Commonly Asked Questions
Wellnest Home Inspections is certified and insured to provide comprehensive home inspections throughout Upstate South Carolina.
⇒ How long do inspections take?
Depending on the size and age of the house, home inspections normally take between 3-4 hours.
⇒ How long will it take to receive my report?
Within 48-72 hours of the completion of the inspection.
⇒ Do I have to be present for the home inspection?
While it is not required that you be present during the home inspection I highly recommend arriving towards the end of the inspection. I recommend this so that I can focus on the inspection itself and use the end of the inspection to walk the entire home with you – educating you about your future property. This format saves you time especially if I need to look up an appliance data label to determine specific age.
⇒ How much does a home inspection cost?
The home inspection cost varies based on square footage, the age of the home, and other factors. Please call me at (864) 334-6896 or email me at wellnestinspections@gmail.com, and I can quickly provide you with a price estimate.
⇒ I have an inspection scheduled; how should I prepare?
To help ensure you get the best service, I recommend you ensure the following is in place before an inspection. Your realtor may need to ensure the seller has some of these items in place:
-Read and Sign the Inspection Agreement
-Provide clear and ready access to electrical panels
-Provide clear and ready access to any attic spaces
-Provide clear and ready access to crawl space entrances (if applicable)
-Previous owners should fully vacate house for the 3-4 hour inspection window
-Advanced computer downloads or IT infrastructure should be turned off if present. This is in order to test GFCI outlets/electrical systems without interruption to any IT/Data processing
⇒ What is not included in a typical home inspection? (Not Exhaustive)
– Inspection of Refrigerators (Not a component of the SC Home Inspector standards of practice)
– Septic Tank Inspection (Requires tank to be pumped in order to inspect)
– Inspection of Solar Panel System
– Opinions on Code Violations (Residential Home Inspectors are not code enforcers)
– Providing Engineering or Architectural grade opinions on the House Structure
⇒ What are some of the most common things I find?
– Single Strand Aluminum Wiring (Property will have a difficult time getting Insured)
– Fire Hazards (Venting touching combustible material, extension cords used as permanent wiring, etc….)
– PVC used in place of CPVC for hot water Lines
– Appliances at the end of their useful life (Heat Pump, Furnace, Water Heater, Range, etc..)
– Evidence of Cracked Heat Exchangers, gas leaks (Can be life-threatening due to carbon monoxide presence in the home)
– Leaking pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks
– Poorly installed insulation in crawl spaces
– High levels of moisture in crawl spaces and on floor joists indicating risk for mold/microbial growth
– Foundation cracks and house settlement evidence (Usually occurs within the first 1-5 years of a home’s lifespan)
– Shingle roof has multiple shingle layers (The previous owner did not pay to have the old course of shingles removed. With 2-3 shingle layers, it will be significantly more expensive to repair the next roof)
As always, I will be looking for things that will cost the buyer a significant amount of money in the near-term or long-term maintenance.
⇒ What all is included in a home inspection?
Plumbing
The main water shutoff valve is located. Faucets and showers are checked for visible leaks, and the water pressure is tested. The types of pipes used are identified, if visible.
Electrical
Wires are identified, all outlets are tested and verified that there are GFCI’s installed where needed to protect from electrical shock. The electrical panel is inspected for safety issues and fire hazards.
HVAC
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system. Determine the age of the furnace and/or air system, whether or not they function properly, and possibly recommend repairs or maintenance needed.
Water Heater
Identify the age of the water heater and check that it has been properly installed. Determine the condition of the unit and possibly give an estimated remaining life span.
Laundry
Inspect the mechanical exhaust system for the clothes dryer. A poorly ventilated dryer exhaust can be a serious fire hazard. The clothes dryer must vent directly to the outdoors, unless it is a ventless dryer.
Fire Safety
Test the smoke detectors and ensure that any garage walls present have the proper fire ratings, and are undamaged. Inspect the fireplace for proper installation and maintenance.
Bathrooms
Check toilets & tubs for visible leaks and proper ventilation, to prevent moisture related issues. Test toilets to see they’re flushing, run showers to see they spray and properly drain.
Attic
Check for any structural damage and for proper ventilation, if available. Identify any leaks from roof and inspect the insulation to ensure proper placement and ventilation.
Garage
Inspect the garage foundation, windows, ceiling, and framing. Test the garage for proper ventilation and be sure the doors operate properly. Check and test the outlets electrical system.
Roof
If accessible and visible, inspect the roof for any defects, including attic shingles, flashing and fascia. Check all gutters to be sure they are secure and look for defects in chimneys and skylights.
Exterior
Inspect all exterior walls for damaged or missing siding, cracks, or excessive soil contact which can be an invitation for pests. Check the foundation for possible cracks or settling.
Grading
Check to ensure that the ground slopes away from the house, which prevents water from entering the house or causing damage to the foundation. Identify any problematic, soggy areas.
Contact Us
Wellnest Home Inspections provides professional inspection services throughout Upstate South Carolina and specifically in the following areas:
Greenville, SC - Travelers Rest, SC - Greer, SC - Pickens, SC - Tigerville, SC - Slater Marietta, SC - Easley, SC - Taylors, SC
Have more questions?
Feel free to call, email, reach out through the contact form or schedule an inspection. We look forward to getting the opportunity to work with you.
Phone: (864) 334-6896
Email: wellnestinspections@gmail.com