I recommend having easy access to your attic. It is preferred to have metal pull down stairs with a platform to access any systems located in the attic. It is important from a safety standpoint that a repair man or you as the homeowner have to attempt to walk on joists or step over ducting to access the systems.
If pull down stairs are not practical, at least have a hatch that is easily opened. If you have any questions regarding this concern, please reach out to WC Home Inspection at 803-448-5512.

We are in the ultimate service business, so when we get a review like the following it is very appreciated.
"To Whom It May Concern"
"When we decided to build a future retirement home in Myrtle Beach, SC, we pondered whether we would need a home inspection service since we were doing new construction. I have used a home inspector on a new build in the past and valued their services greatly in keeping the builder honest in making sure everything comes out perfectly as much as possible. Since I was new to Myrtle Beach coming from Cleveland, the first place looked to find a trusted professional was on Angie's List. I read the reviews on Dale Herendeen at WC Home Inspection and called him up. I was surprised when he answered.
I found him to be very knowledgeable and he gave me a lot of pointers how he could help in the new construction process starting with a pre-drywall inspection and then final walk through inspection prior to closing.  Dale was the ultimate professional, and very friendly as well. He found numerous items that could be improved and/or needed rework, even items that I might have overlooked. The end result would be a house that would surpass my expectations.
So you if are looking to buy an existing house or a new build, don't hesitate to contact Dale Herendeen at WC Home Inspection. The small fee that he charges will pay back great dividends in your home satisfaction!"

A busy week with 5 inspections and all of our clients were pleased with our service. We did homes in Roebuck, North Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, and two in Myrtle Beach. Keep in mind that home inspections before listing the property could save you some trouble and possibly put money in your pocket as a seller. Several of the owners would have been well served by having a pre-listing inspection. Keep us in mind for your home inspection needs in South Carolina.

JANUARY 2, 2018 MIKE HOLMES

They say they don’t build them like they used to, but even the most well-built homes will eventually start to show their age. Every material has a lifespan, and as a homeowner, it’s your job to understand what signs to look for that indicate an aging home, so you can step in and make a few small home maintenance fixes to prevent long-term problems.
1. Breaking Brick and Mortar
Brick is a popular exterior material for a house. It’s a classic look that people associate with strength and integrity - but you need to be careful. For older brick homes, you need to keep an eye out for brick that’s starting to break apart (which is known as spalling).
When moisture penetrates brick, it can freeze, causing the brick to expand and crack, giving you your spalling. You can’t repair brick that’s already begun to spall, and instead need to replace it with new brick and mortar.
Speaking of mortar, eventually it will start to break down - letting more moisture penetrate the brick, speeding up the spalling process. So what do you do when your mortar starts to break down? You’ll need to scrape out all the old stuff and replace it with newly mixed mortar, sealing any gaps in between your bricks. This process is called tuck pointing.
2. Damaged Shingles and Pulling Gutters
Your home’s exterior is its first line of defence against the elements, and after years of wear and tear, you might notice some weak spots that need some repair.
Your roof will take the biggest beating from the weather - and you want to look out for things like asphalt shingles that have curled edges, are peeling or entirely missing. These are a sign that it’s time to install a new roof. I like metal roofs because they typically last longer than your traditional asphalt shingle.
Look for gutters that are pulling away from your roofline; this is a sign that the fasteners that hold it to the fascia have deteriorated with time. Replacing the hangers is a fairly inexpensive task, but if you’re doing it yourself, always keep safety in mind when you’re working at heights.
3. Water Leaks
Look for evidence of leaks or water stains around the interior of your home, especially beneath bathroom areas. This could indicate a plumbing system that’s made it to the end of its lifespan. For visible piping, look for any rusted or corroded materials - a sure sign that it’s time to call in a plumber. You want to be proactive with your plumbing and deal with things before you spring a major leak.
If your property uses a septic tank, make sure your system is getting inspected and pumped regularly. You can’t use your nose as a guide here - if something starts to stink, you’ve already got a problem.
Wear and tear is normal for an older home. By checking for these signs of aging, you'll be able to make small fixes now instead of being tempted to rush major repairs later.

​About the Author Mike Holmes, professional contractor and TV host, is working with Associa to refine the standards and protocols that today’s Homeowner’s Associations use to Make It Right™ for their homeowners. He brings more than 35 years of experience in renovations, construction, and inspection services, and is best known as the contractor and host of “Holmes on Homes” and “Holmes Makes It Right” where he rescues homeowners from repair and renovation disasters.

​On a periodic basis I will sending out some thoughts on current issues I am seeing out in the field. Today I will discuss existing homes homes and buyers expectations. Also, we will discuss pre-listing inspections as the two go hand in hand.


Many of the buyers of existing homes in the Grand Strand area are expecting existing homes to be in perfect condition or the same as new construction from a cosmetic standpoint. In many cases this is an unrealistic expectation but this does not seem to matter to the buyer. Many of these buyers are retirees leaving homes  that they have spent time, energy, and money to make perfect in their eyes. Or they have viewed cosmetically perfect new construction in the area. Remember perception is reality.  

They arrive here and start looking at both existing homes and new construction. If they decide on existing and have a home inspection completed there are typically concerns. Many of the concerns are not costly to repair and can be handled by a qualified handyman. Also, many buyers are unable to decide what items to focus on for pre-closing repair and instead want everything fixed that the inspector found or want a totally unrealistic price reduction.

I have worked hard to provide my clients the realistic costs to repair the items of concerns and provide references of reasonable pros that can address the concerns. Also, we stress the overall condition of the home and try to divert the focus from the fix it list. As you all know many of these concerns are easily repaired and nominal cost especially when considered versus the price of the home. In other words, chump change.

A way to avoid some of these issues is a pre-listing inspection. I can complete an inspection and provide a list of items that need addressed. In addition, we can help find the good pros to make the repairs. If your seller decides not to have any or all of the repairs done at least they are not surprised just before closing. Also, if the repairs are completed by the owner, they improve the realtors negotiating position and likely puts or keeps money in the sellers and listing agent pocket.

Sorry for the rambling but I believe it is a pertinent subject. Just for some perspective, I also work in the Rock Hill/York/Lancaster area and this is not as big as an issue in that market.

Have a great week and always call me if you have questions or need an inspection.

This week we inspected properties in Little River and North Myrtle Beach, SC. Both clients gave us excellent reviews on HomeAdvisor. Next week we will be inspecting 13 homes for an investor and helping with a final walkthrough on new construction. It will be busy. Keep us in mind for any home inspection related needs.