Get matched with top home inspectors in Clinton, SC

Closing out an open building permit requires that you have your professional schedule a final inspection of the work they completed. In some cases, like a roof replacement or solar installation, a building inspector from your local municipality may just carry out a drive-by inspection. In other cases, like new construction or a change to interior plumbing or electrical work, the inspector might need to gain access to your home to confirm that the work was done in accordance with the local building code.

Yes, an inspection contingency is likely a good idea, regardless of if you’re buying a new or older home. It can give you a set number of days to respond to objections that might have been found in the inspection so you can make an informed buying decision.

Many experts agree on a twice-yearly schedule for DIY foundation checks and professional inspections every one to three years, depending on the condition of your foundation. Visually checking your foundation twice a year will ensure that it is not damaged during severe summer or winter weather events. Extreme temperature changes impact the soil surrounding the foundation, as do lengthy rain storms. Both issues expose the foundation to excessive moisture, which is not good for its overall health and stability. Call a pro if you notice any damage or changes during your DIY check.

There are no strict rules for who is responsible for covering repair costs after a home inspection, as the issue is highly negotiable, except in cases of mandatory repairs. Major issues discovered during the inspection often lead to a renegotiation. The buyer might ask the seller to make the repairs as a condition of the sale, but it is more common for the buyer to use the estimated repair costs as leverage to lower the asking price. The seller may agree to lower the price to compensate the buyer or agree to fix the issues before the sale is complete. However, in a competitive real estate market, a seller might refuse to cover any repairs, knowing that other buyers may be willing to purchase the property as-is.