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What to expect from the Atlanta Home Inspector on inspection day.

By
Home Inspector with IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581

Atlanta Home Inspector still walks most roofs when doing a home inspection.

When I arrive at your home for your home inspection, I'll begin by carefully taking a look at the exterior of the property.  All exterior features of the property will be inspected including driveways, drainage systems, and grading.  The entire roof will be inspected along with chimneys, skylights, vent pipes and gutters.  You would be amazed at how many inspectors don't walk the roof anymore. 

Next is the interior. I'll usually work through the home in a logical sequence, one room at a time and one floor at a time.  All general wall and floor finish conditions will be noted throughout the home.  Appliances and bath fixtures will all be tested as will all electrical outlets, windows and doors.  If you requested a Septic System test, sufficient water will be run through the plumbing system to place a load on the septic tank and a dye will be added to the water.  ThiAtlanta Home Inspector inspects the electrical system.s will be done while the interior inspection is taking place.

Once the detailed interior and exterior checks are completed, I'll perform an thorough evaluation of the plumbing, electrical, and heating/cooling systems of the property along with checking all components of your home.

 

Finally, I'll perform any additional inspections and tests, Radon, you may have ordered.  I actually preform a 48 hour Radon test where the monitor is set up and checks for radon continuously for a 48 hour period.  I will discuss the Atlanta Home Inspector answers any and all questions.report with you and answer any questions you may have (and it doesn't matter how young or old you are) and address any concerns I have, or anything that is of a safety concern.  The entire inspection should take no longer than five hours (depending on the size of the house).  Most are less than four.  However, situations vary with each property. After that your report will be completed within 48 hours and you will be able to download it right off of the internet complete with your full color pictures.

 

  I Encourage You to Participate in the Inspection Process. It's a great opportunity to learn about your property and its important features.  During the inspection, I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.  You'll be surprised at what you'll learn and being present for the inspection will help you visualize all the iteDavid Lelak, an Atlanta Home Inspectorms in the report.

My name is David Lelak, and I'm the owner/inspector of IHI Home Inspections and as a specially trained and certified home inspector, my job is to look out for YOUR best interest! You and your family's safety are my first priority... I will inspect your investment, whether you're buying or selling, as if I were making the investment myself. 

Thank you for trusting me with your families safety and one of your most important assets.

 

Diane & Bob Arenholz
William RAVEIS Realty - Yorktown Heights, NY
Covering all of Westchester County, NY

Question - If a house has a basement, would there be any reason that an inspector would perform the radon test on the first floor?

Jul 07, 2008 01:44 PM
Atlanta's Home Inspector, David Lelak IHI Home Inspections
IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581 - Canton, GA
Experience the IHI Difference

When I went through training, I was taught to perform the test on the lowest livable area.  If a basement could be finshed then that is where I would run the test at.  Hope this helps. Have a great week.

 

Jul 07, 2008 03:26 PM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

Good post David... I test for radon in an unfinished basement because sooner or later, it will be finished out...

Jul 07, 2008 08:47 PM
Kevin Corsa
H.I.S. Home Inspections (Summit, Stark Counties) - Canton, OH
H.I.S. Home Inspections, Stark & Summit County, OH Home Inspector

I have wondered about that as well. If the basement is NOT finished when the test is performed, why test there?

Jul 07, 2008 11:56 PM
Darren Miller
About The House - Succasunna, NJ

Here's a thought to ponder.

If a basement is already finished, that's where the test should be conducted. If the basement is not finished, then you have think about the situation. Is the ceiling height more than 7 feet? Can the basement be finished if 'properly permitted'?

I had this situation recently. A seller called because they needed to conduct a re-test; their buyers inspector conducted a test in the basement and the results were about 4.5. When I got to the house, I walked in the basement and had to duck; the ceiling height was only 6'2" at it's highest point; with ducts and pipes, it was difficult to stand up in. I called the state radon office, explained the situation, read the current building code and they agreeded, this basement cannot 'easily' be turned into a living space, therefore, the test needed to be conducted on the 1st floor.

Think and plan ahead; it makes you look sharp and could save you and your client headaches in the long run.

Jul 08, 2008 03:42 AM
Atlanta's Home Inspector, David Lelak IHI Home Inspections
IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581 - Canton, GA
Experience the IHI Difference

Michael, I also run the test, every chance I get, radon kills and I don't want it to be any of my clients. 

Jul 08, 2008 06:52 AM
Atlanta's Home Inspector, David Lelak IHI Home Inspections
IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581 - Canton, GA
Experience the IHI Difference

Darren, thanks for the great information and to be honest that is something that I had not thought about, but makes logical sense and will now keep it at the forefront of my mind.  Have a great week.

 

Kevin, now we have several thoughts to ponder about where to test as you can see from the comments.  Have a great week.

Jul 08, 2008 06:56 AM