What to Know About ACE Home Inspections in South Carolina
ACE Home Inspections provides pre-purchase and pre-sale inspections across South Carolina
ACE Home Inspections is a South Carolina-based inspection company that examines residential properties before purchase or sale. The inspectors evaluate structural systems, roofing, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC equipment, and other major components to give buyers and sellers a detailed picture of a property's condition. The company operates throughout South Carolina and produces written reports that document what they find.
If you are buying a home, an inspection from ACE or another inspector typically happens after you make an offer but before you close. If you are selling, some sellers order an inspection beforehand to know what issues a buyer's inspector might discover. Either way, the inspection report becomes part of your records and can inform repair negotiations or your decision to move forward with the purchase.
Key Takeaways
- ACE Home Inspections examines the major systems and structure of residential properties across South Carolina and produces a written report of findings.
- A home inspection typically takes two to three hours and covers the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and interior components.
- Buyers often schedule inspections within 7 to 10 days of making an offer, using the inspection period to negotiate repairs or price adjustments.
- The cost of a home inspection varies by property size and location but is usually a one-time fee paid directly to the inspector.
- You can attend the inspection in person to ask questions and learn about the property's condition from the inspector directly.
What a home inspection includes
A standard home inspection covers the visible, accessible parts of a house. ACE inspectors examine the roof exterior, gutters, foundation, basement or crawl space, walls, windows, doors, flooring, and interior walls. They test major systems including plumbing (water pressure, drainage, water heater), electrical (outlets, switches, panel), and HVAC (heating and cooling equipment, thermostat operation).
The inspection does not include pest inspections, radon testing, mold testing, or septic system evaluation — those are separate services that you can order if the property warrants it. Inspectors also do not move furniture, lift carpets, or access areas that are blocked or unsafe. The report notes what was inspected and what was not, so you know what remains unknown.
How to schedule an inspection with ACE
Contact ACE Home Inspections directly by phone or through their website to request an inspection date. You will need to provide the property address, the type of inspection (pre-purchase or pre-sale), and your preferred dates. Most inspections can be scheduled within a few days to a week, depending on their current workload and your timeline.
If you are a buyer, your real estate agent can often coordinate the inspection scheduling with the seller's agent to find a time that works for everyone. If you are a seller ordering an inspection before listing, you control the schedule. Inspections typically take two to three hours depending on the size and age of the home.
What happens during and after the inspection
You are welcome to walk through the inspection with the inspector, though it is not required. Many buyers choose to attend so they can ask questions about what the inspector finds and understand the property better. The inspector will point out issues, explain what they mean, and discuss whether something is a safety concern, a maintenance issue, or a minor cosmetic problem.
After the inspection, ACE produces a written report, usually within 24 hours. The report includes photographs of significant findings, descriptions of the condition of each system, and notes about repairs or maintenance that may be needed. You receive a digital copy that you can share with your real estate agent, lender, or contractor. If you are a buyer, you typically have a set number of days (often 7 to 10) to review the report and decide whether to request repairs, ask for a price reduction, or proceed without changes.
Cost and what to expect to pay
Home inspection fees vary based on the property's size, age, and location within South Carolina. A typical inspection for a standard single-family home costs between a few hundred and several hundred dollars. Larger homes, older properties, or those in rural areas may cost more. You pay the inspection fee directly to ACE, usually at the time of the inspection or shortly after.
This is a one-time cost that you control — you decide whether to order an inspection and when. It is separate from your mortgage, property taxes, or real estate agent commissions. Many buyers view the inspection fee as an investment that can save them thousands by uncovering major issues before they buy.
When to order an inspection and how it affects your purchase timeline
Buyers typically order an inspection within 7 to 10 days of making an offer on a home. This window gives you time to schedule the inspection, receive the report, and decide on your next steps before your inspection contingency period expires. Your purchase agreement with the seller usually includes an inspection contingency that allows you to back out or renegotiate if the inspection reveals serious problems.
If you are a seller, ordering an inspection before you list can help you price the home accurately and address major issues upfront. This can speed up the sale process because buyers and their lenders will have fewer surprises. Some sellers use a pre-sale inspection as a marketing tool, showing potential buyers that the home has been professionally evaluated.
How to use the inspection report
Once you have the ACE inspection report, you have several options. If you are a buyer and the report shows significant issues, you can request that the seller make repairs before closing, ask for a credit toward repairs you will handle yourself, or renegotiate the purchase price. Your real estate agent can help you decide which approach makes sense based on the severity of the findings and the local market.
You can also take the report to a contractor to get a second opinion or a repair estimate on specific items. Some issues noted in the inspection are routine maintenance (like caulking around windows), while others are more serious (like foundation cracks or roof leaks). The report helps you understand which category each finding falls into and plan your next steps accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend the inspection?
Yes, you are welcome to walk through the inspection with the ACE inspector. Many buyers do this to ask questions and learn about the property. It is not required, but attending gives you a chance to understand the findings firsthand and discuss concerns with the professional on site.
What if the inspection finds major problems?
If the report reveals significant issues like structural damage, roof problems, or failing systems, you can ask the seller to repair them, request a price reduction, or walk away from the purchase if your agreement includes an inspection contingency. Your real estate agent can help you decide the best course of action based on the cost of repairs and your budget.
How long does it take to get the inspection report?
ACE typically delivers the written report within 24 hours of completing the inspection. You receive a digital copy that includes photographs, descriptions of each system, and notes about any issues found. You can then share it with your agent, lender, or a contractor for a second opinion.
Do I need an inspection if I am paying cash?
An inspection is not required by law, but it is still a good idea whether you are financing or paying cash. The inspection protects you by revealing problems before you own the property. Lenders typically require an inspection as part of their underwriting process, but if you are paying cash, the choice is yours.
What is not included in a standard home inspection?
Standard inspections do not cover pest inspections, radon testing, mold testing, well or septic systems, or pools and spas. If the property has any of these features or if you want additional testing, you can order those services separately. ACE can tell you which additional inspections may be worth considering based on the property type.