Having a home inspection performed before purchasing a home in Atlanta is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your investment. A thorough home inspection conducted by a qualified inspector like those at Discovering Assurance will uncover defects, safety hazards, and maintenance issues that could cost you thousands down the road. Knowing the condition of the home before you finalize the purchase can save you from expensive surprises and give you stronger negotiating power if repairs need to be made.
While the inspector does the work of examining the home’s systems, structure, and components, you play a key role in ensuring the inspection goes smoothly. Here are some tips on how to get your Atlanta home ready for the big inspection:
Declutter Before the Inspection
The inspector needs full access to all areas of the home to do their job. An excess of clutter can conceal underlying problems and make some areas difficult to navigate. Decluttering before the inspection involves:
- Removing furniture and belongings from walls so outlets, windows, baseboards, etc are accessible
- Cleaning out closets, crawl spaces, and attics so the inspector can access these areas
- Securing or removing pets that could interfere with or harm the inspector
The decluttering process might feel daunting, but it’s worth the effort to get a comprehensive assessment of your new home.
Allow Plenty of Time
Rushing an inspection can cause key things to get overlooked, so make sure to allow enough time for the inspector to thoroughly cover the home. Most single-family home inspections take 2-3 hours. Larger homes or those with many systems/add-ons may take longer. Avoid booking appointments too close together to give the inspector flexibility in timing.
Inform The Inspector Of Any Areas of Concern
Let the inspector know ahead of time if there are any issues you’re already aware of, like a leaky pipe or cracked tile. This allows them to pay special attention to these areas. Providing the inspector with as much information as possible about the home’s history can assist them in making accurate assessments.
Have All Utilities Turned On
The inspector will need access to electrical, heating, cooling, plumbing, and other home systems to determine their correct operation. Make arrangements to have all utilities activated before the inspection. Hot water and pilot lights on appliances should be turned on.
Secure Pets
Pets can impede the inspection process by distracting, frightening, or threatening the inspector. Keep dogs on leashes and confine cats and other roaming pets to one area so they don’t get underfoot or bolt out an open door. Removing very energetic or unfriendly pets from the home during the inspection may be best.
Be Present But Stay Out Of The Way
As the buyer, you’ll want to be on-site during the inspection to ask questions and learn about your new home. However, don’t follow the inspector everywhere or engage in long conversations that pull their attention away from the task at hand. Allow them to work independently and focus.
Don’t Make Repairs Before The Inspection
It’s tempting to want to make repairs, improvements, or clean up issues before the inspection, but hold off. The inspector needs to see the home’s current condition, issues, and all. Making changes could cover up problems and inhibit getting an accurate assessment.
Review Sample Reports
Ask for sample inspection reports from the inspector you choose so you’re familiar with the documentation style and can better interpret your inspection results. Understanding how issues are rated for severity and knowing general terminology for systems components makes the information easier to digest.
Choose The Right Inspector
Not all home inspectors are equal when it comes to experience and expertise. Check that your chosen inspector has proper licensing, carries errors and omissions insurance, offers to do sewer scope plumbing inspections, and uses technology like thermal imaging cameras. Read reviews and ask for referrals from recent clients. Discovering Assurance has performed thousands of home inspections in Atlanta, giving them in-depth knowledge of home construction, common defects, and how to use inspection tools. Their reports even include thermal images taken during the inspection.
Being an educated buyer is the best way to get value from your home inspection. Knowing what to expect, how to prepare the home, and hiring a trusted Atlanta inspection company sets the stage for a smooth inspection and better understanding of your prospective purchase. Let Discovering Assurance’s certified and highly trained home inspector Atlanta provide the insights you need to move forward with confidence.
Limiting distractions during the inspection helps the process stay efficient. Turn off televisions, radios, and other sources of background noise. Silence cell phones and watch children and pets so they don’t divert the inspector’s attention when they are examining a system or taking measurements. You want the inspector focused on observing every detail possible in the limited time allotted.
It’s in your best interest not to rush the inspector as they move through the home either. Allow them to work methodically without pressure to speed up. If you notice they missed checking something, politely ask them to go back rather than skipping ahead yourself. Remember, the more thorough the inspection, the more informed your buying decision will be.