Property Inspection2020-12-15T16:51:48+00:00

Property Inspection Types

Pre-Sale, Pre-Listing, New Construction Inspections: What’s the Difference?

The only difference is when you order your property inspection for you home or condo. There is a Standards of Practice for home inspection, so every home inspector has to follow the standards when doing any home inspection. It doesn’t make any difference if a seller wants to know the condition of their house before putting it on the market, a buyer wants to know what they are purchasing, someone is building a home and wants a third party to check on construction, or if someone has lived in their home for a while and wants to know the overall condition of their home – it is all the same.

The only deviation from the standards is when you, the client, request a limited inspection. An example would be : someone is concerned about moisture in the crawlspace, so they may request a crawl space inspection. Someone just had repairs done on their house and wants a third party to check to see if the repairs are done correctly – that is a limited inspection. All inspections must follow the standards unless requested by the client, and then these limitations must be spelled out in the report.

Property Inspection
Call Now 803-924-9014

Exterior and Grounds

During an inspection, we first inspect and examine the exterior and general condition of the home professionally. The potential areas of interest include wall coverings, flashing, trim, exterior doors, attached and adjacent decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, railings, eaves, soffits and facias, vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls that are likely to adversely affect the building. We also check the roofing materials, drainage systems, flashing, skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations.

Book Appointment Now

Electrical 

We include a thorough evaluation of the electrical system. We examine the service equipment and main disconnects, service grounding, interior components of the service panels and subpanels, conductors, overcurrent protection devices, a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches and receptacles, ground fault circuit interrupters and arc fault circuit interrupters.

Crawl Space/ Basement

The basement or crawl space is another component in our of our home inspection checklist. Our home inspector in Columbia, SC, will look for evidence of pests and moisture. We will also look at structural, foundational, and insulation-related issues that may pose a threat to the premise. If there is a crawlspace in your future home, our home inspector near you will survey the area for similar problems.

Interior Rooms

When it comes to interior parts of the house, it is not always about the color. There is more to it because the inner spaces reveal critical issues in the structure. The inspection checklist covers the walls, ceilings and floors, steps, stairways, and railings, countertops and cabinets, doors and windows, garage vehicle doors and operators, and installed kitchen appliances using normal operating controls.

Heating and Air Conditioning

The heating and air conditioning are major components of the house and can be expensive to repair or replace. Weather permitting, we check the heating and air conditioning per the State Standards. We check the heating and air conditioning installed equipment, vent systems, flues, and chimneys, distribution systems.

Mold and Air Quality Testing

Mold and air quality testing can let you know if your home has any mold. This is important if you have mold related allergies. We do two types of testing: air quality and swabs. Air quality testing samples the air in several areas of your home for hidden molds. Swab testing is used when suspected mold is visible. I use InspectorLab, a certified lab you can trust for accurate analysis. We do not do any remediation or sell any “systems”. Mold testing is a service for our clients at a reasonable price. If you choose to do testing during a home inspection, the fee will be discounted (as we are already there). Please give me a call if you have any questions.

Plumbing Services

As we finalize, we will check the available plumbing system by checking the water supply and distribution including fixtures and faucets, drain, waste and vent systems, water heating equipment and hot water supply systems, suel storage and fuel distribution systems, sewer ejectors, sump  pumps and related piping.

Water Testing

If the house you own or want to purchase has a well for water, we can take a sample and have it analyzed by a licensed lab for water quality.

CALL NOW: 803-924-9014

Frequent Questions Answered

When Do I Call?2020-12-03T18:41:21+00:00

A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

​​Do I Really Need A Home Inspection?2020-12-10T17:03:52+00:00

Definitely!

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards. Of course, a home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase.

Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open as to the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will want to keep that information for future reference. No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.

 

​Do I Have To Be There?2020-12-03T18:40:28+00:00

It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you’ve seen the property first-hand through the inspector’s eyes.

Can I Do It Myself?2020-12-03T18:40:05+00:00

Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. He or she understands how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail. Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.

How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?2020-12-03T18:39:41+00:00

The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies within a given area. The inspection fee may vary depending upon the size of the house, particular features of the house, and its age. It is a good idea to check local prices on your own. However, do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, or in the selection of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest- priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector’s qualifications, including his experience, training, and professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration.

Go to Top