Question 1

How Many Inspections Does Your Inspector Schedule in a Day?

Accepted Answer

Our home inspectors complete one inspection per day to maintain focus and precision. Each inspection involves three main tasks: examining the home, communicating with the client, and preparing the report. Performing all three simultaneously on-site would compromise the quality of each task. Therefore, we do not complete the report on-site. Instead, our inspectors focus on your home and use equipment to conduct a thorough assessment.For most houses, we spend around three hours on the inspection. High-rise condominiums generally take less time since elements like the roof, exterior, structure, and shared areas are not part of the inspection. After inspecting, we spend another two to three hours documenting the findings. Including travel time, this fills a full day. Our inspectors do not perform evening inspections, as this is a full-time job, and they prioritize time at home with their families.Some companies handle two to three inspections in a day, which typically results in one to two hours spent at each property. Moving quickly between jobs can lead to missed issues, which may later become problems for the homeowner. Our approach ensures we examine each home carefully and completely.

Question 2

How Many Reviews Does the Inspector Have?

Accepted Answer

Every home inspector and website claims to be the best. Many inspectors hesitate about reviews, but our inspectors approach them differently. Our goal from the start of each inspection is to make a strong impression on you. We focus on a process that is thorough, accurate, and rooted in professionalism. Our aim is for you to feel confident in our work, motivated to share your experience through a review. We recognize that inviting feedback places us in a position of accountability, but we value this openness. We encourage you to include a photo with your review, as it helps us demonstrate the authenticity of our client feedback.

Question 3

Can I Attend the Home Inspection?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we encourage clients to attend the home inspection towards the end. Attending allows you to go over all details in person, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of the property's condition. It is one thing to read a written report, but the real value is having the conversation about the issues in the home and discussing those issues with the home inspector when everything is right in front of you. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about maintenance and potential issues firsthand. If you cannot attend in person, you can still participate by scheduling a remote video walkthrough with our inspector. We aim to make the inspection process as transparent and informative as possible to ensure your peace of mind.

Question 4

Does the Inspector Walk on Roofs?

Accepted Answer

Our inspectors in North Carolina make every attempt to walk on a roof. Sometimes, however, this is not an option. Height, slope, rain and winds can make going on the roof dangerous.

Question 5

How Does the Inspector Check the Furnace?

Accepted Answer

We operate the heating system and evaluate it visually and functionally based on the type of system present. Gas and electric systems are inspected differently, with a focus on safety, visible condition, and proper operation. Any concerns are documented and recommendations are provided when further evaluation is warranted.

Question 6

Do You Use the Thermal Imager?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Thermal imaging helps identify temperature differences that may indicate insulation gaps, air leakage, moisture intrusion, or electrical concerns. When irregular patterns are found, additional inspection methods are used to confirm the condition.

Question 7

Do You Use a Moisture Meter?

Accepted Answer

We scan exterior walls, exterior ceilings, ceilings under bathrooms, and ceilings under kitchens. If our home inspectors find cold spots with the thermal imagers, or water stains, we will place the moisture meter in those locations to prove, or disprove an active water leak. The readings will be documented in our report. Our goal is to give you a definitive knowledge of any problems. An example would be if the roof was leaking and we saw stains in the drywall. If it rained recently and the area is dry, we can safely say that it was repaired. If moisture is there, well, then it wasn’t.

Question 8

Do You Inspect JUST a Representative Sample of Outlets, Switches, Doors, and Windows?

Accepted Answer

This is one of my biggest pet peeves in our profession. This is in our state law that we must do at least one of the above items in each room and at least one of the above items on each exterior wall. But "representative sample is the BARE MINIMUM. The reason for this limitation being in our standards is to provide an excuse for not testing items behind a china cabinet. Taking a chance on damaging property is also not that smart. We will test every outlet, switch, window, and door that we can get to. I assure you that the one that we don't test is the one that will need to be repaired. And quite frankly, that is our job. To tell you the condition of your property. Nobody can see everything, neither can we. But that doesn't mean you should just ignore it and do the minimum. Be cautious if someone answers yes to the representative sample question.

Question 9

Do You Provide Photos and Videos in the Report?

Accepted Answer

Most inspectors provide photos in the report, but our home inspectors take it to the next step. Items making sounds or loose items are the types of videos that we put in our report. These videos are posted on the homepage of the report with a detailed label.

Question 10

Does the Inspector Carry E&O Insurance?

Accepted Answer

I cannot stress how important this is. The State of North Carolina does NOT require home inspectors to carry E&O Insurance. Over 80% of home inspectors do NOT carry E&O Insurance. This insurance is not designed to protect you. It is designed to protect the home inspector. This insurance is in case the inspector misses something bad enough to cause you to sue him/her. If that something bad does happen, you want to be sure someone with deep pockets is there to fork over the money. Our company does have Errors and Omissions Insurance.

Question 11

Does the Inspector Carry General Liability Insurance?

Accepted Answer

We are entering peoples homes, climb on their roofs, operate their furnaces, flow a lot of water, and walk around with tools in our pockets. Sometimes things happen. The inspector’s ladder may fall over and damage a car, he may have forgotten about the turning on the stove and walked away, or maybe turning on the water to the jetted tub and it overflowed. Thousands of dollars of damage can be done to a home. Who is going to pay for this if there is no insurance? It will be you. The State of North Carolina does mandate that the home inspector carry a minimum of $250,000 General Liability insurance. Please make sure the person you hire is a professional and carries professional insurance like E&O and General Liability. Our home inspectors DO!

Question 12

Does the Inspector Guarantee, or Warrantee Their Services?

Accepted Answer

As mentioned earlier, we carry Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance. To be perfectly transparent, this insurance protects the home inspector—not you. Filing a claim against an E&O policy typically requires initiating legal action against the inspection company. These policies include legal teams to defend inspectors, and in North Carolina, case law has further solidified this protection. Three legal precedents allow home inspectors to limit their liability. The agreements you sign with most inspectors often cap liability to the fee paid (or double that fee). Courts have upheld these limits, reasoning that homebuyers have the option to hire specialists in each trade. When buyers choose to engage a single home inspector at a lower cost than multiple specialists, the courts have deemed it reasonable for liability to be limited.

Question 13

Does inspector use a gas detector on all inspections?

Accepted Answer

Most home inspectors only use the gas detector when they smell gas. On every inspection, if the home is supplied with gas, our home inspector will use a gas detector to test the joints out in the open. We cannot check for pipes that are behind drywall, but we will at least check the pipes that are out in the open.

Question 14

How many windows does the inspector test?

Accepted Answer

The State of North Carolina uses the term “Representative Sample”. This means one per room. Many inspectors only do the minimum of one per room. This is not acceptable for us. Windows are too expensive and in that each one needs to be tested and documented if it doesn’t work correctly. Naturally, there are limitations. If there is a china cabinet in front of the window, we will not move the cabinet. If we can reach it, we will open it.

Question 15

How many outlets does the inspector test?

Accepted Answer

The State of North Carolina uses the term “Representative Sample”. This means one per room. Many inspectors only do the minimum of one per room. As this is not acceptable for us each outlet will be tested and documented. Improperly wired outlets can be dangerous and our report will indicate which are wired incorrectly.  Again, there are limitations. If there is furniture in front of the outlet, it will not be tested. If we can reach it, we will test it.

Home Inspection Charlotte NC | Lake Norman & Surrounding NC

**Why SMART Homebuyers Choose Us**

Derek's why

We focus on clear, thorough inspections that help buyers understand what matters, ask better questions, and move forward with confidence.

OUR SERVICES

Starting Prices

Sample Inspection Report - Click the Image Below

Sample Inspection Report - Click the Image Below

Our Pricing Structure

We keep pricing simple and transparent. Home inspection pricing is based on property type and square footage, with flat-rate pricing for add-on services. Contact us or schedule online for an exact quote.

Add-On Services

What Makes Us Different?

1. No Upselling:

We don’t believe in pressuring clients. Our goal is to educate and empower you to make informed decisions. If we recommend an add-on service, it’s because we genuinely believe it’s in your best interest. It really comes down to the risks vs. the rewards.

2. Advanced Tools & Technology

We invest in the latest equipment to provide the most accurate inspection possible. While no inspection can guarantee that every issue will be found, our process significantly lowers the risk of missing problems.

3. Personalized Support

I personally review your inspection findings with you, breaking down the most important issues in plain language so you know exactly what matters, what can wait and how to move forward with confidence. It's more than just a report – it's a clear guidance when you need it most.

4. One Inspection Per Day

We don’t rush. We focus on one inspection per day, ensuring I have the time and attention to thoroughly evaluate your home.

Ready to Schedule? Click here to book your inspection: Schedule Inspection.

Need More Information? Simply email [email protected]

We do NOT work for anyone other than you during the home inspection.

Our Inspection Process

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Inspections Does Your Inspector Schedule in a Day?

Can I Attend the Home Inspection?

Do You Inspect JUST a Representative Sample of Outlets, Switches, Doors, and Windows?

Does the Inspector Carry E&O Insurance?

Does the Inspector Carry General Liability Insurance?

Does the Inspector Use a Gas Detector on Every Inspection?

When Will I Get My Report?

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