Getting it Fixed: How to correct inspection defects
According to the ASHI Code of Ethics inspectors cannot accept compensation from interested parties. Nor can they accept or offer commissions or allowances directly or indirectly from other parties involved in repairs.
What then should I tell clients, agents, and sellers when the inspection reveals the need for repairs?
A list of links and contractors
This is a resource list only. No referrals, endorsements or guarantees are expressed or implied by inclusion on the list. Contractors may limit the areas of Metro Atlanta they serve. Listings and phone numbers may not be current.
Word-of-mouth works. I have asked several very good contractors if I could add their names to my contractors’ list. They decline: they have enough of work through referrals. In addition they have the KIND of work they require to remain successful (big jobs, wealthy clients, interesting and creative projects, short commutes). Stay local when searching out word-of-mouth: try agents, neighbors, churches, restaurants, or the local hardware store.
Lists are always out of date. People move, change professions, change for the better or worse. A corollary to this rule is that lists are never complete.
Trades and Professions generally have associations with a website and member lists. Google Search works well: use ATLANTA plus the trade.
Good handymen are hard to find. There are lots of reasons for this:
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If they’re good no one wants to share
- They suffer from “contractor flu”: if the fish are biting, the bills are paid or it’s a nice day (not to be working) they may not show up at the appointed time.
- They have trouble saying no when the job is beyond the scope of their expertise. Adding a 240volt dryer receptacle may be OK but room additions should be reserved for those who have the resources and experience. Unprofessional work is a BIG headache for municipalities in metro Atlanta.
Online lists can be helpful to varying degrees.
Large projects need to be done right. I am asked several times a year to review renovation projects and I regularly inspect new homes. If you are going to renovate or build my best advice is get PROFESSIONAL help. Do your HOMEWORK before you start writing checks.
Keep it dry and save energy (and money). Drs. Joe Lstiburek and John Straubes’ website (BuildingScience.com) provides a wealth of information about the movement of water, heat, air and vapor through buildings.
Atlanta’s own Southface (Southface.org) is a clearing house for energy-efficient construction. Check out their homebuilding classes
Dan’s List of Building Professionals and Trade Contractors
ENGINEERS AND CONSULTANTS
ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS
AIR QUALITY
The following lists are courtesy of Southface Energy Institute:
DESIGN/BUILD: Architects and General Contracting Combined
SUB-CONTRACTORS AND TRADESMEN
FOUNDATION AND CONCRETE REPAIRS
- Slabjack Concrete Flatwork Repair 770-433-2868
- Atlas Piers Foundation Repair 770-740-0400
BRICKMASONS
TILE CONTRACTORS
- Tim Zilolkowski Installation 770-452-1502
- Stone Tile Technicians Installation 770-921-6108
- David Price Installation 770-578-8565 404-784-7036
PLUMBERS
- M.Cary and Daughters Plumbing 404-370-0999
- D&N Plumbing 404-636-5080
- E&J Plumbing 770-271-2322
- Harry Ridley Plumbing 404-871-9129
- Rinnai Tankless heater
ELECTRICIANS
- Butler Electric Electrician 404-262-1536
- Benedict Electric Electrician 404-292-4113
INSULATION
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)
- George Gary Mechanical/Design 404-377-1195
- Peachtree Heating and Air Mechanical/Design 770-458-0181
- Empire Heating and Air Mechanical/Design 404-294-0900
- Southface's Home Performance Contractors: HVAC services are included in a “Whole House” concept
- Atlanta Area HVAC Services: Southface Energy Institutes’ list of contractors who offer load calculations, duct sealing, testing and balancing and dehumidification in addition to standard HVAC services
ROOFING
- Dekalb Roofing Roofing/Repairs 404-288-5728
- Atlanta Re-roofing Specialists Roofing/Repairs 770-640-0009
- I.G. Christmas Roofing/Repairs 404-373-4258
- Leavitt Restoration Slate/Tile Roofing/Repairs 770-433-6569
STUCCO AND SYNTHETIC STUCCO INSPECTION
PEST CONTROL
LANDSCAPING/TREE SERVICE
This is a resource list only. No referrals, endorsements, or guarantees are expressed or implied by inclusion on the list.
