Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer in South Carolina, leveling up to the next home of your dreams, or getting ready to put your home on the market, a home inspection is part of the buying and selling process.
Once a buyer finds a home they want to purchase and has an accepted offer, the next step is to hire an inspector to take a closer look at the home’s structure and systems. In many cases, continuing with the purchase might be contingent on the results of this step.
What Your South Carolina Home Inspection Will Cover
In South Carolina, the home inspection takes a standard form, meaning your inspector will look at certain items on a checklist. Some of the key components that South Carolina home inspections will cover include:
Lot
Your home inspector will first evaluate the lot that your home sits on to determine if there might be any drainage or other glaring issues.
Structure
The inspection will next take a look at your home’s foundation and framing to look for any cracks or weaknesses.
Roof
When assessing a roof, a home inspector looks at the overall system, including flashing, shingles, and skylights, to see if there are any missing or loose items, signs of decay, or weak spots.
Exterior
Before they go inside, your home inspector will walk around the rest of the property to look at the driveways, walkways, porches, siding, and soffit. If anything needs repainting or repairs, they will note it in the report.
Attic and Interior
Inside the home, the inspector will check out the attic to assess the roof’s interior structure and look for any signs of leaks. They will also walk through the inside of the home, looking at windows, doors, walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and stairs to determine their condition.
Heating and Cooling Systems
The inspector will assess the age and working condition of the home’s heating and cooling systems. This includes an HVAC system, furnace, and fireplace.
Plumbing
All visible parts of the home’s plumbing will be inspected, and the inspector will test systems like water heaters, faucets, drains, sewer lines, and sump pumps.
Electrical
Next, the inspector will thoroughly assess the home’s electrical system. They will look at the main electrical panel, make sure outlets are grounded, and test various switches.
Appliances
Finally, there will be a test of the home’s appliances to ensure they are properly functioning. These include things like the oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and washer/dryer.
Consider a Pre-Inspection Before Selling Your South Carolina Home
As a seller, getting surprised by items on a home inspection is no fun. Major issues can impact a deal as well as affect the value of your home.
If you plan on selling your home, it’s a good idea to schedule an official inspection before placing your home on the market. This gives you the opportunity to identify and address any glaring issues before someone else can point them out.
Get the Real Estate Guidance You Need in South Carolina
When purchasing a home, there’s a lot to keep straight. The Lafayette Team is a knowledgeable and professional residential real estate team that helps first-time homebuyers and professionals ready to level up with its exceptional representation and guidance.
We are top producers in the area and provide clients with a superior level of service. Contact us today to find out how we can put our more than 17 years of combined experience to work for your benefit.