In some parts of the country, crawl spaces are rare. But here in Middle Tennessee and Nashville, it’s the opposite: nearly every home has a crawl space.

That’s why choosing a home inspector who is not only willing but excited to inspect your crawl space is crucial during your due diligence period.

The Hidden Risks Beneath Your Home

Crawl spaces often hide some of the biggest and most expensive issues in a home. And more often than not, these problems are in the hardest-to-reach corners, areas that many homeowners (and even some service professionals) rarely see.

It’s no surprise. Most homeowners never step foot in their crawl spaces, and some contractors may avoid the tightest, dirtiest areas altogether. But this is where major problems like moisture intrusion, foundation shifts, or failing structural supports often lurk.

What a Crawl Space Inspection Should Cover

A good inspector doesn’t just peek in. They spend time, usually 20 to 45 minutes, navigating the entire area, connecting what’s underneath with what they’ve seen in the living spaces above.

In one crawl space inspection, an experienced inspector might uncover:

• HVAC issues (damaged ducts, leaks, or disconnected systems)

• Electrical problems (exposed or unsafe wiring)

• Plumbing leaks and water damage

• Foundation or structural concerns

• Drainage and grading issues

• Signs of mold, pests, or wood rot

In fact, if we only had 30 minutes to inspect an entire home, we’d spend five minutes inside and 25 minutes underneath, because that’s where the most critical issues often hide.

Choosing the Right Inspector in Middle Tennessee

Not all home inspectors are created equal, especially when it comes to crawl spaces. In Nashville, you need an inspector who:

• Gets into every accessible area, not just the easy spots

• Knows what to look for in our unique mixed-humid climate

• Takes the time to thoroughly document any findings

At DILIGENT, we’ve built our inspections to be crawl-space intensive because we know how much can go wrong down there. Plus, we offer crawl-space-specific services that go beyond a standard home inspection, designed to give you a clearer picture of your home’s health.