The Dangers of DIY Repairs Found During Home Inspections in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta, Marietta, or any of the surrounding suburbs such as Roswell, Kennesaw, Decatur, Smyrna, or Sandy Springs, you know the value of maintaining your home. Whether you’re getting ready to sell or just trying to stay ahead of costly issues, a home inspection can make or break your next move. But there’s one thing that continually surprises local inspectors: the number of dangerous or poorly executed DIY (do-it-yourself) repairs found in Atlanta homes. What may have seemed like a money-saving fix can end up costing thousands—and even putting your home and family at risk.

This blog dives deep into the most common and hazardous DIY repairs uncovered during Atlanta property inspections, explains why they’re risky, and outlines what professional inspectors—like those at Reynolds Home and Property Solutions—look for during a comprehensive evaluation. We’ll also give you some essential Georgia home inspection tips so you can avoid major headaches down the road.

Why Homeowners Attempt DIY Repairs

The temptation is understandable. YouTube is full of how-to videos. Hardware stores market “easy fix” products. Labor costs in the Atlanta metro area can be steep. But just because you can patch a wall or swap out a light fixture doesn’t mean you should tackle every repair yourself. Many DIY repairs violate Georgia building codes, bypass crucial safety checks, or are simply done without the right tools and knowledge.

Common DIY Repairs That Raise Red Flags During Atlanta Home Inspections

1. Electrical Work Without Permits or Licenses

We’ve seen everything from knob-and-tube wiring hidden behind new drywall to spliced wires held together with duct tape. In one Sandy Springs home, an improperly installed ceiling fan nearly caused a fire. Georgia’s electrical codes are strict for a reason—bad wiring is a major fire hazard. DIY electrical work is one of the most frequent red flags during home inspections in Atlanta.

2. Plumbing Modifications Using Incompatible Materials

Think duct tape and PVC glue make a watertight seal? Think again. Inspectors often find DIY reroutes and drain adjustments done with materials not rated for pressure or potable water. In Roswell, we inspected a home where flexible hoses—meant for temporary use—were being used as permanent plumbing lines.

3. Foundation “Repairs” with Caulk or Foam

In Kennesaw, a homeowner tried to fill foundation cracks using spray foam insulation. It looked sealed—but that wasn’t the issue. The underlying structural movement was still active. Homeowners often confuse cosmetic patching with structural repair. During a proper inspection, we assess whether the home is structurally sound—not just visually clean.

4. Roof Fixes with Tar and Tape

We’ve inspected multiple properties in Decatur and Marietta where DIYers attempted to stop leaks using roofing tar and tape. These are temporary at best and can cause water to pool, rot wood, and even lead to mold growth. Atlanta’s weather can be unforgiving, especially during storm season. Improper roof repairs are both costly and dangerous.

5. Load-Bearing Walls Removed Without Reinforcement

This is one of the most dangerous mistakes we encounter. In one recent case in East Cobb, a DIY open-concept renovation led to sagging floors above due to a missing support beam. Identifying whether a wall is load-bearing isn’t always easy—and removing one improperly can lead to catastrophic structural failure.

6. Mold Covered Up, Not Removed

In humid Georgia, especially in homes with crawl spaces or basements, mold is a real issue. DIYers sometimes paint over mold or attempt bleach treatments that don’t address the root cause. During inspections, we look for telltale signs of hidden moisture and improper remediation efforts.

7. Improper Deck Construction

Atlanta has plenty of beautiful backyard decks—but not all are built safely. DIY decks often lack proper footings, ledger board attachments, or adequate railing height. One Marietta home had a second-story deck secured with deck screws alone—not lag bolts. It was a lawsuit waiting to happen.

8. HVAC Work Without Proper Ducting or Sealing

DIYers sometimes reroute ductwork or install mini-splits without sealing returns or maintaining airflow balance. In Decatur, we found a home with severe condensation buildup because the ducts weren’t insulated properly. Georgia’s humidity makes HVAC work especially tricky.

9. Bathroom Remodels That Miss Critical Waterproofing

Tiling over drywall instead of cement board? Failing to use proper shower pan liners? These shortcuts are often uncovered during inspections. In Roswell, we discovered a beautiful-looking bathroom with severe water damage behind the tile due to skipped waterproofing steps.

10. Chimney and Fireplace Modifications

A homeowner in Smyrna replaced their own firebox with a decorative insert without checking the chimney liner. The result? Smoke and carbon monoxide seepage into the attic. Georgia building codes have very specific requirements when it comes to venting, flues, and clearances for fireplaces.

What Atlanta Home Inspectors Look for When Evaluating DIY Repairs

During a home inspection in the Atlanta area, professionals evaluate:

• Compliance with Georgia building codes

• Proper material use and installation techniques

• Signs of concealed damage

• Electrical grounding and bonding

• Drainage and moisture prevention strategies

• Adequacy of structural supports

Local inspectors often use thermal imaging, moisture meters, and code references to assess whether a repair was done correctly or just hidden beneath surface improvements.

Georgia Home Inspection Tips to Avoid DIY Disasters

• Hire licensed contractors for major work.

• Always get permits when required by local ordinances.

• Keep documentation of any repairs or upgrades.

• Schedule regular inspections—especially if buying or selling.

Common Questions About DIY Repairs in Atlanta Homes

Are DIY repairs illegal in Georgia?

Not always, but they can violate building codes and lead to failed inspections.

Will a DIY repair fail my home inspection?

If it compromises safety, structure, or code compliance—yes.

Can I fix the issues myself after an inspection?

For safety and code reasons, it’s best to use licensed professionals for corrections.

Do home inspectors check for permits?

Inspectors often look for signs that work was unpermitted, though confirming permit status is typically handled through local municipalities.

How can I prepare my home for inspection if I’ve done DIY repairs?

Have a licensed contractor review your work, make corrections, and pull retroactive permits if needed.

DIY repairs may seem like a good idea at the time, but they can haunt you when it’s time to sell or refinance. Don’t let hidden issues delay your closing or jeopardize your safety.

If you’re in Marietta, Atlanta, or anywhere in the metro area, book a professional inspection with Reynolds Home and Property Solutions. We’ll help uncover any dangerous repairs and guide you toward a safe, smooth sale or renovation.

Visit Reynolds Home and Property Solutions today to schedule your Atlanta property inspection.