Greenville Home Inspection

Greenville

Greenville Home Inspection

Congratulations on looking to purchase a home in Greenville, SC! Whether a first time buyer or a former homeowner or renter, it is a fun and exciting experience. Unfortunately, homes that have been in existence for years can have problems beneath the surface. These issues are often invisible to the untrained eye, and require special equipment that the average person does not have. Before committing at the closing table, having an experienced Greenville, SC home inspector can help save you from a world of headaches.

There are many areas of the home that a home inspector will look at to ensure there are no issues:

Heating and Cooling System (HVAC)

The heating and cooling system, also known as HVAC system, inside your home plays a major role in comfort during all seasons. It keeps your home warm during the colder months, and cool during the hotter months. Unlike traditional window air conditioning units, HVAC systems have multiple components that get the job done. Made up of filters, coolant lines, blowers and more, there are many pieces that can stop working, even if it appears that the unit is producing an output. Having a trusted home inspector in Greenville, SC that specializes in Heating and Cooling System inspections can be a relief. If left untreated, these can lead to costly repairs and discomfort throughout the home. Be sure that your heating and cooling system is working up to par by calling a professional at Carolina Inspection Associates.

Roof Inspection

The roof of a home is the most important structure, as it shields those that inhabit it from the elements. If there are issues with the roof, this can let in excess water and moisture into the home, causing additional problems. Having a strong roof can prevent issues like cracked ceilings, improper water runoff, flooding, mold, unwanted pests, and inadequate temperature control within the home.

If you have a shingle roof, a Greenville Roof Inspector will look for a variety of things:

  • Signs of water damage – Water damage can be caused by a number of issues, including water not draining properly due to clogged gutters, improperly installed or damaged flashing and storms that blow shingles off leaving room for water to seep in.
  • Mold – Mold growing around the chimney and on attic insulation are signs of excessive water damage. During the interior inspection, a roofing professional will pay special attention to these areas.
  • Shingle deterioration – this can be missing or loose shingles as well as rotting or algae growth on the shingles
  • Clogged gutters – If your gutters contain an excessive amount of loose shingle granules, this is a sign that your shingles are being worn away. Granules give your shingles added weight and protect them from ultraviolet rays.

Getting a roof inspection in Greenville, SC can prevent the potential need for emergency tarping services if the worst case scenario were to happen. Protect your lives and investment by ensuring your roof is doing its job.

Foundation Inspection

Starting from the beginning of home construction is the foundation of your home. Being that you can only build up, having a sound base layer to your home can help keep your property structurally sound. If the foundation of the home becomes damaged, this can cause sinking in the floors, cracks in walls, and flooding to lower areas of the home like basements. When unwanted water gets into the home, it can damage items within its path, and cause mold or mildew. Having a wet-dry vacuum can soak up the water in the instance of a flood, yet ignoring remediation of the situation can lead to larger issues down the road.

Radon Inspection and Testing

Just like carbon monoxide, there are many invisible threats to a home owner’s health that often go undetected. One in particular is radon, which contributes to poor air quality in the home that can lead to lung cancer. What makes the gas so dangerous is that there are not necessarily common variables that contribute to radon. Two homes can be within walking distance from one another, yet one may have the fumes and the other may not. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) speculates over 20,000 Americans die every year from radon poisoning.The only way that radon can be confirmed whether it is present in the home or not is done through various testing over a duration of time. Repairs around the home such as proper insulation can reduce radon levels to a safer level.

Mold Inspection and Testing

Testing for mold in homes is one of the most common inspections that occur in the average day of a home inspector. There are many reasons that a mold inspection and testing is reccomended:

  • Recent Water Damage – Mold can grow after water damage within 48 hours. One thing is for sure, even a minor leak can lead to mold growth. Unfortunately, many leaks that occur in our homes are hidden away behind walls, underneath floorboards, and in ceilings.
  • Health Issues – Mold can cause a number of health issues including headaches, stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
  • Buying Or Selling A Home – Whether you are buying or selling it is always good to make sure your house has acceptable mold levels. In fact, you will never have a home without any mold. Mold is everywhere and it is a matter of keeping it at an acceptable level.
  • Expecting A Baby – Mold can also have a direct affect on your baby’s health. Although babies with other allergies might be particularly vulnerable to mold, your baby can have a reaction to mold even if he/she is relatively healthy. Many babies can become allergic to mold even if they are not allergic to anything else, and the effects can be very harmful.
  • See Or Smell Suspected Mold – All mold needs to grow is the presence of mold spores, a surface to grow on. This involves warmth, oxygen, and moisture. Many times that musty odor you are smelling is not “just” mold. This is often a result of a  chemical compound released at different stages of the mold growth cycle.

Well Water Testing

People often do not think twice when washing their hands with water from the faucet or using it as drinking water. This water can contain high counts of microbes such as coliform bacteria like Escheruchia Coli (E. Coli) that can cause digestive system issues. When testing is performed, total coliform levels are tested from water samples as the specifics for viruses are hard to test for. Fortunately, E. Coli can be tested for on its own. It is known to be derived from the fecal matter of warm blooded animals.

There have been a few well known cases of E. Coli contamination in fast food restaurants, and is often a common cause behind stomach viruses and other gastrointestinal issues. If you suspect that the water in your home is tainted with harmful coliforms, having a well water testing performed by a licensed Greenville, SC home inspector can help you avoid the trouble. We recommend a well water testing for any new home purchase.

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