Atlanta sits at the heart of Georgia's largest metro area, spanning from historic intown neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland and Grant Park to sprawling suburbs in Cobb, Gwinnett, and DeKalb counties. The city's housing stock is as diverse as its neighborhoods, ranging from 1920s bungalows in Candler Park to new construction in the northern suburbs.

The Atlanta climate is challenging for homes. Average annual rainfall exceeds 47 inches, and humidity stays high throughout the long summer. This creates ideal conditions for termites, mold growth, and wood deterioration. Crawlspaces in Atlanta homes often show signs of moisture issues if not properly maintained.

Termites are a fact of life in Atlanta. Wood-destroying organism inspections are standard in real estate transactions, and most Atlanta homes have either current termite treatment or evidence of past activity. The question isn't whether termites exist in the area but whether the specific home has been properly protected.

Atlanta's intown neighborhoods have older homes with character but also era-specific concerns: aging electrical systems, original plumbing, and foundations that have settled over decades. Suburban homes from the 1980s-2000s building booms have their own patterns of aging systems and builder-grade materials reaching end of life.

Whether you're buying a craftsman bungalow in East Atlanta or a newer home in Alpharetta, understanding Atlanta's specific inspection concerns helps you evaluate findings and negotiate appropriately.

Climate: Humid subtropical, 47+ inches annual rainfall
Typical Homes: Mixed, significant 1950s-2000s stock
County: Fulton County

Common Inspection Issues in Atlanta

  • Termites
  • Humidity damage
  • Crawlspace moisture
  • Foundation settling
  • Aging HVAC
  • Wood rot

Key Neighborhoods: Buckhead, Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Decatur, East Atlanta, Grant Park

Local Requirements: Fulton County building codes, termite letters required for most transactions

Atlanta Home Inspection Articles