General Home Inspections

Once you have found the right home and secured a contract on it, the next step is to hire a qualified general home inspector.  As your agents, we are happy to make recommendations of inspectors we have worked with before, or you are welcome to hire your own. General home inspections typically cost between $350 and $500 depending on the size and age of the home.

Your general home inspector will do a thorough review of your home's components, such as the roof, heating and air, and water heater. He or she will also do a visual review of grading, foundation, your chimney, windows, and more.  For more information on what to expect and how to hire a home inspector, check out this article on Realtor.com: Hiring a Home Inspector.

It is always a good idea for you to be at your home inspection. If you cannot be there the whole time, you should make arrangements to be there at the end, so that the inspector can give you a summary of what came up on the inspection and can answer any questions you have.  If you have any questions after the inspection, your inspector should be willing to answer questions over the phone.

Additional Inspections

During your Due Diligence period, you may also want to pursue other types of home inspections to ensure you are buying a home that you are comfortable with. Remember, the general home inspector will be very thorough, but for additional information, be prepared to run other tests and/or hire other experts.  Some of the most common types of inspections are as follows:

1. Termite

Termite inspections used to be required in Georgia by banks and other lending institutions. Now they are optional. However, it is ALWAYS a good idea to have a termite inspector check our your future home, especially if it is not under a current bond.  Termite inspections normally cost between $45 to $150.  The buyer does not have to be there for this inspection. The termite inspector will fill out an "Official Georgia Wood Infestation" report which will also include a diagram of any active or previous termite infestation, as well as some other insects that may cause damage to your home.

2. Indoor Environmental Hazards

Many clients these days are also choosing to have their future home's radon level checked. Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. according to the EPA.   If you are interested in having a test done, you should ask your home inspector if they can perform radon tests. Otherwise, talk to us about other options.

The EPA's website is filled with information on radon: http://www.epa.gov/radon/

If you would like, you can also have your home tested for lead based paint and mold. The EPA's website is also a great resource for finding out more about these potential hazards.

Lead Based Paint

Mold

3. Chimneys

Some people also opt to have a chimney sweep take a look at their home's chimney to ensure that there is no damage to the flue or any other problems that could pose fire or inhalation damage.  For more information, visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America

4. Structural Engineer

If you, or your home inspector, has any concerns about the structure or foundation of your home, or if you plan to do any major renovations, it would be a good idea to hire a structural engineer to assess the property

5. Other

If there are other items that are of concern to you, please bring it to your attention so we can help you seek out an expert to assess the situation.