A Perfect-Looking Home That Nearly Sparked Disaster

Imagine moving into your dream home. The smell of fresh paint, the untouched appliances, the pristine floors. Everything is sparkling and new. You feel safe. But what if underneath that shiny surface is a ticking time bomb?

That’s exactly what happened during a recent home inspection in Walton County, Georgia, where a seemingly flawless new construction revealed a serious electrical issue. Buried behind the A/C disconnect box was a burnt terminal, completely charred from continuous arcing since the day it was installed. One spark away from a fire.

This isn't a rare case. Home inspectors around Atlanta and surrounding cities like Loganville, Monroe, Snellville, and Conyers often uncover hazardous surprises lurking in new builds. Despite popular belief, new doesn’t mean perfect.

What Is Electrical Arcing and Why Should You Care?

Electrical arcing is essentially a high-voltage discharge between two conductors. Think of it like a miniature lightning bolt. Every time it happens, it generates intense heat, which can degrade wiring, melt terminals, and ignite surrounding materials.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failures or malfunctions were the second leading cause of U.S. home fires in recent years. In 2023 alone, over 46,700 home fires were attributed to electrical causes. That's roughly 128 fires per day.

Now imagine this risk quietly hiding in a brand-new HVAC system because no one bothered to remove the cover panel.

It All Looked Fine... Until the Cover Came Off

During a routine inspection, David Lelak of Integrity Home Inspections (IHI) performed what most others wouldn’t: he removed the A/C disconnect cover. On the outside, everything looked pristine. But inside?

• Right terminal: solid and intact

• Left terminal: melted, burnt, completely disintegrated

This wasn’t just a cosmetic issue. It was evidence of long-term arcing, likely from poor initial installation. Left unchecked, this defect could've led to thousands of dollars in damage, or worse, a fire.

Why Home Inspectors in Walton County Do More Than City Inspectors

Many people assume the city inspector's seal of approval is all you need. But the truth? Municipal inspections are often rushed and surface-level due to volume and time constraints.

They rarely:

• Pull disconnects

• Open electrical panels

• Test GFCI/AFCI functions thoroughly

• Inspect behind cover plates or appliances

That’s where professional home inspectors step in. A licensed, detail-oriented home inspector will go places city officials won’t. In Georgia, that diligence can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe.

What a Quality Home Inspection in Atlanta Should Include

If you're hiring a home inspector near Atlanta, here’s what you should expect from a thorough report:

• Roofing system check: flashing, shingles, and drainage

• Foundation and structure analysis: signs of settling or damage

• Electrical system test: including breakers, outlets, GFCI, AFCI, and disconnects

• HVAC system evaluation: airflow, wiring, ductwork, and safety

• Plumbing review: leaks, pressure, drains, water heater integrity

• Interior/exterior walk-through: windows, insulation, doors, attics, and crawlspaces

Too often, newly built homes pass the bare minimum code checks, but fail real-world conditions within months.

Why "New Construction" Homes in Georgia Still Need Inspection

Builders are often juggling multiple projects. Subcontractors rotate through jobs quickly. Mistakes get buried, sometimes literally. Without a professional inspection, it’s easy for the following to go unnoticed:

• Improperly bonded wires

• HVAC duct leaks

• Foundation cracks covered by paint

• Roofing shortcuts

In Walton County and surrounding cities like Covington, Social Circle, and Winder, dozens of new communities are springing up. But just because a home is new doesn’t mean it’s move-in ready.

Why David Lelak Goes the Extra Mile

David Lelak of Integrity Home Inspections has built a reputation throughout Metro Atlanta for inspecting what others overlook. His methodical approach has earned him trust in cities like Grayson, Lithonia, Lawrenceville, and more.

What sets David apart?

• He removes disconnects and covers to inspect internal components

• He uses thermal imaging to detect hidden heat spots

• He documents all findings with annotated photos

• He explains everything in clear, relatable terms

Trusted by Families Across Walton County and Metro Atlanta

From historic homes in Stone Mountain to new developments in Walton County, homeowners trust Integrity Home Inspections to catch the details others miss.

If you’re buying, selling, or just moved into a new build, schedule a licensed home inspector before the problems begin.

Don’t let a pretty facade blind you from hidden risks.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Gamble with What You Can’t See

This A/C terminal arcing issue is a textbook example of why every home, old or new, needs a professional home inspection. Looks can deceive. Electrical issues don’t knock before sparking. And peace of mind isn’t something you can buy after a fire.

You need someone who will lift the cover, trace the wires, and tell you the hard truth. That’s what David Lelak does every day.

CLICK HERE to Schedule or Contact 404-788-2581.

Make sure your new home is actually safe. Let the experts do what city inspections won’t.