If you’re buying or selling a home in Middle Tennessee, there are a few things you simply can’t afford to overlook, no matter how beautiful the property looks on the surface. Beneath the fresh paint and curb appeal, three hidden threats can cause serious issues for homeowners in this region: radon, termites, and crawlspace problems.

Each of these concerns is common in Tennessee, and each one requires special attention during the home inspection process.

Here’s what you need to know (and why ignoring them could cost you).

Radon: The Invisible Risk Beneath Your Feet

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms in the soil, and Middle Tennessee has some of the highest concentrations in the state. It’s odorless, colorless, and dangerous, especially when it accumulates inside homes.

Why It Matters:

• Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., behind smoking.
  
• It enters homes through cracks in foundations, sump pumps, or crawlspaces.
  
• You won’t know it’s there without a professional radon test.

What to Do:

Every home in Nashville and the surrounding counties should be tested for radon, regardless of age or condition. At DILIGENT, we offer fast, certified radon testing with results that help homeowners and buyers make informed decisions. If levels are elevated, mitigation systems are available and effective.

Termites: Silent Destroyers Common to Tennessee

Tennessee’s warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for wood-destroying insects, especially subterranean termites. These pests often go undetected until significant damage has already occurred.

Why It Matters:

• Termites cause billions in damage annually across the U.S.
  
• Damage often isn’t visible until it’s too late.
  
• Lenders may require a termite letter to approve financing in Tennessee.
  

What to Do:

A licensed termite inspection is essential, especially during real estate transactions. At DILIGENT, we’re certified to provide both inspections and the official documentation lenders require. Whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining your home, this small step can prevent costly surprises later.

Crawlspaces: The Overlooked Trouble Zone

Middle Tennessee is known for homes built over vented crawlspaces. Unfortunately, these areas are often dark, damp, and neglected, creating the perfect environment for mold, pests, and moisture-related structural issues.

Why It Matters:

• Crawlspaces often harbor excess moisture, leading to mold growth and wood rot.
  
• Poor drainage or missing vapor barriers can affect air quality and structural integrity.
  
• Termites and other pests often gain entry through the crawlspace.

What to Do:

During an inspection, your inspector should check for:

• Standing water or high humidity
  
• Mold or mildew odors
  
• Sagging insulation or damaged subflooring
  
• Missing or torn vapor barriers

If problems are found, they can typically be addressed through encapsulation, drainage improvement, or targeted repairs, but only if you know they’re there.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Overlook What’s Below the Surface

Radon, termites, and crawlspaces may not be the first things you notice when touring a home, but they can quickly become your biggest headache if ignored. That’s why local expertise matters.

At DILIGENT, we’ve inspected thousands of homes across Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, and beyond. We know the soil. We know the pests. And we know how to spot problems before they become major issues.

Buying or selling a home in Middle Tennessee?
Make sure your inspection covers all the bases, above and below.
Contact DILIGENT today to schedule your inspection, radon test, or termite letter, and move forward with peace of mind.