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Home Inspection in Charleston
Buying a home is the biggest investment many people will make in their lives, so naturally its best not to dive in head first and instead have a professional thoroughly inspect the home. A home inspection is not just a negotiating tool. Safety is priority number 1, identifying hazardous conditions in a home inspection can prevent disaster and even save lives. A home inspection will also identify material defects that could alter the value of the home, as well as provide you with knowledge you need for maintaining your home as time goes on. We will take the time to explain findings and review the report with you. We’re here for you as you develop questions and concerns long after your home inspection. We will make scheduling a home inspection in North Charleston a hassle free process with timely and reliable results. Call (843) 806-0757 to talk to a Licensed South Carolina Home Inspector Now!
About Charleston
Charleston is in Charleston County. In 1670 approximately 200 Englishmen settled at Albemarle Point on the Ashley River, on the opposite side of the river from the Charleston peninsula and what is now Hampton Park. Charles Town Landing can be visited today for beautiful scenery and a glimpse into the past. Throughout the 1670’s plans were made to survey the area for a town. By 1679 it was settled that Oyster Point, later called White Point, would be a more suitable location. In 1682 there were over 100 houses there. Most of them were Georgian Colonial style Charleston Single Houses or Double Houses, designed with piazzas.
The Charleston Single House, unique to the Charleston area, was designed for semi-tropical climates and fitting for deep narrow lots. Examples can be found in Charleston and Summerville in a variety of styles. Generally, 2-3 stories high with full-length porches on each story, they were built on raised foundations with full basements or tall crawlspaces. The main characteristic of these homes is the large front porches with doors closing the porch off from the street. Houses such as The Pink House or The Col. William Rhett House are suspected to have been built by 1712. They still stand today, some of the oldest houses in the country.
Preserving historical structures and neighborhoods in the City of Charleston is the mission of the Board of Architectural Review. They review all new construction, alterations, and renovations visible from the public right-of-way. They also review all demolitions of buildings over 50 years of age, or any houses South of Mount Pleasant Street. Preserving and restoring historical homes requires regularly scheduled home inspections and maintenance. Monitoring a home for defects as a homeowner can help discover issues before they grow in extent and expense. It’s a good idea for historical homes to have yearly inspections conducted by a qualified inspector familiar with the construction methods of different time periods, as well as maintenance, restoration, and renovation methods of historic houses.
The long history of this region involved many destructive and compelling events that greatly altered the image of the architectural landscape, creating a cornucopia of building types and construction methods. The age of some the houses will undoubtedly present opportunities for an inspector to discover outdated and unsafe building methods and materials. Age isn't the only thing that can muddy the waters when considering the condition of a home, when someone lives in a home for many years the probability increases that they will make repairs or additions, possibly incorrectly or inadequately. When making repairs themselves, a homeowner may use an unapproved material or inadequate building method, or they may hire a cheap contractor who cuts corners and doesn't pull permits. Unfortunately buying a brand new home still doesn't guarantee a flawless home. When these possibilities for defects occur in an area often and over different eras they present a laundry list of different things to look for in a home inspection, making a broader general knowledge of construction styles more advantageous for the home inspector and in effect the client.
Priding Diligence in our Many Inspection Services
Even dream houses have defects. New construction, houses over 100 years old, beach houses and log cabins all have in common the need to maintain and repair from time to time. Mold can grow virtually anywhere, causing structural damage, mysterious smells and increased allergy symptoms in your family home, without ever being visible. Well water can be contaminated with E. choli or have elevated levels of nitrates and nitrites. Owning a home adds to your assets but that comes with greater responsibilities and reasonable risks, and getting any of our various home inspection services can help you manage and maintain your investment. Inspection reports can be many pages long and can call out many things that one may not find as important as others, so it may be helpful to keep in mind what matters in a home inspection. The services we currently provide are:
Standard Residential Home Inspections
Mold Inspection and Testing Services
End of Home Warranty Inspections
Pre Listing Inspections
Buyer's Home Inspections
Infrared Scans
Complementary 120 Day Warranty on Our Standard Residential Home Inspections
Sometimes even preparing as much as possible wont prevent new defects from showing up after the inspection. After closing on a new home the last thing you really want is to incur more home owner expenses early on. Unfortunately we dont have x-ray vision and some defects can understandably slip by, so our home inspections include a 120 day warranty on items that were reported as working during the inspection. There is also the option to extend the warranty in many situations.
Charleston Government
City of Charleston
City of Charleston Permits
Board of Architectural Reviews
Questions About Home Inspections? Talk to an Inspector
Aside from the added value of our various ancillary Home Inspection Services, we aim to be a source of general information for you moving forward as a home owner. Check back with us soon for the start of our regular "Home Making, Maintenance and Monitoring" articles or get them sent directly to your email by subscribing below. We give you the information you need to make an informed decision, as well as to properly maintain and repair a home. Call (843) 806-0757 to talk to a Licensed South Carolina Home Inspector Now!