From the Candid Team

Practical knowledge
from real inspectors.

Plumbing, crawlspaces, electrical, water heaters, radon, seasonal prep. Honest, useful articles from the people who inspect Upstate SC homes every day.

Buying & Selling

For Buyers

The Importance of Home Buyer's Inspections: A Comprehensive Guide

What a home buyer's inspection covers, why it matters, and what to look for in a qualified inspector.

Read article ›
Buying & Selling

The True Cost of Skipping a Home Inspection

Hidden financial, health, and legal risks of skipping a home inspection. What buyers and sellers stand to lose.

Read article ›
Buying

Checking for Permits: Why It Matters

Why permits matter when buying a home with an addition: safety, legal compliance, value, resale, insurance.

Read article ›
Choosing An Inspector

3 Things You May Not Have Thought of When Choosing a Home Inspector

Beyond experience and qualifications: communication, modern tools, and community reputation.

Read article ›
Inspection

Certified Home Inspections: Ensuring Your Peace of Mind

What certified home inspections cover, why certification matters, and how the process protects you.

Read article ›
Maintenance

The Importance of Annual Home Inspections

Why every homeowner should make annual home inspections a priority: early detection, peace of mind, resale value.

Read article ›

Plumbing

Plumbing

Washing Machine Drains: Why Size Matters

1.5-inch vs 2-inch washing machine drain pipe, flow rate, clog risk, noise, and code.

Read article ›
Plumbing

Maintaining Shower Safety: Adjusting Your Anti-Scald Mixing Valve

What an anti-scald mixing valve does, why it matters, and a step-by-step guide to adjusting yours.

Read article ›
Plumbing

The S-Trap Plumbing Drain: A Poor Configuration

Why S-trap plumbing drains are a problem: siphonage, sewer gas, code violations, and the case for P-traps.

Read article ›
Plumbing

Galvanized Water Supply Lines: Why Does It Matter?

Why old galvanized pipes pose corrosion, water quality, and leak risks. When to replace.

Read article ›

Crawlspaces & Insulation

Crawlspaces

Storing Personal Items in Your Crawlspace: Why It's a Bad Idea

Six reasons home inspectors warn against using your crawlspace as storage. Moisture, pests, climate, fire risk.

Read article ›
Crawlspaces

Crawlspaces and High Humidity: When to Take Action

Why high crawlspace humidity matters: mold growth, wood rot, pest problems. How to fix it.

Read article ›
Crawlspaces

Crawlspace Encapsulation: Just the Facts

The pros and cons of crawlspace encapsulation in Upstate SC: air quality, energy, pests, radon risk.

Read article ›
Insulation

Insulating Your Attic Access: A Practical Guide

Why insulating your attic access matters for energy efficiency and step-by-step instructions.

Read article ›

Safety & Systems

Water Heaters

Why Temperature & Pressure Relief Valves Are Necessary

Why every water heater needs a T&P valve: explosion risk, scalding, structural damage, fire hazards.

Read article ›
Radon

The Importance of a Radon Inspection for Your Home's Safety

What radon is, how it enters homes, the health risks, and why every home should be tested.

Read article ›
Safety

Safeguarding Homes: Garage Door Safety Features

Five often-overlooked garage door safety features: sensors, auto-reverse, manual release, rolling code, emergency release.

Read article ›
Home Features

Is a Laundry Chute the Best or Worst Feature in a Home?

Convenience or hidden hazard. The 5 things home inspectors flag on laundry chutes.

Read article ›
Inspection

Top 9 Problems to Look for in a Home Inspection

The most common and serious problems found during home inspections. What buyers should know.

Read article ›

Seasonal & Local

Seasonal

Winter Home Preparedness Essentials in South Carolina

A complete winter prep guide for SC homes: insulation, heating, plumbing, fireplace, HVAC, emergency kit.

Read article ›
Seasonal

December Home Inspection Tips for Upstate SC

Why winter inspections often reveal more problems and what Upstate buyers and sellers should pay attention to.

Read article ›

Behind the Scenes

Behind The Scenes

Home Inspectors: A Day In The Life

The funny challenges and unexpected moments that make every home inspection different.

Read article ›
Careers

Become a Licensed Home Inspector

Considering a career as a licensed home inspector? Five reasons to join the Candid team.

Read article ›

Ready When You Are

Schedule a Candid inspection.

From $375. Same-day reports. Pay at closing. Six-time Community Choice Award winner.

Book your inspection