Finding the Right Atlanta Home Inspectors Professionals for Your Property
Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Having a professional home inspection before closing on a property can potentially save you thousands of dollars down the road by identifying issues early. But not all home inspectors are created equal. Finding a knowledgeable and experienced Atlanta home inspector is key to ensuring you receive a thorough evaluation. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right Atlanta home inspection pros for your next Atlanta area property purchase.
Do Your Research to Find Candidates
Start your search for home inspectors by asking friends, family, real estate agents, and other professionals for recommendations of inspectors they’ve used and trusted in the past. Online reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, and Angie’s List can also provide insight into a company’s reputation.
Once you have a list of potential candidates, visit their websites to learn about their credentials, services, and areas of expertise. Look for an inspector who has extensive experience specifically with residential properties in Atlanta. They should be familiar with common issues in local homes related to age, weather, pests, construction materials, and more.
Verify that the inspector carries errors and omissions insurance as well as any professional certifications from organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). This helps ensure they work to established standards of competency and ethics.
Interview Candidates Before Making a Decision
Once you’ve identified three to five potential Atlanta home inspection companies, take the next step to interview them over the phone or in person. This allows you to get a feel for their customer service, communication skills, inspection approach, and knowledge. Come prepared with a list of questions to ask each candidate, such as:
- How long have you been performing home inspections in Atlanta? Do you focus specifically on residential properties?
- What does your typical home inspection process look like?
- What inspection standards and guidelines do you follow? Are you certified through any organizations?
- What systems, areas, and components are included in your inspections? What do you look at beyond the basics?
- Do you provide a written inspection report with photos at the end of the inspection? How soon is it delivered?
- What types of additional testing can you perform beyond a visual inspection if needed (mold, radon, water quality, etc.)?
- Do you offer any warranty or guarantee on your inspection services?
- Can you provide 2-3 references from recent clients?
Their responses will reveal if they have the right level of experience you’re looking for and can perform a comprehensive inspection tailored to the property. Make sure you feel comfortable communicating with them as well, since a good inspector will keep you informed throughout the process.
Compare Multiple Quotes
Cost should not be the sole determining factor, but comparing quotes from qualified candidates can help narrow your selection. Make sure the scope of services is the same when comparing costs. The typical range for a professional Atlanta home inspection depending on the size and age of the property. Additional testing for things like mold or termites will incur extra fees.
Ask about any upfront fees, discounts for combined inspections, and whether travel fees apply if the property is outside their normal service area. Get a written quote from all candidates outlining exactly what is included so you can accurately compare.
Check for Problems with Licensing and Disciplinary History
Before making a final decision, perform due diligence by checking for any issues with the inspector’s licenses or disciplinary history. In Georgia, home inspectors must be licensed as either a Residential Associate Home Inspector, Residential Master Home Inspector, or Certified Master Inspector.
Look up the inspector on the Georgia Inspection Board website to verify active licensure status. You can also call the Board to check for any disciplinary complaints or violations against the inspector that might be cause for concern.
Schedule the Inspection As Soon As Possible
Once you’ve found the Atlanta home inspector that best fits your needs, schedule the inspection as soon as possible while under contract. This prevents any delays in closing. The inspection typically takes 2-4 hours for a standard single family home depending on size and age. Older homes or those with additional structures like garages may take longer.
The inspector will do a comprehensive top to bottom examination of the home’s major systems, interior and exterior components, as well as site conditions. You’ll want to attend so they can point out issues and explain their significance. Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions! It’s also wise to get the inspection before the end of your option period so any major defects found can be negotiated with the seller.
Ask About Any Issues Uncovered
A good home inspector will take time after the inspection to thoroughly review all findings with you. They should outline the condition of each area and system inspected, noting any recommended repairs, replacements, or further evaluation needed by specialists. Review the full written report together and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any issues you have concerns or questions about.
Make sure you understand the implication of all defects found, which ones require immediate repair, and which are less pressing but still require future attention. Obtain quotes for repair costs as needed. This allows you to make an informed decision on moving forward with the home purchase.
Hire Specialists for Further Testing If Needed
Based on the initial inspection, your chosen home inspector may recommend involving other specialists for additional testing or evaluation of specific issues. For example, they may suggest calling:
- A structural engineer if major foundation cracks are found.
- A roofer to inspect roof and attic conditions.
- A plumber for scoping sewer and drain lines when older pipes exist.
- An electrician to assess the electrical panel, wiring, and outlets.
- A mold inspector if moisture issues are found.
- A termite inspector if the property isn’t already under a termite bond.
Rely on your home inspector to provide referrals to qualified specialists they network with in these various trades. This ensures you get quality assistance for further analysis of any areas of uncertainty uncovered in the inspection.
Ask About Any Post-Inspection Guarantees
A reputable home inspector wants you to feel assured in your purchase decision. Some inspection companies therefore offer guarantees should any significant defects go unnoted in the inspection report. Ask your chosen inspector if they guarantee their inspection results and offer any kind of warranty or protection should problems arise with major systems or appliances shortly after closing. This provides peace of mind and financial recourse.
Post-inspection guarantees are typically good for 90 days up to a full year after the inspection. They cover repairs of large defects the inspector should have spotted but missed. Make sure you understand any limitations and document the guarantee in writing.
Follow the Inspector’s Maintenance Recommendations
A high-quality home inspection report doesn’t just identify existing problems. It also outlines recommendations for appropriate maintenance and improvements to keep systems functioning smoothly. These preventive actions reduce the risk of costly repairs down the road.
Be sure to follow the inspector’s advice on things like:
- Replacing air filters for HVAC systems.
- Clearing debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Regrouting tiles in bathrooms.
- Sealing walkways and driveways.
- Trimming back vegetation touching the house.
Your inspector has insider knowledge about Atlanta homes. Following their maintenance guidance helps your property stay in peak condition for years to come.
Be Prepared to Negotiate Repairs with the Seller
Unless you’re buying a brand new construction home, some defects are inevitable on any resale property. Use the documented inspection results to negotiate with the seller for repair cost credits or a lower purchase price.
Focus first on addressing any major safety issues, roofing problems, pest infestations, or critical foundation and structural defects. Also negotiate on significant repairs costing over $500. Be reasonable – no home is perfect. Allow the seller to make repairs prior to closing when possible.
If negotiations fail and major issues exist, you may choose to walk away and receive your earnest money deposit back, especially if defects go undisclosed by the seller. Having a proper home inspection protects your interests as the buyer.
Finding the Right Inspector Saves You Time and Money
Purchasing real estate in the Atlanta area is a major investment. Protect yourself by using an experienced, certified home inspector to uncover any hidden defects that could cost you dearly down the road. Taking the time to thoroughly research inspectors, compare multiple quotes, and vet credentials ensures you find the right fit.
Partnering with a knowledgeable inspector improves your chances getting a fair price adjusted for any repairs needed. It also keeps you from buying into surprises needing expensive fixes later on. Don’t skip this important step in your Atlanta home buying journey. Schedule a professional inspection as soon as your offer gets accepted!
