SOUTHEAST INSPECTIONS INC

As part of our due diligence in purchasing our home we hired Southeast Inspection Services Inc, Bluffton SC, in September of 2017 to perform a home inspection. The inspector wrote up copious items but never identified or made any reference to have a major structural issue, a 1 1/4" deflection in the floor in the center of home spanning 75% of the total width. I hired a structural engineer to evaluate the issue and their report identified following: "Our observations of the first-floor framing system show there was a triple 2x10 beam located under this wall. The end bearing condition of the beam observed was a 2x2 ledger nailed to the side of the triple 2x12 girder. This type of connection does not meet current code, and based on our observations, is the root cause for the excessive deflection. In each location observed, the ledger is approximately one-quarter inch below the bottom of the main girder. The ledgers were rolling in toward the center of the beam. There was also approximately one-half inch between the subfloor and top the triple 2x10 beam. CEG has performed an analysis of the triple 2x10 beams and triple 2x12 girders. The bearing conditions of the triple 2x10 beams and the size of these beams are both contributing factors in the amount of deflection that was observed." When I confronted the business owner and asked why he never mentioned the slope in the floor in his report or recommend further evaluation he said the insulation under the house concealed the discrepancy. He further stated we purchased an older home with a crawl space and should expect uneven floors. Let me tell you a 1 1/4" deflection is more than just an uneven floor; after further discussion he told me to sue him. Although the framing under the house is concealed by insulation the Engineer and two reputable licensed contractors stated obvious visual indications of structural concerns are visibly present that should have been identified during the home inspection. Two contractors stated the 1st floor framing needs jacked, beam shoring/ledgers need replaced. All floor joist need leveled and joist hangars installed. Residual damage from jacking the house "will occur" that cannot be fully predicted. Potential damage includes, drywall cracks, hardwood flooring damage, molding damage, door/frame issues, window breakage, roof damage and more. Initial repair cost estimates, not to include residual damage, exceeds $25,000.

We had a few issues. It was a fair price. The thing that stood out was the attitude of the person doing the inspection. This inspector let my husband go with him but he didn't allow my husband to ask questions or get feed back like we have received with other home inspections that we have had. I would tell friends to get someone else.

Items missed during inspection of 5th floor ocean front condo. Buyers not present in another state. A/C never inspected! (access to roof locked. never called owner or real estate personnel for keys. Coastal unit completely shot. Heating: Fan blower shot Wiring to storage closet in parking structure locked! (did not request key access). Electrical wiring shot due to corrosion. Two sinks blocked Pella screen door warped pella sliding patio door would not open both handles broke off weather stripping missing Dryer vent completely blocked with lint. Venting not to code High impact window in kitchen would not seal properly. 7K to replace Ceiling fan bedroom 3 not working

They had done this home inspection for the previous owners 10 months earlier. They missed many things which should have been fixed by the owners so the cost after purchase fell to me. They did not return my calls when I called them afterwards and wanted to discuss the omissions from their report. I am totally dissatisfied with the inspection as it seemed to me that they wanted to make certain this sale went through without regard to the purchaser.