home inspectors atlanta: Atlanta 2013: Expect another great year in metro Atlanta real estate - 02/09/13 11:56 PM

Cleve Gaddis of Gaddis Partners Real Estate Services wraps up the Georgia Association of Home Inspectors (GAHI), annual conference with his insightful market report.
With a strong demand and super low inventory, homes will be on the market for only a short time. The percentage of New construction homes is ticking up and so is the price of existing homes. Refinancing is still available for folks and you don't have to prove your house is underwater. 
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home inspectors atlanta: Inspector on the Loose Inside a Theme Park - 01/04/12 02:38 PM
I recently enjoyed some fun in the sun over the holidays in central Florida. I really tried to leave my inspector hat at home and enjoy time with my family, however, the lines for some of the rides forced me to slow down and observe my surroundings. 
Trying not to be too critical of things and knowing that the chances of some type of mechanical mishap while I was there were between slim & none, I could not help but notice a few things. 
This picture shows a square shaped concrete footing or "footer" as some refer to it. This footing was … (5 comments)

home inspectors atlanta: For a Toilet Tank Surprise, Inspector Should Opt to "Lift the Lid" - 11/07/11 08:38 AM
It's just part of the inspection routine to inspect the insides of toilet tanks. Typical findings include plumes of rust and corrosion on the tank bolts or some type of a jerry-rigged link between a flushing handle and a flapper.
While in the home stretch on this inspection, which was clean vacant home, I found this little guy or girl. Which sex it was I'm not qualified to determine. This GA gray tree frog did not move a muscle. I hope the new owners leave him alone. The little cut-out in the back of the tank allows it to come and go with the lid on.

If … (9 comments)

home inspectors atlanta: Edict Issued by the Former Ruler of the Home - 05/06/11 05:11 PM
Former home of heavy chain smokers with at least one child living there. Reusable filters, unfortunately, have to be washed once a month. Not every 3 months as this guy reasoned. This one was never cleaned anyway. Black tar coats the filter.

 
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home inspectors atlanta: Who should be taking the lead for educating first-time homebuyers? - 12/26/10 06:17 AM
This is an informal poll. Opinions appreciated. I was just finishing up a home inspection on a new construction home a few days before Christmas. A young couple walked up to the on-site builder and asked him if they could take a look at a home across the street.
Since my job was complete, I seized the opportunity to walk up to them and introduce myself.  I told them I was in the neighborhood for a client who hired me to inspect their new home.  The young woman's reply was: "I didn't realize you need to get a new home inspected." 
I am certain that today … (44 comments)

home inspectors atlanta: Inspection Report Lives - 10/29/10 07:05 AM
Any past client or Realtor who has ever received an on-line inspection report from me can access it if they wish to via a secure password protected website.  This is true for all home reports over the past 7 years.
My observation is is that once the transaction is complete, few return to review it.  It could be a useful reference to review the past recommendations for repairs and maintenance.
If you have questions about home inspections or reports, contact Atlanta Home Inspector Hank Spinnler:
Harmony Home Inspection Serviceswww.HarmonyInspection.comCell 770-235-5793Fax 1-888-351-6229hankspinnler@gmail.com ASHI Certified Inspector #243308ICC Residential Combination Inspector #5228491-R5NEHA/NRPP Radon Measurement Provider #103595RT Look me up if you "Like" me on www.facebook.com … (2 comments)

home inspectors atlanta: How long does a water heater last? - 07/25/10 04:22 AM
According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the average life of a tank type water heater is 10 years for a gas-fueled and 11 years for an electric tank water heater.  Visit the link for the complete report on water heaterrs as well as other appliances and house components: http://www.nahb.org/fileUpload_details.aspx?contentID=99359 
In my property inspecting experience, I have seen them last from only 5 years to one working unit which was almost 40 years old!
In this case, this pair of 20 year old Rheem units died years ago.  You should have seen the mold in the basement of this vacant home! 

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home inspectors atlanta: Where was this picture of electrical wiring taken? - 06/19/10 07:59 AM

Miles of electrical wiring circa 1940's. Hint: It's not located onshore.
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home inspectors atlanta: Special Incentives for Gwinnett County GA Home Buyers - 05/22/10 05:18 PM
Here's information on brand new incentives for Gwinnett County GA home buyers.  Looks like the best thing since the expiration of the tax credit:  http://www.letsdobusinessgwinnett.com/homebuyers.html
This program applies if you plan to purchase a home in Gwinnett county portions of Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Hoschton, Grayson, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Norcross, Snellville, Sugar Hill, or Suwanee.
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home inspectors atlanta: "Ready to Navigate" - 02/15/10 01:50 PM
So are you "Ready to Navigate" despite life's uncertainties?  That's more or less what this photo symbolizes to me.  What does it mean to you?

Quick Background: I had just completed a home inspection early evening last Friday and was uncertain about what lied ahead for me as I embarked on my way home.  A decent snowstorm in Georgia is rare and I have not seen one like this since "Snow Jam '93".  LOL
Despite some drivers with their blinking "I'm an Idiot" hazard lights on, (it does not take much of anything falling from the sky for people to put them on), the only … (4 comments)