Homeowners

Planning for a new fence

Fencing serves as a visual representation of a property’s border. It keeps intruders out and increases property value. Some fences are purely decorative. Others are used to keep pets and kids safe or to promote privacy. Planning for a new fence is important to maximize the benefits of this feature.

The Importance of Making a Plan

While planning for your new fence, take into consideration the cost and timeline for your project as well as the benefits of fencing to your property. For example, the height and placement of a chain link fence affect both how well it will secure your property and the total project cost. Get the most out of your efforts by planning for a new fence first.

1. Understand Your Goals

Before choosing materials to use and placement of your new fence, decide what you want to accomplish. What is the purpose of the fencing? Where will you install it? Then, consider what type of fence will meet your needs.

2. Determine Your Budget

Unless you and a neighbor are sharing the cost of the project, budgeting for the fence is something you must consider. Depending on your budget, you may be limited to certain materials. Instead of hiring someone, you might complete the installation project on your own to save money. Your budget dictates many aspects of your project, so it should be determined upfront.

3. Get a Quote for Different Materials

Fencing installation rates and the cost for the materials vary. Often, it is more cost-effective to purchase your own supplies and pay for labor than to let your contractor supply the materials. Requesting quotes for several types of materials will help you select one that is well-suited to your needs and within your budget.

4. Inform Your Neighbors When Planning for a New Fence

Planning for a new fence may impact the property next door, so it’s good to discuss your plans with your neighbors. Neighbors may be willing to help build the fence or contribute to the cost if they will also benefit from the project.

Because it can take time to prepare your finances and to gather quotes for various materials, work the planning and prep time into your overall project timeline. Get started by researching fence styles and determining what you want to accomplish by installing the new fence.

Walton Inspection Services provides home inspections for the Murrells Inlet area. Contact us to schedule an inspection.

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Improving Indoor Air Quality

Breathing toxins in your home can cause health problems. To actively work on improving indoor air quality at home, consider these tips.

1. Open the windows every day.

Indoor air quality is often more polluted than the air outdoors because the air is trapped inside. While it’s important for improving indoor air quality to let your home ventilate, you don’t want to let outdoor pollutants inside or make your home less energy-efficient.

Whether it’s first thing in the morning or in the evening, open your windows for just fifteen minutes to let some fresh air in and if you need new windows in your home you should check the aluminium doors and windows companies to find great deals for you. It’s also smart to open a window and turn the ventilation fan on when cooking.

2. Add a few indoor plants.

Plants are nature’s answer to air purification. They purify the air while filtering out toxins. Peace lilies and spider plants are great options for your home. However, be diligent about plant care. If you don’t take care of your plants, they can grow mold and worsen your indoor air.

3. Purchase an air purifier for improving indoor air quality.

If you have an air purifier in your home, you’re already decreasing the number of toxins and allergens your home holds. Air purifiers are especially helpful in homes with pets.

4. Get rid of the carpet.

No matter how often you shampoo or vacuum the carpet, it will hold on to allergens. When your budget allows, it’s best to replace carpet with hardwood, vinyl, or laminate flooring. There are plenty of options for different budgets. It’s a transition you should consider if you want to work on improving air quality at home.

5. Use eco-friendly cleaning products.

Many common cleaners contain volatile organic compounds, which are harmful to breathe. Instead, consider purchasing eco-friendly options. If you’d like to DIY the process, make your own cleaning products.

Through combinations of essential oils, citric acids, baking soda, and vinegar, you can clean everything from countertops to toilet bowls.

6. Change your air filters.

According to experts like these HVAC services in Leander, TX, you should always change your HVAC air filters on a consistent basis. If your air filter is filled with dust, that dust is circulating through the air, and that’s where a reliable southern california ac repair service can help you. Plus when your air filter is clogged, your heating and cooling system has to work harder. As a result, you’ll end up spending more money on utility bills. To avoid this, you should replace your air filters promptly and then schedule a portland furnace repair home service to boost your hvac system’s efficiency. For additional guidance, you can visit sites like https://premierhvacservicesllc.com/ or https://ampmheatingandcooling.net/furnace-repair-portland-or/.

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declutter your home

Whether you’re trying to downsize or just simplify your life, decluttering your home is a great idea. But where do you start? Instead of tearing apart your home, it’s best to declutter your home in stages. Here is a guide you can follow to make the process easier.

Prepare a Few Bins

You don’t need fancy tools to get rid of all the clutter in your home. All you’ll need is four bins, each with its own set purpose.

  • Put away – One of the bins can be for items you are keeping that need to be put back in their dedicated storage spot.
  • Recycle – You can use a bin for items that can be recycled such as glass, plastic, or paper.
  • Trash – Designate one bin for items that can go in the trash immediately.
  • Donate – Place items that you no longer need in this bin and donate them to a thrift store or charity.

Decluttering Every Room

Decluttering every single room can take quite a while and will be inefficient if you don’t focus on small areas at a time.

Here’s how to declutter your home, room by room:

Bathroom

Begin by going through your medicine cabinet. Empty every item out of it and go through them. Discard any outdated medication, skincare products, and makeup.

Afterward, immediately put any items you intend to keep back where they belong and store the ones you use most in an accessible place.

Bedroom

Before anything, make your bed. It’ll be hard to concentrate on decluttering your bedroom while having an unmade bed. After that, start going through each of your nightstands and put any item that doesn’t belong there in one of your bins to discard or put away.

This can include books you’ve finished reading, broken eyeglasses, and mail. Throw out or recycle anything that you no longer need like dried up pens, broken chargers, and empty tissue boxes.

Living Room

One of the hardest rooms to keep tidy on a daily basis is the living room. This is because the living room sees a lot of traffic and doesn’t have many storage features. You may have a bookshelf and a TV set or even a small closet, but they won’t hide much. Keeping your living room organized is essential when you’re trying to declutter your home.

To properly declutter your living room, you have to:

  • Choose a permanent storage space for frequently used items such as remote controls and coasters.
  • Clean out the bookshelves, side tables, and entertainment centers and only keep the things you use frequently.

Decluttering can be tedious, but it’s well worth it when your home is simple, clean, and organized. Don’t be afraid to get rid of  many of your belongings when you declutter your home.

Walton Inspection Services provides home inspection services to Murrells Inlet and the surrounding areas. Contact us to book an appointment.

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Keep your home safe during the holidays

Many people are away from their homes this time of year for holiday gatherings, extended shopping trips, and out-of-town travel. At the same time, homes are filled with expensive items that are already boxed up and ready to haul out the door.

For these reasons, burglaries are common in December when homes are empty, so it’s important to know how to keep your home safe during the holidays.

Ways to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Home security is a year-round concern for everyone. Regardless of where you live, your home may be targeted at any time. The holiday season is a time when your home may be particularly vulnerable, and the reward to criminals is greater because of the holiday gifts inside.

By taking these steps to keep your home safe during the holidays, you can enjoy a carefree season with family and friends.

1. Avoid Making It Obvious

Many people place their tree in a front-facing window of the home to add a festive look to the home’s exterior. However, this also directly advertises that you likely have gifts inside. It also tells criminals exactly where the gifts are and that they’re easily accessible.

Move your holiday tree away from the front of the house and put valuable items, wrapped or unwrapped, out of sight from the windows.

2. Take Advantage of Lights

Most of us turn lights off when we’re not at home. You may also keep lights off in all rooms except the one you’re in to be more energy-efficient. Criminals look for darkened homes because the shadows hide their presence. It is less likely to be seen entering or leaving a dark home versus a well-lit home.

To save energy, use solar-powered exterior lights and motion-activated spotlights. You can also use a timer to turn lights on and off as needed so it looks like you are home.

3. Let a Trusted Neighbor Know

A trusted neighbor can easily observe anything unusual and collect your newspapers and mail while you are out of town. The next time they go out of town, you can return the favor by keeping an eye on their home. This is a great way to keep your home safe during the holidays when you are traveling.

4. Secure Your Home With Technology

If your home is not secured by a monitored home alarm system, now may be the time to set up this service. An alternative is to use smartphone technology. Cameras and motion sensors can be placed inside and outside that will send an alert to your smartphone if they are triggered.

Now that you understand why your home is vulnerable during this season and throughout the year, you can follow these tips to keep your home safe during the holidays.

Walton Inspection Services provides home inspection services to Murrells Inlet and the surrounding communities. Contact us to request an inspection.

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pre-listing home inspection

In order to avoid any surprises that a buyer’s home inspection may bring, sellers should have a pre-listing home inspection after looking at sites like https://landmark24.com/. The inspection report will give the homeowner more information about the house before it is listed for sale. Read on to understand the benefits of pre-listing home inspections.

Benefits of a Pre-Listing Home Inspection

Hiring a licensed home inspector before listing your home for sale is important so you will know of any issues prior to the buyer’s inspection. If there are problems that could potentially sour the deal, you will have the chance to make repairs before you even list the house.

If you know about an issue and you decide not to fix it, price the home accordingly and disclose the problem to the buyer up front. Sharing an inspection report with the purchaser builds trust because it shows you have nothing to hide.

1. Homeowners Can Value The House Accurately

Using the information from a pre-listing inspection, homeowners can consider flaws and damages when pricing the home. Along with considering the market value, homeowners must be aware of what certain and repairs will cost the buyer.

With this in mind, homeowners can reduce their selling price to allow for the projects that the buyer will have to invest in. Sellers can also make the updates and repairs themselves and include that cost in the final asking price.

2. Pre-Listing Home Inspections Give Sellers an Upper Hand during Negotiations

Once the pre-listing home inspection report is in hand, it helps sellers get the best value out of the transaction. If the buyer finds out the home needs extensive repairs, they will likely try to negotiate a lower price for the property.

When the seller discloses any concerns up front, the homebuyer’s offer may be closer to the asking price and there will be fewer negotiations to slow down the process.

3. Reduces Roadblocks

A major roadblock for homebuyers is the undiscovered problems that might be revealed during the buyer’s home inspection. Because of this, a pre-listing home inspection becomes more attractive from the outset.

When a potential buyer sees what he or she is purchasing from the beginning, he or she will feel more confident and comfortable in making an offer.

Walton Inspection Services offers pre-listing home inspections for sellers and other inspection services to Murrells Inlet and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule your appointment.

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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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