How Long Does a Home Inspection Take in Atlanta and What’s Included?

Meta Description: Curious about how long a home inspection takes in Atlanta? Learn what’s included, how Georgia homes vary, and why Reynolds Home and Property Solutions takes the time to do it right.

Introduction:

So, you’re buying a home in Atlanta, maybe somewhere in Marietta, Smyrna, or Roswell, and you’ve hit that crucial moment: the home inspection.

Everyone tells you it’s important—and they’re absolutely right—but no one tells you how long it takes, or what’s actually included in the process. Is it a quick walk-through? A few photos? A checklist?

Let’s clear that up right now.

A typical home inspection in Atlanta takes 2–3 hours… unless you hire someone who really cares. At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, our inspections take an average of two hours longer than most—and there’s a reason for that.

We don’t stop when the checklist ends—we stop when there’s nothing left to see.

Average Home Inspection Time in Georgia

Industry average for a home inspection?

• 2–3 hours for a single-family home under 2,000 square feet.

• 3–4 hours for larger or older homes.

But here’s the truth: that’s just the industry average.

My average inspection? 4–5+ hours.

Why? Because we:

• Inspect deeper into crawlspaces

• Spend more time evaluating older systems

• Use advanced tools for thermal imaging, moisture, and radon

• Walk every roof we can safely access

• Take the time to explain things clearly to our clients

You're not just buying square footage—you’re investing in a future home. And we inspect it that way.

Why Some Atlanta Homes Take Longer to Inspect

Homes in metro Atlanta have more complexity than you might think. Here are just a few variables that impact inspection time:

• Age of the home – Older homes in Marietta, Decatur, and Sandy Springs often have hidden issues like knob-and-tube wiring, cast iron plumbing, and outdated HVAC.

• Crawl spaces vs. slabs – Crawlspaces take time (especially in Georgia’s humidity), but skipping them leads to major oversights.

• Renovations and additions – We often spend extra time verifying what was permitted or correctly done.

• Larger square footage – Naturally, a 4,000 sq ft home takes longer than a 1,200 sq ft bungalow.

• Multiple structures – Detached garages, pool houses, sheds—all deserve their own inspection attention.

• Buyers who attend the inspection – Which we encourage! But it does add time as we walk you through findings in real-time.

What’s Actually Included in a Thorough Atlanta Home Inspection?

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, our inspections are comprehensive. Here’s what’s covered in every standard inspection, per InterNACHI and Georgia SOP:

Exterior:

• Siding, soffits, fascia, trim

• Gutters and downspouts

• Driveways, walkways, retaining walls

• Decks, patios, porches

• Grading and drainage (yes, landscaping matters!)

• Foundation walls and visible cracks

• Windows, doors, and frames

• Roof surface, flashing, chimneys, skylights

Interior:

• Ceilings, walls, floors

• Windows, doors, hardware

• Railings, staircases

• Attic structure, insulation, and ventilation

• Visible signs of water intrusion or leaks

Electrical:

• Panel (breaker or fuse), grounding and bonding

• Outlets and GFCIs/AFCIs

• Lighting fixtures, switches

• Visible wiring (we also check for aluminum, knob-and-tube, and other red flags)

Plumbing:

• Main water line location and shut-off

• Water heater (age, venting, TPR valve)

• Faucets, drains, and toilets

• Visible drain and supply lines

• Signs of active or prior leaks

• Sump pumps and sewage ejectors

HVAC:

• Furnace and AC performance

• Air filter condition

• Ductwork and vents

• Age and energy efficiency

• Any signs of neglect, rust, or leaks

Crawlspace/Basement:

• Moisture levels and mold risk

• Vapor barrier presence (or lack of)

• Foundation integrity

• Pest or rodent signs

• Plumbing and duct routing

Roof and Attic:

• Roof condition and age estimates

• Insulation R-values

• Roof penetrations (vents, flues, etc.)

• Ridge and eave ventilation

• Signs of past leaks or repairs

Specialized Add-Ons We Recommend in Georgia: These aren’t always included in a basic inspection—but they should be:

• Sewer scope (especially in older Marietta homes)

• Radon testing (high levels common in North Georgia)

• Thermal imaging for insulation and hidden moisture

• WDO (termite) inspection, often required in real estate transactions

Why We Go Deeper Than Most Atlanta Inspectors

Other inspectors may follow a bare-minimum checklist. We don’t. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Crawlspace commitment: Most inspectors poke their head in. We go all the way in—safely and thoroughly.

• No “soft spots” skipped: That mystery stain on the ceiling? We find the source. That creaky step? We test it.

• Two sets of eyes: We often double-check key systems with internal quality control.

• Detailed reports with full-color photos, thermal images, and straight-up plain English explanations.

Real-Life Example: Why a Longer Inspection Saved a Client Thousands

During an inspection in Kennesaw, I noticed slight pooling near the front door. Nothing huge. But I took extra time to check the grading and popped into the crawlspace again.

What I found? An active sewer backup—slow but steady—right under the entryway.

The seller had no idea. A shorter inspection would have missed it entirely.

The buyer was able to negotiate a full sewer line replacement before closing. That’s a $7,000–$10,000 savings, just because we took our time.

FAQ: Home Inspection Time and What’s Included

Q: How long does your average inspection take in Atlanta? A: 4–5 hours, sometimes longer for large or older homes. We inspect thoroughly, not quickly.

Q: Do you inspect the roof? A: Yes, we walk the roof whenever safely possible. If not, we use pole cams or drones.

Q: Do I have to attend the inspection? A: Not required, but we love when clients show up for the last hour—it’s the best time to review findings in person.

Q: Will I get a report? A: Absolutely. You’ll receive a digital report the same day, with high-res photos and detailed notes.

Q: Are inspections faster on condos or townhomes? A: Usually, yes. Less square footage and fewer exterior systems = less time.

Final Word: Quality Inspections Take Time

Your Atlanta home inspection is not a race. It’s not just a box to check off. It’s an opportunity to really know what you’re getting into—and possibly avoid thousands in hidden repairs.

A rushed inspection might save time on inspection day, but it can cost you dearly in the long run.

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we inspect until there’s nothing left to see. That means you walk into your closing knowing exactly what you’re buying. No surprises, no regrets.

Schedule a Home Inspection in Atlanta, GA Today

Looking for a Marietta home inspector or someone who truly takes the time to do the job right? Let’s talk.

We serve:

• Atlanta

• Marietta

• Smyrna

• Roswell

• Decatur

• Kennesaw

• Sandy Springs and beyond.

📅 Schedule your inspection today at www.reynoldshomeandpropertysolutions.com