Termite Inspections:  “The North Carolina Official Wood-Destroying Insect Information Report (Form No. WDIR 100), adopted by the Structural Pest Control Committee, is used for reporting the presence or absence of wood-destroying insects and their evidence in structures for sale. To issue this report an individual must be licensed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Structural Pest Control Division or work for someone who is licensed to perform structural pest control work. It is the only form that is legal for this purpose and is required on almost every residential structure sold.”(source:  http://www.ncagr.com/SPCAP/structural/pubs/wdir.htm )  “…all licensees must provide proof of insurance before the license is issued.”  (source: http://www.ncagr.com/SPCAP/structural/certify.htm )  Insurance underwriters for pest control applicators will require that the majority of the company’s revenue come from pest control work.  South Carolina has similar regulations.  Because of state regulations if you are considering a home inspector that can also personally provide you with a WDIR report you are likely to end up with a part time home inspector.   We will be happy to give you the name of several licensed pest control companies.

Septic System Inspections:   For starters remember that home inspections are required by state laws to be non destructive.  Septic systems are underground components.  In our opinion the only way to properly inspect a septic system is to dig up the cover and pump the tank; we do not have the equipment, expertise, or desire to be in that line of business.  Some inspectors will offer what is called a “dye test” where they flush a dye down the toilet and look for signs of the dye in the leach field; if you’ve ever had a dye test done the inspector will almost always recommend you have the tank pumped and the system inspected by a septic company.  I do not feel it is right to charge you a fee to perform an inspection knowing I’m going to direct you to a specialist for a more intrusive inspection. 

The state of North Carolina regulates and licenses wastewater contractors and inspectors, if a home inspector offers this service in North Carolina they must be licensed as a wastewater inspector by the state.  A list of licensed wastewater inspectors is available at www.ncowcicb.info  

The South Carolina standards of practice specifically prohibit digging.   Information on licensed wastewater contractors can be obtained by contacting the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Asbestos Testing:  In order to perform inspections for Asbestos in both North Carolina and South Carolina you must be licensed by the state.  Information on Asbestos Licensing Requirements and regulations in North Carolina is available at http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/asbestos.html  and South Carolina information is available at www.scdhec.gov   If you need an asbestos inspection please make sure the inspector is properly licensed to reduce your liability.

Lead Testing: Although testing for lead in paint and other building materials is relatively easily and can be conducted in a non destructive manner both North and South Carolina require people to have specific licensed to test for lead.  Information on Lead Licensing Requirements in North Carolina is available at http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/lead.html and South Carolina is available at www.scdhec.gov

We are not going to lie to our clients and/or break the law just to earn a few extra dollars, nor are we willing to put our clients in a situation that could cause them or anyone else harm.  If you retain our services to perform your home inspection services we will be happy to assist you in locating qualified licensed people who can perform the few services we are not licensed and/or qualified to perform.