Haystack Home Inspections

Rating: 5 out of 5

Haystack Home Inspections reviews (499)

  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 6 Oct 2014

    home inspection

    As a first time homebuyer, I didn't know a whole lot about home inspection. I did know that I wanted an inspector who had construction/contracting experience, as opposed to one who had simply "passed the inspector's course at the local community college". Lets face it. You could read a dozen books about water leaks, but unless you'd actually built a watertight structure or been forced to repair one with my your hands, I wouldn't risk my money on your odds of finding me one... Chris used to be a roofer. And he maintains a hundred year old house. So he knows his stuff. If anybody deserves to be among the top vendors in their field, it's Chris at Haystack. He arrived an hour before our appointment to complete the outside survey of the house. The inspection process was very thorough, with Chris taking the time to answer each and every one of my questions about everything. And I'm a very technical and very curious person, so we're talking many, many questions answered. I really appreciated the discussions we had about absolutely everything around the house. Full marks for Chris and Haystack!!

    Answer from pro:

    Thanks Tim, I should hire you to be spokesperson. More seriously though I really appreciate what you wrote. Often people overlook the years of acquired knowledge it takes to perform a quality home inspection under the parameters we work. If I can help you with anything further just call. Sincerely, Chris

    Reply created 7 Oct 2014
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 5 Oct 2014

    Home Inspection

    Chris did an excellent job thoroughly examining the property. He spotted things that are not obvious in the home such as the roof needing repair, cracks in the roof trusts, and possible diversion of water running from the back of the property towards the home. He is willing to go the extra mile to check every possible detail. I would highly recommend him for home inspections. As a result of his inspection we decided to not go ahead with the purchase.

    Answer from pro:

    Hi Colin, Your home inspection is definitely one of the more interesting ones in recent memory. The challenge of an older home with multiple renovations, on a difficult site, and a sorted past is definitely appreciated. I am glad I had the chance to help with your decision. Sincerely, Chris

    Reply created 6 Oct 2014
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 1 Oct 2014

    Home Inspection

    My wife and I were purchasing our first home and were very nervous about making a bad purchase that we would have to live with for years. My brother, who was our realtor, suggested Haystack Home Inspections because of the owner/operator factor, so you know you are going to get great service. With larger Inspection companies, you don't know who you will get and what their experience level is. Overall, the experience with Haystack (Chris) was great. He was professional, knowledgeable and happy to answer all of our questions during the inspection (yes, we followed him throughout the entire house inspection). His approach to the house was systematic and comprehensive, and his way of breaking down issues that he found into an easily understandable "level of concern" for us was extremely helpful. I appreciated how he pointed out all of the shortcomings of the basement finished without permits and was able to pick up on small details such as where the baseboard heater had been removed and active wires just tucked in the wall. Chris also checked all of the appliances which did end up being an area of concern as there was a stove that was not functioning properly. Thanks to his diligence we were able to go back to the sellers with this info and get money towards a new stove. And finally, while we did follow Chris around for the 4 hours with a pen and paper, it wasn't necessary. We received a fabulous report at the end with pictures and descriptions of all of the issues noted with our home. Thanks to his report, I felt confident purchasing the house knowing what repairs or costs may be needed in the near and somewhat distant future and if I needed to refer back I had the great report. Thanks Chris

    Answer from pro:

    Cam, It was a pleasure meeting you and your wife. I'll have to thank your brother for the introduction. When agents are referring family I know I am doing something right and thanks for taking the time to point out what you liked about your home inspection. There's always room for improvement so if you have any suggestions I am all ears. Congratulations on your new home and thanks again. Sincerely, Chris

    Reply created 1 Oct 2014
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 30 Sep 2014

    Home Inspection

    When selling my condo in Surrey I briefly met Chris Thompson as he was leaving after doing a Home Inspection for the potential buyers. I was impressed with his manner and the time he had spent at the site. When considering purchasing and older home in Delta (1975) we wanted a thorough inspection and immediately contacted Chris. His report was very detailed and we knew exactly what we would need to address - no surprises. He was even available after the inspection to answer any questions that I had. We have started a remodel and our general contractor was so impressed with the report and he, the plumber and the electrician are referring to it during the process to ensure that all concerns and deficiencies are addressed. I am totally satisfied!

    Answer from pro:

    Ann, That's so nice of you. Your home inspection was interesting and I love the fact that your contractors are using the report. Your general contractor has actually used me as a second set of eyes on his most recent purchase. The chain continues so thank you very much. Good luck with the renos let me know how it goes. Sincerely, Chris

    Reply created 1 Oct 2014
  • Review from Lynda Russolillo
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 29 Sep 2014

    Home Inspection

    In the spring of 2014 I made an offer on a semi-detached home after living in the family home for 28 years. Needless to say it was a difficult choice but with the support of a good real estate agent and her recommendation to have Haystack Home inspections to inspect the semi-detached was a load off my mind. Haystack Home Inspections (Chris) was on time, thorough and knowledgeable and helpful. The inspection report they provide is an ongoing helpful tool as well. Since moving in the new place and feeling overwhelmed with different systems (boiler, alarm, thermostats, gas fireplace etc) Haystack has provided ongoing support and advice on all my questions. I totally recommend Haystack Home Inspections.

    Answer from pro:

    Hi Lynda, Knowing that I helped you with some of the anxiousness you experienced with your new purchase is rewarding. It is a large part of the reason I got into this profession. My favorite part of the job is that I get thanked on a regular basis, if that means going a little above and beyond so be it. Let me know how things go and get in touch with any of your questions. Sincerely, Chris

    Reply created 30 Sep 2014
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 26 Sep 2014

    Pre-purchase home inspection

    We were recommended Haystack Home Inspections by a friend. The inspection was extremely thorough and Chris was happy for me to be with him throughout so I would have a clear understanding of the work that needed to be done, and the urgency in each case. He produced a very detailed report, with photos, which will be invaluable as the renovations are undertaken. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Haystack Home Inspections for this type of work in the Lower Mainland

    Answer from pro:

    Thanks Iain, The fact the you already had planned out most of the work you wanted to do on the home helped with the inspection. When you say you are going to be replacing this or that, we will only take a moment on that particular component. That is one of the reasons it is great to have you on site. I hope the work you are planning goes smoothly. If you have any question please get in touch. Sincerely, Chris

    Reply created 28 Sep 2014
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 24 Sep 2014

    Home Inspection

    It has been a pleasure working with Chris on the home inspection. He is very professional and thorough with the whole house. My family and I had a lot of questions and Chris went above and beyond to make sure all our questions were answered.

    Answer from pro:

    Hi David, It so nice to hear you are happy with the service you received. There is so much going on during a residential transaction the process of a home inspection can quite overwhelming for some. Questions are great because they help us understand if the information we are providing is getting through. If any other questions come to light please let us know. Sincerely, Chris

    Reply created 25 Sep 2014
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 24 Sep 2014

    inspection before condo purchase

    this was a older unit, deficiencies were pointed out in electrical , venting and structural both inside and out, and some given to strata. Safety issues inside and out. GREAT REPORT

    Answer from pro:

    Hi William, I am glad you were happy with the report. Older condos come with their own set of issues that may arise. It is great hear that some of the issues being raised during the inspection are being brought to the attention of the strata. It important to realize the some findings may have larger implications. Sharing those deficiencies earlier can save the building time and money by addressing the issues sooner than may have occurred otherwise. I hope your renovation goes well. Sincerely, Chris

    Reply created 25 Sep 2014
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 19 Sep 2014

    Home Inspection

    After researching local home inspection companies we contacted Haystack. Quite frankly, it was the name of the company that appealed to us at first. Love it. I spent several hours with Chris(Owner) on site during the inspection and learning a ton about the building and can honestly say, I feel the experience was well worth the investment. Not only did he point out the imperfections but he explained the causes and potential solutions and took time to make sure I understood the technical details. He answered all my questions and it was apparent that he truly cares for his clients. The final report was very thorough and detailed. He also left me with the impression that if any follow up questions arose, that he would be available to answer them to the best of his ability. I would use Haystack again and recommend the company to friends and family. Thank you!

    Answer from pro:

    Thanks Ross, It is wonderful to hear that you felt truly cared for. It is what we strive for. While a good inspector finds all the major things wrong with a house, a great inspector helps their clients understand those issues and how it may affect them going forward. Sincerely, Chris

    Reply created 21 Sep 2014
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 17 Sep 2014

    Home inspection

    Chris did a great job at inspecting the homes that we wanted to buy. He was very thorough and paid very good attention to detail. We asked if we could observe him the entire time while he did the inspection and he was perfectly fine with it. He enthusiastically explained everything that he was doing. My partner knows a lot about houses, but I am new to investing and inspecting houses. Chris impressed both of us so much. He was able to answer my partner’s questions about the home and explain to me the things that I didn’t know about. I really like that he really cares about his job and wants to be very good at it. That really helps us a lot especially when we are going to spend a lot of money in our house purchases. It helps when the inspector cares about doing a great job and Chris does. Chris was very happy to answer all our questions even after the inspection. That means a lot to us. His inspection report is very clear and complete with all the information we needed to make a decision. It was very easy to understand and very well done. He has definitely helped us a lot with our decision on whether to invest in the home or not. We are very happy we hired him. We are investors and we will continue to buy and we are definitely going to hire Chris again. We are recommending him to our friends as well.

    Answer from pro:

    Hi Monette, I'm glad you and your partner were so thrilled with my help during the purchase of your investment properties. So often clients are tied up in the emotion of purchasing their place however it is nice to experience the matter of fact nature of working with an investor. Having done this multiple times your questions are more directed. It is part of why I love what I do each inspection is different because of the people and properties involved. I very much look forward to working with you and your friends in the future. Sincerely, Chris.

    Reply created 19 Sep 2014
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