Lake Hartwell Home Inspector
Home Inspections for Lake Hartwell Properties in Both SC & GA
Lake Dog Home Inspection is family owned and operated. We offer Lake Hartwell home inspections in both South Carolina and Georgia. You are the client, NOT your real estate agent. We provide comprehensive inspection reports that include both photos and video. In most cases, we will deliver your inspection report the same day. We know how important buying or selling a home is, as well as how stressful it can be. As a result, we are available to answer questions 7 days a week. Our experience with lakefront properties means that you get the information that allows you to make the most informed decision possible.
A Lake Hartwell home inspector is aware of the unique set of factors that can influence the condition of lake homes. For example, the property’s slope can contribute to erosion or even to moisture in the home’s crawl space or basement. In addition, many Lake Hartwell homes are occupied only a few weeks out of the year. These homes often end up with much more deferred maintenance than we see in owner-occupied homes. Surrounding trees and landscaping are often unkempt, which can contribute to pests inside the home or damage to the roof. Leaves accumulate in gutters, on roofs, and on deck surfaces. This can lead to a number of issues from moisture intrusion at the foundation to wood rot. Weatherstripping and sealant around doors and windows deteriorates. Absentee homeowners may not think of servicing their HVAC units, or even remember to change the filters. This can impact how long the unit lasts.
A dock is not a part of a general home inspection. If you would like the dock inspected at your new home, we recommend reaching out to a company that builds and/or repairs docks on Lake Hartwell. Here is a list to get you started.
If the seller has not already provided a courtesy inspection report for the property, you should ask your real estate agent to request one. This document will provide the contact information for the Army Corps of Engineers ranger, as well as instructions for reassigning the dock permit after closing. Before issuing the report, the ranger will visit the property to verify whether or not any permit violations exist. If they do, you will need to correct those violations before the Corps will issue your new permit. If the dock has power, you will need to have a licensed electrician create a new wiring diagram to submit along with your permit application. Your real estate agent should be able to recommend an electrician who is experienced with completing the necessary paperwork for the Army Corps of Engineers.
Upstate SC & Northeast GA are both considered to be at moderate risk for elevated radon levels. Up to 35% of homes tested in Hart County alone are found to have elevated radon.
Even molds that are not considered toxic can cause uncomfortable symptoms for those who are exposed. Surface sampling is valuable where there is visible growth. Air testing can expose problems that we couldn’t find otherwise during a non-invasive home inspection.
If the Lake Hartwell home you’re purchasing has a well, you should have the water tested to be sure it is safe for drinking.
The CDC recommends testing well water every year once you own the home.