Services

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Termite Inspection

We’ve partnered with one of the leading pest control companies, Northwest Exterminators, to provide…

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Mold Testing

Mold is another scary threat to your family’s safety. No one wants to buy a house with a mold problem.…

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Radon Testing

You have probably heard of termite testing for homes, but do you know the importance of a radon inspection?…

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Reviews

google

Have used Atlanta Property Inspections several times for my buyers.  Their team is always very thorough and educational for the new home owners.  Much information is shared about past/current codes, potential issues and how to have the issues repaired.  I will continue to use Atlanta Property Inspectors for future inspections, and my clients have been very happy with their services as well!

Michael Crawford
Sandy Springs, GA
google

The inspector was really thorough and was patient in explaining to me what he was observing. He showed me where the shutoff valve was for the water and gave recommendations on various things. The report that was provided made sense and pictures were taken of some things that were found. The inspector was also very personable which put me at ease about asking questions. Thank you, Alex and Atlanta Property Inspections!

Dierra Morrow
Lawrenceville, GA
google

My client used the company for their home inspection during their due diligence period. Jeremy and his partner were very kind and accommodating with answering questions. The report was very thorough and I like that they also note positive things about the homes in their report as well and not just what's wrong with the house. You can read the good and the bad.

Crystal Bream
Suwanee, GA
google

I have hired this company doing inspection on the property that I was planning to purchase in Georgia. I’ve live in California when this was done. Frank Cooper and his team did a great job of inspection and giving me with every details. I really appreciate the advice and the report. Thank you

Joel Ou
Cumming, GA
google

Dustin is VERY Detailed Oriented and found items and suggestions on the home that I would have never thought of, the report provided very good insight on how to move forward with the sale of the home!  The staff at API was great to work with!

Ryan Heard
Sandy Springs, GA
google

Jeremy was the best to work with! He was on time,  very thorough in his explanations of his findings, and took time with my clients to make sure he answered all of their questions. He was detailed, and provided follow up when we needed additional questions answered. He went above and beyond! Best, quality, customer service I’ve seen in a long time! I’ll recommend him and Atlanta Property Inspections every time!

Nikki Bowen
Marietta, GA
google

I would like to recommend Brandon for his excellent job during the inspection. He is very professional, thorough and is an expert in his field. I enjoyed his partnership during inspection, the knowledge he shared of the risks of certain issues was incredible. I am very glad that he inspected the house for us and wishing him more success in future.

Ravi Kumar
Atlanta, GA
google

Atlanta Property Inspections, Inc. was referred to us by our realtor for our home inspection. Our inspector was Cary Cooper. He really took the time to answer all of our questions about his findings. We didn't feel rushed or that any question was too silly. He gave us peace of mind with a few of our concerns and was honest, even if we weren't to thrilled with the news. Overall, it was a great experience and we would definitely use (and refer)  Atlanta Property Inspections, Inc. in the future for any inspection needs.

Anna Avitia
Johns Creek, GA
google

Thorough knowledge of items addressed in report. Home inspector was able to communicate any issues found with buyer and help explain the different items and their severity.

Sean Heenan
Roswell, GA
google

Dustin was very knowledgeable and friendly and made my client feel confident in his explanations.  He was quick to point out the positives of the home he was inspecting.  His report was delivered within 18 hours of the inspection and had plenty of photos and very easy explanations in laymen's terms. I highly recommend Atlanta Property Inspections.

Teresa Smith
Brookhaven, GA
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Sep

13 2025

Is a Home Inspection the Same as an Appraisal? – Nope, and Here’s Why

Buying or selling a house can feel overwhelming. There are so many steps and terms to learn that it is easy to get confused. One of the most common mix-ups happens when people hear about home inspections and appraisals. At first, they sound like the same thing, but they are not. If you are working with a home inspection company like Atlanta Property Inspections, you will quickly see the difference. Each process plays a unique role in helping you understand the value and condition of a property.

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is all about the condition of the house. Trained home inspectors look at the structure, systems, and safety of the home. This includes the roof, foundation, plumbing, heating and cooling, and electrical systems. The goal is to identify issues that may not be immediately apparent to the average person. A home inspection company provides buyers and sellers with a clear report, enabling them to make informed decisions. Atlanta Property Inspections delivers detailed reports that point out possible repairs, safety concerns, or maintenance needs. This information gives buyers peace of mind and helps sellers prepare for negotiations.

What Is an Appraisal?

An appraisal is focused on the value of the home, not the condition. A licensed appraiser studies the property and compares it to similar homes that have recently sold. The purpose is to determine the home's current market value. Lenders require appraisals to make sure they are not lending more money than the property is worth. While home inspectors are there to spot problems in the house, appraisers are there to measure value. Both are important, but they serve very different purposes.

Key Differences Between Inspections and Appraisals

There are several major differences between a home inspection and an appraisal:

  • Purpose: An inspection checks the condition, while an appraisal checks the value.
  • Who Performs It: A home inspection company uses trained inspectors, who are licensed appraisers, to complete appraisals.
  • Outcome: Inspection results help with repairs and negotiations. Appraisal results help set a market value for lenders.
  • Timing: Both usually happen during the buying process, but they are scheduled separately.

Atlanta Property Inspections focuses on the details that buyers and sellers need for making decisions about repairs and safety. Appraisers concentrate on numbers and market data.

Why You Need a Home Inspection

Skipping a home inspection can be risky. Even if a house looks perfect, problems might be hiding behind the walls, under the floors, or in the attic. A leaking pipe or faulty wiring can lead to expensive repairs down the road. By hiring a home inspection company, you get the chance to spot these issues before finalizing the purchase. Buyers often use the findings from home inspectors to ask for repairs or lower the sale price. Sellers can use inspections to fix problems ahead of time, making their home more attractive to buyers.

Why Appraisals Matter

Appraisals protect both the lender and the buyer. If a house is priced much higher than its true market value, a lender will not approve the full loan amount. This keeps buyers from overpaying and lenders from risking too much money. While an appraisal does not provide details about broken systems or safety concerns, it ensures that the home’s price matches its market worth. That is why appraisals are a requirement in nearly all mortgage situations.

How Buyers Benefit From Both

For buyers, both processes are valuable. The appraisal gives them confidence that they are not overpaying. The home inspection gives them a clear picture of what to expect in terms of repairs and upkeep. Together, they provide a full understanding of the property. Atlanta Property Inspections helps buyers by offering thorough inspections that go beyond a surface-level look. When combined with the appraisal report, buyers can make smart financial and safety decisions.

How Sellers Benefit From Both

Sellers also gain from both. A home inspection allows them to fix issues before listing the property. This can prevent surprises during negotiations. The appraisal helps them set a realistic asking price that attracts buyers and avoids delays in the loan process. By using a home inspection company, sellers can show potential buyers that they are serious about maintaining the property. This builds trust and can even speed up the sale.

Common Misconceptions

Many people assume that if a house passes an appraisal, it must be in good condition. This is not true. An assessment might value a home at $300,000, but that does not mean the plumbing or electrical systems are safe. That is why home inspectors play such an important role. Another common mistake is believing that both services are optional. While lenders require an appraisal, a home inspection is strongly recommended. It protects your health, safety, and wallet.

Schedule Your Home Inspection Today to Secure Your Investment

If you are buying or selling a home, do not confuse an appraisal with a home inspection. Both are necessary, but they serve very different purposes. An appraisal tells you the value, while an inspection tells you the condition. For peace of mind and protection, schedule your inspection with a trusted home inspection company like Atlanta Property Inspections. Their detailed reports will give you the confidence to make the right decision about your property.