My Take on a Recent Tallapoosa Home Inspection

Hi, I’m David Lelak, owner of IHI Home Inspections, and I recently inspected a property in Tallapoosa, GA—but what I found there applies just as much to homes here in Canton, Woodstock, Alpharetta, and Cumming.

People often assume that rural or small-town homes don’t need the same level of scrutiny. But whether it’s in Haralson County or Cherokee County, hidden problems don’t care about your zip code. Let me walk you through some real findings from this 2025 inspection, and why it matters if you’re buying or selling anywhere in North Georgia.

What I Found in This Tallapoosa Home (And Why it Matters Everywhere)

When I got into the home, a few issues jumped out immediately—ones I also regularly see here in Canton and Alpharetta.

🧱 Chimney Cap Missing = Moisture + Rodents

There was no chimney cap, which opens the home up to rain damage, mold, and yes—squirrels and birds. A simple fix that could save thousands later.

🚰 Improper Kitchen Plumbing

The kitchen waste line used an S-trap instead of a P-trap, which can lead to sewer gases backing up into the home. It’s an outdated design and a red flag I also catch often in homes around Cumming and Woodstock.

🔌 Electrical Outlet Not Working

One kitchen outlet wasn’t functioning—a safety hazard, especially in a high-moisture area like a kitchen. That’s why I always test every accessible outlet during inspections.

🐭 Crawlspace Open to the Exterior

Biggest issue? The crawlspace had open vents directly to the outside—a welcome mat for pests and moisture. Sealing these areas is a low-cost fix with huge returns in energy savings and pest prevention.

Why These Issues Are So Common Across Metro Suburbs

Even though this house was in Tallapoosa, I see these exact same problems in Canton, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Woodstock every week.

Buyers often assume that once a home “looks good,” they’re in the clear. But as a certified inspector, I’m trained to spot what’s underneath the surface.

🔎 That’s why even new-looking homes need inspections. Hidden issues like outlet failures or open crawlspaces aren’t always visible during a walk-through.

How a Home Inspection Saves You Money

Let’s say the chimney cap problem leads to water intrusion. That could cause:

• Attic insulation damage ($500–$1,000+)

• Mold remediation ($2,000+)

• Pest removal and repairs ($1,000+)

All of that from skipping a $400–$500 home inspection.

If you're buying, it gives you leverage to negotiate repairs.
If you're selling, it helps you fix problems before they kill your deal.
If you're staying put, it's just smart maintenance.

My Home Inspector Services Cover More Than Tallapoosa

I’m based right here in Canton, GA, and serve clients all over:

• Canton – including Bridgemill, Great Sky, and Harmony on the Lakes

• Cumming – from West Forsyth to Lake Lanier-area homes

• Alpharetta – luxury homes and townhomes alike

• Woodstock – especially older homes and revitalized properties

• And of course—Tallapoosa, Bremen, Haralson, and Carroll Counties

Whether you're a first-time buyer, investor, or long-time homeowner, I tailor every inspection to your needs—and provide a digital report the next business day, complete with photos and videos.

Ready to Book? Here's How to Reach Me

🏠 IHI Home Inspections | David Lelak
🎯 Serving Canton, Cumming, Alpharetta, Woodstock & beyond
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💬 DM me or schedule directly at the link above.
🔧 Let’s make sure your home isn’t hiding any costly surprises.