We had our Tampa home inspected prior to purchase, as every home buyer should do. Glisson Inspection Services came recommended from our broker and we went ahead and paid for home and wind mitigation inspections.

We were told that there were two major areas of damage that would need to be fixed, costing around $3300. Since we've moved into the house we have found three roof leaks, a major bathroom flooring issue, replaced a water heater, repaired the air conditioner, and found a number of other plumbing issues that weren't fully indicated or not indicated at all on the inspection report and have cost us far in excess of what we had budgeted for this home. Sure, some of those things aren't covered on the inspection but I know that most of them should have been discussed at some point.

If an inspector is supposed to identify trouble areas and help a buyer understand what potential issues he or she might encounter, Glisson Inspection did not do that for us. I'd say Glisson's top priority was protecting his own interests, not those of the buyer. As a result, the report was vague and our discussions didn't cover what I would expect to hear from a highly qualified inspector.

Home inspection licenses are fairly easy to come by, and just because one belongs to ASHI doesn't mean an inspector is good or his reports are quality. We got a raw deal, and even with all of the troubles we have had Glisson would not refund our fee - he only told us how great a job he did and how he saved us money on our insurance. Again, covering his own liability.

I'd gladly pay an extra $125 on insurance if I could have the $15000 back that we've put into this money pit. Be cautious when picking a home inspector. Get sample reports and don't settle for reports that are sub par (misspellings, no pictures, limited detail, limited recommendations, etc.).

Thanks.