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prevent mold growth in your home

Mold growing in homes can cause health problems for those who live there. It has been known to cause or exacerbate conditions such as asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems. It can also damage your home and require thousands of dollars in mitigation services. To reduce the risks, here are some ways to prevent mold growth in your home.

1. Keep Indoor Humidity Levels Low to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home

Molds require high moisture levels in order to thrive. Aim for keeping moisture levels in your home under 50%. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers help to keep your humidity levels down. It is important to remember that the amount of moisture in the air varies throughout the day depending on your activities.

2. Improve Ventilation

According to experts like J&M Cooling & Heating, ventilation helps air circulate around an indoor area. This circulation of air allows fresh air to enter and leave the home which discourages excess moisture. Areas like kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms should have adequate ventilation since more moisture is generated in these places. Improve ventilation by opening windows periodically, using exhaust fans that vent outside of the home, and keeping ceiling fans on. You can also install HVAC systems via experts at sites like https://mullinsmechanical.com/ or https://otheating.com/. Torn between ac vs heat pump? Click the link if you want additional info on which one you should choose.

3. Fix Any Roof or Pipe Leaks

Other ways to prevent mold growth include fixing any leaks in the house. Leaks in the roof or plumbing system lead to water damage and subsequent mold growth in the house. Visit sites like https://stithplumbingandhvac.com/ or https://specialtypump.com/issaquah/ for additional guidance on plumbing.

Facing a water leak can be both alarming and damaging to your property. While it might be tempting to address the issue yourself, hiring a home plumbing repair service is the best choice here. A professional can identify and seal any leaks to keep water from collecting in the home to prevent mold growth in your home. Hire experts such as the ones at https://kmpcorp.com/fort-worth-plumbing-heating-air/ or https://superiorplumbing.net/plumbing-repair/ to prevent mold from growing in your home.

4. Clean Up and Dry Out After Flooding

Flooding is a coastal threat due to changing weather patterns and strong storms. When flooding occurs, moisture levels skyrocket. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 48 hours. The best way to prevent mold growth after flooding is by cleaning and drying out the area as soon as it is accessible. Installing a sump pump can aid in efficiently removing excess water and minimizing the risk of mold growth.

5. Use Mold-Resistant Paint and Mold-Killing Cleaning Products

Choosing mold-resistant paint can keep mold from growing whenever there are high levels of moisture. Another great way to prevent mold growth is to use mold killing products when cleaning the bathroom. A bathroom is a common place for mold to grow because of all the moisture there.

It’s important to remember that mold growth can be costly to remove and can cause health problems for you and your loved ones. Follow these suggested steps to help prevent mold growth in your home.

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signs of roof trouble

A secure roof is a fundamental element of any home. The roof protects the structure from leaks, the sun and harmful UV rays, and other dangers. Your home’s roof also protects your valuables and keeps the rain, snow, and other elements from entering the home. Although the roof should last many years, trouble can strike before you know what’s happened. Know the signs of roof trouble and call a professional if you notice them. In case your roofing system also needs some work, you may consider hiring a professional roofing contractor.

Curling Shingles

Cupping and clawing shingles are signs of weathering. Both are also known as ‘curling’ and are a sign of roof problems. Once you notice curling, the roof may last another one to five years depending on the severity of the problem and other factors. It is a good idea to call a roofer to replace the roof if you notice a lot of shingles curling. Don’t invest your money into costly repairs when you should just have your roof replaced.

The Age of the Roof

Asphalt shingles, the most popular roofing material used on homes today, last between 20 and 25 years. Some may last as long as 30-years if they’re well-maintained architectural shingles. If the roof on your home is nearing the 20th birthday or has passed the mark, replacing the structure will prevent leaks and other damages before they occur.

Cracked Shingles

Wind usually causes cracked shingles. If just a couple of shingles have small cracks, it is worth replacing the individual shingles. But if the cracking isn’t isolated to a single area and there are more damaged than non-damaged, it is best to replace your entire roof. Visit sites like https://carolinahomespecialists.com/areas-we-serve/kernersville-nc/ to know more about roof replacement.

Loose & Missing Shingles

Although you can replace missing shingles, it is almost impossible to match a new shingle to the older shingle. Over time, weather, water, and the sun will affect the color of the shingles on the roof. Patchwork jobs suffice for a while, but when the roof begins looking more like a puzzle, it’s time to replace. If you need help, get first-rate roof maintenance from Knipp Roofing. 

Don’t Ignore The Signs of Roof Trouble

According to experts like Americana Roofing, your roof is the most valuable component of your home. It provides shelter from the elements and keeps your structure sound and your family safe. If these signs of roof trouble are present at your home, call a roofing professional for an estimate. Delaying roof repairs or a new roof is only asking for trouble; don’t make that mistake. The sooner you call a professional, the sooner you’ll enjoy worry-free, comfortable living again.

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reduce humidity in the home

Your home is probably the single biggest purchase you’ll ever make. As a homeowner, it’s essential that you take steps to keep your home in good condition so it maintains its value. Excessive humidity is something to be aware of to protect your health and your home. Not only can humidity and moisture damage your home’s structure and your personal possessions, it can also create the ideal conditions for toxic mold which is harmful to you and your family’s health. Following these simple tips will help reduce humidity in the home so you can avoid these unwanted problems and discomfort.

1. Monitor Your Home’s Humidity Levels

If you suspect your home has high humidity, the first thing you should do is invest in a good quality humidistat. This way, you can constantly monitor the level of indoor moisture and take steps to reduce humidity in the home.

Ideally, your home’s indoor moisture content would remain around 45 percent or less, but this can sometimes be tough to achieve. Anything between 40 and 60 percent is usually okay, but you should take action if the humidity level rises above 70 percent since this creates ideal conditions for dust mites, mold, and mildew.

2. Make Sure to Keep Your Home Well Ventilated

One of the simplest ways to reduce humidity in the home is to keep it well ventilated. Just leaving a window cracked for a little while when it’s cool outside can be an effective way of creating a draft that allows and allowing trapped moisture to escape outside. Fans can also be a huge help by ensuring that warm, stale air gets properly circulated and speeding up the evaporation of moisture from the air.

3. Use Your Air Conditioner to Keep Your Home Dry on Humid Days

As with fans, air conditioners are also an effective way of drying out the air inside your home. On humid days, opening up your windows lets more moisture inside. This is a time when you should keep your house closed tight with the AC on. Although this will obviously increase your energy bills, the added cost will still be lower than what you’ll end up paying for mold removal or to repair moisture damage. If you need to install one, you can then call in experts from sites like https://liebermech.com/ or https://affordableairsolutions.net/ to do what’s needed.

4. Make Sure Your Air Conditioner and Furnace Filters Are Clean

It is a good idea to regularly check the filters in your home’s air conditioner to make sure they aren’t dirty or clogged. Clogged filters can reduce the amount of air flow in your HVAC system, which means your furnace or air conditioner won’t be able to help dry out your air nearly as effectively. Clean or replace your air filters regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Visit sites like https://thewirenut.com/services/furnace-installation/ for additional guidance or hire experts like Performance Air Conditioning of Texas.

5. Hang Your Clothes Outside to Dry

Hanging your clothes inside to dry is a bad idea if you already have problems with humidity. As the clothes dry, the moisture that evaporates from them becomes trapped inside your house and will worsen the problems. Consider hanging your clothes outside to dry whenever possible. Using your home’s clothes dryer, and other appliances that create heat and moisture also tends to increase humidity in the home.

6. Take Shorter, Colder Showers to Reduce Humidity in the Home

Excessive humidity is especially common in bathrooms, which is why so many people choose to install ventilation fans. Simply running the fan during and after your shower will help reduce humidity in the home. However, you can take things even further by taking shorter or colder showers. The less steam created as a result of your shower, the less humidity you’ll have to worry about.

7. Take Advantage of Your Kitchen’s Exhaust Fan

The kitchen is another room that’s often susceptible to higher levels of humidity. Cooking is usually the main culprit in this regard, which is why it’s important to use your hood or exhaust fan every time you have something in the oven or on the stovetop. Keeping your pots and pans covered also helps limit the amount of moisture that evaporates into the air as you cook.

8. If All Else Fails, Consider Using a Dehumidifier

Depending on how bad your humidity problems are, the above methods may be more than enough to eliminate any major moisture issues. However, if you’re still noticing high humidity levels even after following all these tips, it’s probably time to consider using a dehumidifier in any rooms that continue to have problems.

At the end of the day, there are a number of different things that will help you reduce humidity in the home. Still, the most important thing is that you begin to do something. After all, not taking care of your humidity problems now likely means you’ll have even bigger problems to deal with in the future.

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Protect Your Home From Wind Damage

 

 

Whether it’s from a tornado, a hurricane or just a bad thunderstorm, high winds can cause a great deal of damage to your home. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, wind speeds as little as 40 mph can damage tree limbs and loose items on and around your home. And at around 60 mph, structural damage is possible. So what is the best way to protect your home from wind damage?

While it is unlikely to come out of a Category 5 hurricane damage-free, it is possible to protect your home. Here are five steps you can take to limit wind damage. Most of them aren’t complicated, but getting them done can save you a lot of money and grief if your home is hit by a storm.

Secure Your Shingles

Even moderate winds can pull at loose roof shingles and pull them off without warning. Each shingle should be secured by at least six nails or staples. If you have already installed a waterproof underlayment underneath the shingles, it will protect the roof from water and wind damage if the shingles are damaged. This is a job you could do if you have strong DIY skills and are comfortable climbing on roofs. Otherwise, most roofers will examine the roof and repair any damage for a flat hourly fee.

Secure Loose Or Vulnerable Objects

Whether it’s the rickety old aluminum shed or the kid’s wooden play set, your yard likely has a few items which will tip over or go flying during a strong wind storm. Secure them with ground anchors and straps. Also make sure to secure smaller objects such as grills, which can become big missiles in a heavy wind storm.

Protect Your Home From Wind Damage Caused By Trees

It’s great to have a shade tree or two in your yard. But having them placed too close to the house means that if they are ripped out of the ground by high winds, they’ll end up damaging your home. Have a professional remove them and the cost of that will depend on the size of the tree.

Reinforce Your Garage Door

If your garage door is already damaged or loose, strong winds could easily take it away from your house. Hire a professional to inspect your garage door to do garage door repairs so they can see any issues they may find while carefully inspecting the door. As a solution for your garage that will improve the usability of your space, you should also take into account Garage ceiling storage.

Protect Your Windows

If you live somewhere that is prone to high winds or is located in a hurricane or tornado-rich environment, it probably pays to get storm shutters installed. There permanent protective coverings can be easily placed over every window and when locked can help protect your home from wind damage. If wind shutters are not an option, you can install sheets of plywood over the windows and doors to protect the interior. For complete home protection, consider hiring services like rochester boiler maintenance.

Hire A Home Inspector

There are always things you’ll miss as you make your checklist of fixes. The best option is to hire a professional home inspector to perform a wind mitigation inspection. They will be able to tell you what features may reduce wind damage to your home and will highlight any possible points of weakness. They’ll also be able to suggest the best possible fixes as well as things for you to consider in the future.

This list should give you a heads-up on what you need to do to protect your home from wind damage. Once you’ve taken these steps, you’ll be well on your way to having a secure home.

Walton Inspection Services provides wind mitigation inspections for Murrells Inlet and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule yours today.

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pool safety tips

Remember these Pool Safety Tips this Summer

Basic pool safety is often a no-brainer, but aside from not running on the deck or patio and avoiding diving into shallow water, there are many other things you can do to make your pool is safe. Here are five pool safety tips to keep in mind to prevent accidents from happening on your property.

1. Get a Pool Gate

If young children or pets will be near your pool, a gate is a necessity. A gate keeps your pool secure from those who may accidentally fall in and be in danger. A pool that is totally enclosed by a fence and gate will also be more desirable to potential buyers if you decide to sell your home.

2. Keep The Deck Clean

Tripping or slipping hazards on the pool deck can be a recipe for disaster. Not only could someone fall and hit their head, but you also risk someone falling into the pool and injuring themselves. Be sure to eliminate clutter on your pool deck and keep it free of debris that could cause someone to slip and jeopardize pool safety.

3. Install a Cover

If a gate isn’t a feasible option, a pool cover may be the next best thing in terms of pool safety. A cover will be placed over the top of your pool, keeping people from sneaking into it at night. Using a cover can also keep your pool warmer, especially if you don’t have a heater. Keep in mind that staying proactive about addressing common water heater problems is crucial to maintaining a comfortable and enjoyable poolside experience.

4. Check Chemical Levels to Ensure Pool Safety

Aside from drowning, another big pool safety hazard is unbalanced chemicals. If the chlorine and PH levels in your pool become off balance, the water could become hazardous to swim in. You should regularly test the chemicals in your pool and make adjustments as necessary. It’s also important to shock your pool on a regular basis in order to remove any bacteria. You may always hire a professional to maintain your pool if there is any part of it that requires complex passwords that you are not comfortable with.

5. Put in Pool Lights

Swimming at night is fun, but extra caution must be taken. Even if you have adequate lighting on your deck, it’s important to have a lights from plafondlampen in your pool so that swimmers can see where they are going. A light also lets those sitting on the deck to see if something goes wrong in the water. Underwater pool lighting creates an even better experience for your swimmers. Never swim at night alone–in fact, it’s not a good idea to swim alone at any time.

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Whether you’re just installing a pool, purchasing a home with a pool, or have had a pool for years, be sure to consider these pool safety tips to make sure your home’s pool is safe and secure. The last thing you want is someone getting hurt at your pool when these pool safety tips could have helped avoid it.

Walton Inspection Services performs swimming pool and spa inspections to home buyers, homeowners, and home sellers in Murrells Inlet and the surrounding area. To book your pool inspection or another home inspection service, contact us.

 

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party prep tips

Get Ready for Summer with these Party Prep Tips

With summer right around the corner, now is the time to start getting your home and yard ready for backyard cookouts and gatherings. If you’re already sending out invitations to your friends and family, then make sure that you don’t overlook any of these five party prep tips to get your home ready for guests.

1. Give Your Front Porch a Makeover

As your first guests arrive, greet them with a clean front porch straight out of Better Homes and Gardens. Give your walkway a quick power wash and give the front porch a deep cleaning to knock out those cobwebs and dust bunnies that have accumulated the past few months. Wash your windows inside and out while you’re at it. For a few bucks more, you can spring for a quart of paint and make your front door look like a million bucks with a fresh coat.

2. Tidy Up the Flower Garden

Springtime is typically a boon to your flower gardens, lawns, and shrubs all around your home. But those flowers aren’t the only things that benefitted from the warmer air, mild showers, and sunshine. Weeds also tend to thrive in the spring. While you’re pulling weeds, you may also notice trees and shrubs that need to be pruned. You can also plant some new flowers to fill in the gaps and add a new burst of color. Complimentary colors really add some life to your flower garden — purple and green, blue and yellow, and red and orange are great combinations!

3. Fix Window and Door Air Leaks

It’s also important that you make sure your home is properly sealed to keep the cool air in and the hot summer air out. The secret to keeping your home nice and cool in the summer isn’t just to crank the AC – you should improve your home’s efficiency by sealing the windows and doors. Additionally, consulting a plumber to inspect and maintain your home’s plumbing system can ensure there are no hidden leaks contributing to heat gain.

Take a close look at your sliding window panels and around the edge of your door or door frame. If the weatherstripping is old, cracked, and worn out, then cold air is escaping from your home. Peel the old stuff off and replace it with some new weatherstripping from the local hardware store. It’ll only cost you a few bucks, but it can go a long way to keep your home cooler all summer long.

4. Get Your AC Checked Out

At some point, every air conditioning unit runs into problems. If you want to make sure that it doesn’t happen while your backyard gathering is in full swing, then you might want to get it checked in advance to make sure everything is operating properly and that all the filters are in good shape. Changing out the AC filters regularly is one way to keep it functioning optimally.

5. Clean the Grill

Last on this list of party prep tips is the centerpiece of your entire event–the grill. Fire it up for a few minutes with the cover closed to heat things up and loosen the grease. Then, disconnect your gas and let it cool down a bit before hitting it with warm soapy water, inside and out.

Check the burners to make sure there are no clogged holes. Check the grate for rust and replace if necessary. Check the gas hoses for leaks and replace them if needed, too. If you haven’t used it for awhile, then give it a test run by grilling up some burgers or dogs before the party to make sure all is well.

Along with this, you can also check your fire pits like these California Backyard fire pits and see if they’re working well so everyone can sit by the fire at nights safely.

Getting ready for your next backyard gathering can be a big job, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is to start well in advance and be thorough so that you don’t have any last minute problems that will throw you into a panic. Follow these five party prep tips to make sure that your event goes off without a hitch.

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home inspection tips

Home Inspection Tips for a Better Inspection Experience

A quality home inspection is a significant part of both Property Buyers and sellers transactions. The best home inspections go beyond inspecting the structure, systems, and components of your home by also providing the opportunity for you to learn more about your property and how to maintain your biggest investment. Here are our home inspection tips to help you get the most out of your inspection:

1. Choose the Right Inspector

Being a home inspector comes with a lot of responsibility. They have to stay current with laws, continue their education, know what to look for, and to be able to clearly communicate their findings to all sorts of people. You should do research into your home inspector before hiring him or her to perform your home inspection. Looking at previous customer reviews for the home inspectors you are considering is an important part of our home inspection tips.

Ask home inspectors about their inspection experience, about their training, and what jobs they performed before becoming a home inspector—it’s usually a good sign if they have a history in home renovations, building, or contracting. You’ll also want to choose a home inspector who you trust and who makes you feel comfortable. This person will need to be able to clearly convey important information to you.

2. Don’t Skip Your Home Inspection

You don’t have to attend your home inspection, but it’s highly recommended that you do so. You won’t need to be there for the entire process (in fact, that could slow the inspector down), but you should be present at the end so that your home inspector can explain things to you that you might not catch simply from reading your home inspection report.

Many home inspectors welcome questions, even after the report is in your hands and the inspection is over. While the inspection report should include plenty of photographs, some issues may be discovered that will be easier to explain and review in person.

3. Get New Construction Inspected

All too often, homebuyers make the mistake of assuming that just because a home is a new construction, it won’t have any defects. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether it be from faulty workmanship or simple human error, new construction can have problems, and it’s best to catch them as early as possible. Be sure to have a professional home inspector visit the site to provide an unbiased 3rd party point of view while inspecting your new home prior to your final walkthrough with the builder.

4. Take More Than a Glance at the Inspection Report

Whether you’ve attended the home inspection or not, you’re should read your inspection report thoroughly. The report should be easy to understand, contain recommendations for addressing any noted defects, and contain helpful pictures. If you have any questions whatsoever about your report, don’t hesitate to contact your home inspector so that he or she can offer an explanation. It’s crucial that you understand your home inspection report!

5. Prepare Your Home for the Inspection

The home inspector will need access to all areas of your house, including the basement and the attic, so make sure that it’s going to be easy for them to get in there. Another home inspection tip is to provide keys to any locked entryways so that the inspector isn’t locked out of an area to be inspected.

Take Your Home Inspector’s Recommendations Seriously

As a buyer, your agent will help when it comes to negotiating with the seller about how to deal with any defects discovered by your home inspector. Still, some issues just don’t get resolved. In those cases, it’s going to be up to you to make sure that they’re dealt with before you close on the home. You may need to turn to a specialized expert for advice regarding how to deal with certain issues, such as an electrician or a roofer. Ask for a free estimate—it couldn’t hurt.

6. Don’t Skip the Pre-Listing Inspection

Our home inspection tips aren’t just for buyers! Sellers can get pre-listing inspections prior to putting their homes on the market in order to uncover any defects or safety issues that would later be found by a buyer’s inspector. By having a pre-listing inspection, sellers have the chance to make repairs and to present a better product that is more likely to get its asking price and to stay on the market for a shorter period of time.

We hope you find our home inspection tips helpful for your next inspection. Walton Inspection Services provides home inspections to all of Horry and Georgetown counties in South Carolina. To schedule an inspection, contact us.

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home maintenance tips

Follow our Home Maintenance Tips for a Better Spring Season

With winter coming to an end and spring on the horizon, it’s important to start working on your home maintenance over the first few months of the new year. This usually involves fixing roof shingles from ice damage, clearing gutters, sealing damaged driveways, and growing new plants. As you go through your checklist, be sure to address any plumbing issues you may have noticed during the colder months. For instance, if you’ve experienced warm water coming out of cold tap, it’s a good time to get that checked and fixed. Make sure to hire professional plumbing services for this. To help you get ready for spring, here are a few home maintenance tips:

1. Service the AC Unit

As the weather turns warmer, you should have a certified HVAC contractor clean out your AC unit and determine if any repairs need to be made. Cleaning out the ducts, vents, and coils can improve system efficiency and prevent the need for costly repairs down the road. You should also be actively changing the unit’s filters with each season change. Check out sites like https://rapidrepairs247.com/ to hire a professional.

2. Inspect Roof Shingles

You should inspect your roof shingles after winter to see if any fell off or are badly damaged by ice or snow. If your roof is outdated, you should consider replacing the roof before next winter. An asphalt roof’s average lifespan is 15-20 years. Also, shingles that are loose or cracked need to be replaced immediately. The last thing you want to have are broken or loose shingles as the last line of defense to protect your home from ice, sleet, snow, and rain. Visit sites like https://roofplusnj.com/roofing-services-in-manasquan-nj/ for additional guidance.

3. Clear the Gutters

After inspecting your roof, you should next look over your gutters and clear out any leaves and debris that have collected over the past few months. A blog on www.littlesolitaire.com talks about how you should also check for leaks and cracks that you will need to repair in time for the spring. This one of the most important home maintenance tips since your gutters divert water from damaging your home and foundation.

4. Inspect the Concrete

You should inspect concrete around your home for cracks or signs of movement after the cold winter months. Exterior slabs of concrete, except for the pool deck, should drain away from your home’s foundation. If you do notice cracks, you should fill them with silicone caulk or concrete crack filler. And if you can, you should power wash the concrete and seal it to better protect it for the remainder of the year.

5. Check Outdoor Faucets

It’s important that you check outdoor hose faucets for ice and snow damage from the winter. You can do this by turning the water on and putting a finger over the opening. If you can easily stop the flow of water, there’s likely a damaged pipe that needs to be replaced. At the same time, you should also check on your garden hose and determine if you need to replace it or not.

6. Check out your Power Tools

Before summer hits, make sure you inspect all of your lawn equipment. Ensure your lawn mower, hedge trimmers, and other gas or battery-powered appliances are functional and ready for heavy summer usage. You should also clean your tools and sharpen any blades. This will make your yard work much easier.

7. Consider Colorbond Gutter Installation

If your existing gutters are showing signs of wear or if you’re looking to upgrade, consider Colorbond gutter installation. These steel gutters are durable and low-maintenance and come in a range of colors that can complement your home’s exterior. Spring is a great time to undertake this project before the rainy season picks up.

8. Trim Overgrown Trees and Bushes

This is another one of our favorite home maintenance tips that is often overlooked but can make a big difference. Trim the branches of trees and shrubs to keep them away from your home. Be sure to start early before the plants start growing leaves so you can clearly see each branch. All branches should be between five and seven feet away from your home. This will keep excess moisture from collecting on your siding and roofing. It will also prevent squirrels and other pests from scurrying across your roof and nesting in your home.

9. Use Compacted Soil

You should surround your home’s foundation with compacted soil. The same should be done in low areas in your yard. Springtime rains can lead to backyard flooding. This, in turn, causes damage to the foundation and basement flooding. Additionally, when water pools in low areas, it becomes a breeding ground for insects and pests. You can avoid all this by filling these areas with compacted soil.

Spring is a popular time to buy and sell a home, and when doing so it is advised to hire a professional home inspector. Walton Inspection Services offers home inspection services to Horry and Georgetown Counties. Contact us to schedule your inspection

 

 

 

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