What to Expect From a Home Inspection at Matthews Home Inspections & Contracting

Matthews Home Inspections & Contracting provides detailed property inspections across South Carolina

Matthews Home Inspections & Contracting is a South Carolina-based inspection company that examines residential and commercial properties before purchase, refinance, or renovation. The company sends a certified inspector to walk through a building, test systems, document conditions, and deliver a written report—typically within 24 hours. This report becomes your record of what the inspector found on the day of inspection, which you can use to negotiate repairs with a seller, plan maintenance, or understand what work a property needs.

The inspection itself usually takes two to three hours for a standard residential property, depending on the home's size and age. You can attend the inspection and ask questions as the inspector works, which many buyers find valuable for understanding the property's condition firsthand.

Key Takeaways

• Matthews Home Inspections & Contracting inspects homes, commercial buildings, and properties before purchase or refinance, delivering a written report within 24 hours.
• A typical residential inspection takes two to three hours and covers structural elements, roof condition, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and interior components.
• You can attend your inspection and ask the inspector questions about findings, repairs, or maintenance needs as they work through the property.
• The inspection report documents conditions on the day of inspection and becomes a tool for negotiating repairs with sellers or planning future maintenance.

What a Standard Home Inspection Covers

A typical inspection from Matthews Home Inspections & Contracting examines the major systems and structural elements that affect a property's safety and value. The inspector checks the roof for leaks, missing shingles, or deterioration; walks the foundation and basement for cracks or water damage; tests plumbing fixtures and looks for leaks under sinks; and evaluates the electrical panel and outlets for safety concerns. They also inspect the HVAC system, insulation, windows, doors, and interior walls.

The report notes what is working, what needs attention soon, and what poses immediate safety concerns. Inspectors do not move heavy furniture, access areas behind walls, or test systems that require special equipment—those fall outside a standard inspection scope. If you suspect a specific problem (mold, radon, termites, or asbestos), you typically arrange a separate specialist inspection for that issue.

How to Schedule an Inspection With Matthews

Contact Matthews Home Inspections & Contracting directly to schedule. Most inspections are booked through a real estate agent as part of a purchase agreement, though you can also hire an inspector independently if you own a property and want a maintenance assessment. When you call or contact the company, have the property address ready and know your preferred inspection date—inspectors often book several days in advance, especially during busy seasons.

You will need to provide access to the property. If you are the buyer, your real estate agent typically coordinates with the seller's agent to arrange a time when the home is unlocked. If you own the property, you simply need to be present or ensure the inspector can enter. The inspection fee varies by property size and location; contact the company directly for a quote.

What Happens After the Inspection

Matthews Home Inspections & Contracting delivers the written report within 24 hours, usually as a digital document you can download or view online. The report includes photographs of significant findings, descriptions of each system inspected, and notes on condition. Many reports use a simple format: items in good condition, items needing maintenance, and items needing repair.

If you are buying a home, you use this report to decide whether to renegotiate the purchase price, ask the seller to make repairs before closing, or walk away from the deal. If you own the property, the report becomes a maintenance guide—it tells you which systems need attention soon and which can wait. Some buyers share the report with a contractor to get repair estimates before making an offer.

Inspections for Different Property Types

Matthews Home Inspections & Contracting inspects residential homes, but the company also works with commercial properties and investment buildings. A commercial inspection follows similar principles—examining structure, systems, and safety—but may include additional checks for commercial HVAC, fire suppression systems, or commercial electrical panels. If you are buying a rental property, a commercial-grade inspection can reveal maintenance issues that affect tenant safety and your liability.

Older homes and historic properties may require special attention. South Carolina has many homes built before modern building codes, and inspectors note outdated wiring, plumbing, or structural concerns that were acceptable when built but may need updating now. If you are buying a pre-1980s home, mention that to the inspector so they can pay particular attention to asbestos-containing materials and lead paint, which are common in older South Carolina properties.

When to Get a Specialized Inspection

A standard home inspection does not test for radon, mold, termites, asbestos, or lead paint—those require separate inspections by specialists. If a standard inspection raises concerns about any of these issues, or if you live in an area where they are common, you can hire a specialist to investigate further. South Carolina's humid climate makes mold and moisture concerns more frequent than in drier states, so many buyers in the Lowcountry or coastal areas add a mold inspection to their standard inspection.

Pest inspections are also separate. If you are buying in an area with known termite pressure—which includes most of South Carolina—a pest inspector examines the foundation, wood framing, and crawl space for active or past termite damage. This inspection often determines whether you need a termite bond or treatment before closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attend the inspection?

Yes. Most buyers attend their inspection and walk through with the inspector, asking questions about findings and maintenance needs. This gives you a chance to learn about the property's systems and hear directly from the inspector about any concerns. If you cannot attend, the written report will document everything the inspector found.

What if the inspection finds major problems?

You have several options. You can ask the seller to repair the items before closing, ask for a credit toward repairs you will handle yourself, renegotiate the purchase price, or walk away from the deal if problems are severe enough. The inspection report gives you the information to make that decision before you are legally committed to the purchase.

How much does an inspection cost?

Inspection fees vary by property size, age, and location. Contact Matthews Home Inspections & Contracting directly for a quote based on your specific property. Fees are typically paid at the time of inspection or shortly after the report is delivered.

Do I need an inspection if I am refinancing?

Some lenders require an inspection or appraisal before refinancing, while others do not. Check with your lender about their requirements. Even if not required, a refinance inspection can reveal maintenance issues you should address before they become expensive repairs.

What should I do to prepare for an inspection?

Make sure the inspector can access all areas of the home, including the attic, basement, crawl space, and exterior. Clear clutter from under sinks so plumbing can be checked, and ensure the electrical panel is accessible. If you know of specific problems, mention them to the inspector so they can document them accurately.