services

The Residential Inspector of America offers a variety of inspection services to meet your specific needs.

Remember we are available to come back after any inspection at a reduced rate to check to make sure repairs were made! Learn more about reinspects!

Services may vary by location.

Services Offered

The Inspection Report

After the inspection, we produce an on-site computer generated, 17+ page report for the complete home inspection.  Stucco inspection reports are usually 8-9 pages, and Construction Phase reports are about 10 pages in length.  The report includes a detailed analysis of the home, digital photographs for visual display of significant problem areas (upon request of the client), and homeowner maintenance tips.  Radon reports are ready 48 hours after beginning the test, and mold analysis is generally ready 5 business days after the sample is taken.  Additional copies of the report can be faxed or emailed at no extra charge.

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Complete Home Inspections

A complete home inspection is conducted upon completion of the home, and is generally before the contract between buyer and seller is finalized.  On new construction, it is recommended that the inspection be conducted just before the walk-through with the builder.  Each of our inspections comes with a 90 day warranty.  Our inspector, armed with the most advanced inspecting equipment, performs a complete structural and mechanical analysis, carefully inspecting each of the following:

Exterior: siding, trim, exterior doors, windows, gutters, downspouts, deck, landings, sidewalks, driveway, chimney, crawl space, foundation, roof

Interior: interior doors, floors, walls, ceilings, windows, kitchen appliances, attic, attic ventilation, attic insulation, basement structure, foundation

Plumbing: hot water heater, piping, venting, toilets, tubs, showers, sinks

Electrical: main service cable, service rating, main panel box, main disconnect, all wiring, wall outlets, GFCIs, light fixtures, switches

HVAC: heating unit, cooling unit, supply and return ducts, room registers, returns

Our inspections are conducted according to the ASHI Standards of Practice.

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Stucco Inspections

The exterior stucco on all homes is either hardcoat or synthetic.  Both types of stucco have the ability to retain water and cause moisture levels to be 30% or higher beneath the surface of the stucco.  Synthetic stucco experiences more problems than hardcoat due to consistent improper installation by synthetic stucco installers.  Our inspectors use Moisture  Scanners and probe meters to determine the moisture level present beneath the surface of the exterior, and can tell you whether or not the stucco poses a threat to the life of your home.  Our inspectors can also tell you how to maintain and care for your stucco.  For more information on synthetic stucco, please see Homebuyer/Seller Issues.

When you have a stucco inspection conducted by RIA, you also have the option to purchase a warranty from Moisture Free Warranty.  Moisture Free Warranty gives you peace of mind knowing that your home is protected against moisture intrusion.  To learn more about the Moisture Free Warranty, visit their website at www.moisturewarranty.com.  If you would like to purchase a warranty, let us know when you book your inspection, or let the stucco inspector know on-site.

To learn about the Dryvit stucco settlement, click here.

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Construction Phase Inspections

Are you building a custom home and want to make sure it is being built correctly right from the start?  The Residential Inspector performs inspections during the framing stage of the home building process.  The framing stage takes place just before the drywall is installed in the home.  A construction phase inspection is a structural analysis ascertaining that all load bearing and framing components were properly installed.  The inspection certifies that the home is structurally sound and compliant with building code standards.  The process also includes an examination of the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins for code compliance.  The report for the construction phase inspection includes code numbers for your reference.  To see a list of the 50 most common problems found with new home construction, Click Here.

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One Year Warranty Inspection

The sale of a home typically includes a one year warranty in which the builder will correct any problems encountered within the first year of ownership of a new home.  It is wise to have an inspection conducted shortly before the one year warranty expires, so you will know what to have the builder correct.  Don't get stuck with those home maintenance bills later!  Have your home inspected before the warranty runs out.  To see a list of the 50 most common problems found with new home construction, Click Here

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Light Commercial Inspections

Light commercial inspections are a general overview of all the major systems and components present in the building including the structure, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, exterior and interior (similar to the regular inspection).  The Standard Building Code is used to conduct the inspection on newer buildings.  Light commercial inspections include low-rise office complexes, apartment complexes, investment properties, restaurants, warehouses, etc.

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Radon Gas Testing

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends radon testing on the sale of all new or old homes.  Radon is a deadly gas emitted from decaying Uranium and enters a house through small cracks and openings.  Radon is especially high among areas when granite is present, and Atlanta sits upon a large reserve of granite.  The Residential Inspector of America conducts a 48 hour radon test.  We leave a continuous monitor in the house, and return two days later to pick it up.  Results of the radon test are ready shortly thereafter. For more information on radon gas, please see Homebuyer/Seller Issues.

Click here for information on interpreting your radon results.

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Toxic Mold & Indoor Air Quality Testing

Recent medical studies show that mold is one of the most common causes of allergic symptoms and certain types of mold can cause fatal disorders.  The presence of mold, fungus and mildew can create a health hazard in a home, and homes should be tested to determine the type of mold growing in a home.  Our inspectors can perform swab, air and carpet samples to determine the type of mold and the amount of mold growing in the home.  The samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis and the results are generally available in five business days.  It is also important to understand why mold is growing in a home.  Our inspectors can tell you possible reasons why the home is experiencing a problem with mold growth and what repairs are needed to eliminate mold growth in the home.  For more information on mold, please see Home Maintenance.

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Reinspections

Once you have a home inspection done, we are available to come back at a reduced rate to make sure repairs were properly made.  This helps you to ascertain that items noted in the inspection report were repaired correctly and according to current codes.  Reinspections help you to further protect your investment and your home from future damage resulting from improper repairs.

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Pool/Spa Inspections

We also have certified inspectors (CPO - Certified Pool Operator) on staff able to complete pool/spa inspections according to CREIA standards.  The inspection includes an analysis of the exterior of the pool, the pool shell/coping, pool equipment including the heater, pump, filter, and electrical components.  A separate report is given to the client for the pool/spa inspection which includes tips and maintenance suggestions for the pool.

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Termite Letters, Termite Treatment and Pest Control Services

The Residential Inspector of America welcomes new business partners Robert Williamson (DCO) and Randy Peal (Realtor Services Specialist) to our family as they open the doors to a new division of The Residential Inspector - RIA Termite and Pest Control Solutions.  Together they have over 20 years of professional experience in customer and Real Estate care.  Robert and Randy look forward to serving all of your pest related needs.

RIA inspectors are able to write termite letters at the time of the inspection for buyers and/or sellers.  If a home is found to have a problem, our sister company, RIA Termite and Pest Control Solutions can provide a wide variety of treatment options for termite and pest control problems.

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