Buying or Selling a Home...
The process can be quite stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you "peace of mind," but
often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short period of time.
This often includes a written report, checklist, photographs and what the inspector says during the
inspection. All this, and, if you're the buyer, the seller's disclosure - plus, what you notice yourself makes
the experience even more overwhelming. What should I do?
Relax. Most of your inspection report will most likely be maintenance recommendations and minor
imperfections - maybe even some life expectancies on a few items within the home. These are nice to
know about. However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:
- Major defects. An example of this would be a structural failure.
- Things that lead to major defects. A small roof flashing leak, for example.
- Things that may hinder the ability to obtain financing or insure the home.
- Safety hazards, such as exposed wires or defective ground fault circuits.
Anything in these categories should be addressed. Most often a problem can be corrected
inexpensively to protect both life and property.
Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection.
Realize that sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report. No home is
perfect. You must keep things in perspective. Don't kill your deal over insignificant things that don't truly
matter. If you're the buyer, it is inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance,
conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure, or nit-picky items. Focus on the complete inspection
report and decide whether those smaller issues can be readily resolved in some manner between the
seller and potential buyer of the home.
Our Comprehensive Inspection Includes...
NOTE: We do not test, nor do we offer specific testing for Hot Tubs, Spa's, Sauna's or Swimming
Pools. As part of our comprehensive inspection, we provide only a "visual" inspection (i.e., cracks,
visual defects, etc.), not an operational or mechanical inspection, of these possible home amenities.
We also do not test septic tanks due to specific testing regulations required in the states of North and
South Carolina. If a septic tank exists, no home inspection company can completely test the septic
system, nor can they truly certify its functionality better than a company professionally trained and
experienced in septic tank testing. Simply put, have your septic system tested by a licensed septic
contractor - especially if it's an older system. Check with your realtor for information on any septic
testing requirements you may require.
We do, though, offer other additional inspection services based upon your specific inspection needs.
Click here to go to the "Inspection Fees" section to review other available inspection services.
The process can be quite stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you "peace of mind," but
often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short period of time.
This often includes a written report, checklist, photographs and what the inspector says during the
inspection. All this, and, if you're the buyer, the seller's disclosure - plus, what you notice yourself makes
the experience even more overwhelming. What should I do?
Relax. Most of your inspection report will most likely be maintenance recommendations and minor
imperfections - maybe even some life expectancies on a few items within the home. These are nice to
know about. However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:
- Major defects. An example of this would be a structural failure.
- Things that lead to major defects. A small roof flashing leak, for example.
- Things that may hinder the ability to obtain financing or insure the home.
- Safety hazards, such as exposed wires or defective ground fault circuits.
Anything in these categories should be addressed. Most often a problem can be corrected
inexpensively to protect both life and property.
Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection.
Realize that sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report. No home is
perfect. You must keep things in perspective. Don't kill your deal over insignificant things that don't truly
matter. If you're the buyer, it is inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance,
conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure, or nit-picky items. Focus on the complete inspection
report and decide whether those smaller issues can be readily resolved in some manner between the
seller and potential buyer of the home.
Our Comprehensive Inspection Includes...
- Structural Components: Foundations, slabs, floors and walls.
- Exterior: Siding paint, windows, decks, garage doors, etc.
- Grading: Relative to water flow and snow melt-off
- Roofing:Coverings, flashings, chimneys, etc.
- Plumbing: Piping, fixtures, faucets, water heating and fuel storage (see illustration below)
- Electrical: Wiring, main service panel, conductors, outlets, etc.
- Heating: Equipment, safety controls, distribution systems, chimneys
- Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps, controls, ducting, etc.
- Interior: Partitions, ceilings, floors, railings, doors and windows, etc.
- Insulation and Ventilation: Attics, walls, floors, foundations, baths
NOTE: We do not test, nor do we offer specific testing for Hot Tubs, Spa's, Sauna's or Swimming
Pools. As part of our comprehensive inspection, we provide only a "visual" inspection (i.e., cracks,
visual defects, etc.), not an operational or mechanical inspection, of these possible home amenities.
We also do not test septic tanks due to specific testing regulations required in the states of North and
South Carolina. If a septic tank exists, no home inspection company can completely test the septic
system, nor can they truly certify its functionality better than a company professionally trained and
experienced in septic tank testing. Simply put, have your septic system tested by a licensed septic
contractor - especially if it's an older system. Check with your realtor for information on any septic
testing requirements you may require.
We do, though, offer other additional inspection services based upon your specific inspection needs.
Click here to go to the "Inspection Fees" section to review other available inspection services.
| WHAT REALLY MATTERS |
Typical House Plumbing & Septic Designs
Our standard home inspection does not include the type of specialized, intrusive
inspection that needs to be undertaken for an accurate assessment of the system.
To properly inspect the system, the licensed septic contractor will need to dig holes
(minor) to locate and access the underground parts of the system. This will include
inspecting the tank, as well as the leach field.
It makes good sense to have the tank pumped at the time of this inspection. A
professional septic contractor can perform both the inspection and pump the tank,
killing two birds with one stone assuring that you begin with an empty tank and a
system that has been inspected. Often, you can negotiate with the seller to have
them pay for the pumping.
inspection that needs to be undertaken for an accurate assessment of the system.
To properly inspect the system, the licensed septic contractor will need to dig holes
(minor) to locate and access the underground parts of the system. This will include
inspecting the tank, as well as the leach field.
It makes good sense to have the tank pumped at the time of this inspection. A
professional septic contractor can perform both the inspection and pump the tank,
killing two birds with one stone assuring that you begin with an empty tank and a
system that has been inspected. Often, you can negotiate with the seller to have
them pay for the pumping.
Plumbing problems usually revolve around one of three things:
clogs, leaks, or drips. It pays to be familiar with your plumbing
system so you can minimize the damage caused by plumbing
problems as well as fix minor problems on your own.
Many plumbing repair projects don’t require the help of a
professional. If you're somewhat of a do-it-yourselfer, DIYnet.
com is a great resource for many home repair projects.
clogs, leaks, or drips. It pays to be familiar with your plumbing
system so you can minimize the damage caused by plumbing
problems as well as fix minor problems on your own.
Many plumbing repair projects don’t require the help of a
professional. If you're somewhat of a do-it-yourselfer, DIYnet.
com is a great resource for many home repair projects.
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NC License #002751
SC License #RBI 2527