Next Step Home Inspections

My husband and I are first time home buyers and have had to learn about everything along the way. We used John Riddle for the second inspection after we canceled on the first house. The previous inspector, while nice (and recommend by our buyer’s agent), would not allow my husband and I to be with him during the inspection. The previous inspector also charged us an extra $ 75 to assess for termites (I later found out an exterminator can do a termite eval for free). Total for the first guy = $ 440.
We decided to not use the first person again and to find someone else. We wanted someone experienced and was ASHI certified (meaning he had to do a minimum of 250 paid inspections). My husband and I knew that the house was a fixer upper and needed someone who was very thorough to let us know what exactly we have in store for us. Next Step Home Inspections had a good website, and John readily answered our questions through e-​mail. The website also mentioned that John had previous construction experience. He also had no problem with my husband and I being present during the inspection. He was very patient, and polite, and very thorough. He found multiple areas that needed to be addressed, and he even ranked the concerns when we asked (not a good sign about your house when the inspector asks if it’s a HUD, right?). And although he had to do another inspection right afterwards, he still sent us a very detailed report within a few hours.
Total cost for a similarly-​sized house: $ 320. And no, he didn’t try to upsell us with anything. 5 stars, all the way!

I was very impressed and pleased with John Riddle’s inspections. We have used him twice and he does an absolutely thorough job. He is ASHI certified which makes all the difference. His reports are easy to read and very informative – complete with lots of pictures and diagrams of how things should work so you can compare it to what you have. He takes care to take time to answer all of your questions and is very patient. Honest, very professional. Scheduling (done by his wife) is also prompt and professional. Would definitely recommend to anyone and will obviously use again.