Abide-Able Home

What is a "Home Inspection"?
Why do I need a home inspection?
Does a newly constructed home need an inspection?
How long will the inspection take?
Can't I do it myself?
Do I have to be there with the inspector?
What will it cost?
Can a house fail an inspection?
When do I call in the home inspector?
What if the report reveals problems?
Will you fix the problems you find during the Inspection?
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?

What is a "Home Inspection"?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. My emphasis is on identifying existing or potential problems that will affect your buying decision.
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Why do I need a home inspection?
A home purchase is a huge investment whether you are buying a $150,000 or $1,500,000 home. You should learn as much as possible about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy. This way you can avoid costly repairs and unpleasant surprises. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase. If you are already a homeowner, an inspection may identify problems in the making and point out preventive actions to avoid more costly repairs later. If you are selling your home, an inspection should point out issues the buyers' inspector might report. Finding them early will allow you to address them before listing your home, making for a faster and smoother sale.
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Does a newly constructed home need an inspection?
Absolutely. A professional inspection of a new home is important. I can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct.
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How long will the inspection take?
For most homes, I take about 4 hours to inspect the property. I take longer in very large homes or homes in poor condition. As I said in another part of this site, the inspection takes as long as it takes. This is why I usually do the inspection alone. You don't want to follow me around all day in the cold or heat or rain, do you? The final walk through with you usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. We're finished when you and I are satisfied that I have performed the inspection you hired me to perform.
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Can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge, training, and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. He or she understands how the home's systems and components function together, as well as how and why they fail. Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. Often, buyers are excited about a home's location, neighborhood or school districts and an objective, unbiased home inspection is needed to identify potential red flags and telltale clues about a home's condition.
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Do I have to be there with the inspector?
You do not have to be there for the entire inspection. I recommend you show up 3 - 3 1/2 hours after I start the inspection. I know few people who want to forfeit their entire day following a home inspector. When I finish the inspection process, I will walk you through the property and point out deficiencies and maintenance requirements. This approach takes much less of your time and energy, but it give you a good understanding of what to expect in the inspection report. It is also a valuable learning experience for most people.
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What will it cost?
Prices vary. I calculate my prices based on the square footage, type of foundation system, type of roof, age, etc. Many factors go into my calculating the price for a home inspection. . I charge more for older homes because the have longer stories to tell, with many non-professional (homeowner) modifications. I charge a little extra if the inspection site is farther than 55 miles from my office. If you want the cheapest inspection, I'm not your guy. I do complete, thorough, quality inspections. There are plenty of inspectors around who do fast, cheap inspections. I spend more time writing and researching the report they will on the entire process. If you want that level of performance at that price, you can certainly get it here in Northwest Georgia. I think you know better. The best are never the cheapest. We don't have to be. If you want a firm quote, please call. You need to know the square footage, approximate age, whether the house is on a slab or a conventional foundation, and general location. Phone me at (678) 986-4616
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Can a house fail an inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.
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When do I call in the home inspector?
In today's "buyer's market", you might wish to schedule a WALK Consult before you sign any agreement with seller. In any case, you should schedule an inspection as soon as you can after you sign the contract or purchase agreement. Before you sign, make sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home investigation. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
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What if the report reveals problems?
My report will tell you the condition of the house, including necessary repairs. No house is perfect. If I identify problems, it is up to you (and your buyers' agent) to decide how any problems might affect your decision to purchase. You might negotiate with the seller to have deficiencies repaired before closing the deal. The seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms. In the end these decisions rest with you and your agent, and depend on what your contract offer says.
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Will you fix the problems you find during the Inspection?
No. The Code of Ethics of the National association of Certified Home Inspectors (and every other major association of home inspectors) prohibits its members from doing repair work on properties they inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the inspector. My purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party report on the condition of the home
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If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open as to the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have learned many things about your new home from my written report, and will want to keep that information for future reference.
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