Home Inspection Services

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.

An onsite, computer generated 8+ page report is provided for stucco inspections. The report includes moisture levels, problem areas, and information about windows, caulking, flashing, and other pertinent information pertaining to stucco. Digital photos showing high moisture levels and areas of concern are also included. The inspector reviews the areas of concern at the time of the inspection and then emails the report as a pdf file the same day as the inspection. View a sample report.

When you have a stucco inspection conducted by RIA Solutions, 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.

All RIA Inspectors are registered through the Department of Agriculture to complete termite inspections and issue the Official Georgia Wood Infestation Report, commonly known as the "termite letter". This type of inspection will identify wood destroying organisms such as subterranean termites, dry wood termites, wood boring beetles, powder post beetles, and wood destroying fungi and the conducive conditions that facilitate these pests. Our inspector will provide a thorough and honest evaluation of your property and can give you advice for repairing any problems noted during the inspection. A copy of the report, along with a graph, will be provided at the time of the inspection and the official, signed copy will be mailed after review from our DCO. Read more information about our termite and pest division here.

Termite swarmers on an unprotected home.

Thermal Imaging is a comparatively new technology that measures the infrared radiation being emitted from objects by detecting the temperature differentials. What does this mean for you? The thermal camera can help us detect possible hidden water entry in the attic and crawlspace, electrical faults, missing insulation, energy loss and efficiency, water and moisture intrusion, possible pest infestation, hidden roof leaks, structural defects, plumbing leaks, and more. Please note that although Thermal Imaging is a great tool to help identify hidden problems in the home, it does not diagnose the problem and it is up to the inspector to determine the cause of such defects.

An infrared inspection can be completed at the time of any of our other inspection services or as a stand alone service. You can choose to have the entire house scanned or just a particular area of concern. A computer generated report with digital photos varies in length based on the areas scanned and is emailed as a pdf file. Click here for sample report.

We also have certified inspectors (CPO - Certified Pool Operator) on staff available to complete pool/spa inspections according to CREIA standards. CREIA stands for the California Real Estate Inspection Association and includes the state's criteria for pool inspections. We use the California standards due to the fact that California is the only state to adopt standards for pool inspections. 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.

An onsite, computer generated 8+ page report is provided for the pool/spa inspection. The report includes areas of concern, digital photos for further investigation,, as well as tips and maintenance suggestions for the pool. The inspector reviews the areas of concern at the time of the inspection and then emails the report as a pdf file the same day as the inspection. View a sample report.

Are you building a custom home and want to make sure it is being built correctly right from the start? RIA Solutions 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.

An onsite, computer generated 10+ page report is provided for the framing inspection. The report includes information about the structural and mechanical rough-in components, a list of areas of concern, code numbers of any violations of the Georgia code, and digital photos for further investigation. The inspector reviews the areas of concern at the time of the inspection and then emails the report as a pdf file the same day as the inspection. View a sample framing report.

The sale of a new construction 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.  

An onsite, computer generated 18+ page report is provided for the complete home inspection.  The report includes a detailed analysis of the home, a list of areas of concern, digital photos for further investigation, and homeowner maintenance tips.  Any code violations not corrected prior to closing will be noted in the report as well.  The inspector reviews the areas of concern at the time of the inspection and then emails the report as a pdf file the same day as the inspection.

After any RIA inspection is completed, we are available to come back at a reduced rate to make sure any requested repairs were properly made. This helps you 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.

Light commercial inspections are a general overview of all major systems and components present in the building including the structure, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, exterior and interior (similar to the complete home inspection). We follow the ASTM Standards 2018-01, also known as the Property Condition Assessment or PCA. Light commercial inspections include low-rise office complexes, apartment complexes, investment properties, restaurants, warehouses, churches, and other types of buildings.

The report includes a detailed analysis of the home, a summary of areas of concern, and digital photos for further investigation. This report also includes price quotes for repairs and possible issues projected out 3-5 years. View a sample commercial report.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends radon gas 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 gas is especially high among areas when granite is present, and Atlanta sits upon a large reserve of granite. RIA Solutions conducts a 48 hour radon gas test. We leave a continuous monitor in the house, and return two days later to pick it up. Radon reports are emailed as a pdf file and also include EPA protocol with information on steps to take with a high radon reading. For more information on radon gas, please see Home Issues. View a sample report.

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, tape, and air tests to determine the type of mold and the amount of mold growing in the home. Samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis, which generally takes five business days. The analysis is emailed as a pdf file and we provide assistance to interpret the results.

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 Issues.

Homes with water entry problems can result in mold growth in just 48 hours.

According to the EPA website, a high percentage of all homes built before 1978 contain lead based paint:

• Pre-1940: 87%
• 1940 – 1960: 69%
• 1960 – 1978: 24%

If you are purchasing or living in a home built prior to 1978, the EPA recommends testing for lead based paint. RIA Solutions is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm and we can test your home for lead based paint using EPA-recognized test kits. Our team can help you determine which areas of the home should be tested. To learn more about lead based paint in the home, please see our home issues page.