There is plenty to do when buying a Atlanta home and now you may be wondering if you really need a home inspection.  Most real estate professionals will tell you that  a good home inspection is the best investment you can make when evaluating a purchase.  Only a thorough Home Inspection can give you the information that you absolutely need!  And only a qualified Home Inspector can tell you the true condition of the property, the structure, the roof, the electrical, the plumbing, HVAC and major appliances. Georgia State Inspections wants to help make the home buying process a little easier.  We have put together information about the Home Inspection Process that will make this aspect of buying your next home a piece of cake.

What Is A Home Inspection?

A Home Inspection is a visual inspection of a home made by a certified home inspector who is trained and has experience in evaluating all the component features in a home, and who is able to give a clear and accurate picture of the condition of these components. It is important to remember that a Home Inspection is basically visual in nature, with no intrusive drilling or digging performed. When you and your Home Inspector have completed the Home Inspection, the house must be in the same (or better) condition than when you first began. A professional Home Inspection is designed to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your potential purchase. You should be able to walk away from the Home Inspection knowing what your immediate major issues are (if any), and what items will need repair or maintenance in the near term.

A Home Inspection should have a distinct two-prong focus.

The primary goal is to clearly identify any significant defect that will affect your buying decision, and give you a realistic approximation of repair costs. Second, is to clearly identify any areas in need of near term repairs, or any components that are reaching the end of their useful life span.  This provides useful information when establishing your maintenance budget.

A typical Home Inspection can be separated into three distinct areas:

The Home Inspection – The actual evaluation of the property. A thorough inspection of a typical home usually takes about 3 hours, depending upon the size and condition of the home. The Report & Summary – The Home Inspection Report summarizes the condition of the house and lists details on any significant defects.  A good Home Inspector will also provide valuable information on the condition of the home’s major appliances, including the manufacturer and serial numbers for your files. Resource After The Home Inspection – A Home Inspector should be available to you after the Home Inspection to answer any questions you may have about the Home Inspection or the Home Inspection Report. This is part of the Home Inspection and you should not expect to be charged an extra fee for this.  A Home Inspector can be an invaluable resource for you long after you have moved in with referrals for contractors, advice about the property and tips on home repairs.

How to get the most out of your Home Inspection.

A little time spent in planning and preparation before the Home Inspection will help reduce your chances of worry during or after the Home Inspection.

Gather Information About The Home: Gather pertinent information about the home that may be useful to the Inspector.  These items could include the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Data sheet, which gives the square footage of the house, the year it was built, and other important information; a copy of the Seller’s Disclosure Statement, which can be helpful when trying to establish historical continuity; copies of any previous Home Inspections; and any other useful information you may have. The more information that your Home Inspector has about the property, the more thorough your Home Inspection Report will be.

Prepare Questions: Make a list of any questions or concerns you have about the house based upon your initial visit(s).  Are you planning to remodel after you move in?  Share your questions and concerns with your Inspector.  The purpose of the Home Inspection is not only to identify potential defects, but also to answer questions you may have about the operation and maintenance of the components in the house.

Pad And Pencil: Be sure to bring something to take notes with.  Your inspector will likely share valuable insights into the workings of your home which may be worth noting.  You may also wish to record measurement of room sizes, floor layout, lot layout, etc.

Consider Optional Testing: In addition to a general Home Inspection, you should be aware that optional testing is often desirable.  Radon Testing, Air Quality Testing, Pest Inspections, Lead Paint Testing, Asbestos Testing, etc., are several of the more commonly requested additional tests.  Most Home Inspectors should be able to coordinate any additional testing for you.  Be sure to contact your Home Inspector in advance, so he can prepare and coordinate the additional tests.

What If You Can’t Be Present For The Inspection?Obviously, being able to walk through the house and talk face-to-face with the Home Inspector is the best option.  However, there are many times when a buyer cannot be present for the Home Inspection or have a representative join the Home Inspector.  When this happens, speak to your Home Inspector and convey any specific questions or concerns you have.

Talk to your Home Inspector after the Home Inspection:Your Home Inspector will be able to review his notes with you and summarize any major issues or potentially significant defects (if any), and what areas are in need of near term maintenance.  This first-hand information is very valuable in giving you a clear account of your home and its components. Remember, this is your home inspection! This is the time for you and your Home Inspector to thoroughly assess every aspect of the house and discuss the true condition of your future investment.

Call GSI Home Inspections at 404.514.7457 to schedule your Metro Atlanta home inspection.  InfraRed Imaging is used in all of our home inspections to help you learn if your home is energy efficient.