DUFFY Buyer Resource

Hire an Inspector

Hire an Inspector: Suggested Inspection List & How to Hire an Inspector

Email buyers@duffyatl.com with the date and time of your inspection.

Choosing Your Inspector:

CLEVER TIP:  First, please confirm the Inspection Company you choose will warranty their inspection and will be paying the costs for any repairs that they did not uncover.  This is a RARE stand that inspection companies don’t offer. At the writing of this document, Residential Inspector offers up to $100,000.00 in protection.  The question is protection of what?  Please check.

Second, please verify that they have general liability insurance because if they damage the home while inspecting it, you, the Buyer, will be responsible for the repairs.  In this case, you will return to the Inspector to get the damages paid.

Make sure that they send you their warranty and general liability insurance binder by email.  

*****Provide your inspector with the Property Disclosure if one has been provided by the seller. You should also have this with you during the inspection.

DUFFY’s Preferred Inspector:

Residential Inspector  
770.476.4963

https://www.residentialinspector.com

Additional Inspections List You May Want to Consider, Ask Your Inspection Company

 Home inspection on New or Resale 

  •  Structural
  • Stucco
  • Siding
  • Radon
  • Waterproofing
  • Lead-Based Paint
  • Pool and Spa
  • Asbestos
  • Termite
  •  Landscape Engineer (drainage).  Exterior water drainage, rotten wood, deck, patio, walkways, porches, driveway
  • Landscaping, shrubs, plants, trees, weeds, and dead plants
  •  Fences, gates, retaining walls, pool, and hot tub
  • Renovations, remodeling, and additions, with and without permits
  • Electrical System
  • Megan’s Law for Sex Offenders
  • Septic Tank and Lines
  • Perk Test
  • Flood
  • Survey
  • UREA formaldehyde foam
  •  Polybutylene pipe
  •  HVAC units
  • Well and Water test
  • Utility bills
  • Infestations, i.e., rats, bats in the attic, bed bugs, roaches, ants
  • E. coli (if near pasture)
  • Roof and Attic
  • Exterior water drainage
  • Rental – tenants; verify leases, security deposit, and maintenance log
  • School ratings verify the current school district
  • Title Insurance – www.gsccca.org
  • Drive to work
  • Storage space, closet space
  • Nearby zoning matters
  • HOA/Condo CCRs, easements
  • Home service contracts, security systems, exterior cameras, wireless doorbell
  • Landscaping, pool maintenance
  •  Review the insurance Clue Report.
  •  Inquire about previous animals on the property
  •  Check FEMA for flood zone and drainage issues
  • Ask to see recent receipts for repairs to the home

CLEVER TIP:  The whole point of this property inspection checklist is to become more confident in your home purchase.  The more you inspect, the more you become certain.  

Step 5 of the Protection Timeline offers a lot of certainty tips.

We appreciate you and your referrals.  Thank you for trusting DUFFY.

Return to Buyer Dashboard

Contractor playbook

What most buyers do vs. how a DUFFY buyer handles it.

Most buyers ask for a verbal or vague text estimate.

DUFFY buyers demand a formal itemized PDF quote broken down by labor, materials, scope, and timing.

A formal PDF estimate can support your Amendment to Address Defects and gives the seller less room to argue the price.

Most buyers use a contractor suggested by the seller or listing agent.

DUFFY buyers hire an independent professional from the DUFFY Preferred Vendor Shortlist.

The seller's contractor has incentive to make the repair sound cheap and minor. Your contractor protects your equity.

Most buyers agree to a massive upfront deposit just to get an estimate on paper.

DUFFY buyers work with reputable trades who provide free or low-cost diagnostic quotes for pending buyers.

This keeps your out-of-pocket cash protected before you officially own the home.