What to Expect From a Hubbard Home Inspection
Hubbard Home Inspections provides detailed property assessments across South Carolina
Hubbard Home Inspections is a South Carolina-based inspection company that examines residential properties before purchase, refinance, or sale. The inspector walks through the structure, systems, and major components—foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more—and documents what is working, what needs repair, and what poses safety concerns. The report goes to you, your real estate agent, and your lender if required, giving you concrete information about the property's actual condition before you commit money.
A home inspection is not a pass-or-fail test. It is a snapshot of what the inspector finds on the day of the visit. The report tells you what exists, what does not work as intended, and what a contractor would likely charge to fix it. That information shapes your negotiation with the seller, your decision to walk away, or your choice to move forward with eyes open.
Key Takeaways
- Hubbard Home Inspections examines the foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other major systems and documents their condition in a written report.
- The inspection typically takes two to four hours depending on the property size and age, and you can walk through with the inspector to ask questions in real time.
- The report includes photographs, descriptions of defects, and estimates of repair costs so you have concrete numbers for negotiation.
- Most lenders require an inspection before they fund a mortgage, and the report becomes part of your closing documents.
What the inspector examines during the visit
The inspector checks the exterior first: roof condition, gutters, siding, windows, doors, grading around the foundation, and any visible damage from weather or pests. They look for missing shingles, rust, rot, cracks, and improper drainage that could let water into the crawlspace or basement.
Inside, they test every light switch, outlet, and appliance that comes with the house. They flush toilets, run water at sinks and showers, check for leaks under cabinets, and inspect visible plumbing. They examine the furnace or heat pump, test the air conditioning, and look at ductwork. They walk the attic if accessible, check for proper ventilation and insulation, and look for signs of water damage, mold, or pest activity. They inspect the basement or crawlspace for moisture, structural cracks, and proper support posts.
The inspector does not move furniture, dig into walls, or test systems that require special equipment or licensing—those are separate inspections (radon, mold, termites, septic systems). They report what they see and note what should be inspected further by a specialist.
How to schedule and prepare for the inspection
Contact Hubbard Home Inspections directly through their website or phone number to book a date and time. Most inspections are scheduled within a week or two of your offer being accepted. You will need to provide the property address, the type of property (single-family home, condo, etc.), and the approximate square footage if you know it.
On inspection day, make sure the property is accessible—unlock doors, clear pathways, and ensure utilities are on so the inspector can test systems. If you are the buyer, your real estate agent usually coordinates access with the seller's agent. If you are the seller, you may be present or absent; many sellers choose to leave so the inspector and buyer can talk freely.
Bring a notebook or phone to take notes during the walk-through. Ask the inspector to explain anything you do not understand. This is your chance to learn about the property's systems and maintenance needs before you own it.
Understanding the inspection report
The report arrives within a few days of the inspection, usually as a PDF. It is organized by system or room and includes photographs of defects, descriptions of what was found, and the inspector's assessment of urgency. Some items are noted as "safety concerns" or "recommend repair"; others are listed as deferred maintenance or cosmetic issues.
The report may include repair cost estimates based on typical contractor rates in your area. These are ballpark figures, not quotes—an actual contractor may charge more or less depending on the specific work and local labor costs. Use the report to decide whether to ask the seller for repairs, ask for a credit at closing, or accept the property as-is and budget for fixes yourself.
If the report raises questions, you can contact the inspector for clarification. Some issues warrant a follow-up inspection by a specialist—a structural engineer for foundation cracks, a roofer for roof damage, a plumber for significant leaks, or a pest control company for termite signs.
When to order additional inspections
A standard home inspection covers the visible structure and systems. Depending on the property age, location, and what the inspector finds, you may want to order separate inspections for radon (a colorless gas that accumulates in basements), mold (common in humid climates and after water damage), termites and wood-boring insects, septic systems (if the property is not on city sewer), well water (if not on city water), or the roof (if it is old or shows damage).
South Carolina's humid climate and coastal properties bring specific concerns: radon testing is common statewide, mold inspections are frequent in older homes or those with moisture issues, and termite inspections are standard practice. If the home inspection report flags any of these, your real estate agent can recommend a licensed specialist in your area.
How inspection results affect your purchase
After you receive the report, you have a few options. You can ask the seller to repair items before closing—most sellers will fix safety issues but may decline cosmetic repairs. You can ask for a credit at closing so you can hire contractors yourself. You can renegotiate the purchase price based on repair costs. Or you can accept the property as-is if the issues are minor or if you are comfortable with the condition and cost.
Your real estate agent will advise you on what is negotiable in your local market. In a buyer's market, sellers often make repairs or offer credits. In a seller's market, you may have less leverage. If major defects emerge—structural damage, failing systems, or safety hazards—you may have grounds to back out of the purchase depending on your contract terms and state law.
Your lender will also review the inspection report. If the property has significant defects that affect its value or safety, the lender may require repairs before funding the loan. This is rare but happens with older homes or properties in poor condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be present during the inspection?
Yes. As the buyer, you are encouraged to walk through with the inspector and ask questions about what they find. This is your chance to learn how systems work and what maintenance the property needs. The inspector will explain their findings as they go.
What if the inspector finds something serious?
The report will note it clearly, often with photographs and repair cost estimates. You can then decide whether to ask the seller to fix it, ask for a credit, or walk away from the purchase. Your real estate agent and lender can advise you on next steps based on the severity and your contract terms.
How much does a Hubbard Home Inspection cost?
Inspection fees vary by property size, age, and location. Contact Hubbard Home Inspections directly for a quote. Most South Carolina inspections range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the home. The cost is typically paid by the buyer at the time of inspection.
How long does the inspection take?
A typical inspection takes two to four hours depending on the property size and condition. Older homes or larger properties may take longer. The inspector will give you an estimate when you schedule.
What if I disagree with the inspector's findings?
You can hire a second inspector or a specialist to verify specific concerns. Some issues—like roof condition or structural damage—benefit from a contractor's opinion. Your real estate agent can recommend licensed professionals in your area if you want a second look.