Why Lancaster Home Sellers Should Get a Crawlspace Inspection Before Listing

What Is a CL100 Inspection?

If you’re preparing to sell your home in Lancaster, SC, one of the most important steps you can take is getting your crawlspace inspected before you list. In South Carolina, most lenders require what’s called a CL100 inspection—often referred to as a termite inspection—before closing. While the name makes it sound like the inspector is only looking for termites, the truth is that the inspection goes much deeper. The inspector examines the crawlspace for wood-destroying organisms and conditions that could threaten the home’s structure.

Why Moisture Matters

One of the most critical parts of the CL100 inspection is measuring the moisture levels in the wood. To pass, readings must be 20% or less. Anything higher is a red flag, even if there are no visible termites or pests, because moisture creates the perfect environment for rot, fungus, and future termite activity. This means that even if your home looks beautiful on the surface, a damp crawlspace could cause major problems during the sale.

Common Crawlspace Issues in Lancaster

Here in Lancaster County, most crawlspace problems aren’t caused by termites at all—they’re related to moisture. Inspectors often find rotting wood, fungal growth, poor ventilation, standing water, or missing vapor barriers. They also check for signs of termite activity or other insects such as powder post beetles. If these issues are present, the inspection report will call them out, and they’ll need to be addressed before a lender will allow the sale to close.

The Cost of Waiting Until the Buyer’s Inspection

When problems are discovered during the buyer’s inspection, repairs almost always fall on the seller. Worse, they often need to be completed quickly to meet the closing deadline, which means fewer contractor options and higher costs. Crawlspace repairs like replacing beams, installing vapor barriers, or correcting drainage can become very expensive, very fast. This is why sellers are better off scheduling a crawlspace inspection before listing.

The Benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection

By being proactive, you can repair issues on your own timeline and often at a lower cost. A clean CL100 report also gives buyers peace of mind, helps avoid stressful last-minute negotiations, and keeps the sale on track. Sellers who take care of crawlspace concerns upfront often see smoother transactions and more confident buyers.

Final Thoughts for Lancaster Sellers

A crawlspace inspection may not be the first thing you think about when preparing to sell your home, but it can make all the difference. It’s an investment in peace of mind that protects your deal and saves you money in the long run. As your Lancaster real estate professional, I’ll guide you through each step of the selling process, connect you with trusted inspectors, and help ensure your sale goes as smoothly as possible.

🚨 Warning: Crawlspaces Can Be Sneaky!

Most of the time it’s not the termites—it’s the moisture. Don’t let soggy wood cost you thousands (or your sanity) at closing.

👉 Call me before you list, and I’ll connect you with trusted inspectors who can help keep your sale on track.