Athens Home Inspector in North Georgia including Winder and Atlanta Real Estate Inspections

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Common Questions

WHAT'S IN A NAME? Ever wonder why every home inspector follows the standards of practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) but yet, some are not a member?
That's because A.S.H.I. requires the passing of the National Home Inspector Examinanation administered only at a proctored testing facility requiring identification from the person taking the exam and proof of over two hundred and fifty fee paid inspections. These inspection reports are turned over to an independent reviewing organization to ensure that they are in compliance with ASHI standards.

Every day, more and more inspection companies pop up with inspectors that look like they just started shaving. If you want to make sure that you're hiring a qualified person to inspect your home, make sure that they, personally, are a member of ASHI and have taken and passed the National Home Inspector's exam by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors. Ask to see a copy of the exam results. If they can't produce it, they never took it!

There is a relatively new organization out there that claims to be the "Largest" (call me to find out why). This organization does not require the passing of the National Home Inspector's Exam nor ANY previous fee paid inspections performed to be granted full membership (in other words, take their simple online test from home (or have someone take it for you)........finish it.....pay your member fee and THAT VERY SAME DAY, they call you their next Certified Master Home Inspector and post your name on their website and sumbit your company's name to the search engines.
If you want experience, look for the ASHI Logo. To be a member of ASHI, you have to earn it through time and experience.

A NOTE OF CAUTION WHEN IT COMES TO USING A HOME INSPECTION FRANCHISE
Home inspection franchises such as Brickkicker, Housemaster, AmeriSpect, Pillar to Post, Inspectit 1st, National Property Inspections (NPI), Home Team, ProSight, etc, may state on their brochures that they've been serving homeowners for umteen to twenty-something years. This may be true, but it doesn't necessarily mean that the inspector who bought into that franchise two or three years ago has been inspecting anywhere near that length of time. Franchises also put limitations on what cities or areas the inspector is allowed to service. Always look beyond a brochure and interview the inspector to be.

SHOULD I CHOOSE A HOME INSPECTOR THAT INCLUDES A SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION?
Home inspectors that claim to perform septic tank inspections typically just flush some dye (tablets or liquid) down the toilet and then actually have you believe it will raise awareness to a drainfield problem.

Detailed Home Inspections DOES NOT perform septic tank inspections, but we do strongly encourage hiring a professional, certified septic installer to inspect the system thoroughly BEFORE closing.

A strong word of caution, be sure the inspector you chose will pump and clean the tank. This allows for interior inspection and checking the screen filter. NOT ALL INSPECTORS PUMP THE TANK!!! Also the pumping and cleaning is customarily paid by the seller with the actual septic inspection paid by the buyer.

WHAT ABOUT THE HOME INSPECTORS WHO OFFER A "FREE TERMITE LETTER"? (The "Pick ME, Pick ME! Foot-in-the-door ploy)
A proper home inspection typically takes two to two and a half hours for an average single story three bedroom, two bath home. Add a crawlspace, basement or second story and tack on another thirty to forty five minutes to the inspection.

A thorough Wood Destroying Organism (ex: Termite) inspection can take forty five to ninety minutes.

Combination Termite/Home inspectors typically take two to two and a half hours TOTAL to inspect your prospective purchase (including the WDO inspection) Either you are getting short-changed on the WDO or the actual home inspection. Advice? Call a pest control company where the only inspection they perform is for pests.

Pay the additional $75 to $120 for a thorough inspection and clearance letter. Leave it in the hands of a reputable, full-scale, experienced pest control company who is not distracted trying to perform a home inspection at the same time! "Free Termite Letter"? That free letter just may cost you hundreds of dollars or more.

WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE?
      We follow the stringent guidelines and Inspection standards of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the Georgia Association of Home Inspectors (GAHI). The inspector typically spends 2 to 3 hours performing a thorough, visual, functional and operational inspection of the many mechanical and structural components of the home.

The inspection includes an evaluation of such important elements as: Grounds, Foundation, Structural, Crawlspace,Attics, Roofs, Plumbing, Electrical, Heating, Air Conditioning, Appliances, Windows, Doors, Interiors, etc. Additional services include items such as Pools, Sprinklers, Mold, Termites (By licensed pest control company) , Docks etc.

A detailed report in simple language you can understand that includes digital photos, will be furnished the same day of the inspection. We feel that a verbal consultation is a part of the inspection process, and we are also available for additional consultation.

CAN A HOUSE FAIL IT'S INSPECTION?
     No. A professional home inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of major repair or replacement immediately or near future.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
     We feel our primary purpose is to educate our clients so they can make informed decisions. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO ATTEND THE HOME INSPECTION. By attending, you will learn first hand about how the various components and systems of the house work together to create a safe and secure shelter for your family and where possible repairs may be done to make it even better.

IF THE HOUSE PROVES TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION, WAS THE COST OF THE INSPECTION JUSTIFIED?
     Absolutely. Now you can go forward with the purchase of your home confidently and with peace of mind. You will have a better understanding of your home and how best to schedule and budget any future repairs or renovations. The inspector's report will prove invaluable in planning and working with contractors and vendors.

WHEN DO I CALL IN THE HOME INSPECTOR?
     A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the purchase contract, specifying that your purchase obligation is contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated with respect to the findings of the inspection.

CAN'T I DO IT MYSELF?
     Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge 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. The inspector understands how the home's systems and components are intended to 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. For the most accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.

For more information on the report system, or to order an inspection call us at Toll Free at 1-877-388-3508 or 770-572-3869