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When Do You Need a Building Permit

July 10th, 2010 · No Comments

So you are thinking about finishing that basement and actually using some of that exercise equipment that is doubling as a laundry line right now. Maybe you want to have a billiard room instead of a Christmas ornament depot. Maybe it isn’t the basement your thinking of finishing maybe it is that garage carport thing you want to turn into another bedroom. Hey it’s only storing a motorcycle you haven’t ridden in three years anyway. Whatever the reason you are thinking about finishing an unfinished area of your house the question always becomes do I need a building permit for that? Usually the answer that question is usually yes with a capital Y. Let me see if I can explain.
As a home inspector in Charlotte NC for over 15 year I have seen my share of unpermitted additions and rooms being finished. The dead giveaway that it wasn’t permitted is that the space has been added but the HVAC is still the same size as before. Sadly I have seen people try to get these permitted later only to find the code inspector had them strip of the drywall so he could see the plumbing and the electrical wiring. This is sad position to be in.
You might say well why even bother with a permit. First of all if there is a leak or fire insurance might well deny your claim if there is an unpermitted addition. Also you might have trouble selling your house with an unpermitted addition. It is the law. It is also possible that the county could file a lien on you for back property taxes for under reporting square footage. So when is a permit needed.
1. Any work on your house over $5000
2. The addition, replacement or repair of load bearing members or structures.
3. The extension, alteration, or installation of any plumbing system.
4. The alteration, extension, or installation of any heating or cooling system.
5. The use of material not included in the code
6. The addition of roofing, excluding replacement of like grade of fire resistant roofing.
No you may get a contractor who tells you don’t need a permit. He may say you will only wind up paying higher property taxes. The reality is that he might not even be licensed, bonded, or insured. He doesn’t want somebody checking up on him and he maybe planning to take some shortcuts. If you have a contractor spewing some garbage like that, don’t walk, run away from him. Remember that you as the property owner will be ultimately responsible for these repairs and the contractor will have been paid and long gone.
So go ahead get that solo flex dusted off and finish that basement or garage but remember to get a permit. If you use a contractor make sure he is licensed, ensured and bonded. Make sure he pulls and closes all necessary permits. Many property permits can be checked online these days. If you have any permit or home inspection questions please visit our website at Charlotte NC Home Inspector and Ask the Charlotte Inspector.

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→ No CommentsTags: Home Improvement · Home Maintenance · New Construction Inspection · Pre-Marketing Inspection · Preparing Your Home for the Inspection

Home Inspectors Across The Country

July 10th, 2010 · No Comments

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Providing Scottsdale home inspections, Phoenix home inspection, Cave Creek home inspection , Carefree home inspection, and home inspections in all of Maricopa county. Sonoran Property Inspections
Arkansas
California
Providing quality home inspections in Los Angeles, Ventira Counties and San Fernando Valley
HomeSpecs

Contact Terry Jones at Legacy Inspection for a Professional Home Inspector Servicing San Diego and Oceanside CA, with House Inspections available in Carlsbad, Vista CA, San Marcos and more. Call my Google Voice number 760-576-4136 for the fastest response.

Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
.: Performing Home Inspections in Boise, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, Meridian, Idaho and Surrounding Areas. Bent Nail Inspections
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Quest Inspections
Professional Real Estate Property Inspections servicing the Texas cities of Magnolia, The Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, Cypress, and other Northwest Houston and surrounding areas.
Providing Peace of Mind and Customer Satisfaction with Prompt, Comprehensive, Client-Friendly Reporting and Consultation. Call 832-638-3773.

Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
performing home inspections in Madison, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Deforest, McFarland, and surrounding areas. (608-213-1579) Ace Inspect
Wyoming

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Charlotte Home Inspector Testimonials

July 7th, 2010 · No Comments

Mr. McLaughlin was very pleased and Ralph explained things as he went through his inspection. It was a wonder experience for my buyer to have such an informative & patient Inspector.
This was my first time referring your company and I will/would definitely recommend you again!
Oh, thank you so much for the treats you leave at our office you guys will never know how that gets some of through the day!
**During inspection the water was not turned on Janan Kennedy spoke w/ Ralph and she apologised for that and ask that he go back out to inspect the plumbing when turned on and submit the reinspect fee to her. She had water turned on and wanted me to ask if someone could go out to check plumbing, if so when could that be done? Thanks again so much, it was a pleasure using you as reference.
Traci Richardson RE/MAX Executive
Excellent service
Yes
Yes
3,3,3,3,3,3,3,3

The inspector was very, very thorough. He did not rush and appeared as if he really had our best interest in mind. Because of his thorough report we were able to get the sellers to repair all of the major items on the inspection report without any hassle. Thank you!

Tish Miles 1915 Hamilton Forrest Dr Charlotte NC

You are consistently a super-professional company and my clients are continually impressed with the quality of your inspectors and how willing they are to answer Buyer’s questions, etc.
Thank you!!! You are JUST TERRIFIC!!!!
LINDA GASSMANN
Broker/Realtor®, GRI, e-Pro
Wilkinson & Associates Real Estate
8604 Cliff Cameron Drive, Suite 110
Charlotte, NC 28269
704.562.4611

Mr. Crowe was very polite and knowledgeable. He did a very good &
timely job. I have already recommended your service to a co-worker, Michael Martin.
We have had to move due to my work 5 times in the past 10 years so we’ve seen our
share of inspectors. One was better, which is why I couldn’t say ‘excellent’ to all
questions. That particular inspector traveled with a computer & printer and actually
handed the completed report to us before leaving – that was excellent. Thanks,
Rick Lappin
38007 Trinity Circle
New London, NC 28127

Everything was excellent. Thank you for your services. I will continue to use and refer my clients to your company.

Scott

Can’t imagine a better experience. Jonathan was extremely helpful and professional. He answered my questions and fully explained his process, what to look for, etc. That is why I specifically asked for him to come back out for the re-inspection. Working with the office was very efficient and your web site was very informative and a breeze to navigate. The Inspection Report itself is the most thorough and detailed report I have seen in any of my previous three home sales. Thank you for your services and the peace of mind I have knowing that Home Inspection Carolina was looking over my shoulder.
-Lewis McKnight
Address of Property Inspected: 9900 Julliard Drive, Mint Hill, NC 28227

Scott Moskowitz
Broker/REALTOR® NC/SC, QSC®
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY, Southpark
2115 Rexford Road, Suite 102

Always nice to work with a true professional. I appreciate prompt, courteous and careful attention to detail provided. Thanks for a job well done!
Katherine Childers
Address of Property Inspected: 1915 Hamilton Forest Dr

Ralph has been very friendly and very detailed with his inspection , as well on his report,
Please make sure he will get a great thank you for his very professionel work.
He was not even upset when the key for the inspection house was not avaliable, on time
Wolfgang Stuchly 6615 Mcllwaine Rd

Hey, was weeding out my inbox and noticed this; it’s late and I’m too tired to go item by item, but suffice it to say that Clifton was absolutely fantastic!

All questions (about six million of them) were answered thoroughly and courteously, and he took the time to explain the few things that did need work on the house. As much of a headache as this entire home purchase has been (short sale with boatloads of seller-caused complications), it was nice to have one aspect of the process go as well as it did!

You guys are aces in my book, and are on my list of preferred service providers to recommend to friends and family!

Nicholas Bossi
Hendrick Acura
Appearance Center

Thanks for being so professional and I wish you continued success in the future.

Address of Property Inspected: 2219 Katherine Kiker Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213

: First time I have used Home Inspection Carolina but certainly not the last. I have already added you to my brochure of preferred vendors
-Steve Grew
Address of Property Inspected: 6300 Suntrace Way

Chip did a fantastic job – thanks!! Please also let him know that he left his tape measure, which I have for him – he can call me at 704-763-9231 and I can leave it at my office or meet him somewhere.
Thanks!
Mari-Beth Romeo Blackwell
Allen Tate Realtors
: Chip does and fantastic job!! Home Inspection Carolina staff are great to work with! Thank you for always taking good care of my clients!
Michelle Graves -Keller Williams Union County
: Ralph made us feel very comfortable with the condition of our new home. Very thorough inspection, Its nice to get what you pay for.
-Ron Stiles
Address of Property Inspected: 3973 Huntington Ct
: Ralph was very professional, answered my questions, and took great pictures to accompany what he found. He explained things to me in a way that was easy to understand and he didn’t assume that I didn’t know what he was talking about. Even though it was a Friday, he didn’t rush to get out of there. He took his time and was thorough! There was only one issue – I had gone into my account to update my services the evening before the inspection and this was not communicated to him so he didn’t have the radon gas detector with him. I think he went back to get it though!! Also, my realtor said that she received an email stating that the inspection was cancelled and it wasnt. Other than these two things – everything went great.
Debra Phifer-Smith
Address of Property Inspected: 4612 Oakburn Drive, Charlotte, NC 28269
Matt was very firendly and seemed very knowledgeable. He took the time to answer my/our questions and run through items he found. Appreciate his input.
Tracey Smith
Address of Property Inspected: 231 South Downs Way Fort Mill SC 29708
Thank you Clifton for taking so much time to explain things to the buyer. First time buyer was very anxious about taking on responsibility of homeownership and Clifton did excellent job answering all his questions
Taren Pecha
Address of Property Inspected: 4804 Abercromby St
Jonathan Buttery was very courteous and took the time to point out things to me so I had a complete understanding of what items needed attention. I really appreciated his perspective and insight. My father is in the construction business and has often commented that some (not all) home inspectors can be quite rude so I was a little hesitant prior to the inspection. However, I had the completely opposite experience with Jonathan. He smiled most of the time and was very pleasant to meet with. I happily told my friends (and father) what a wonderful job your company did.

Kristina Huntley 8722 Hornwood Ct
I CALLED ANOTHER COMPANY BEFORE CALLING YOU GUYS BUT I WONT DO THAT AGAIN -Juanita Long Jim Long Realty
Spent time discussing the situations with the property. He was very easy to talk to and address the inspection in a very professional matter. My next inspection I would definitely go to HomeInspectionCarolina but also ask for Ralph. Thanks for a help with this inspection.
-Michael Hall
Address of Property Inspected: 2420 Kingsbury Drive
Chip did an excellent job and was very thorough, professional and detailed not only throughout the inspection process but also in answering all our questions.
-Solar Hing and Jessica Hopkins
Address of Property Inspected: 16744 Hammock Creek Place
The inspection was very thorough and Matthew was friendly, courteous and patient. He walked me through issues and explained everything to me. I will absolutely recommend Home Inspection Carolina any chance that I get, and will use you in the future, as well. THANK YOU!
The inspection was very thorough, and the inspector very accomodating. We were running late to meet him to go over the inspection, and he waited an extra 45 minutes for us to get there. We appreciated that very much. Also, he was very pleasant and took the time to explain everything so that we understood.
Frank & Kathryn Rubio
Address of Property Inspected: 3003 Omaha Drive, Monroe, NC 28110
This was money well spent. I have already forwarded the findings to the builder with a request that all items identified during the inspection be fixed. Had we opted to not have the inspection, I’m confident that a number of the items that Patrick found would have been missed during our walkthrough with the builder Mike Murphy
eCommerce Strategic Integration Mgr
Thanks. Chip did a great job and took his time explaining his findings. He answered all of my questions.
Greg Wall
Address of Property Inspected: 9305 Shrewsbury Dr., Waxhaw, NC 28173
Thanks so much! I look forward to working with you guys in the future
Kierstin Arrandt Rogers
Broker/REALTOR
Coldwell Banker United
3440 Toringdon Way
Suite 110
Charlotte, NC 28277
Jonathan was very helpful and patient with all of my questions. I was in a time crunch and he came in less than 24 hour notice. He was very helpful in explaining every detail. I felt knowledge about my future home and the repairs needed and general upkeep, due to Jonathan’s detailed inspection. Thanks! -Melissa Stark
Address of Property Inspected: 1900 Harrison Park Drive Waxhaw NC 28173

I have absolutely nothing but praise for the home inspection that was performed on February 15th, 2010 by Chip Sprague. He was so thorough and took as much time with me as I needed. He explained everything to me in terms that I could understand. The report I received was everything we discussed, honest, thorough and complete. It was pleasure working with your company, will recommend you to anyone who needs your services and will with no doubt use you again in the future. Chip was professional, early to the appointment and again, just a pleasure to deal with. I am a single woman purchasing a townhouse so I again appreciate the thoroughness that Chip took with the inspection and the time he spent explaining things to me and answering my questions. Thanks so much!!!

Lori Rhymer

I’m always happy with you guys and will use you any time I need an inspection. Thanks again! (And Patrick…you’re the best! Thanks for taking the time to walk my clients through the inspection report.) – Mandy Dellinger Metro Properties

Jonathan was very nice and courteous. He went above and beyond his duty to make sure we were comfortable with all the information. He explained everything thoroughly and showed great patience answering all the questions we had. –Vincent Wong 209 Tall Wheat Lane

I was extremely pleased with the high level of service we received and to the depth of the detailed and comprehensive report filed.
I would not hesitate to use your services again if needed or recommend you in the future.

Clifford Poerio
Chip was great! He answered all of my questions AND THEN took the liberty of explaining everything in the condo to me. It was extremely helpful and Chip had a great attitude and was very helpful
Thank you,
Tracy Bisha
Marketing Manager
www.greenfiber.com

Inspector was 5 minutes early, yes I read the report. Inspector was great, friendly and helpful, the price was good and I would definitely recommend your company. Thanks! Debbie Babinton
I have Used Chip for as many inspectins as I can over the past 2 years since I met him. He is thorough and professional and your reports are easy to read and informative with no fluff –Randy Lindsay Coldwell Banker
: This was my first opportunity to deal with an inspector and I was very pleased with Chip and his professionalism. I would highly recommend him. He was very thorough in his inspection. Thank you for an excellent customer experience! – Regards,
Lynne Fairbanks

Great inspection-couldn’t have asked for more. Patrick answered all my questions and was very informative.

Don Pinney
3200 McGee Ln

Chip was great! Very polite – knew his stuff!
Kind Regards,
Brooke A. Whitney
Business Development Manager
DYMO – A Newell Rubbermaid Company

Chip was great. He took the time to answer all my questions as well as general home maintenance questions. I very much enjoyed meeting him and using your services. Thanks again. – Jason Helrigle
Address of Property Inspected: 620 Goldflower Dr

Mr. Turpin was very friendly and explained things to me in a manner where I could understand them. He showed me the pictures and then explained them and allowed me the time to ask questions so that I could understand. He did a very thorough job and walked around inside and outside to me to show me the things he inspected and reported on his findings. I received the detailed report promptly that same evening. I am very pleased with the service provided. Mr. Turpin was especially pleasant and well qualified. Thanks!
Karen Carpenter
Address of Property Inspected: 6001 Polk Mountain Drive Marshville, NC
28103

Hi….
We had Jonathan and he was great…very thorough and good at explanations to both agents. Written report also good.

We’re out of Reeses……

JILL SHAPARD
Broker
Listing/Sales Manager The McClave Team
As always, Chip was completely professional and thorough. My clients were amazed with the detail in the report. Another great inspection –Karen Kitzmiller Coldwell Banker

I was pleased with the service and turn around time. I did like that Ralph took the buyers around to show them the hot water heater functions and the electrical panel.
Jennifer Sorrell
Catherine Fleming
Keller Williams SouthPark
2115 Rexford Road, Suite 102
Charlotte, NC 28211
I could not be more pleased with my experience. I really felt that the inspector was genuinely concerned with my understanding of the issues encountered. Now I am not in fear of the unknown. Kudos to Meg, Mike and the rest of your staff.
Thomas Busteed
Address of Property Inspected: 2844 Cochrane Dr.

Patrick was extremely thorough in reviewing the report and discussing not just the findings with us, but ways in which items might be addressed to fix. He walked through each item with care – as though he was the one who would be living in the house. I was extremely satisfied with the services received. -Deborah Clanton Address of Property Inspected : 5923 Swanston Drive, Charlotte
Chip was very thorough and professional. We found the report to be valuable and especially liked the color pictures included in the report so that we can easily locate the areas that need routine maintenance. Our experience with your service has been great and we would definitely recommend you to others. – Josie Mazzaferro [josiemazzaferro@yahoo.com]

Excellent job. I found Matthew to be very thorough and professional.

Thanks very much,
Dave Monfort
(soon to be)
2305 Wedgewood
Matthews, NC 28104
Thank you for doing such a terrific job. I look forward to working with you in the future!
Julie Sharpe
Helen Adams Realty
Relocation Manager
2301 Randolph Road
Inspection date was July 20 at 7533 Lady Bank. Jonathan was our inspector and he was excellent. Very reliable, accomodating and professional. I would recommend your company, and using Jonathan, to any of our friends or associates who are in need of these services. It is so refreshing to have such a pleasant inspector who knows his/her stuff. Thank you. The Beyazyurek’s
Johnathan was great!! He was very thorough. He was polite, courteous, and kept us well informed throughout the inspection. He answered all questions we had. Great personality and very easy to talk to! He did an excellent job! We are very pleased and would not only recommend the company, but him specifically!
Your Name: Monroe/McCallum
Address of Property Inspected:
10609 Red Pine Circle, Charlotte, NC 28262

Patrick did a great job!!! (Chip has some competition) Just kidding!!

Just shows I’m doing business with the right inspection company. 

Michelle
If it Matters to You, it Matters to Me!!

Michelle Graves – Realtor® & Broker NC/SC
Keller Williams Realty-Union County
Phone: 704-507-6781
Fax: 704-973-9720
Patrick truly went above and beyond on this tough inspection. I really appreciate his professionalism and all the time he spent with us on the phone in addition to the 3 plus hour inspection. It is also nice that he has been an agent.
Heather Littrell
RE/MAX GOLD
704-791-7881

Patrick did a great job inspecting the home. He was very friendly and very helpful in answering all my questions. I will definitely refer friends and family to Home Inspection Carolina. Brian Crisco
Address of Property Inspected: 14254 Walnut Springs Avenue
We were very pleased with the thoroughness of the inspection, as well as how quickly we received the report back. I love the fact that I can access this online and I was able to submit the report to my loan company using online services as well. Since we live so far away, we were unable to attend the inspection, so I can’t report to timeliness and dress. But I felt very relieved to know that he went through the house, and noted (and photographed! That was super!) the issues that he found. It put our minds at rest and it let us know that the house really is as good as we believed it was!
Thanks so much and I hope your son is doing better!
Jeanne and Jamie Halford

Great as always, Very Professional. That is why I always refer to HIC for all of my inspections. I always know it will be done right.
Minnie High Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

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Waxhaw Home Inspector Will Not Let You Buy The Money Pit

July 1st, 2010 · No Comments

Waxhaw is a beautiful little toe to live in. I play softball in a league in Waxhaw and I will tell you you find friendlier people anywhere. I actually just rode my motorcycle through downtown Waxhaw yesterday. There is a really cool little downtown area near the train track that has lots of little antiques stores. People come from all over North Carolina and South Carolina to buy antiques in the quaint little town of Waxhaw in Union County NC. Some say that President Andrew Jackso is from Waxhaw but SC claims him as well. They actually have an outdoor drama aout it. I have inspected hundereds of homes in Waxhaw and would love to inspect one for you too if your thinking of buying a home in Waxhaw.
If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com . The have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit. We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience. Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin
Home Inspection Carolina

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Matthews Home Inspection Reveals Big Problem in the Shower

July 1st, 2010 · No Comments

While perfoming an inspection matthews home inspector Preston Sandlin found a dent in the tilled shower which was really odd because backer board would not allow a dent like this. Well it turns out that this tile was actually mounted on drywall instead of boakboard whick is a big no no. All of this tile in this walk in shower will have to be pulled down. Backer board will have to be installed and then it will need to be retiled.
If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Matthews, Belmont Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com . The have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit. We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience. Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin
Home Inspection Carolina

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Indian Trail Home Inspector Finds Tree Too Close to House

June 23rd, 2010 · No Comments

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Charlotte NC Home Inspector Reveals What Happens When You don’t Clean Your Gutters

June 23rd, 2010 · No Comments

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Welcome To Lake Wylie Real Estate

June 23rd, 2010 · No Comments


The leisure and excitement of lakeside living, our comfortable, small town atmosphere and convenient proximity to regional commercial and cultural centers make Lake Wylie the perfect setting to live and do business.

For enterprising individuals, growing families and active retirees, Lake Wylie is indeed the perfect setting for home and business. Nestled on the northwest shore of 12,455-acre Lake Wylie in York County, our community is ideally situated for both work and play. Lake Wylie is 17 miles from Charlotte, one of the nation’s fastest growing commercial and financial centers and site of Charlotte Douglas International Airport; 15 miles from Rock Hill, strongly emerging as an economic hub in piedmont South Carolina; and less than 75 miles from Columbia, the capital of the Palmetto State.
Housing prices are affordable in Lake Wylie SC. If you are thinking of purchasing a house here or in the Steele Creek area of Charlotte NC please consider using the fine real estate agents at Allen Tate Real Estate Company. http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com

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Charlotte Inspector Finds a Bad Termite Investation

June 23rd, 2010 · No Comments


If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com . The have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit. We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience. Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin
Home Inspection Carolina

http://askthecharlotteinspector.com

http://charlottenchomeinspector.com

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Charlotte Home Inspector Plays in Mud Volleyball Tournament for Habitat for Humanity

June 23rd, 2010 · No Comments


http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com On June 6 2010 The Fourth Annual Mike’s Dirty Thirty Volleyball Tournament was held at the The Metrolina Fair Grounds in Charlotte NC. It was an all day event with 73 teams competing in mud water pits trying to play some resemblance of volleyball. It was great fun for all and a lot of money was raised for habitat for hamanity. Hiedi Hines and Associates were the primary sponsors for the event. The gave away a Dell Laptop during the tournament. If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Carlotte NC, contact the fine folks at Heidi Hines and Associates at

http://www.charlottencrealestatesource.com

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