Comments about Home Inspections from Edwin Gerace and Kip Craig of Columbia SC

Home inspections on homes is something I used to suggest, now days I am requiring them on homes. Not to promote the industry but to protect my clients. I feel very strong that having a professional look over your largest investment you own is something that needs to be done.

What are most common maintenance issues you see when inspecting a home?
Some of the easiest items to maintain often cause the most expensive damage. Most common are clogged gutters leading to drainage problems and wood rot/decay. Not keeping trim and caulking maintained around doors and windows causing wood rot/decay in these areas including inside walls and sub-structure in crawl space. Small plumbing leaks that are often not corrected until is too late.

What are the largest misconceptions about home inspection?
I am sometimes asked to create and inspection to be used as a maintenance or wish list to present to the seller to make the home perfect. The home inspection is a tool to help the client make decisions regarding their purchase and to give them understanding of the general condition of the home at the time of the inspection.

What do you look for generally in a home inspection?
A thorough inspection will cover: Electrical System, Water Heater, Plumbing System, HVAC, Attic, Insulation, Ventilation, Roof and Flashing, Gutters, Basement, Crawlspace, Foundation, Grading, Siding and Trim, Driveways and Walks, Ceilings, Floors, Walls, Doors & Windows, Chimney, Fireplace, Major Appliances, and More


What do you say to people that say they don’t need one in new homes?
They are making a mistake. Just this week I inspected a 2 year old home where the 1st floor hall bathroom tub drain had never been connected to the main drain. For 2 years the tub drained into the crawl space and the owner never it. I have several stories just like this one. The home inspection fee would have been much less than the plumbers repair bill.

How long does it take for a typical inspection?
It all depends on the size and condition of the home. A typical inspection takes between 2 or 3 hours.

Can you inspect a home that is not for sale but for persons ease of mind?
Yes, We are often asked to inspect homes for homeowners that are interested in properly maintaining their home and protecting its value by finding problems while they are small and less expensive to repair. It is also becoming more common for homeowners to have there homes inspected prior to listing their home for sale. This prevents surprises later when the home goes under contract.

Where would I search for a home inspector outside Columbia ( List or group)?
Google or use your favorite search engine. Also your real-estate agent often can supply you with names of several Home Inspection companies to choose from in your area. Then take the time to interview them. Check list of inspectors at associations such as ASHI and NACI

What is a question to ask a home inspector prior to hiring him/her?
I recommend calling and interviewing any prospective Home Inspector prior to hiring. As you know purchasing a home is possibly the largest invest someone will ever make in their life. Always ask these 4 questions:
A. What licenses do you hold. - Just a home inspection license is not enough, multiple licenses are recommended such as Home builder, Architect, Engineer
B. How many Home Inspections have you performed. Experience counts any number less than 2000 he is a rookie.
C. Are you or your company insured and bonded.
D. When do I get the inspection report. On-The-Spot reports are the best. Most home inspectors carry laptops and printers and print full color reports with pictures at the time of the home inspection. This will allow the inspector to review the report with and answer any questions while he is with you.


Kip Craig with Home Inspection One, 803-730-7954, http://www.scinspectionone.com/ Kip has been a professionally liscensed inspector for many years and seen thousands of homes. He has been a licensed builder for over 25 years. Kip has 10 years as a licensed home inspector. Feel free to email him at kip@scinspectionsONE.com


Edwin Gerace is a realtor with Russell and Jeffcoat Realtors with over 10 years of expierence in the Columbia market. He has help buyers,sellers and builders over the years reach thier real estate desires. Feel free to call or email him about real estate. Visit him on othe web at http://www.edwingerace.com/ or visit his blog at http://www.edwingeracesrealestateblog.com/ . Contact him at 803-609-7653 cause with Ed You Win.