COMPLAINT: Leslie Heilman, Pittsburgh
"In 2000, I hired Vernon Building Inspection, or VB Inspect, to inspect a home I was considering buying. Harry Thompson [a senior inspector] did the inspection. At that time, his report listed many items that needed to be addressed. I bought the home and in 2007, decided to sell it.

The potential buyers hired VB Inspect, and, coincidentally, Thompson, to inspect it. In the 2007 report, Thompson indicated 'asbestos-containing material' in the crawl space. He never mentioned this in the 2000 report. In fact, after observing this crawl space in 2000, he suggested someone push up the fiberglass insulation in the joists to secure it better.

The potential buyers, hearing the word 'asbestos,' walked away from the deal. I had the material tested and it contained a small amount of asbestos, a fact I had to state on a seller's disclosure form. I was faced with removing the asbestos, which would cost thousands of dollars, or taking less money for my home. The worst of it is, the company has ignored my certified letters asking them to address this injustice."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "The resolution would include compensating me for the difference between the original offer on my house (which was rescinded due to the asbestos) and the ultimate price I received, plus the two additional mortgage payments I had to make due to the lost sale."

STATUS: Penalty Box