Top 10 inspection finds

Top 10 Most Common Issues Found in Georgia Homes (and How to Avoid Them)

By Southern Pro Home Inspections – Middle Georgia’s Most Referred Home Inspector

Buying or selling a home in Middle Georgia? Whether you’re in Henry County, Jackson, Locust Grove, Monticello, or anywhere in between, you might be surprised at how many “small” issues can turn into big headaches if they’re not caught early.

As a Certified Professional Inspector (CPI) with years in the field, I’ve inspected hundreds of homes across Georgia. No two houses are the same—but the problems I find most often definitely are.

Here are the Top 10 Most Common Issues Found in Georgia Homes, what causes them, and how homeowners can stay ahead of the game.

1. Roof Damage & Improper Installation

Georgia weather is tough on roofs—heat, humidity, storms, and the occasional tornado watch.

Common issues include:

• Missing or damaged shingles

• Exposed nail heads

• Improper flashing

• Deteriorated sealant

Why it matters: Small roof problems lead to leaks, rot, mold, and thousands in damage.

Prevention: Have your roof inspected every 1–2 years and after any major storm.

2. HVAC Issues & Poor Airflow

Hot summers + cold snaps = stressed HVAC systems.

Most common findings:

• Dirty evaporator coils

• Clogged filters

• Improper duct sizing

• Missing or crushed flex ducts

• Aging components

Why it matters: Higher bills, reduced efficiency, and poor indoor air quality.

Prevention: Change filters regularly and have bi-annual HVAC servicing.

3. Electrical Safety Problems

Some of the most dangerous issues are electrical—and many go completely unnoticed:

• Double-tapped breakers

• Loose receptacles

• Missing GFCI/AFCI protection

• Overloaded circuits

• Aluminum or outdated wiring

Why it matters: Fire risk. Period.

Prevention: Have electrical issues repaired by a licensed electrician immediately.

4. Plumbing Leaks & Slow Drainage

Georgia homes often hide plumbing issues behind walls and under sinks:

• Dripping traps

• Corroded copper

• Improper drain slope

• Clogged P-traps

• Leaking supply lines

Why it matters: Water damage spreads fast—and mold follows behind it.

Prevention: Check for leaks routinely and insulate pipes in cold snaps.

5. Foundation Settlement & Moisture Intrusion

Middle Georgia’s clay soil expands and contracts with moisture levels.

Common symptoms:

• Wall cracks

• Uneven floors

• Doors that stick

• Water intrusion in crawlspaces

Why it matters: Structural movement can compromise the entire home.

Prevention: Ensure proper grading and keep gutters clean and functional.

6. Attic Ventilation Problems

A huge percentage of Georgia homes have:

• Blocked soffit vents

• Underventilated ridge vents

• Bathroom vents dumping into the attic

• High attic temperatures (150°+ in summer)

Why it matters: Poor ventilation leads to moisture, mold, premature roof failure, and HVAC strain.

Prevention: Ensure bath fans vent outside and maintain open soffit channels.

7. Appliance & Mechanical Installation Mistakes

The most common offenders:

• Dryer vents clogged or using improper materials

• Water heaters without drip pans

• Incorrect TPR discharge lines

• Improper refrigerator water lines

• Missing anti-tip brackets on ovens

Why it matters: Many installation mistakes are fire or flood hazards.

Prevention: Follow Georgia code and manufacturer guidelines.

8. Poor Drainage & Gutter Problems

Water is a home’s worst enemy—and Georgia gets plenty of rain.

Frequent findings:

• Clogged gutters full of leaves

• Downspouts dumping at the foundation

• Erosion under splash blocks

• Improper grading

Why it matters: This leads directly to foundation and moisture problems.

Prevention: Clean gutters quarterly (more in the fall) and extend downspouts.

9. Pest & Wildlife Damage

Georgia critters love warm attics and crawlspaces:

• Squirrels chewing wiring

• Raccoon entry points

• Mice droppings

• Termite tunnels

• Carpenter ants

Why it matters: Structural damage + health concerns.

Prevention: Seal entry points and have annual pest inspections.

10. Missing or Improper Safety Features

Often overlooked but incredibly important:

• Missing handrails

• Loose deck boards

• Unsafe stair gaps

• No CO detectors

• Missing smoke alarms or expired units

Why it matters: Safety hazards injure thousands of homeowners every year.

Prevention: Regular maintenance checks and code-compliant safety upgrades.

Why an Inspection Matters in Georgia

Whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining a home, a detailed inspection protects your investment. Many of these issues can’t be seen by the untrained eye—and the longer they go unnoticed, the more expensive they become.

That’s where Southern Pro Home Inspections comes in.

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Call or Text:

678-763-1788

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Visit:

southernprohomeinspections.com

🛠 Serving Middle Georgia with detailed, honest, and reliable inspections.