RAM Inspections

UPDATE 7÷14÷14 — Charles, the owner of RAM, contacted me to discuss this review. He expressed concern that my review is dissuading people from using his company. Initially, I wrote he «missed» some items, namely the plumbing valves. He pointed out that his contract does not call out for him to check the valves. Therefore, how can he be responsible that they were deteriorating if he didn’t look at them? In addition, he explained to me that stand alone appliances (like my washer/​dryer) are not included in the home inspection. In other words, although he said he inspected the washer/​dryer, he wasn’t contractually obligated to do so. As he simply stated, it was an unfortunate coincidence that the washer broke and leaked on the first use.
I have some experience in real estate (I’ve bought and sold 8 properties), but I have never been told of these standard practices before. He pointed out that everything is on his website. But in my case, my realtor hired him so I really didn’t look into it. I guess I was just really lucky on my other purchases not to have things break on me the first time I used them. My advice to other buyers is to do your homework and check reviews online, etc. before simply hiring whomever. It’s good to know exactly what is covered and what is not before you have a major flood in your kitchen!

I’m a first-​time home buyer. I was looking to buy a slightly older home (built in 2001) and I wanted to make sure everything was in good working condition. After requesting quotes from my realtor’s list of approved inspection companies, I decided to go with the lowest-​priced company, RAM Inspections Hawaii. In this case, low price didn’t mean low quality. Charles Haverty, inspector with RAM, was extremely responsive to all my requests. He was very flexible & accommodating as far as scheduling the actual inspection. The inspection itself took about 2 hours. Charles was as professional and knowledgable as they come. In addition to thoroughly going over the inspection report with me in layman’s terms, he pointed out many other helpful things that were not in the report. Although these things were not technically part of the inspection, I asked him to include them in the report so I would remember them in the future, and he did. Charles was super-​patient in answering my many questions. Within 24 hours I had the PDF report via email. Hardcopy followed in the mail soon after.
RAM carries a liability policy and Errors & Omissions insurance — apparently those are very good things :) From what I learned, not all of the inspection companies have this coverage. Charles really put my mind at ease by pointing out the minor flaws in the property. He’s just an all-​around gentleman, very easygoing & a super nice guy, too. He’s one of the many angels that I have crossed paths with during my journey as a first time homeowner! Mahalo a nui loa, RAM Inspections & Charles Haverty!