​Today's comment is about home inspections before closing. Recently, I just 
witnessed the results of nice people rushing closing to get into their new built home only to find multiple and several significant defects. Most builders would step up to the plate and fix but not all! This builder appears to less than one of the good guys. So the lesson is to always have an inspection done before closing. It is relatively inexpensive to have an inspection completed compared to the price of a new home.  And remember, a clean inspection and paying the inspection fee is not a bad thing.

If you need a new roof, give metal roofs serious consideration. A metal roof might cost more initially but it will likely last at least 50 years. An asphalt shingle roof will usually last 15 - 20 years. In addition, a metal roof will not catch fire from embers from a nearby home that is on fire.
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If you decide to go with a asphalt shingle roof, we recommend the removal of any existing shingles to start with a clean slate. Removing the shingles will allow inspection of the sheathing including any repairs that might be needed. Also, each layer of shingles increases the load on the roof. It might save a few dollars to not remove the existing roof but in the long run it could cause future problems.

​We are proud to announce that WC Home Inspection LLC is now Angie's List Certified. The certification brings another layer of comfort to our clients that they are getting the absolute best of service. Please check us out on Angie's List as it includes a great offer for condo inspections in the Grand Strand area of SC.

I sitting in Columbus, Ohio today and it is cold! In addition, it has been cold in the Grand Strand area for the past several days. Before we discuss the Grand Strand and heat pumps, I must comment that if someone tries to sell someone a heat pump in central Ohio you need to get a second and third opinion.
The Grand Strand area is a good area for heat pumps. But keep in mind as the temperatures drop below 38 degrees F the efficiency of the unit drops and at some point the auxiliary heating strips will come on to keep your home warm. This is the design but realize your electric meter will start spinning as your heating costs go up. The heating strips operate like a portable electric heater and will warm your home but are highly inefficient. The recommendation from the experts is to keep your heat setting at 68 degrees F to minimize your costs.
One method to check your heat pump is to check the temperature at the register. If the outside temperature is above 40 degrees F, the temperature of the air from the register should be at least 90 degrees F without assistance from the heating strips. If it is below 90 degrees, it might be time to call a qualified HVAC contractor to check your unit. Hopefully these tips will keep you warm and your heating costs reasonable.
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Yesterday, I inspected a home for a great couple in Rock Hill.

Today, I am in Ohio taking care of some business. With regard to home inspections, it is hard to believe but essentially anyone can do home inspections in Ohio. There is no licensing requirements. So if anyone in the Columbus area needs a inspection done by a SC licensed and highly qualified home inspector let me know.

A busy week for WC Home Inspection LLC. On Monday, we visited Carolina Forest and inspected a nice home. Carolina Forest is a rapidly growing area just west of Myrtle Beach. It is a great area for families and retirees.

On Tuesday, we visited historical Georgetown, SC and inspected a home for a young couple. If you have never visited Georgetown, I recommend a visit to one of the oldest towns in America.

On Saturday, we will be going to Catawba, SC. We really appreciate the business and enjoy meeting a lot of wonderful people.