When I sat down with Wes Grant, New South Property Inspections founder and lead inspector, for the Make Yourself at Home podcast, I expected to talk about checklists, tools, and technical details.
What I didn’t expect?
A masterclass in how to protect buyers and sellers from panic, bad negotiations, and unnecessary deal fallout.
If you're buying or selling in the Carolinas, this matters. Because a home inspection can either:
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Give you leverage and clarity
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Or trigger fear that derails a transaction
In this conversation, Wes breaks down:
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What actually happens during a home inspection
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Why most inspection issues are not deal killers
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How to read a same-day home inspection report correctly
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When you truly need a licensed contractor - and when you don’t
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The difference between mildew vs mold (and when to worry)
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How to choose a Charlotte home inspection company without getting burned
Wes runs a Charlotte home inspection company with thousands of five-star Google reviews, a same-day home inspection report system, and advanced tools ranging from infrared thermography inspection Carolinas to water and sewer scope inspection NC.
More importantly, he knows how to talk people through their fear when a hole in the roof feels like the end of the world.
And if you’re ready to dig deeper, here’s the full conversation:
About Wes Grant New South Property Inspections
A Career Built Across the Carolinas
Wes is a North Carolina licensed home inspector and entrepreneur who keeps his work mostly local. He is also a South Carolina licensed home inspector, which means agents on both sides of the state line can rely on the same team. For commercial work, he'll travel anywhere in the country if travel costs are covered - though, as he joked, they don't get many takers.
Full-Service Inspection Capabilities
New South Property Inspections covers a wide range of services. Here's what they offer:
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Service |
Why It Matters |
General U.S. Price Range |
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Residential and commercial inspections |
Evaluates overall property condition so you avoid expensive surprises. |
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Builder warranty inspection NC |
Finds defects before the 1-year deadline so the builder covers repairs. |
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Radon testing North Carolina and South Carolina |
Detects harmful radon gas so you protect your family’s health. |
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Air quality testing North Carolina |
Identifies airborne contaminants so your home is safe to live in. |
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Mold sampling Charlotte NC and surrounding areas |
Confirms mold type and severity so you know if remediation is needed. |
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Water and sewer scope inspection NC |
Inspects underground sewer lines so you avoid major pipe replacement costs. |
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Infrared thermography inspection Carolinas |
Detects hidden moisture and heat loss so issues are caught early. |
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Pre-listing inspection North Carolina |
Identifies problems before buyers do so sellers stay in control of negotiations. |
One service they do not offer: septic tank inspections. Wes is unapologetically direct about that one.
"We do just about everything - residential, commercial, radon testing, builder warranty inspections, air quality testing, mold sampling, water and sewer scopes, infrared thermography. Except for… we don't inspect septic tanks. Nasty job. We don't wanna do it."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
A True Family Business
Crystal, Wes's wife, and his daughter handle office management at New South Property Inspections - and the Google reviews mention them by name almost as often as they mention Wes himself.
"If you read our Google reviews, we get almost as many reviews about how good our office staff is, which is my wife Crystal and my daughter. We're a family-owned business."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
The Inspection Process - From Booking to Same-Day Report
How to Book
Clients can book in two ways:
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Online 24/7 scheduling
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Direct phone call to the office
Wes prefers the phone. He's old-fashioned about making sure names, emails, and property details are captured correctly. Too many bounced emails have taught him that a phone call saves time for everyone.
Key Tips for Agents
If you’re working on a tight timeline:
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Do not rely only on the online calendar
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Call the office directly
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Ask about urgent availability
Wes doesn't always post his own availability online because he reserves those slots for urgent requests from repeat clients.
"They can go online 24/7 and book an inspection, or they can call us. We love the calling because I'm old-fashioned. I like to get all the names and make sure we got all that stuff right."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
What Happens During a Home Inspection?
According to Wes in his guesting on our podcast, ere is exactly what happens during a home inspection with New South Property Inspections:
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They use super key access - no one needs to be home to let them in
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How long does a home inspection take? Several hours for a standard residential property
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Large homes can take a full day - the Lake Norman home inspector job on a 15,000 sq ft property took the full day with a team
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Clients are asked to arrive for the last 30 minutes to walk through key findings
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Commercial property inspection North Carolina follows the same same-day delivery standard
What’s Included In a Home Inspection?
Here’s a quick overview of what Wes and his team evaluates in these areas:
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Area Inspected |
What’s Evaluated |
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Roof |
Condition of roofing materials, structure, flashing, drainage systems, and visible wear or damage. |
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Exterior |
Siding, trim, doors, walkways, soffits, fascia, paint, and overall exterior condition. |
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HVAC |
Heating and cooling systems, visible ductwork, filters, furnaces, and AC units for basic operation. |
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Plumbing |
Fixtures, shut-off valves, visible piping, irrigation (if present), and signs of leaks or drainage issues. |
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Electrical Systems |
Panels, breakers, outlets, grounding, service connections, and visible wiring components. |
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Appliances |
Built-in major appliances tested for basic functionality. |
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Doors, Windows & Interior |
Seals, drafts, moisture intrusion, visible mold concerns, and general interior condition. |
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Foundation, Basement & Crawl Spaces |
Structural integrity, cracking, movement, moisture intrusion, and prior water damage indicators. |
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Attic, Ventilation & Insulation |
Ventilation flow, insulation levels, and signs of moisture or biological growth. |
Source: New South Property Homes, What To Expect From Your Home Inspection
"We ask the customer to come the last 30 minutes because you're just going to be bored if you're there the whole time. We'll go over all the pertinent findings."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
Same-Day Reports - No Waiting
Every same-day home inspection report is delivered within 15 to 20 minutes of finishing the physical inspection. All documentation is completed on-site using phone- or iPad-based software - nothing falls through the cracks between the field and the desk.
"We deliver the report same day - commercial and residential. A lot of us deliver it within 15, 20 minutes after being through the physical inspection. All our software is phone-based or iPad-based, so we have less chance of forgetting things."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
With your same-day report, you’ll receive:
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High-Quality Images → See issues clearly so nothing is left to guesswork.
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Simple, Step-by-Step Breakdown → Understand findings quickly without technical confusion.
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Reports Delivered Promptly → Get answers fast so you can move forward with confidence.
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Mobile-Friendly Reports → Review results anytime, anywhere.
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Follow-Up Support → Ask questions and get clarity before making decisions.
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Agent Friendly → Generate repair requests easily to streamline negotiations.
Tools, Technology & Why Walking the Roof Still Matters
Drones Are Useful - But Not the Whole Answer
Wes uses drones, but he's clear about their limits. The best way to inspect a roof is to physically get on it - walk it, feel for sagging, take close-up photos.
Drones step in when OSHA restrictions or steep pitch make getting on the roof unsafe, or when inspecting tall chimneys that extend above the roofline. According to Wes, it’s also great when builders dont want them on the roof, when you’re inspecting tall fireplaces where you still can’t see on top even if you’re on the roof.
"The best way to inspect a roof is to actually get on the roof. You can feel it, you can see it, you can touch it. A drone is a good marketing tool, but it's really not the best way to inspect a roof."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
What Tools Do Home Inspectors Use
Here is a breakdown of what tools do home inspectors use at New South Property Inspections on every job:
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Tool |
Purpose |
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Detect heat anomalies, moisture, and insulation gaps - part of infrared thermography inspection Carolinas |
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Drones |
Roof and chimney access when physical access is restricted |
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Moisture meters |
Identify hidden water damage behind surfaces |
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Set up and monitored for full radon testing North Carolina |
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Carbon monoxide detectors |
Worn during the inspection for real-time alerts inside the home |
"We have those (drones). We have moisture meters. We have radon detectors. We have carbon monoxide detectors that guys have. A lot of times people don't even know we're using these tools because they're clipped to us."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
Managing Buyer Emotions - "There Is No Deal Killer"
Everything Can Be Fixed With Money
Home inspections do not kill deals. Problems kill deals, but only when they're communicated poorly.
Every issue found in a home has a fix. The real variable is cost, and cost is negotiable. That reframe alone changes how buyers receive inspection findings, and it's the foundation of how a professional home inspector Carolinas agents trust should approach every walkthrough.
"I have never found a problem that I thought was a deal killer. Never. Everything in a house can be fixed."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
How You Say It Matters As Much As What You Found
Here's the scenario: you found a hole in the roof.
A mama raccoon dug through to the attic in winter, seeking heat from the furnace below. The fix is a $300–$500 roofing repair.
According to Wes, there are two ways to deliver that finding:
|
Approach |
What It Sounds Like |
What It Does |
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Alarming |
"You've got a huge hole in the roof." |
Triggers panic, emotional shutdown, deal risk |
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Solution-oriented |
"There's a hole in the roof. A roofer can fix and reshingle it, probably $300–$500." |
Same facts, path forward, transaction intact |
"You can either say, 'Wow, you've got a great big hole in the roof,' or you can say, 'You've got a hole in the roof. You need a roofer to fix it and reshingle it and you should be good to go.' In all honesty, that's probably like a three, four or $500 fix."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
The facts don't change. The outcome does depending on how you frame the problem.
Home Inspection Negotiation Tips for First-Time Buyers
First-time buyers are the most vulnerable to inspection anxiety. They've never done this before. They've already fallen in love with the house. And now someone is handing them a document listing everything wrong with it.
The best home inspection negotiation tips start here — not at the negotiating table, but in how you frame the findings the moment the walkthrough ends.
That requires intention. Here’s how Wes says he does it:
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Lead with the fix, not the defect
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Anchor every finding to cost, not catastrophe
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Repeat the core truth until it lands: everything in a house can be fixed with money
"House buying is a whole different animal. It really is. People get a lot more emotional in their home purchases as well. I can understand you're making a huge purchase, especially first-time buyers. It's a huge. It's the biggest purchase they'll probably ever make in their life. And I understand that they're very nervous about it. You have to treat them with kid gloves and explain it's not the end of the world."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
How to Choose a Home Inspector
Here is Wes's personal framework for how to choose a home inspector - the same process he applies when hiring vendors for his own home:
Read the One-Star Reviews
Don’t just scan the five-star praise. Look at one-stars as well. Are complaints about communication or missed defects? Is there a pattern? Did the company respond professionally?
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Green flag: Calm, professional response that addresses the issue.
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Red flag: No response at all or defensive, emotional replies.
How a company handles criticism tells you more than how they celebrate praise.
Watch for Home Inspection Red Flags
Before you book, check for structural credibility.
Look for:
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No online reviews
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No written contract
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Vague scope of services
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No clear explanation of what’s included
Green flag: Clear agreement outlining systems inspected and limitations.
Red flag: “Don’t worry, we check everything.” If it’s not written down, it doesn’t exist.
Check the License Number
License numbers aren’t just formalities. They show time in the field.
In many states, numbers are issued sequentially.
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Lower number = longer history
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Brand new number = early career inspector
Experience doesn’t guarantee quality, but inspections improve with repetition. You want someone who has seen thousands of houses, not dozens.
Call the Office
This is underrated.
Before booking, call the office.
Listen for:
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Professional tone
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Clear answers
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Patience and willingness to explain process
If communication is rushed before you hire them, imagine how it feels during negotiations.
Never Choose on Price Alone
Home inspection pricing usually falls in a narrow range.
If one quote is dramatically lower, ask why.
Cheapest often means:
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Rushed inspections
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Shorter reports
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Less experience
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Minimal liability coverage
The inspection protects a six- or seven-figure purchase.
Saving $100–$200 upfront can cost thousands later.
"No inspection company is going to be perfect. We all make mistakes. No single inspector is going to find every single thing wrong with your house."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
When Something Goes Wrong
What separates New South Property Inspections is accountability.
When a complaint comes in, Wes goes back to the original report photos to determine when the problem actually developed.
He's driven out personally to review issues. When it's the right thing to do, he fixes things on his own dime - like the Christmas Eve he bought and installed a toilet for a client with family arriving the next day.
"(If there's ever an issue), what happens is I will get involved personally... I'll go out there and personally visit the property... Even though it may not have been our fault... I've replaced a trap on people's bathroom sinks before just even though it's not my fault just to be nice as a courtesy."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
Why Inspectors Recommend Licensed Contractors
Home Inspection Limitations Explained
Inspectors are trained to identify visible signs of problems - not diagnose every root cause or make repairs for pay. Home inspection standards of practice NC, set by the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board, require referrals to licensed contractors when a system needs further evaluation. ASHI follows the same standard nationally.
"And actually that's required by North Carolina standards of practice. We are not licensed electricians, plumbers, or HVAC contractors. Inspections are visual only. We are not allowed to take things apart."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
Inspection vs Code Enforcement - Not the Same Thing
Inspection vs code enforcement is one of the most misunderstood distinctions in real estate.
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Code Enforcement Officers |
Home inspectors |
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They verify that something was built to code at a specific point in time. |
They look for defects - including things code officers would never flag |
Do new construction homes need inspections? Absolutely. Wes has found issues in brand-new builds that passed code enforcement without a second look.
Why Does Inspection Report Recommend Licensed Contractor
"All I'm seeing is the tip of the iceberg. You may—you know how much of an iceberg sticks out of the water? 10%. 90% of the iceberg is underwater. You may have 90% of the problem that you can't even see."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
Why does inspection report recommend licensed contractor? Because inspectors see the signal - a licensed plumber, electrician, or HVAC tech diagnoses the full system. That's not passing the buck; it's the correct standard of practice.
Mold vs Mildew - What's the Difference?
A lot of people use the words interchangeably. Here is the mildew vs mold difference broken down clearly:
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Mold |
Mildew |
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What it is |
Broader fungal growth category |
A type of mold |
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Wood destruction |
Can be, depending on type |
Typically no |
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Health risk |
Is mold dangerous in a home? Yes, especially for asthma/breathing conditions |
Generally low |
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Common location |
Attics, crawlspaces, wet areas |
Bathrooms, kitchens, showers |
"Mildew is a mold. ... It's typically not a wood destroying mold. ... People, mildew is not going to hurt you. Mold can hurt you if you got asthma or breathing problems, especially if it's a airborne pathogen."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
When to Be Concerned
Is mold dangerous in a home? It depends on the type and exposure level. The real early warning sign is smell. A house is not supposed to smell musty. If it does, that's worth investigating - especially in crawlspaces.
Wes notes that even properly encapsulated crawlspaces aren't waterproof. If you notice a musty smell, mold sampling Charlotte NC is the right next step.
Can Buyers Inspect Their Own Homes?
Can I Inspect My Own House - Legally Yes, Practically No
Can I inspect my own house? Technically, anyone can. General contractors, builders, handy neighbors - Wes has seen them all try. The problem isn't access. The problem is training.
"Anybody can go in and inspect their own house if they want to. But you don't know what you're looking for. Builders know how to build a house. They don't necessarily know how to look for defects."– Wes Grant, Owner, New South Property Inspections
In fact, Wes shared that the worst inspector he ever hired was a licensed general contractor and builder. He knew how to schedule trades - he had no idea how to look for defects. Those are two completely different skill sets.
How to Read a Home Inspection Report in a Transaction
"If you're doing it yourself, it then comes across as opinion. And while your opinion may be correct, it won't become material fact until somebody who is licensed or bonded or has the knowledge to go along with it tells you that."– Deana Brummett, Host of Make Yourself at Home Podcast
Knowing how to read a home inspection report and use it effectively in a negotiation is a skill agents develop over time. That starts with having a credentialed report to work from. Listing agents will push back on unlicensed opinions, and they have every right to. A licensed inspector gives you the documentation that holds up.
Here are some samples of the high quality reports by ’ New South Property Inspections, and below is a walkthrough on how to effectively read your home inspection report:
Frequently Asked Questions
What Services Does New South Property Inspections Provide?
New South Property Inspections offers residential and commercial inspections, radon testing North Carolina and South Carolina, builder warranty inspection NC, air quality testing North Carolina, mold sampling Charlotte NC, water and sewer scope inspection NC, and infrared thermography inspection Carolinas. They do not inspect septic tanks.
Do Home Inspectors in North Carolina Have to Be Licensed?
Yes. A North Carolina licensed home inspector must hold licensure from the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board. A South Carolina licensed home inspector requires a builder and labor certification. Commercial property inspection North Carolina requires a licensed general contractor designation. New South Property Inspections holds all applicable credentials.
How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?
How long does a home inspection take depends on the size of the property. Standard residential inspections take several hours. Larger homes - including one Lake Norman home inspector job on a 15,000 square foot property - can take a full day. Clients are asked to arrive for the last 30 minutes.
What Happens During a Home Inspection?
Here is what happens during a home inspection at New South Property Inspections: the inspector accesses the property using super key access, documents findings on-site using phone- or iPad-based software, and delivers a same-day home inspection report - typically within 15 to 20 minutes of completing the inspection.
Can I Inspect My Own House?
Can I inspect my own house? Legally yes, but findings from an unlicensed inspection are treated as opinion, not material fact. In a transaction, a pre-listing inspection North Carolina conducted by a licensed inspector gives sellers and their agents a credentialed report that holds up during negotiation and disclosure.
About This Episode
This article is based on the Make Yourself at Home podcast episode featuring Wes Grant New South Property Inspections. Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Connect with Wes Grant:
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LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wes-grant-34160b13
This podcast is produced by the Icons of Real Estate - #1 Real Estate Podcast Network
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