement at the time of inspection. Old galvanized plumbing was also noted and reported.

This inspection took place in January and the roofing was covered with snow, however, multiple roofing layers were reported.

All of these conditions and more were reported at the time of inspection in a written report which I still have a copy of.

I was once a HouseMaster franchisee. I was very disillusioned when the exclusivity portion of my franchise agreement was not worth the paper it was written on. So yes, I am not happy with HouseMaster for my own reasons ($55,000.00).

Unfortunately, HouseMaster and most of the other inspection franchises do not require sufficient training prior to allowing the franchisee to perform inspections. One franchisee in particular sold his McDonalds franchise to purchase a Pillar to Post inspection franchise.

If your state does not require licensing of home inspectors and there are no accreditation guidelines, hire a licensed, bonded and registered contractor to perform a home inspection. Be sure to find out what the inspector excludes from the report prior to hiring him/her or giving him/her any money.

All persons considering purchasing a home or condominium should get the entire property inspected. Ask for any recall information and note whether you are receiving a standalone pest inspection in conjunction with your home inspection. If you are not getting the pest inspection with the home inspection, look for another inspection firm.

I too was ripped off by Housemasters of America during my home inspection. They told me the roof was good for at least another 5 years. Iteaked within two weeks of closing, found paper stuffed into eaves to slow the leaking(never even found during the inspection and in their report). Roof had to be replaced in only two months. Also heating ssytem was grossly undersized and they never even noted this in their report. Very disappointed in their service but, this type work is unregulated and very little can be done. No one to complain to