Do Home Inspections Include Code Compliance Checks in Georgia?

Buying a home in Georgia—whether in Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, or anywhere in the Atlanta metro—means you’ll likely schedule a professional home inspection before closing. One of the most common questions I hear as a certified inspector is: “Does a home inspection include checking for building code compliance?”

It’s a fair question, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as most buyers expect. Many people assume inspectors are code enforcers, but the reality is that Georgia home inspections operate under a very different set of standards. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how inspections differ from code enforcement, what role building codes play during an inspection, and what Georgia homeowners and buyers should expect when it comes to code-related issues.

Understanding the Purpose of a Home Inspection

A home inspection is an objective, visual evaluation of a property’s systems, structure, and overall condition. It’s not a pass-or-fail exam, and it’s not designed to enforce city or county codes.

Instead, inspections focus on identifying:

• Safety concerns (exposed wiring, missing handrails, gas leaks)

• Structural issues (foundation cracks, roof damage, sagging floors)

• Deferred maintenance (HVAC overdue for servicing, water heater leaks, clogged gutters)

• Functional problems (doors not latching, windows stuck shut, sump pumps not working)

Building codes, by contrast, are legal minimum standards adopted by Georgia jurisdictions and enforced by municipal code officials during construction or renovation. Inspectors do not have the authority to enforce codes or “fail” a house based on them.

Why Home Inspections Aren’t Code Compliance Checks

Here’s the key distinction:

• Code Inspectors (Municipal/County Officials)

  
  

  • Enforce building codes

  • Perform inspections during construction, remodeling, or permitting

  • Can stop work or issue fines if standards aren’t met

• 
  

• Home Inspectors (Like Reynolds Home and Property Solutions)

  
  

  • Evaluate condition and safety of existing homes

  • Identify defects and recommend repairs or further evaluation

  • Provide clients with an informative report—not a code certificate

• 
  

The Georgia Association of Home Inspectors (GAHI) and InterNACHI standards of practice explicitly state that inspections do not determine code compliance.

That said, good inspectors understand building codes and often reference them indirectly. For example, I might note that a stair railing is too low or baluster spacing is unsafe. I won’t cite the specific 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) section, but I’ll explain that it doesn’t meet modern safety standards and should be corrected.

Why This Distinction Matters for Buyers in Atlanta

If you’re purchasing a home in Atlanta, Marietta, or Decatur, knowing the limits of an inspection can save you headaches later. Here’s why:

1. Older Homes Were Built Under Older Codes

   
   

   • A 1960s ranch in Marietta wasn’t required to have GFCI outlets in kitchens or bathrooms. Your inspector may flag them as safety upgrades, but it doesn’t mean the home is “out of code.”

2. 
   

3. Renovations May Not Have Been Permitted

   
   

   • That finished basement might look great—but if it wasn’t inspected by the county, it may hide electrical or plumbing issues. Inspectors can often spot unpermitted work, but confirming compliance falls to code officials.

4. 
   

5. Lenders Don’t Care About “Code” – They Care About Risk

   
   

   • FHA, VA, and conventional loans may require certain safety or structural repairs before funding. A home inspection often uncovers these issues, but the lender—not the inspector—dictates what repairs must happen.

6. 
   

Examples of Where Code and Inspections Overlap

While we don’t perform code enforcement, certain inspection findings tie closely to building code principles.

• Electrical

  
  

  • Double-tapped breakers, missing GFCI outlets, and exposed wiring may not be “illegal” in an older home, but they pose fire and shock risks.

• 
  

• Plumbing

  
  

  • Improper drain slopes or missing traps can lead to sewer gas leaks. A code inspector would cite them; a home inspector will recommend repair.

• 
  

• Stairs and Railings

  
  

  • Loose handrails or too-wide balusters aren’t safe for children. Modern codes address this, but even if a house predates the standard, an inspector will still flag it.

• 
  

• Roofing and Attic Ventilation

  
  

  • Missing flashing or poor ventilation might not technically “fail” code, but they create long-term water damage and energy efficiency problems.

• 
  

How Georgia’s Climate Makes This Even More Important

Atlanta’s hot, humid summers and sudden thunderstorms make building performance and safety issues even more critical:

• Moisture Intrusion – Homes without proper flashing, gutters, or grading quickly develop water damage.

• Mold Growth – Poor ventilation and insulation deficiencies in older Marietta homes are a breeding ground for mold.

• Foundation Problems – Expansive Georgia clay soil shifts with water saturation, stressing homes not built to modern standards.

While municipal inspectors enforce minimum codes during construction, home inspectors evaluate how well a home is actually performing today.

What to Expect in Your Inspection Report

When you hire Reynolds Home and Property Solutions for a home inspection in Atlanta or surrounding suburbs, here’s how we handle code-related findings:

1. We Describe the Condition – Instead of writing “out of code,” we’ll note: “No GFCI protection present at kitchen outlets. This is a safety concern and upgrade is recommended.”

2. We Explain the Risk – Our reports always connect the defect to the real-world consequence: electrical shock, fire, leaks, or injury.

3. We Recommend Next Steps – Usually: repair, upgrade, or evaluation by a licensed contractor.

This approach gives you actionable information without pretending we’re municipal code officials.

Should Buyers Hire a Code Inspector Too?

In most cases, no. For existing homes, code inspections aren’t required. But you may want additional evaluation if:

• You’re buying new construction (ask for municipal inspection records).

• You suspect major unpermitted work.

• You’re investing in a property with plans for renovation.

In these cases, we often partner with trusted contractors and engineers who can assess compliance with today’s building codes.

Key Takeaways

• Home inspectors are not code enforcers in Georgia.

• We identify safety hazards, functional problems, and maintenance issues—not issue citations.

• Many inspection findings relate to building codes, but reports are framed in terms of safety and performance.

• Buyers in Atlanta should focus on how issues affect safety, cost, and livability rather than whether the home “passes code.”

FAQ: Do Home Inspections in Georgia Check Code Compliance?

Do inspectors in Atlanta check if my house is “up to code”?

No. Home inspectors don’t perform code compliance inspections. We identify safety issues and defects that may overlap with code standards but don’t enforce them.

If something isn’t “to code,” will I fail my home inspection?

Home inspections aren’t pass-or-fail. If something doesn’t meet current standards, your inspector will note it and recommend repair.

What if a renovation wasn’t permitted?

An inspector may identify signs of unpermitted work, but confirming code compliance requires county records and possibly further evaluation.

Do lenders require code compliance?

Lenders don’t usually care about strict code compliance, but they may require repairs for safety issues like missing handrails, roof leaks, or faulty electrical.

How can I know if my home meets Georgia building code?

Only the local building department or a licensed contractor performing permitted work can certify code compliance.

Final Thoughts

While a home inspection won’t certify that your home is “up to code,” it will give you the practical knowledge you need to make smart buying decisions. The goal isn’t to nitpick every outdated feature—it’s to ensure the home is safe, structurally sound, and ready for your family.

If you’re buying in Atlanta, Marietta, Roswell, or anywhere in the metro area, Reynolds Home and Property Solutions is here to help you navigate the inspection process with clarity and confidence.

👉 Schedule your Atlanta home inspection today and get a clear understanding of your home’s condition before you close.