Older Home Inspections | Canton & Alpharetta GA Home Inspector Tips
Why Older Homes Still Need a Sharp Eye - Even Ellijay
Hi, I’m David Lelak with IHI Home Inspections, and I recently inspected an 18-year-old home up in Ellijay that had some pretty eye-opening issues—and I’ve got to tell you, these same problems show up all over Canton, Alpharetta, Woodstock, and Cumming too.
People often assume that once a home is built and lived in, it’s settled in for good—but that’s exactly when things start to shift, crack, and wear down. That’s why I always recommend getting a professional home inspection if your home is over 15 years old or if you're buying one that is.
Roof and Chimney: The First Red Flags
At this particular Ellijay inspection, one of the first things I noticed was the roof. The shingles were showing signs of age—some even damaged—which can become a big leak problem fast. And the chimney trim boards? Rotted and pulling away, opening the door to moisture and pest entry.
These might sound minor, but trust me—they’re the kinds of things that lead to mold, interior wall damage, and insulation failure if ignored.
🔍 I find similar issues every week in homes across Canton, Cumming, and Alpharetta, especially in homes 15+ years old that haven’t had recent roof maintenance
Deck Support Posts: Hidden Moisture Damage
Next up was the deck—and this is a common one I see in Woodstock and Alpharetta neighborhoods. The support posts looked fine at a glance, but once I pulled back the base coverings, moisture had been collecting underneath for years.
Trapped water causes rot, instability, and in some cases, complete deck failure. If your deck is more than 10 years old and hasn’t had a pro look underneath, now’s the time.
Sneaky Plumbing Issues: Waste Line Leak in the Bath
Inside the home, my inspection tools (and nose) led me to a leaking waste line under the sink in the downstairs bath. The homeowner had no idea—it hadn’t caused visible water damage yet. But the slow leak could’ve rotted out the cabinet, wall, and even subfloor if left unchecked.
✅ I’ve found similar hidden leaks during home inspections in Alpharetta and Cumming, often in homes that "look great" on the surface.
Why This Matters Across North Georgia
Even though this inspection happened in Ellijay, these issues are not unique to mountain homes. I see the same aging problems during inspections in:
Canton GA – especially in neighborhoods like Great Sky and Bridgemill
Alpharetta GA – where older luxury homes are starting to show subtle wear
Cumming GA – including lake homes and cabins
Woodstock GA – where older decks and siding often hide moisture issues
If your home is 15–20 years old or you’re buying one that is, a detailed inspection can save you thousands in future repairs.
Want to See What I Found? Watch the Video
You can see highlights from this inspection in my walkthrough on YouTube. It’s a great way to see how I work—and what to watch out for if you own or are buying an older home in Georgia.
🔗 Follow along for more tips:
Let's Catch the Problems Before They Get Expensive
Whether you're in Ellijay, Canton, Alpharetta, Cumming, or Woodstock, if your home is more than 15 years old, don’t wait for a big repair bill to show up. A full inspection can give you a clear roadmap—and peace of mind.
🗓 Schedule your inspection today: https://homeinspectioncantonga.com
We’ll look at the roof, siding, plumbing, deck, electrical systems—and more—so you know exactly where your home stands.
