ComplaintsforThe BrickKicker Inspection Services

• Initial Complaint

  06/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Around Sept 18, 2023, we purchased our current home (******************************************). A few days before closing, we hired, "The BrickKicker" to have a home inspection done. Everything was going well until we came to the bathroom on the first floor. The titles were affixed with caulk that was poorly done by the previous owners and at the same time, some were peeling off the wall. The inspector suggested the damages were minor and it is a simple DIY or can be done for $700. I had my suspicion, but knowing he is a home inspector, I trusted his judgment. The inspector was also aware that any repairs needed will be covered by the seller. A month later, I had 2 handymen come into the house to make minor repairs, and they both recommended that I have a "hands-on" professional come in to assess the damages. I had two different contractors come in, and showed them the report by "The BrickKicker". They both stated that this was not a minor issue and should have been dealt with during the closing. I had also asked one of them for a letter detailing the issue that I could submit to "The BrickKicker" due to their negligence. I ended up getting in touch with the *** of the company, concluding they were not responsible. I am seeking the full amount asked by the contractor, which is initially $3800+ (the time the letter was written) to repair the washroom wall. Upon further investigation by them, it does not seem that it is just the titles that need to be re-affixed but also waterproofing needed behind the wall. The payment should go directly to the contractor for the repairs mentioned in the letter.I am unable to upload the whole report by the home inspector due to the file being too large. However, if an email is provided, I can sent it directly.

  

  Business response

  06/26/2024

  Our client, *****, reached out about this in the past and I have addressed it, see attached supporting documents showing the inspection report, the signed inspection agreement, and my response to ********. We called attention to the tile in the bathroom needing further attention or review. The letter he supplied in this complaint by his contractor essentially says what our inspection report says. We are unbiased, so we do not have a bathroom remodel to sell like his contractor has been doing for the last decade plus. We are not there to say something MUST be addressed, I kindly ask that this complaint be closed. 
  
  *******************

  Customer response

  06/26/2024

   
  Complaint: 21871777
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  As it has been implied in the initial post, the seller and I had a documented agreement regarding repairs for the home, which have to be recommended by the Home Inspector -- there was no need for me to file a complaint against BrickKicker for repairs if sounded advice was initially given, which the repairs would have been compensated by the seller.

  Again, I must reiterate the negligence in assessing the bathroom titles, which have been pointed out by the two bathroom contractors who specialize in this field. Again, a letter was provided by one of them detailing the issue. 

  If the contract for BrickKicker's service reflects the advice given, it is clear if the severity and assessment of an issue is uncertain, you would not state to recommend a contractor, but to highly recommend a contractor to resolve the uncertainty, especially in my case -- from the images of bathroom titles alone, it should have been initially apparent to have highly warranted for a bathroom contractor, but again, the issue was downplayed both vocally and reflected within the contract of their service (BrickKicker).

  Advice given by the home inspector does not have to bias, but sounded -- in this case, the issue was downplayed and poor advice was given. If appropriate advice was given, a bathroom contractor would have already being involved and the issue addressed, and compensated by the seller.

  Sincerely,
  
  ***************

  

  Business response

  07/08/2024

  Page 26 of the inspection report has a photo of the loose tile with the following comments made: The wall around the tub was noted to be soft or damaged, which indicates that the underlying wall surface may have been damaged by moisture, repair or replacement is recommended.
  Loose and/or missing grout was observed in and around the tub. Proper re-grouting and/or caulking is recommended to prevent moisture damage to the underlying wall surface. After the inspection report is sent, we leave it to the the client, attorney and real estate professional to review the report to negotiate from. In no way can one guarantee that a seller would address any item called out in an inspection report, nor is it our responsibility to ensure a seller does. We are to draw attention as many items as can possibly be seen at the time of the, offering guidance or information to suite. The inspection is not a guarantee of what could be or what is. 

  We do not have a new bathroom to sell, so how does a bathroom contractor that "sells" bathroom repairs say a repair is needed and it's now the BrickKicker's fault for not calling it out? If ******** wants to go to small claims court, I encourage him to read the signed inspection agreement, specifically paragraphs 4-6 on how that process works. Openly admitting to leaving bad online reviews based on this outcome and my response also doesn't sit well as that can be considered defamation. I am willing to offer a partial reimbursement of $100 of the inspection fee paid, simply for his dissatisfaction but besides that, I will have this sent of to our attorneys, in the event he wants to open a claim. Ill send ******** a separate email with the offer for a partial refund. 

  Customer response

  07/08/2024

   
  Complaint: 21871777
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I will be filing a small claims court within a month, and we can walkthrough this process again, include your claim about "defamation."

  Sincerely,
  ***************

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩