What to Expect From a Pillar to Post Home Inspection With Sam Leslie

Sam Leslie runs Pillar to Post inspections in South Carolina and covers the full range of structural, mechanical, and safety systems in a home

Sam Leslie is a home inspector with Pillar to Post, a national inspection franchise. When you hire Leslie for an inspection, you're paying for a trained professional to walk through a property—usually taking two to three hours—and document the condition of the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other major systems. Leslie produces a written report with photos and notes about what's working, what needs attention soon, and what poses a safety risk.

Pillar to Post inspectors follow a standardized process across all their locations, which means you know roughly what the inspection will cover and how the report will be organized. Leslie's job is to give you factual information about the house's condition so you can make an informed decision about whether to buy, negotiate repairs, or walk away.

Key Takeaways

• A Pillar to Post inspection with Sam Leslie typically takes two to three hours and covers structural systems, mechanical systems, safety features, and visible components throughout the home.
• The inspector produces a written report with photographs and condition notes organized by system, which you receive shortly after the inspection concludes.
• Pillar to Post inspectors follow a national standard of practice, so the scope and format of Leslie's inspection is consistent with what the company delivers elsewhere.
• You can schedule an inspection once you have a purchase agreement in place, and the inspection period is usually part of your contract's contingency timeline.

What systems and areas Sam Leslie inspects

Leslie examines the roof, gutters, and exterior surfaces for damage or deterioration. Inside, the inspection covers the foundation and basement or crawl space, looking for cracks, water intrusion, or structural concerns. The plumbing system—pipes, fixtures, water heater, and drainage—gets tested and observed. Electrical panels, outlets, and wiring are checked for safety and code compliance.

The HVAC system (heating, cooling, and ventilation) is inspected for operation and maintenance needs. Leslie also looks at insulation, ventilation, windows, doors, and interior walls. Safety systems like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and handrails are noted. The report will flag anything that appears unsafe, non-functional, or likely to need repair or replacement soon.

What the inspection does not cover: Leslie will not move heavy furniture, dig into walls, or perform invasive testing. Pest inspections, mold testing, radon testing, and septic system inspections are separate services that may be ordered in addition to the standard home inspection.

How to schedule an inspection with Sam Leslie

Contact Pillar to Post directly through their website or phone line and request Sam Leslie as your inspector in your area of South Carolina. You'll need to provide the property address and your preferred inspection date. Most inspections are scheduled during the home purchase contingency period—typically 7 to 10 days after you make an offer, though your real estate contract will specify the exact window.

You can attend the inspection in person, which is common and recommended. Being present allows you to ask Leslie questions as he works and understand the issues he's documenting. Some buyers prefer to review the report afterward instead. Confirm with Leslie or Pillar to Post whether you need to arrange access to the property or if the seller's agent will have it open.

What the inspection report includes

After the inspection, Leslie prepares a detailed written report, usually delivered within 24 hours. The report is organized by system and includes photographs of significant findings. Each item is typically categorized by urgency: items that need immediate attention for safety, items that should be repaired or replaced in the near term, and items that are aging but not yet critical.

The report gives you concrete information to take back to your real estate agent or attorney. You can use it to negotiate repairs or credits with the seller, request a price reduction, or decide whether the home's condition aligns with your expectations and budget. The report is yours to keep and can be useful later if you need to plan maintenance or understand a system's history.

Cost and what affects the inspection fee

Pillar to Post inspection fees vary based on the size and age of the home. A smaller, newer home typically costs less than a large, older home because the inspection takes less time and may involve fewer systems to evaluate. You can contact Pillar to Post or Sam Leslie directly for a quote based on your specific property.

The inspection fee is usually paid at the time of the inspection, either to Leslie directly or through Pillar to Post's payment system. Some real estate contracts allow the buyer to include the inspection cost in closing costs or negotiate who pays, so check your purchase agreement.

Red flags and safety concerns Leslie will document

Inspectors look for conditions that pose immediate safety risks or suggest serious structural or mechanical problems. These might include electrical hazards like exposed wiring or overloaded panels, roof leaks or missing shingles, foundation cracks that suggest settling or water damage, plumbing issues like corroded pipes or non-functioning drains, and HVAC systems that don't operate.

Leslie will also note code violations—for example, missing handrails on stairs, inadequate electrical grounding, or improper ventilation. These findings don't automatically mean you shouldn't buy the home, but they give you information to weigh against the purchase price and your willingness to handle repairs.

How to use the inspection report in your purchase decision

Once you have Leslie's report, review it carefully and discuss the findings with your real estate agent. If significant issues appear, you have several options: request that the seller repair or replace the problematic systems before closing, ask for a credit toward repairs you'll handle yourself, request a price reduction, or renegotiate the purchase terms.

Your purchase contract typically includes a contingency period during which you can back out if the inspection reveals major problems. The exact terms depend on your contract, so consult your real estate attorney about your rights and deadlines. Some issues are deal-breakers; others are manageable and simply need budgeting for future repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attend the inspection, and should I?

Yes, you can and should attend if possible. Being present lets you ask Leslie questions about specific findings and understand the home's systems better. It also gives you a chance to see problem areas firsthand rather than only reading about them in the report.

What if the inspection finds major problems?

Use the report to negotiate with the seller. You can request repairs, ask for a credit, or request a price reduction. If the problems are severe enough and your contract allows, you may be able to withdraw from the purchase. Discuss your options with your real estate agent and attorney.

How long does the inspection take?

Most home inspections take two to three hours, depending on the home's size and age. Larger or older homes may take longer. Leslie will give you an estimate when you schedule.

Do I need a separate inspection for pests or mold?

Yes. The standard home inspection does not include pest inspections, mold testing, or radon testing. You can order these separately if you want them, and they're often recommended for older homes or homes in areas with known pest or moisture issues.

When should I schedule the inspection?

Schedule it as soon as your purchase agreement is signed. Your contract will specify the inspection period—usually 7 to 10 days. Scheduling early gives you time to review the report and negotiate if needed before the contingency deadline.