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

I called several companies for quotes, and I felt that Atlanta Property Inspections was the most welcoming!  Thereafter, I had a wonderful experience at the inspection. My inspector was thorough, kind, and willing to explain things and answer my questions on site.  He was very knowledgeable and very friendly.  I am glad I did not skip the inspection for this 950 square foot condo, and the review has been very helpful, during my due diligence period in evaluating this potential home.

Norma Reynolds
Milton, 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

This was my first experience with Atlanta Property Inspections. Alex Sozonov was my inspector. Very oriented details and willing to explained all questions with professional knowledge. Report came into my email box late night. Clearly, it has been covered all details. Plus, show up on time.

Peter Miller
Alpharetta, 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

WOW! I can't even make this story up. In this very crazy market (June 2021) it seemingly takes 2 week closing (sometimes with *0* days due diligence!) to purchase a home. Anyway, Frank came recommended by another very reputable inspector, and I was fortunate he came!! The home we were looking at for my mother was a 1975 build and within 1 hour of the inspector being there a FIRE from an electrical panel broke out! Frank contained the fire, and was SO calm, had his team address the matter, was in touch with the agent and homeowner. He said in over 20+ years of him inspecting homes nothing like this had ever happened. Anyway the inspection was VERY thorough and Frank handled all matters very professionally. We will be working with Frank and his team on any home inspections in the future. I highly recommend!

Brigitte Chloe
Dunwoody, GA
google

Atlanta Property Inspections came to do a pre-purchasing inspection on a home my husband and  I plan to buy! We had a very short due diligence period, but that was no issue for these guys. They fit us in their schedule on very short notice and were such a pleasure to work with. Cary and Riley came to do the inspection and did a fantastic job walking us through the inspection to let us know what they found, and suggestions on how to fix all of the issues! Shout out to Cary, for answering all of our questions and having such a great personality! We truly appreciate you guys taking the time to help us through such a very stressful time. We HIGHLY recommend this company!

Emily Kerns
Atlanta, 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

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

Frank Cooper and his team from Atlanta Property Inspections, Inc were excellent! They arrived on time  and thoroughly inspected all areas of the property I was considering renting. They found things that needed to be repaired by the landlord before we signed the lease. Frank reviewed his findings with us. He explained all of his concerns, and he patiently answered all of our questions. Then the next day I received a very detailed report that included several pictures and detailed explanations. If you want a kind, knowledgeable, and thorough inspector, don’t hesitate to call Frank Cooper with Atlanta Property. I would highly recommend him! Truly a 5 star company!

Janet Quick
Roswell, 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
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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 in Buford, GA 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 trained 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.