Rusty Jennings & family — Columbia, South Carolina
From the Firehouse to Your Front Door
Rusty Jennings has spent his entire career protecting the people and properties of South Carolina. For 24 years, Rusty served the Irmo Fire District — rising to the rank of Battalion Chief, a position that demands expert knowledge of building systems, structural integrity, fire and life safety hazards, and the discipline to perform under pressure.
When Rusty retired from the fire service in 2017, he brought that same dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to protecting families into a new chapter — professional home inspection. Over the past 7 years, Rusty has built Carolina Property Inspections into one of Central South Carolina's most trusted inspection services, earning a reputation for thorough evaluations, honest reporting, and genuine care for every client he serves.
Rusty is a lifelong South Carolinian, originally from Irmo and now living in Lexington. He is married to Susan Campbell Jennings and is a devoted father who understands firsthand what it means to protect the place your family calls home. When you hire Carolina Property Inspections, you're not just hiring a certified inspector — you're hiring a neighbor who cares about this community as much as you do.
24 Years — Irmo Fire District — Battalion Chief
Rusty's fire service career gave him unmatched expertise in building systems, structural hazards, electrical dangers, and mechanical failures — the same issues that matter most in a home inspection. That background sets Carolina Property Inspections apart from day one.
Today, Rusty brings InterNACHI® Certified expertise and a full suite of specialty services to every inspection — from indoor air quality and water quality testing to FAA drone roof inspections and HUD mobile home evaluations. No matter the property type, Rusty delivers the same thorough, professional service that defined his 24-year career in the fire service.
Why 24 Years in the Fire Service Makes Rusty a Better Inspector
Fire Battalion Chiefs don't just fight fires — they spend careers learning how buildings are constructed, how systems fail, and what hidden dangers look like before they become emergencies. That knowledge translates directly into better home inspections for every Carolina Property Inspections client.
- Electrical Hazard Recognition — Years of responding to electrical fires means Rusty knows exactly what wiring issues to look for — and why they matter
- Structural Awareness — Fire service training demands deep knowledge of how buildings are built and how they fail — knowledge that directly informs every structural inspection
- HVAC & Mechanical Systems — Battalion Chiefs understand building systems at a level that goes well beyond typical inspection training
- Safety-First Mindset — 24 years of protecting lives means Rusty approaches every inspection with the same life-safety awareness that defined his fire service career
- Calm Under Pressure — When serious issues are found, Rusty communicates them clearly and professionally — the same way a Battalion Chief delivers difficult information to families in crisis
What Every Carolina Property Inspections Client Can Expect
Rusty built Carolina Property Inspections on the same values that guided 24 years of fire service — honesty, thoroughness, and genuine care for the people he serves. Every client receives the same level of dedication and professional excellence.
- Thorough, Detailed Inspections — Every property receives a complete, careful evaluation — no shortcuts, no rushing
- Honest, Clear Reporting — Rusty tells you exactly what he finds, in plain language you can understand and act on
- Specialty Services When You Need Them — From air quality to drone roof inspections, Rusty has the certifications to go wherever the property requires
- Responsive & Professional — Rusty respects your time, communicates clearly, and is always available to answer questions about your inspection
- A Neighbor Who Cares — Rusty is a South Carolina family man who understands what's at stake when you buy a home — because he's been there too
More Than a Standard Home Inspection
Rusty's certifications go far beyond the standard inspection checklist — giving Carolina Property Inspections clients a complete picture of every property.
Mold, radon, allergens, and VOC testing for South Carolina's humidity-prone homes. Protecting the air your family breathes is just as important as the roof over your head.
Comprehensive well and municipal water testing throughout Central South Carolina — identifying bacteria, heavy metals, nitrates, and other contaminants before they become health risks.
For rural properties with private wells, well yield testing confirms adequate water supply performance — a critical step for any Elgin, Newberry, or Lexington County purchase.
Certified HUD mobile home inspections for manufactured housing throughout Central South Carolina. Rusty has the specific training and knowledge these properties require.
As an FAA Part 107 Licensed Drone Pilot, Rusty provides safe, detailed aerial roof and exterior inspections — capturing high-resolution imagery of areas other inspectors simply walk past.
Comprehensive structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and systems evaluation for every property — delivered in a clear, detailed report the same day as the inspection.
Trusted by Central South Carolina Homeowners
"Rusty was incredibly thorough and professional. He took the time to walk me through every finding and made sure I understood exactly what I was buying. His report was detailed, easy to read, and gave me the confidence to move forward with the purchase."
"The air quality and water testing Rusty recommended ended up finding an issue we never would have caught otherwise. That discovery alone was worth every penny. Highly recommend Carolina Property Inspections to anyone buying a home in the Columbia area."
"Used Rusty for a mobile home inspection and he knew exactly what to look for. Very knowledgeable, on time, and his report was comprehensive. Will absolutely use Carolina Property Inspections again for our next purchase."
Frequently Asked Questions About Rusty & Carolina Property Inspections
How long has Rusty been doing home inspections?
Rusty has been a professional home inspector for 7 years. Before that, he spent 24 years with the Irmo Fire District — retiring as Battalion Chief in 2017. His fire service background gives him a deep understanding of building systems that enhances every inspection he performs.
Is Rusty licensed and certified?
Yes. Rusty is an InterNACHI® Certified Inspector and holds South Carolina Home Inspector License RBI 49243. He is also an FAA Part 107 Licensed Drone Pilot and holds additional certifications in HUD mobile home inspections, indoor air quality, and well yield testing.
Where is Rusty based and what areas does he serve?
Rusty is a lifelong South Carolinian based in Lexington, SC. Carolina Property Inspections serves Columbia, Blythewood, Elgin, Lexington, Newberry, and all surrounding communities throughout Central South Carolina.
What makes Carolina Property Inspections different?
The combination of 24 years of fire service expertise and 7 years of home inspection experience sets Rusty apart. He brings a level of building systems knowledge, safety awareness, and professional discipline that most inspectors simply don't have — backed by InterNACHI® certification and a full suite of specialty services.
What specialty services does Rusty offer?
Carolina Property Inspections offers indoor air quality testing, water quality testing, well yield test inspections, HUD mobile home inspections, FAA drone roof inspections, and general home inspections — covering virtually every property type and inspection need in Central South Carolina.
How do I schedule an inspection with Rusty?
Call or text 803-609-1003 or use our contact form. Rusty personally handles every inspection and is available to answer questions before, during, and after your inspection appointment.
Based in Lexington, Serving All of Central South Carolina
Carolina Property Inspections is based in Lexington, SC and proudly serves Columbia and surrounding communities throughout Central South Carolina.
Home Inspections Across Central South Carolina
Carolina Property Inspections proudly serves Columbia and surrounding communities throughout Central South Carolina.
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24 years of fire service expertise • 7 years of home inspection experience • InterNACHI® Certified • SC License RBI 49243