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House Call Inspections is the only Metro-Atlanta Home Inspector you will ever need!
Providing Home Inspections in the counties of Gwinnett, Fulton, Dekalb, Rockdale, Cobb, Cherokee and more!
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INSPECTION FAQ
How should I choose a home inspector?
Once you’ve decided to hire a home inspector, you’ll need to decide who that inspector will be. Unless you have prior experience with an inspector, you probably don’t know any. A personal referral may be the best way to find one. If you know someone who recently bought a home, ask them if they were happy with theirs. If you are working with a real estate professional, they probably have a suggestion. If neither of these help, consider checking professional organizations. The American Society of Home Inspectors (www.ASHI.org) is the largest and most recognized professional group of home inspectors in the country. The Georgia Association of Home Inspectors (www.GAHI.com) is another, more local, professional organization of home inspectors.
Why are professional memberships important?
In Georgia, there is not a licensing requirement for home inspectors. That means anyone with a flashlight and business cards can market himself as a home inspector. As a result, a home inspector's membership in one or more professional organizations confirms that he is serious about his profession and is committed to keeping current on new concerns that come about. Membership requires much more than just paying annual dues, however. For example, in addition to several other requirements, GAHI requires 25 hours of continuing education every year. ASHI requires 20 hours. Education meetings are the best way to stay current on ever changing issues. Visit the organization's websites to learn about the other membership requirements. In the metropolitan Atlanta area, being a member of both of ASHI and GAHI is the best indication of the inspector’s commitment to their professionalism and dedication to their trade.
If I call make an appointment with House Call Inspections, who will actually be doing the inspection?
When you make an appointment with many inspection companies, you never know who will show up to do the actual inspection. Multi-inspection companies are great ways for a new inspector to get experience when first starting out. Do you want someone learning the inspection business during your inspection? With House Call Inspections, Wendell Dennison is the owner and the only employee. Since 1997, with over 4,500 inspections under his belt and the ASHI, GAHI, and ICC certifications, he has the experience you're looking for in an inspector.
How long will an inspection take?
Depending on the size and condition of the house, a thorough inspection should take at least 2.5 to 3 hours. Smaller condominiums will take less time but larger houses and those in poor condition may take longer.
An inspection sounds boring. Do I have to be there?
You certainly don't have to, but it is in your best interest to be at the inspection. I encourage you to follow me around (roof and crawl spaces are exception areas) and see the same things I see. That way, when you are reading through the written report, you’ll better understand any problems. Walking with me also allows me to put issues in perspective. Some deficinecies will be major and some minor. It's important for you to distinguish between the two.
What kind of a report do you provide and when do I get it?
The inspection report you receive is a computer-produced narrative report, usually 15-20 pages long. Digital photos are included when it helps to clarify a problem. It will be e-mailed to you later the same day of the inspection.
What if I have questions after I get the report?
I believe that being accessible is one of the keys to having a successful business. My responsibility does not end with the inspection. If you have a question, whether it's after you've read the report or after you've been in the house five years, pick up the phone and call me. Unless I'm with another client, I always answer the phone when I hear it ring. No exceptions. Day or evenings, seven days a week. Try me. If I don't hear it ring, leave me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Do you receive compensation from anyone else?
The inspection fee is my only source of compensation. Offering to have someone come in during the inspection (for a ‘home security’ check, for example) is a way for other inspectors to earn extra money without telling you. The home security company pays the inspector a referral fee in hopes of selling you their security package. Who is the inspector really committed to? Also, do they compile information on your house and pass it on to anyone else for future sales? At House Call Inspections, you are the only person we are responsible to.
My real estate agent suggested that I ask you to do my inspection. Is that ethical? Isn't there a conflict there?
If your real estate agent suggested I do the inspection on your home, it's most likely because she/he has seen my work in the past and is confident I'll do a good job for you. The market has a way of weeding out anyone who is unprofessional in their field. Since 1997, I have never had a real estate agent influence what goes in the inspection report. You are my client and the only one I am responsible to. As important as you are to me, however, my reputation is even more imprtant.
I feel confident that that my combination of experience, ongoing support, and accessibility will give you the best value for your inspection investment.
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