A home inspector is supposed to check everything, and you trust that they’ll do that. They’ll crawl into the attic if they need to, test all the outlets, poke at the roof, etc.
That shed out back, though? The detached garage? That little workshop, the previous owner swore was ‘in great shape?’
Most people don’t realize this until it’s too late, but those outbuildings usually don’t get more than a glance, if that. It’s not that the inspectors are trying to trick you because they’re not; they’re just following their normal checklist. And detached structures, sadly, fall outside the scope. This means that big issues like a roof that sags, a crumbling foundation, faulty wiring, or damage from termites could all be there.
The problem is that these ‘extra’ buildings aren’t cute little perks you get as a bonus; they’re part of the property you’re paying for, so if something is wrong with them, you might be looking at thousands of dollars for repairs, and it can even affect the value of your home.
Limits of Standard Home Inspections
You should never sign anything without a home inspection, but you should know that a standard home inspection isn’t the deep dive into every single structure on the property you might think it is. It’s actually a set process with a specific checklist, and the vast majority of it focuses on the main house.
Inspectors are there to evaluate the core systems and safety of the home you’ll be living in, not necessarily the extras around it.
Roof, plumbing, electrical system, and foundation inside the primary building are their priorities, and detached structures (garages, sheds, guesthouses, workshops, etc.) are usually treated as optional or additional. That means the inspector will check them only if you arrange for it in advance and, of course, pay extra.
A lot of inspection reports even have disclaimers that state outbuildings are excluded from the scope entirely.
This isn’t laziness but simply how the industry defines the job. What’s problematic with this approach is that, if nobody inspects these spaces, you might not know they have issues like water damage, structural weakness, or electrical hazards.
Once you move in, there might be a few surprises.
Key Areas in Detached Structures That Get Ignored
Detached structures look simple enough from the outside, but they have their own systems and weaknesses, many of which end up unchecked during a standard inspection.
For a comparison example, we can use Lancaster (PA), Phoenix (AZ), and Seattle (WA):
| – Lancaster – Known for its very humid continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, as well as year-round precipitation. – Phoenix – Unlike Lancaster, here you’ll find a very hot desert climate, but with very low humidity. Snow is almost non-existent. – Seattle – The mild oceanic climate suffers constant rainfall as well as cool temperatures, which is ideal for moss, mold, corrosion, and general dampness-related issues. |
Shed structures in Lancaster will suffer snow load damage, freeze-thaw cracking, and various humidity-related rot damage. Professionals doing the shed repair Lancaster residents often hire, have their hands full with such issues.
In Phoenix, snow wouldn’t be an issue (for obvious issues), but UV damage, warping, and dry rot would be prime problems that shed contractors would have to deal with.
Seattle, with its very damp atmosphere, will have sheds growing moss and mold, plus if there’s metal involved, you can be sure that the structures will suffer corrosion.
This example goes to show how the same type of structure (in this case, a shed) will be safe from one potential harm in one part of the country, while being unable to avoid it in another part.
No structure is completely safe; you need to be aware of what hazards the area you live in has, and you have to account for them and adjust the structure (or preventive measures) accordingly.
Here are some of the most common areas that nobody pays attention to.
Foundations and Structural Integrity
Even if it’s just a shed or a small garage, it still needs a stable foundation to stay safe and functional. Tiny cracks in the concrete, uneven settling, or makeshift supports might seem harmless, but they’ll quickly become very problematic.
A shifting foundation can warp doorframes, create gaps that let in pests, and even make the entire building dangerous. And unfortunately, these kinds of issues will never make it into the report without a close inspection.
Roofing and Exterior Materials
Detached structures usually don’t have the same roofing materials as the main house to save on costs, and cheap roofing wears out faster, especially if it’s not maintained. A lot of inspectors won’t climb onto a small, separate roof for safety reasons, which means they won’t notice leaks, missing shingles, or soft spots.
But over time, even small openings can let water in and damage the whole structure from the top down.
Electrical Wiring and Safety Hazards
More often than not, sheds, workshops, and detached garages have electrical setups added long after the building was first built. Sometimes, that even happens without a permit.
And does anybody really need to tell you how dangerous old or DIY wiring can be? It might not even meet code, which is a serious fire risk.
Inspectors might test a light switch or outlet, but they won’t always trace the wiring to see if it’s safe.
For you, that means you might have a dangerous problem on your hands.
Damage from Pests and Moisture
Outbuildings aren’t sealed as tightly as homes are, and rodents, termites, and other pests love taking advantage of that. Floorboards can rot from trapped moisture, and you might have generations of termite families living happily in the walls.
Unless there are obvious signs like droppings or rot, these problems won’t get a mention in the inspection report.
By the time you discover them, the damage might already be extensive.
Conclusion
Don’t treat detached structures as extras in your backyard.
You’re paying for them and they’re part of the deal you’re signing, so you should make sure the inspector checks them out. Yes, that means a little added trouble with scheduling and a higher cost for the service, but this isn’t optional.
Unless, of course, you like turning extra crispy by an electric shock when you turn the light on in the garage, or you don’t mind housing colonies of termites in your shed.
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