1. Observe and protect
Note down what's showing up at the Athens property, take reasonable steps to stop it from getting worse, and pull together any history on the house that's available.
2. Evaluate the house and site
Because granite bedrock under Athens sits at uneven depths beneath shifting red clay, this step maps grading, drainage, framing, and foundation type together instead of diagnosing an isolated crack.
3. Define a written scope
An Athens project's written scope should nail down preparation, protection, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, finish restoration, what's excluded, and how change orders are handled.
4. Compare providers
Put each Athens bid's reasoning and scope boundaries side by side, not only its bottom-line number, and check credentials before making a call.
5. Inspect closeout
An Athens project isn't done until the test results, cleanup, paperwork, warranty terms, and any maintenance left in your hands have all been confirmed.