The Hidden Issues We Find During Home Inspections — And Why They Matter

When you're buying or selling a home, you expect the process to be exciting, maybe a little stressful — but hopefully without any major surprises. At Carolina Quality Inspections LLC, our job is to find those surprises before they cost you thousands.

We inspect homes in Harnett County and surrounding areas with one mission: deliver honest, thorough, and veteran-level precision to every client. Over the years, we've seen it all — and sometimes, what we find behind the walls is enough to stop a sale in its tracks.

Here are just a few real issues we’ve uncovered during recent home inspections:

🚫 Bolts Through Structural 2x4s: A Hidden Structural Weak Point

In one inspection, we discovered heavy bolts drilled directly through structural 2x4s in the wall framing. This kind of shortcut can compromise the integrity of the frame and lead to sagging walls, failed drywall, or worse — a collapse under stress.

Homeowners or contractors may cut corners to make things “fit,” but this kind of modification breaks building code and reduces the safety of the home.

Our advice: Never assume framing is done correctly just because the wall looks finished. Let a licensed inspector take a look behind the scenes.

⚡ Exposed Electrical Wiring in the Attic

Another home we inspected had multiple open junction boxes with exposed wires in the attic. Not only is this a serious fire hazard, but it’s also a violation of safety code. Unprotected wires can lead to sparks, overheating, or shocks — especially in spaces where pests or moisture are present.

This was one of those “you’d never know unless you looked” situations. And that’s exactly what we’re here to do.

💧 Moisture Behind the Shower Wall

A beautifully renovated bathroom may look like a dream come true — until our moisture meter tells a different story. In one case, moisture had built up behind shower tiles due to an improperly sealed valve. Over time, that leads to mold, rot, and serious damage to the subfloor and drywall.

Thermal imaging and moisture detection tools allow us to find these issues before they become major repairs — or health risks.

🐾 Rodents in the Attic

Insulation torn apart. Droppings scattered. Chewed electrical wires. This is what we found during a routine attic check. Rodents had made a home in the insulation, creating a big headache for the future homeowner — and potentially a safety hazard due to compromised wiring.

The lesson? A clean-looking attic from below doesn’t always tell the full story.

Why Choose Carolina Quality Inspections?

We’re proud to be veteran-owned and family-operated. After 20 years in the U.S. Army, our lead inspector Joshua Snodgrass brings the same level of discipline, attention to detail, and commitment to safety into every home he inspects.

Whether you're buying, selling, or simply checking in on the home you love — our services are designed to give you peace of mind:

✅ Full Home Inspections
✅ Radon Testing
✅ Thermal Imaging
✅ Pre-Listing Inspections
✅ 11-Month Warranty Inspections
✅ Annual Maintenance Checks

Final Thoughts

What’s behind the walls matters. What’s in the attic matters. Even a seemingly small issue like a bolt through a 2x4 could turn into a costly problem. That’s why it pays to hire a professional you can trust.

At Carolina Quality Inspections LLC, we treat your home like it’s our own.
🛠️ Honest. Thorough. Reliable.
📞 Call us today at (910) 574-3221
🌐 Visit us online: www.carolinaqualityinspectionllc.com