The Flaw You Didn't Know Could Cost You

Imagine this: you're standing curbside admiring your newly built home in Atlanta. Everything looks immaculate—the windows, the roofline, the freshly painted siding. But then your home inspector climbs the ladder, looks at the top of the shutters, and shakes their head.

That's when you hear it: "They're only painted on the bottom. The top is raw wood."

Surprised? You're not alone. This subtle oversight, often missed by homeowners and unnoticed from the ground, can lead to major headaches—and costly repairs—if left unaddressed. Let's dive into the importance of this small yet critical detail, and how a thorough home inspection in Atlanta and nearby cities can save you from unexpected issues.

The Real Risks of Incomplete Shutter Painting

While it might seem cosmetic, leaving the tops of shutters unpainted creates vulnerabilities you can't afford to ignore. Georgia's humid subtropical climate—especially in areas like Fulton County, Cobb County, Cherokee County, and Dawsonville—is a breeding ground for moisture-related damage.

Here’s what can go wrong:

• Moisture Intrusion: Exposed wood absorbs rainwater and humidity, leading to swelling, rot, or mildew.

• Premature Wear and Peeling: Paint bubbles and flakes faster when wood isn’t sealed completely.

• Structural Weakness: Left untreated, rot can spread from shutters to siding or window frames.

In fact, a study by the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) reports that moisture is responsible for more than 90% of building envelope failures. The good news? It's 100% preventable.

The Role of a Home Inspector in Spotting This (and More)

Hiring a professional home inspector near Atlanta isn't just for resale properties. In new constructions, especially, it's crucial. Builders, under pressure to meet deadlines and reduce costs, sometimes cut corners in the most unexpected ways.

A trusted home inspector—like David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, who has a sharp eye for detail—knows how to spot these half-done jobs that most homeowners overlook. From climbing ladders to inspect gutter installations to checking attic insulation and crawl space integrity, they leave no shingle unturned.

What an Inspector Looks for:

• Complete shutter paint and seal

• Proper flashing and water drainage

• Full siding paint coverage (even behind HVAC units)

• Roof edge protection

• Window caulking and seals

Cities Where This Is Becoming a Common Issue

Incomplete shutter painting isn’t isolated to one builder or subdivision. It’s happening across new neighborhoods in:

• Canton, GA

• Roswell, GA

• Marietta, GA

• Dawsonville, GA

• Alpharetta, GA

• Woodstock, GA

• Kennesaw, GA

• Holly Springs, GA

• Ball Ground, GA

As these cities experience rapid growth, quality assurance sometimes falls through the cracks. That’s where having a local home inspector familiar with Georgia construction standards makes all the difference.

The Myth of "Out of Sight, Out of Mind"

The top of a shutter might be out of sight, but it shouldn't be out of mind. Weather doesn’t play favorites, and UV rays, rain, and debris can impact those hidden surfaces just as much—if not more—than the visible ones.

Let’s put it in perspective: Would you accept a car that’s only painted on one side because the other faces the garage wall? Of course not. Your home deserves the same level of care and attention to detail.

Small Flaw, Big Costs: A Breakdown

• Repairing rotted wood shutters: $300 - $500 each

• Replacing window trim due to moisture spread: $800 - $1,200

• Patching siding rot: $15 - $40 per square foot

• Repainting neglected areas: $2,000+ depending on scope

That $50 top coat of paint skipped by a builder can snowball into thousands in repairs within a few short years.

How a Pre-Closing or Annual Home Inspection Helps

Don’t wait until you see paint peeling or your shutters sagging. Schedule an annual or pre-closing inspection to ensure your entire home is protected.

A comprehensive home inspection in Cherokee and Dawson counties includes:

• Exterior visual review (including atop shutters and trim)

• Roofing condition and flashing

• Gutter and downspout functionality

• Siding, seals, and exterior paint

• Attic ventilation and insulation

Why Local Expertise Matters

A generic home inspection checklist may not be enough. Georgia’s climate, construction methods, and material choices differ from those in other states. This is why working with someone local—who’s inspected hundreds of homes across Atlanta and its suburbs—is key.

That’s Where IHI Home Inspections Comes In

David Lelak, founder of IHI Home Inspections, has built his reputation on meticulous, above-and-beyond service. His team understands not only what to look for—but why it matters.

From spotting unpainted wood atop a shutter to catching improperly vented crawl spaces in Woodstock, Marietta, or Dawsonville, they know Georgia homes inside and out.

Final Thoughts: The Beauty is in the Details

Your home is likely the biggest investment you'll ever make. Don't let the small stuff—like a missed coat of paint—turn into a major expense.

When it comes to protecting your home, what you can’t see absolutely can hurt you. A thorough home inspection near Atlanta gives you peace of mind and the power to fix small issues before they become big problems.

Want to be sure your home is fully protected?

📞 Call IHI Home Inspections at 404-788-2581 or schedule your inspection today.

Don’t just trust what you see from the ground—get a bird's-eye view with a trusted Georgia home inspector.