Home Inspection Blog Posts & Tips

Home Inspection and Pest Inspection Explained


Home Inspection Vs The Pest Inspection When Buying a home in
​​​​​​​Columbia, SC Real Estate Market
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The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind but, depending on the findings, it may have the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information over a short period of time.  Your inspection will entail a written report, including checklists and photos, and what the inspector tells you during the inspection. All of this combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice yourself can make the experience overwhelming. What should you do?


Relax.


Home inspectors are professionals, and if yours is a member of InterNACHI, then you can trust that he is among the most highly trained in the industry. Most of your inspection will be related to maintenance recommendations and minor imperfections. These are good to know about.


However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:


  1. Major defects, such as a structural failure;
  2. Conditions that can lead to major defects, such as a roof leak;
  3. Issues that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or insure the home if not rectified immediately; and
  4. Safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electrical panel.


Anything in these categories should be addressed as soon as possible. Often, a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).


Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. It’s important to realize that a seller is under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in your inspection report. No house is perfect. Keep things in perspective.


And remember that homeownership is both a joyful experience and an important responsibility, so be sure to call on your Columbia, SC InterNACHI Certified Professional Home Inspector to help you devise an annual maintenance plan that will keep your family safe and your home in top condition for years to come.

What’s The Difference Between Pest Inspection & Home Inspection?



The pest inspection involves a full inspection of your home to find any evidence of termite activity or dry rot damage or moisture conditions that could eventually lead to a breeding ground for wood destroying organisms or termites.


During the pest inspection process a pest inspector would inspect the exterior of your home, including all of the trim, home siding, under roof eaves. The interior is also inspected, including checking for water leaks in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry areas, windows, and inspecting attic where applicable.


Once your home goes under contract you will need a home inspection, home inspectors generally look for hazards, safety threats, or major defects. They are limited to what they report about anything related to pest. The findings from a home inspector may raise a red flag to issues such as wood rot or moisture, and then make the appropriate recommendations to follow-up with pest control specialists.


When it comes to the pest inspection it is totally different process and is performed by a licensed pest inspector in Columbia SC, who is trained to find signs of infestation.



Is It Really Necessary To Have A Pest Inspection?


The pest inspection is not a uniform requirement of a home sale, the rules vary state to state. In South Carolina it is required to have a “ wood infestation report” ( called a CL-100) this is mandatory for all real estate transactions. In many cases, mortgage lenders will require a termite or pest inspection. 


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