The Assessment
What Does a Complete Inspection Cover?
A home inspection evaluates readily accessible primary structures, systems, and safety features during purchase or listing. We systematically probe subflooring, crawlspaces, attics, and electrical panels to document existing installation defects, past improper modifications, and active component failures.
In the South Carolina Lowcountry, coastal conditions create specific challenges. Shifting sandy soil, shallow water tables, and high seasonal humidity often affect foundation piers, crawlspace framing, and roof decking. Unaddressed drainage or insulation issues quickly lead to wood decay and mold growth.
Your finished report provides itemized defect photos, severity ratings, and age data across mechanical systems. This documentation helps you anticipate near-term replacement costs for water heaters or air handlers. For properties being built from the ground up, review our pre-drywall inspections to audit rough-in plumbing and framing before sheetrock is hung.
Why You Need It
Protection Before Closing
Identify Deficiencies Early
Specialized tools like infrared thermal imaging and moisture meters reveal hidden crawlspace leaks and electrical hazards that simple walkthroughs miss.
Forecast Capital Expenses
Every report documents model data and estimated service life across water heaters, HVAC compressors, and roof surfaces so you can plan capital reserves.
Strengthen Contract Negotiations
Objective, documented findings give you verified leverage to negotiate seller concessions, repair addendums, or price adjustments before closing your contingency window.
Inspection Checklist
What We Inspect
Our field evaluation covers primary structural, mechanical, and safety components from the roof ridge down to the crawlspace dirt. Detached garages, outbuildings, and specialized environmental diagnostics can also be scheduled.
Exterior & Foundation
- Roof shingles, flashing, drip edges, and valleys
- Site grading, gutter downspouts, and drainage flow
- Siding materials, masonry veneers, and exterior trim
- Foundation piers, stem walls, and concrete slabs
- Exterior window seals, glazing, and caulking
- Driveways, walkways, patios, and deck framing
- GFCI-protected exterior receptacles and lighting
Interior & Living Spaces
- Infrared thermal imaging on interior wall surfaces
- Interior doors, window sashes, latches, and seals
- Ceiling, wall, and flooring settling or stress cracks
- Fireplaces, hearths, dampers, and flues
- Stairway balusters, treads, handrails, and clearances
Plumbing Systems
- Main water shut-off valves and static pressure levels
- Accessible supply lines (copper, PEX, polybutylene)
- Drain, waste, and vent piping (add a sewer scope for buried lines)
- Water heater tanks, burner assemblies, and TPR relief valves
- Fixtures, sinks, shower pans, tubs, and toilet seals
Electrical Systems
- Main service panel, sub-panels, breakers, and bonding
- Service entrance cables and grounding rod connections
- Branch wiring, junction boxes, and wire materials
- Receptacle polarity, grounding, and GFCI/AFCI function
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detector readiness
HVAC Equipment
- Heat pump and air conditioning cooling performance
- Furnace burners, heat exchangers, and safety switches
- Thermostat responsiveness and zone damping
- Supply and return plenum airflow differentials
- Condensate drain lines, pans, and float cutoff switches
Attic & Substructure
- Roof rafters, trusses, collar ties, and purlins
- Attic insulation depth and soffit/ridge ventilation
- Crawlspace soil barriers and foundation vents
- Crawlspace wood moisture levels and joist conditions
- Discounted bundle option: add a CL-100 inspection
Field Workflow
What to Expect on Inspection Day
Online Booking
Pick your date directly through our Online Scheduler or select bundled services via the scheduling page. You receive instant confirmation with access instructions.
The Field Review
Inspectors spend 2 to 3.5 hours on site testing systems, traversing the crawlspace, and recording defects. Clients and real estate agents are welcome to attend or schedule a phonecall to discuss any findings.
Same-Day Reporting
Your comprehensive digital report arrives by email that evening. It features clear defect summaries, high-resolution photography, and embedded repair request tools for your contract addendum.
Field Qualifications
Setting a Higher Standard in Inspection
In South Carolina, home inspectors are licensed through the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission upon passing state exams and completing practical field hours. While state licensure provides an initial baseline, South Carolina does not mandate ongoing annual continuing education for inspectors.
Carolina Premier operates beyond the legal minimum. Founder and lead inspector Bob Wiggins completed the rigorous requirements to become an InterNACHI Certified Master Inspector (CMI), a credential held by only a select percentage of property inspectors worldwide.
We routinely pursue advanced training in moisture management, diagnostic technology, and residential HVAC systems to ensure your report reflects practical building science. For older residences in coastal districts, we also provide specialized lead paint testing and certified mold testing.
Certified Master Inspector (CMI)
Awarded by the Master Inspector Certification Board following more than 1,000 completed fee-paid inspections and background verification.
InterNACHI Certified Professional
Our team complies with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Standards of Practice and completes regular peer audits.
Ongoing Technical Education
Inspectors attend out-of-state advanced academies and manufacturer training courses covering modern building science and residential performance.
Get Started Today
Ready to Schedule Your Inspection?
Book online in minutes using our convenient scheduler, or reach out directly — we're always happy to help.
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