🏠 Top 10 Common Issues Found During a Home Inspection in Nashville, TN

hillstophomeinspec
Jun 9
3 min read

Buying a home in Nashville or Middle Tennessee is exciting—but it’s also a huge investment. That’s why a thorough home inspection is one of the most critical steps in the process. At Hill’s Top Home Inspections, we’ve performed hundreds of inspections across the region, and certain issues come up time and time again.

Here are the top 10 most common problems we find during home inspections in the greater Nashville area—and why you need to know about them.

1. 🧱 Foundation Cracks or Settlement

Middle Tennessee's clay-heavy soil makes homes more prone to shifting over time. We often find:

Cracks in foundation walls
Sloping floors
Sticky windows/doors

While minor cracks are common, some can signal serious structural concerns that require professional evaluation.

2. 🏚️ Roof Damage or Wear

Shingle wear, granule loss, flashing issues, and past patch jobs are all common in homes over 15 years old. In Nashville’s climate, sun and storm exposure accelerate roof deterioration.

We use drone roof inspections to safely and thoroughly assess every square inch—even when the roof is not accessible by ladder.

3. 🔌 Outdated or Unsafe Electrical Systems

We frequently find:

Double-tapped breakers
Missing GFCI/AFCI protection
Cloth wiring or aluminum wiring in older homes
Ungrounded outlets

These pose shock and fire hazards—especially if the home was built before the 1980s or has been renovated without permits.

4. 💧 Plumbing Leaks or Improper Drainage

Some of the most common issues include:

Active leaks under sinks
Corroded shut-off valves
Improperly sloped drain lines
Cast iron pipes at the end of their lifespan

We also check water pressure and inspect supply lines and drains for signs of trouble.

5. ❄️ HVAC Problems

Improperly maintained heating and cooling systems are a red flag. In Nashville, we see:

Dirty coils and filters
Rusted drain pans
Units near the end of their service life
Improperly installed return ducts

A faulty HVAC system affects efficiency and air quality.

6. 🌫️ Attic and Insulation Deficiencies

Poor ventilation or insulation can lead to:

Mold growth
High utility bills
Ice dams in colder weather

We inspect attics thoroughly using thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden moisture or air leaks.

7. 🐜 Termite Damage

Termite activity is very common in Tennessee. Even if past treatments were done, damage can remain hidden behind walls or in crawlspaces. We often find:

Hollow-sounding wood
Mud tubes on foundation walls
Old, untreated damage

We always recommend a WDI (wood-destroying insect) inspection if not already provided.

8. 🚪 Poor Exterior Drainage or Grading

Improper grading or short downspouts can lead to water intrusion and foundation issues. We often recommend:

Extending downspouts 4–6 feet from the home
Regrading sloped areas
Installing splash blocks

Moisture at the foundation is one of the leading causes of crawlspace problems in Nashville homes.

9. 🪟 Windows and Doors That Don’t Function Properly

Common findings:

Broken seals
Sticking frames
Improper flashing
Foggy or damaged panes

These may seem minor, but they affect energy efficiency and security.

10. 🐍 Crawlspace Concerns

Crawlspaces are often overlooked but tell a big story. We frequently find:

Standing water
Rodent droppings
Uninsulated pipes or ductwork
Damaged vapor barriers

Every Hill’s Top inspection includes a full crawlspace entry and evaluation, unless unsafe to do so.

🧰 Final Thoughts: A Home Inspection is Your Best Defense

When buying a home in Nashville, a certified home inspection is the smartest way to uncover hidden issues, avoid expensive surprises, and protect your investment.

At Hill’s Top Home Inspections, we don’t cut corners—we inspect every attic, crawlspace, outlet, roof, and foundation using the latest tools, including: