Have questions? We have the answers. Below, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about home inspections, along with important information regarding radon, mold, and more. If you have any additional inquiries, please complete the form below!
General Home Inspection
❓ What is a home inspection, and why is it important when buying a home?
A home inspection is a professional, non-invasive evaluation of a home’s visible and accessible systems and components. It helps identify existing or potential issues before you finalize your purchase.
At Home Inspection Carolina, our licensed inspectors assess:
Roof, attic, and insulation
Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
Foundation, crawl space, basement, and structure
Appliances, windows, doors, and interior finishes
The goal is to give buyers a clear understanding of the home’s overall condition, uncover safety hazards, and highlight maintenance needs — empowering you to make informed decisions and negotiate repairs if needed.
🛑 Note: A home inspection is not a code compliance check or a guarantee, but it is your best line of defense before making one of life’s biggest investments.
How long should a Home Inspection take?
A typical home inspection takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size, age, and condition of the property. Here’s a general breakdown:
🏡 Smaller homes (under 1,500 sq ft): 1.5 to 2 hours
🏠 Average homes (1,500–2,500 sq ft): 2 to 3 hours
🏘️ Larger or older homes: 3+ hours
🛠️ Add-on services like radon testing, sewer scopes, or mold inspections may add additional time
We recommend that buyers attend the inspection so you can ask questions and gain valuable insight about your future home.
Should I attend the inspection?
Yes — we highly recommend that you attend your home inspection if possible.
Being present gives you the opportunity to:
See potential issues firsthand and better understand their context
Ask questions in real time and get explanations directly from the inspector
Learn about home maintenance tips specific to your property
Gain confidence in the home you’re buying — or uncover deal-breakers early
While you’ll receive a detailed inspection report afterward, nothing compares to walking through the home with the inspector. It’s a valuable educational experience, especially for first-time home buyers.
Before the Inspection
❓ How do I prepare for a home inspection?
Whether you’re a buyer or seller, preparing for a home inspection helps ensure the process goes smoothly and nothing is missed. Here’s how to get ready:
✅ For Buyers:
Confirm access with your agent so the inspector can enter the home and all key areas.
Bring questions and a notepad if you’re attending the inspection.
Review our Buyer’s Guide for tips on what to expect and how to make the most of your inspection.
🧰 For Sellers:
Ensure all utilities are turned on, including water, gas, and electricity.
Unblock access to key systems: attic, crawl space, electrical panels, furnace, water heater, and appliances.
Secure pets or remove them from the property during the inspection window.
Fix minor issues in advance (e.g., replace light bulbs, clear gutters, secure loose handrails).
Clean the home — a tidy space leaves a good impression and signals proper maintenance.
Review our Home Inspection Checklist for a full prep guide.
Can I or my Agent request a specific inspector?
Yes, you may request a particular inspector, subject to their availability.
Can I attend the inspection without my agent?
No, home inspectors can’t grant you access without your realtor present, as they’re responsible for any damages during the inspection. You and your realtor must coordinate schedules to be present and review the inspector’s findings.
After the Inspection
When will I receive the inspection report?
Reports are typically delivered within 24 hours after the inspection.
❓ What should I do after reviewing my home inspection report?
After reviewing your inspection report, the next steps depend on the findings and your goals as a buyer. Here’s what we recommend:
Review the report with your real estate agent to discuss any major concerns, safety issues, or required repairs.
Prioritize issues based on safety, function, and cost — not everything listed may need immediate attention.
Get estimates from qualified professionals if repairs are needed, especially for structural, electrical, or HVAC concerns.
Negotiate repairs or credits with the seller when appropriate. Your agent can guide you through this process.
Schedule follow-up inspections (if needed) — for example, sewer scopes, mold testing, or pest inspections.
📝 Pro Tip: Bring your report to your final walkthrough to double-check any agreed-upon repairs or changes before closing.
What if issues are found during the inspection?
Your inspector will provide a detailed report outlining any concerns, which you can discuss with your real estate agent to determine next steps.
First-Time Home Buyers
❓ What should first-time home buyers expect during a home inspection?
f you’re buying your first home, the inspection can feel overwhelming — but it’s one of the most important steps in protecting your investment. Here’s what to expect:
A thorough evaluation of your home’s major systems, including the roof, foundation, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, attic, and more.
A licensed home inspector who will walk you through their findings and answer your questions on-site.
A detailed home inspection report, usually delivered within 24 hours, outlining any safety concerns, needed repairs, and maintenance tips.
Optional add-on inspections like radon testing, mold testing, and termite (WDO) inspections that can provide deeper insights into your home’s condition.
📝 Pro Tip for First-Time Buyers:
Attend the inspection if possible. It’s a great opportunity to learn how your future home works and ask questions in real time. And don’t be alarmed by a long report — not every issue is a deal-breaker.
What should first-time buyers know about home inspections?
Understanding the inspection process helps first-time buyers make informed decisions and identify potential issues before purchasing. Learn more about the inspection process.
What questions should I ask my home inspector?
Inquire about the condition of major systems, maintenance recommendations, and any immediate concerns that need addressing. Download our Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector.
Specialized Inspections
❓What additional services should I consider when inspecting my home?
In addition to a standard home inspection, you should consider specialized services that provide a deeper understanding of your home’s safety, functionality, and potential maintenance needs. At Home Inspection Carolina, we offer:
Mold Testing – Detects harmful organic growth that can affect indoor air quality.
Radon Testing – Measures radioactive gas levels that pose long-term health risks.
Sewer Scope Inspections – Evaluates the condition of the main sewer line for blockages or damage.
Termite Inspections (WDO) – Identifies wood-destroying organisms that may compromise your home’s structure.
Infrared Thermal Imaging – Pinpoints moisture, insulation voids, and electrical hotspots invisible to the naked eye.
Pool and Spa Inspections – Checks for proper function, safety, and code compliance.
Water and Well Testing – Ensures the quality and safety of your water supply.
Carbon Monoxide Detection – Identifies dangerous gas leaks that could impact health.
Gas Leak Detection – Finds leaks in gas lines to ensure household safety.
💡 Bundle & Save:
We offer customizable inspection packages that combine these services at discounted rates. To explore options and save on your inspection, visit our Package Page.
What is radon testing, and why is it important?
Radon testing measures the levels of radon gas, a radioactive substance that can pose health risks. It’s crucial for ensuring a safe living environment. Learn More about radon testing.
Do you offer mold inspections?
Yes, we provide mold testing to identify potential mold issues that could affect indoor air quality.
Do you inspect for termites?
During a typical home inspection, our inspectors will search for signs of termites, including damage or termite tubes on the foundation and walls. If any evidence is discovered, it will be documented in the report; however, this does not substitute for a Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDIR) in North Carolina or the CL100 form in South Carolina. For an additional fee, if you need one of these reports, you can be confident that all our inspectors are certified technicians in North and South Carolina. They are equipped to provide the necessary documentation for your lender during the home-buying process.
Should I Test for Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can be found in every home and building. The only way to accurately determine radon levels in your home is to conduct a test. It’s important to remember that while one house may show low radon levels, a neighboring home could have significantly higher levels. Therefore, testing is essential for a complete understanding of radon concentrations in your environment.
Radon levels can fluctuate from season to season and year to year, so it is advisable to test annually. This ensures that your radon levels remain below the EPA’s recommended threshold of 4.0 picocuries per liter. Taking these precautions can help safeguard your health and that of your family.
What is an infrared inspection?
An infrared thermography inspection reveals temperature differentials—both hot and cold—across walls, ceilings, and floors. This technique is effective in detecting potential water leaks, water intrusion, missing insulation, and other anomalies that could result in conditional or structural problems. It is also used to identify issues such as overheating circuit breakers in the electrical panel, overheated outlets, compressors in HVAC systems, and more. By conducting an infrared thermography inspection, you gain a unique insight into the hidden dynamics of your home, providing you with valuable information and a better understanding of its condition.
Can an Infrared Inspection see through walls?
An infrared thermography inspection solely identifies temperature differentials—hot and cold—across walls, ceilings, and floors. This type of inspection is invaluable for detecting potential water leaks, water intrusion, missing insulation, and other anomalies that could lead to structural or conditional issues.
Do you inspect wells?
Yes, our inspectors are trained and certified to conduct thorough well inspections, ensuring they function properly. They check for pressure differentials, leaks, pressure gauges, supply lines, and bladder tanks, all to guarantee that your well is operating effectively and providing the water you need.
Do you provide water testing?
Yes, for an additional fee, we can collect your water samples and send them to the lab for testing. We offer various package options tailored to meet your needs, including tests for nitrates, nitrites, lead, bacteria, arsenic, and radon. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact our office directly at 704-542-6575 or email us at info@hicarolina.com.
Do you inspect pools?
Home Inspection Carolina provides comprehensive visual pool inspections. Our inspectors assess the functionality of accessible equipment, including pumps and electrical panels, while also evaluating the pool’s safety features.
Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us; our fantastic office staff is ready and eager to assist you with any questions you may have.
