Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What will the inspection cover?
The inspection covers all the major systems (electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, water heater, gas appliances) and structural components (roof, attic, exterior, interior, foundation, basement, crawlspace, deck) of your prospective home. A detailed report with digital color photographs will be created for your use. The report is an easy-to-follow and readable report, not a checklist-type report. Reports are generally 35 to 40 pages.
How long will the inspection take?
The time will vary depending on the size, age, and condition of the house. For most homes, four hours is typical. Larger homes and houses in poor condition will take longer.
How much will it cost?
The standard price for a smaller home is $250. The price increases with size. Also, there are additional costs for crawlspaces and for homes over 25 years old. Please call us for a quote.
How do I choose a Home Inspector?
Because the State of Georgia does not certify home inspectors, you are wise to ask questions. Your inspector obviously must have the proper knowledge and skill. Additionally, you will want a home inspector who is certified by one of the major trade associations – American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or Georgia Association of Home Inspectors (GAHI). These organizations each have a published Code of Ethics and require their inspectors to maintain and improve their knowledge through continuing education. Some home inspectors have certifications with the International Code Council (ICC). The ICC writes the residential building code used by the State of Georgia and by all 159 counties in Georgia. A few home inspectors are also registered Professional Engineers. Your inspector, Bill Johnson, is an Associate Member of ASHI, a Professional Engineer in Georgia (PE#11259), and a certified ICC Residential Building Inspector. He completes far more than the required continuing education hours each year.
What is the overall process of requesting and receiving a home inspection report?
- You sign an agreement with 20/20 Home Inspections so that you will know exactly what your inspection will or will not cover. This agreement can be signed at the time of the inspection.
- You or your real estate agent will confirm that all utilities are on so that an inspection date and time can be scheduled. If the home is occupied, the inhabitants must be notified.
- The inspector must be provided access to the house – the agent meets him there, key, lockbox combination, or Supra key CBS code.
- The Home Inspector performs the inspection. The client is encouraged to join the inspector for the last hour of the inspection – seeing is much better than reading a report.
- The report is generated and edited, and pictures are inserted. Generally, the report is ready by the next morning.
- A .pdf copy of the report is e-mailed to you and to your real estate agent. This is to allow you to meet your Due Diligence deadline with the lender.
- About a week later (after you have had time to read the report and to ask questions) a final color copy is mailed to you in a ring binder notebook, along with additional information.
Should I be present during the inspection?
Yes, you are encouraged to be present during the final hour of the inspection so that the inspector can explain what he has seen, and so that you can ask questions. This will also help you to understand what items are high priority and which items are routine.
What if I have questions?
You are encouraged to call with questions at any time.
Will the Home Inspector fix the problems he finds?
No, the Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) prohibits its members from doing any repair work on homes they inspect. This assures that the inspector will have no conflict of interest.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept personal checks, cashiers checks, and cash.
