Why Detached Garages Still Need a Full Inspection in Marietta Homes

Detached garage inspection in Marietta, GA | Marietta home inspector | home inspections in Atlanta suburbs

Introduction: Don’t Overlook the Garage Next Door

When buying a home in Marietta or anywhere in the greater Atlanta area, most people focus their inspection efforts on the main house. But what about the detached garage out back? Whether it’s used for storage, a workshop, or even a bonus living space, that separate structure is just as much a part of the property as anything else—and it deserves a full inspection.

As a seasoned Marietta home inspector, I’ve seen detached garages hide everything from dangerous wiring to major structural problems. In this blog, I’ll explain why detached garages still need a comprehensive inspection, what we look for during the process, and how skipping this step could cost you big.

Why Detached Garages Matter

Detached garages are more than just car shelters. In Marietta homes, they often double as storage spaces, man caves, home offices, or workshops. Many are outfitted with plumbing, electric, HVAC, and sometimes even finished walls. Despite all that functionality, they’re often left out of the inspection conversation.

But here’s the reality:

• They age just like homes do.

• They can develop mold, rot, pest infestations, and safety hazards.

• They’re often built under different codes (or none at all).

If you’re spending money on a home inspection in Georgia, make sure you’re inspecting all of the structures on your property—not just the one with a front door.

Common Problems Found in Detached Garages

1.

Electrical Hazards

Detached garages in Marietta are frequently wired through subpanels or makeshift connections. I’ve found:

• Exposed wires

• Open junction boxes

• Overloaded circuits

• DIY wiring jobs that wouldn’t pass code anywhere

Electrical issues are one of the most common safety hazards in detached structures, especially if the garage is used for work tools or converted into a bonus room.

2.

Roofing and Structural Concerns

These roofs often get less attention than the house roof and suffer for it. I often spot:

• Missing shingles

• Rotten fascia boards

• Collapsing rafters or framing

Detached garages are also more prone to improper footings, unreinforced walls, and movement due to settling—especially in Georgia’s expansive clay soil.

3.

Moisture and Drainage Problems

Water intrusion can silently damage a garage from the inside out. We commonly see:

• No vapor barrier under slab

• Poor grading directing rain toward the garage

• Mold growth along base plates and walls

If that detached garage is used for storage or has HVAC installed, moisture can become a long-term issue fast.

4.

Pest Infestations

Detached garages are prime real estate for:

• Termites

• Rodents

• Wasps and carpenter bees

• Snakes and other critters

They often don’t get pest treatment at the same frequency as the home. We recommend having all wood members of detached structures checked for signs of infestation or damage.

5.

Code Compliance Issues

Detached garages are sometimes built by homeowners or previous owners without permits. We often see:

• Improper framing or bracing

• Non-code electrical or plumbing

• Dangerous attic access ladders

Even if it looks well-built, the only way to know is to check.

Garages Used as Living Space? All the More Reason

In Marietta, it’s not uncommon for detached garages to be partially finished or turned into:

• Guest rooms

• Rental units (often without permits)

• Hobby rooms with plumbing, HVAC, and drywall

If that’s the case, the inspection becomes even more critical. We’re not just looking at framing and a roof—we’re looking at:

• Electrical load and safety

• Plumbing and drainage

• Fire safety (egress, fire-rated barriers)

• Insulation and ventilation

These spaces often aren’t built to the same standards as primary homes, so a full inspection is your best insurance against future headaches.

Detached Garage Inspections Are Not Always Included Automatically

Here’s something many buyers don’t know: detached structures aren’t always included in standard home inspections.

That’s why you should always clarify up front. At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, detached garages and outbuildings are part of every full inspection if they are safely accessible. We believe every structure matters.

What We Inspect in a Detached Garage

Here’s a general breakdown of what’s included when we inspect a detached garage:

• Roof, fascia, soffits, and flashing

• Siding and exterior grading

• Foundation or slab condition

• Garage door operation (manual or motorized)

• Windows, doors, and hardware

• Attic structure, insulation, and ventilation

• Electrical system (panel, lights, outlets, GFCIs)

• Plumbing fixtures (if applicable)

• HVAC components (if applicable)

• Moisture intrusion and visible mold

Every element is documented with photos, notes, and recommendations for repair or further evaluation.

Real-World Example: A Detached Disaster in East Cobb

I recently inspected a Marietta home with a beautiful brick detached garage. Looked great from the curb. But inside:

• The electrical was run through an old extension cord buried under concrete

• There was standing water in the rear corner due to poor grading

• The roof deck was sagging due to undersized rafters

• Rodent droppings lined the perimeter walls

The buyer was shocked. They had planned to use the garage as a home office, but would have spent thousands fixing unsafe issues. Because we caught it early, they were able to negotiate repairs before closing.

FAQs: Detached Garage Inspections in Georgia

Do inspectors automatically include detached garages?

Not always. At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we do—but it’s smart to ask before hiring any inspector.

Should I worry about an unfinished garage?

Yes. Even unfinished garages can have serious structural, pest, and electrical issues.

Is it worth inspecting a garage being used for storage?

Absolutely. Just because it’s used for boxes now doesn’t mean it won’t become a workshop or office later. Inspect it before hidden damage gets worse.

Don’t Skip the Garage: Book a Full Inspection Today

If you’re buying a home in Marietta, Smyrna, Roswell, or anywhere in the Atlanta suburbs, don’t leave your detached garage to chance. It might look like just a side structure, but it can carry just as much risk as the home itself.

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we make sure every part of your property is thoroughly inspected—detached garages included.

Book your inspection today and get the peace of mind you deserve.