With the explosion of DIY content online, it’s easy to think you can handle just about anything with a quick YouTube search and a few tools from the hardware store. And while I’m all for empowering homeowners to learn about their property, there’s a big difference between weekend projects and the critical systems that make your home safe and functional. That’s where a professional home inspection comes in.

I’ve been in the home inspection business for years, and I’ve seen just about everything. From improperly installed electrical panels to foundation cracks hidden behind fresh drywall. But one recent find was a little surprising!

A DIY Disaster in the Drain Line

During a routine inspection, I came across what looked like a typical basement drainage setup, until I noticed a small, suspicious-looking tube sticking out of the pipe. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that someone had drilled a hole directly into a main sewer pipe and inserted a clear plastic tube. Why? Likely to “vent” or redirect water. But instead of solving a problem, they created a much bigger, costly one. Problem? Sewage was leaking out and backing up through the tube.

That’s right. Every time the system pumped or backed up even slightly, raw sewage was being forced up and out of that little DIY hole. The real danger was the exposure to harmful bacteria and gases. Not to mention the fact that this kind of setup could easily go unnoticed by a buyer or cause long-term damage.

Why Hiring a Professional Matters

Here’s the thing: A professional home inspector knows how to spot problems. We understand building systems holistically. So when we inspect a home, we’re not just looking for what’s broken. We’re looking for what’s hidden, what’s been covered up, and what might fail soon.

Here’s what a licensed inspector brings to the table that a DIYer might miss:

• Trained Eye: We know what to look for in areas most homeowners wouldn’t think to check: attic framing, crawlspaces, moisture levels behind walls, etc.
• Safety First:  Structural, electrical, and plumbing issues can be dangerous if not identified and addressed properly. We know what’s safe and what’s not, and why it matters.
• Unbiased Reporting: Whether you’re buying, selling, or just checking the health of your home, you get a clear, objective look at the facts.
• Cost-Saving Insight: We help you catch problems before they become expensive disasters. That small hole in the pipe? Left alone, it could have led to thousands in cleanup and repairs.
• Peace of Mind: When a professional inspects your home, you’re not just getting a checklist. You’re getting confidence in the safety and longevity of your investment.

Leave YouTube for Painting Projects! It’s great to be handy around the house — and I’ll be the first to encourage homeowners to learn more about how their home works. But when it comes to plumbing, electrical, roofing, or foundation issues, it pays to have a professional in your corner. Especially when lives, health, and big-ticket systems are on the line. Do it right, hire a professional!