For thorough, top-of-the-line inspections with no hidden costs, savvy South Florida property owners call A-1 Property Service Co.

In business since 1992, A-1, located at 2231 NE 164th St. in North Miami Beach , performs home, commercial and insurance inspections in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties.

What sets this company apart? Founder and principal James Gonte says it's a combination of up-front pricing, painstaking attention to detail and undivided loyalty to the client.

"We don't do repairs, and we don't take commissions from people who do," he says. "All we do is point out the deficiencies of a property.

"A lot of realtors think home inspectors are deal-killers. I am a communicator; I call it the way it is. I can point out the difference between major and minor problems, giving the buyer an upper hand in the negotiating process and with future maintenance plans."

Gonte's reputation for integrity is such that more than 50% of his clients come from realtor recommendations, he says.

Some home inspectors charge different rates depending on the property's cost, size or zip code. Final bills may be padded with hidden charges. With A-1, homeowners know from the outset what the final cost will be.

"We don't discriminate on the basis of selling price, square footage or location," Gonte says. "We charge a set fee based on the number of bedrooms." For example, he says, inspection of a three-bedroom house costs $300 and covers the foundation and basement, roof system, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, electrical system, garage, kitchen and laundry appliances, bathrooms, bedrooms and grounds.

"We open up all central panels," Gonte says," and check out crawl spaces." Digital photos provide a visual record of problem areas.

Clients are advised in advance of items that entail an extra charge, such as pools and seawalls. Home inspections include a WDO Termite Report at no extra cost.

For condo units, A-1 charges a flat fee of $150. Quotes for commercial properties require a site inspection. Special services such as condo, elevator, punch-list and septic inspections are available on request. Every evaluation is performed in accordance with the standards of practice and code of ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors.

All clients receive a thorough report by email or fax within 24 hours; a hard copy in a presentation binder follows by priority mail.

A- 1's dedication to service translates to greater convenience for its clientele. The company is open seven days a week, and accepts all major credit cards. Next-day inspections can be arranged – again, at no extra cost to the customer.

Gonte is a candidate member of Florida Association of Building Inspectors, the largest industry association in the state. He attends continuing education classes every four months to update his skills. He's also active in the Greater North Miami and North Miami Beach Chambers of Commerce, the Resource Network Group and Aventura Marketing Council.

For more information, call (305) 949-2332, fax (786) 513-8433 or visit www.a1property service.com

Dear James:

First I want to tell you that it has been a pleasure meeting you and working with you.

I realized from working with you that you are an extremely ethical person, who works hard and cares about the people you are involved with.

As a realtor, I have worked with many inspectors; however, you are the best inspection company I have seen by far. The manner in which you return calls, show up promptly at the inspection time, and your PROFESSIONALISM in EVERY WAY far exceeded my expectations.

In addition, you saved me an expense of a new roof. You took your time and truly cared about the job you were doing. The report you presented me with was also the most professional and easy to understand I have received, typewritten with pictures and costs detailing each problem. I will definitely be referring you each time I need an inspection completed.

Feel free to have anyone call me at any time for a reference. A-1 is definitely A-1 with me!

Sincerely

JEANNE BAKER REALTY, INC
Jill Braverman / Realtor Associate