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The Building Inspector of America describes itself on its website as an independent inspection company offering a confidential report of the structural and mechanical condition of a structure. The company says it has been in business for 39 years. A 2024 customer buying from out of state said Michael McDowell used video chats and detailed photos to guide them through buying a home sight unseen. That 2024 customer also said he met with a contractor to discuss rehabilitation plans. A 2019 customer who had bought and sold homes before said Dale Potter explained his findings and was at the property well before the scheduled time. A 2019 customer new to home buying said the inspector explained what the house needed from top to bottom. A 2019 customer said major plumbing issues their inspector missed showed up in the first hour after moving in, and that the owner did not offer a partial refund. A 2021 reviewer whose house Dale Potter inspected for a buyer said the heat was left on full blast in a bedroom, ceiling tiles were left down in the basement and a hole was left in the front of the house.
Michael McDowell from The Building Inspector of America proved to be an invaluable asset in our home-buying journey. His extensive knowledge, particularly in structural, heating, and cooling systems, as well as water and grading issues, showcased his expertise. Having played a key role in establishing inspection standards in Massachusetts, Michael's unbiased approach prioritized construction quality and performance over superficial aesthetics. As first-time, out-of-state homebuyers, his patient and informative guidance, utilizing video chats and detailed photos, eased our concerns about purchasing sight unseen. Not only did Michael provide a comprehensive inspection, but he also went above and beyond, meeting with a contractor to discuss rehabilitation plans. His encyclopedia-like knowledge was complemented by a delightful sense of humor, making the entire process enjoyable. Michael McDowell is not just an inspector but a trusted consultant, and we wholeheartedly recommend his services for current and future projects.
Dale potter inspected my house for a buyer. Upon coming home after the inspection they left the heat on full blast in our bedroom that had a stand up AC next to it which was very hot to touch. They left ceiling tiles down In the basement and then a gaping hole in the front of the house. I understand Poking and testing the wood but this looks a bit excessive…
Had an inspection done by this company and in the first hour of moving into the house we had major plumbing issues missed by their inspector progressing to having to cut a hole in our ceiling where the tub was POURING water into the living room underneath. Clogged drains, non-functional bathtubs that were noted to need small repairs in the inspection report by inspector Dale. I requested a call from the owner of the company who told me he felt his employee did a thorough inspection and that he wrote the guidelines for Massachusetts inspections. Clearly this man knows how to pull a fast one as he claims himself to be the “author” of the state laws. He did not even offer a partial refund. Will not use this company EVER again!
We highly recommend Dale Potter! We have purchased and sold a few homes in the past with different inspectors. Dale's vast expertise and knowledge is evident as he is able to explain his findings and provide us education throughout the process helping us greatly. His skill in this industry comes across well as he provided us the information we needed to better inform us of options. He also has a super friendly, humble personality which we appreciated. He is very punctual and was at the property well before the scheduled time, WOW. Dale will be our new go to inspector as we feel quite confident he will guide you in the right direction. He has experience in all areas and all size properties. We really felt privileged to be able to have worked with him and looking forward to more in the future. Thank you Dale.
Being new to the home buying experience, I could not have had a better home inspector company work with us. From top to bottom, the inspector did a very thorough job explaining what the house needed, and perhaps saved us thousands of dollars (we'll see as time goes on). I cannot say enough how thankful we are that we didn't go into this purchase blinded by the "haze of new home", and the reality of a home purchase was laid out so clearly. Please consider this organization for a home inspection. (*Note: the head of the company wrote the standards for home inspection in Massachusetts..which is INCREDIBLY helpful)
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2 changes recorded — last scanned Sep 29, 2026.
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Building Inspector of America. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Firms price in size tiers, not per foot — pick the bracket.
Estimated range
$530 – $760
Typical inspection around $650
Walks buyers through findings room by room4.5
Inspection report delivered the same night4.4