What can a home inspection catch before a small warning sign becomes an expensive repair? Deana Brummett, host of the Make Yourself at Home podcast, brings 18 years of Charlotte real estate experience to this conversation with Matthew Query, owner of Freedom Contracting Services in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Matthew explains how moisture, termites, unsafe decks, hidden leaks, and unlicensed repairs can create costly problems for homeowners. A practical guide to Charlotte home buying, property inspections, contractor selection, and the home maintenance decisions that protect your investment. Host / Guest Host: Deana Brummett | Charlotte-based real estate professional with 18 years of experience guiding buyers, sellers, and investors across the Carolinas. Guest: Matthew Query | Owner of Freedom Contracting Services and Lead Inspector at Freedom Home Services, two separate home-service businesses in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Matthew has more than 20 years of construction experience and is a licensed South Carolina Residential Builder, Certified Master Inspector®, and expert witness. 💡 What You’ll Learn How to separate cosmetic imperfections from serious property problems Why moisture and termites can cause extensive damage when ignored Which property-specific inspections buyers should consider before closing How ceiling stains, fresh paint, and soft door areas can reveal hidden water damage What deck deterioration may indicate about maintenance and safety When a project requires a licensed contractor instead of a handyman How to verify contractors through licenses, references, and previous work Which disruptive repairs are easier to complete before moving in ❓ Key Questions Answered Q: What home problems are most expensive to ignore? A: Moisture, water intrusion, termites, and other wood-destroying organisms can damage subfloors, joists, band sills, and other structural components. Q: When is a handyman not enough for a home repair? A: Matthew Query explains that a handyman may be appropriate for smaller jobs such as drywall patches or limited flooring work. Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural, and permit-required projects should be handled by a properly licensed professional. Q: What should buyers inspect before purchasing a home? A: Buyers should consider the home’s structure and major systems along with property-specific concerns such as wells, septic systems, radon, solar equipment, crawl spaces, and attics. ⏳ Chapters 0:00 - Introduction to Matthew Query 1:27 - Setting Better Expectations 7:00 - Building a Construction Career in South Carolina 9:24 - Construction Career 12:27 - Moisture, Termites, and Expensive Home Damage 17:52 - Why Inspections Save Money 21:06 - Warning Signs Before Buying 22:52 - Deck Safety 30:46 - Quality Contractor 35:22 - Repairs Before Moving In 40:02 - Raising Standards 44:08 - Closing Thoughts 👉🏻 CONNECT WITH MATTHEW QUERY Website: https://freedomcontracting.org/home Email: matthew@freedomcontracting.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomcontracting80/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewquery/ 👉🏻 FOLLOW DEANA BRUMMETT – Make Yourself at Home Podcast Website: https://athomeinthecarolinas.com/ Email: dee.brummett@cbcarolinas.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deebrummett/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AtHomeintheCarolinas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeintheCarolinas Don't forget to LIKE 👍 SUBSCRIBE 🔔 COMMENT 💬 below! 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate https://iconsofrealestate.com/ #MakeYourselfAtHome #DeanaBrummett #CharlotteRealEstate #CarolinasRealEstate #CharlotteRealtor #NorthCarolinaHomes #SouthCarolinaHomes #HomeBuyingTips #RealEstatePodcast #CLTRealEstate
