What to Expect From a Pillar to Post Home Inspection With Paul Jerkins

Paul Jerkins runs a Pillar to Post franchise in South Carolina

Pillar to Post is a national home inspection company with franchises across the country, including South Carolina. Paul Jerkins operates a Pillar to Post location and conducts inspections for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents throughout the state. When you hire Jerkins through Pillar to Post, you're working with an inspector trained in the company's standardized inspection process, though the specific services and pricing depend on the individual franchise location.

Home inspections through Pillar to Post typically cover the major systems of a house—foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and interior components. The inspector walks through the property, documents conditions, and produces a written report. Jerkins' inspection will follow Pillar to Post's format and standards, which means you'll receive a structured report rather than a custom one, and the inspection itself usually takes two to three hours depending on the home's size and age.

If you're buying a home in South Carolina, an inspection from Jerkins can be ordered through your real estate agent or directly by contacting the Pillar to Post franchise. Sellers sometimes order inspections before listing to identify problems upfront. The timing matters: inspections typically happen after an offer is accepted but before the final walkthrough, giving you time to negotiate repairs or price adjustments if issues are found.

Key Takeaways

• Pillar to Post inspections follow a national standard format, so you'll receive a consistent report structure whether you use Jerkins or another Pillar to Post inspector.
• The inspection covers major home systems and typically takes two to three hours, with a written report delivered after the visit.
• You can order an inspection directly from the Pillar to Post franchise or through your real estate agent during the home-buying process.
• Inspection reports document conditions but do not determine whether repairs are required—that decision rests with you, your lender, and any negotiation with the seller.

How Pillar to Post inspections are structured

A Pillar to Post inspection follows a checklist approach. The inspector examines visible, accessible parts of the home's systems and documents what is present, what is working, and what shows signs of wear, damage, or age. The report categorizes findings into sections: structural elements, roof, exterior, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, interior, and sometimes additional areas like the attic or crawl space if accessible.

Jerkins will note items that are functioning normally, items that need maintenance or repair, and items that are safety concerns. The report uses a standard format across all Pillar to Post locations, so the language and organization will be familiar if you've seen other inspections from the company. Photos are typically included to show problem areas or clarify conditions that are hard to describe in words alone.

One important boundary: a Pillar to Post inspection does not test every component or system exhaustively. The inspector does not remove panels, break into walls, or perform destructive testing. If the inspection reveals a potential problem—say, signs of water damage or an aging roof—you may want to hire a specialist (a roofer, plumber, or structural engineer) for a deeper look before making a final decision about the property.

What the inspection costs and how to schedule

Pillar to Post franchise fees vary by location and home size. Paul Jerkins' specific pricing depends on the square footage of the home, its age, and any add-on inspections you request (such as radon testing, mold screening, or septic system inspection). You can contact the Pillar to Post franchise directly to get a quote, or ask your real estate agent, who often has pricing information on file.

Scheduling is usually straightforward: you call or email the franchise, provide the property address and preferred inspection date, and confirm the appointment. Most franchises can schedule inspections within a few days to a week. If you're under a tight timeline—for instance, if your offer includes a short inspection period—let them know when you call, as they may be able to fit you in sooner.

Payment typically happens at the time of the inspection or shortly after, depending on the franchise's policy. Some inspectors accept credit cards on-site; others invoice afterward. Ask about payment methods when you schedule so there are no surprises on inspection day.

Understanding the inspection report and next steps

After the inspection, Jerkins will deliver a written report, usually within 24 hours. The report is yours to keep and share with your real estate agent, lender, or anyone else involved in the transaction. The report documents conditions but does not make recommendations about whether you should buy the home or negotiate repairs—that decision is yours based on the findings, the home's price, and your comfort level with any issues found.

If the report identifies significant problems, you have several options. You can ask the seller to repair items before closing, request a credit toward repairs you'll handle yourself, ask for a price reduction, or walk away from the deal if the issues are too costly or extensive. Your real estate agent can help you decide which approach makes sense for your situation. Your lender may also require certain repairs—particularly structural or safety issues—before approving the mortgage.

Keep the inspection report for your records. It serves as documentation of the home's condition at the time of purchase, which can be useful if problems arise later or if you need to file an insurance claim. Some homeowners also use the report to plan maintenance over the first year of ownership, tackling the items the inspector flagged as needing attention.

When to hire a specialist after the inspection

A Pillar to Post inspection is a broad overview, not a deep dive into every system. If the inspection raises questions about a specific area—the roof's remaining lifespan, the plumbing's condition, the foundation's stability—hiring a specialist makes sense. A roofer can assess how many years of life remain on shingles. A plumber can pressure-test pipes or scope drains. A structural engineer can evaluate foundation cracks or settling.

Specialists cost more than a general inspection but provide detailed information that can affect your decision or your negotiation with the seller. If you're buying an older home, a home with visible damage, or a home in a flood-prone area, budgeting for one or two specialist inspections is often worth the investment. Discuss with your real estate agent which systems, if any, warrant a closer look based on what Jerkins' report reveals.

Pillar to Post's role in South Carolina real estate

Pillar to Post is one of the largest home inspection companies in the United States, and franchises operate throughout South Carolina. The company's standardized approach means consistency—an inspection in Charleston will follow the same format as one in Greenville or Beaufort. That consistency can be reassuring if you're buying in an unfamiliar area or if you've used Pillar to Post before and know what to expect.

Real estate agents in South Carolina often recommend Pillar to Post because the company's reports are widely recognized and accepted by lenders. If your mortgage lender has concerns about the home's condition, they're familiar with how Pillar to Post documents findings, which can speed up the approval process. The company's reputation also means that if a dispute arises later about what the inspection did or did not reveal, the report carries weight in conversations with the seller or your agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be present during the inspection?

Yes, most inspectors welcome buyers at the inspection. Being there lets you ask questions in real time and see problem areas firsthand. However, the inspector needs to work without interruption, so plan to follow along quietly rather than ask detailed questions until the end. Your real estate agent can also attend if you prefer to have them there.

What if the inspection finds major problems?

The inspection report documents what was found, but you decide what to do next. You can ask the seller to repair items, request a credit, negotiate a lower price, or withdraw your offer if problems are severe enough. Your real estate agent and lender can advise on what's typical for your situation and what the seller is likely to accept.

How long does a Pillar to Post inspection take?

Most inspections take two to three hours, depending on the home's size, age, and condition. Older homes or larger properties may take longer. Ask Jerkins for an estimate when you schedule so you can plan your time accordingly.

Do I need a separate radon or mold inspection?

Radon and mold testing are add-ons to the standard Pillar to Post inspection. Whether you need them depends on the home's location and history. Radon is common in parts of South Carolina; mold can be a concern in humid coastal areas. Ask your real estate agent or Jerkins whether these tests make sense for the specific property you're buying.

Will my lender accept a Pillar to Post inspection?

Yes, most lenders accept Pillar to Post reports because the company is well-established and uses a standardized format. If your lender has specific requirements about the inspection—such as certain systems being tested or documented in a particular way—mention that when you schedule so Jerkins can make sure the report meets those needs.