I've paid for many home inspections. I was expecting the old standard "this not code, this or that needs fixing" type of inspection. Been there done that. As a first time user of Emerald, found Dan's write-up to actually be extraordinary. A valuable guide for immediate and long-term improvements. I depended on the write-up entirely, as I was not present during the inspection. All buildings were evaluated better than I had observed previously with the RE agent. I'm an engineer and an experienced home improvement do-it-yourselfer. I've lived in the house for 3 years since the inspection. No surprises. I've taken care of all immediate problems myself (gutter replacements, crawl-space animal-proofing, etc.,) all pre-closing disclosures by Dan. I chose to have the seller lower the purchase price, rather than have the seller take care of the problems himself. Dan even pointed out potential considerations I would not have expected he would possess knowledge of. Such as the removal of trees and branches adjacent to my grass airstrip for safety reasons (done), and expected longevity of the well pump and septic system. Again, since I was not there for the actual inspection, he supplemented his write-up extensively with photos which made his points clear. Especially those spaces not so pleasant to explore. Now that I've been in those places myself, have not found one thing overlooked. Have contacted him long after the inspection to provide expertise beyond anything the inspection required; ie., what brand of wood-burning, efficient state-of-the-art stove he would recommend. (He had pointed out that the existing one was outdated and innefficient). Gave many options and valuable suggestions. No charge. I should also mention that Dan gave me the option to get the report at a erduced price as a computer document, which I elected to do. It is now a perminant reference with color pictures I can refer to any time I want. Brilliant!
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