Should You Attend Your Own Home Inspection? Advice for Atlanta-Area Buyers

Description: Discover whether buyers in Atlanta should attend their home inspection, what to expect, and how being present helps you make a more informed purchase decision.

Introduction:

If you’re buying a home in Atlanta, Marietta, Roswell, or any of the surrounding suburbs, there’s a good chance you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of steps in the process—mortgages, offers, appraisals, insurance. But one critical piece that buyers often ask about is: _"Should I be there during the home inspection?"

Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: Yes—and here’s why.

As a certified master inspector serving the Atlanta metro area, I encourage every buyer to attend their inspection. Not because I need supervision (trust me, I’ll crawl in a 120-degree attic whether you’re watching or not), but because it’s one of the few moments in the buying process where you get to learn exactly what you’re buying—before it becomes yours.

Let’s break down the benefits, what you should look for, and how attending the inspection can save you time, money, and surprises.

Why Attending the Home Inspection Is a Smart Move

1. You Get to See Issues Firsthand Photos and reports are helpful, but nothing compares to seeing cracks in the foundation, outdated electrical panels, or moisture stains up close. Seeing problems in person makes the report easier to understand—and easier to act on.

2. You Can Ask Questions in Real-Time Not sure what “double-tapped breaker” means? Want to know how much life is left in the HVAC unit? When you’re there, I can explain things on the spot.

3. It Helps You Prioritize Repairs Not every item flagged in a home inspection is a deal-breaker. Being present lets you ask about the severity of each issue and whether it needs immediate attention or can wait.

4. Understand the Home’s Systems Even if everything is in great shape, a home inspection is like a tutorial on how your new home works. You’ll learn:

   • Where the main shutoff valves are

   • How to maintain your HVAC

   • How to test GFCIs and AFCIs

5. It Builds Confidence (or Caution)You’ll either walk away feeling more confident about your purchase—or more cautious. Either way, knowledge is power.

What to Expect During the Inspection

A full inspection typically takes 3–4 hours (mine often run longer—because I inspect the home until there’s nothing left to see). Here’s what we’ll look at:

• Roof and attic

• Foundation and crawlspace

• Plumbing

• Electrical system

• HVAC

• Windows, doors, and siding

• Interior walls and ceilings

If you’re there, you’ll walk through the findings with me step by step. I’ll show you the good, the bad, and the “you-should-probably-fix-that.”

Tips for Making the Most of Your Inspection Visit

• Arrive on time, but don’t interrupt the early inspection—let me focus on major system checks before the walkthrough.

• Dress casually—you might end up peeking into crawlspaces or attics.

• Bring a notebook or your phone to jot down notes.

• Ask questions, but trust the process. I’ll guide you through everything important.

Common Buyer Concerns About Attending

“Will I get in the way?” Nope. A good inspector is used to explaining things clearly, even with clients present.

“What if I don’t understand the technical stuff?” That’s okay. It’s my job to make the findings understandable—no jargon, no pressure.

“What if the seller is there?” Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren’t. Either way, your focus should be on the house, not the seller’s reaction.

Georgia Real Estate Norms: Is This Standard Practice?

In Georgia, it’s completely acceptable and even encouraged for buyers to attend their inspection. According to the Georgia Association of REALTORS®, buyers should “make every effort to be present so they can better understand the condition of the property.”

Some agents will say, “Don’t worry, the inspector will email you a report.” While true, that report will never be as impactful as seeing the issues yourself.

FAQs: Should You Attend Your Home Inspection?

Q: Can I bring a contractor or family member? A: Yes, but let your inspector focus. A contractor might offer extra insight, but too many voices can distract.

Q: Should I attend the whole thing? A: Ideally, yes. But if you’re short on time, show up for the final walkthrough. That’s when we’ll discuss all major findings.

Q: Will I get a report afterward? A: Absolutely. You’ll receive a detailed, photo-rich report, often the same day.

Q: What happens if I can’t attend? A: I’ll do a detailed inspection regardless, but I always prefer clients be present if possible. You can also schedule a video call walkthrough post-inspection.

Conclusion: Be There. It’s Worth It.

Attending your own home inspection is one of the smartest moves you can make as a buyer. It gives you transparency, education, and peace of mind.

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, I inspect homes across Atlanta, Marietta, Sandy Springs, and surrounding Georgia cities with the kind of thoroughness buyers deserve. You’ll never feel rushed or in the dark.

Need a trusted Marietta home inspector? Visit www.reynoldshomeandpropertysolutions.com to book your inspection today.