Buying a home in Lakeland, Tennessee is an exciting milestone — new neighborhood, new possibilities, and a place to call your own. But before moving day arrives, it’s crucial to look past the décor and updates to consider something far more important: safety.
During my inspections throughout Lakeland and the greater Shelby County area, I often find hazards that homeowners never realized existed. They’re not always obvious — and they don’t always show up in listing photos — but they can make a big difference in your family’s comfort and well-being.
Here are the most common home safety concerns every buyer should check (or have checked) before moving in.
Electrical Hazards
Electricity keeps the home running, but when wiring or fixtures are outdated, it can also become one of the biggest risks. Many Lakeland homes built in the 1980s and 1990s still have older electrical panels, missing GFCI outlets, or aluminum wiring.
GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are designed to prevent electrical shock in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and garages. Without them, a single fault could become a major hazard. Likewise, outdated breaker panels — especially those from brands known for failure, such as certain Federal Pacific or Zinsco models — should be evaluated for replacement.
It’s also common for homeowners to perform their own “minor” wiring projects over the years, leading to double-tapped breakers, exposed conductors, or overloaded circuits. A qualified inspection identifies these risks and helps ensure your electrical system meets modern safety standards.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide Protection
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are inexpensive lifesavers, but they’re also among the most overlooked safety devices in a home. I often find detectors that are outdated, disabled, or missing altogether.
Every sleeping area and hallway should have a working smoke alarm, and homes with gas appliances or attached garages should also have at least one carbon monoxide detector. Devices older than 10 years should be replaced entirely — not just given new batteries.
Lakeland’s newer subdivisions tend to include these by code, but older homes or remodels often don’t. Installing new alarms is one of the easiest and most effective upgrades you can make before moving in.
Stairs, Railings, and Trip Hazards
Slips and falls remain one of the leading causes of household injuries. Inside and outside the home, stairs and walkways deserve a careful look.
Loose handrails, uneven steps, or crumbling porch surfaces can all lead to accidents. During inspections, I often note staircases missing guardrails entirely — especially on deck or patio stairs. In some cases, newly built decks may even have railings that are spaced too far apart, creating a hazard for small children.
Driveways and sidewalks should also be checked for trip hazards where concrete has shifted. These small details are often overlooked during a showing but stand out during a professional inspection.
Fireplaces and Gas Lines
Many Lakeland homes feature fireplaces — both gas and traditional wood-burning. These can be wonderful for ambiance and warmth, but they need proper inspection before use.
Gas lines that have been capped, disconnected, or partially converted are a common issue. I’ve also seen homes where a previous owner added gas logs to a wood-burning fireplace without proper venting. Missing dampers, cracked flue tiles, and debris inside chimneys can all pose serious fire and carbon monoxide risks.
If you plan to use your fireplace, have it professionally serviced and cleaned before the first fire of the season.
Garage Safety and Fire Separation
Attached garages present unique safety concerns. The wall and ceiling that separate the garage from the living space are designed to slow the spread of fire — but only if they’re properly sealed.
In Lakeland homes, it’s not uncommon to find access panels, attic stairs, or pet doors installed in these walls without the required fire-rated barriers. Even small gaps or missing drywall tape can compromise protection. I also check that automatic door sensors are positioned at the correct height (typically 4–6 inches from the floor) to prevent accidents.
A quick visual inspection can’t always reveal these details, but a trained inspector knows exactly where to look.
Water Leaks and Mold Concerns
West Tennessee’s humidity makes water control especially important. Small leaks around sinks, tubs, or attic vents can create hidden mold growth long before you smell it.
During inspections, I use moisture meters and thermal imaging to detect signs of dampness behind walls or under floors. Often, the most concerning leaks are in places homeowners never see — under a water heater, around a dishwasher, or in a crawlspace.
Early detection can save thousands in remediation costs and prevent respiratory irritation caused by prolonged mold exposure.
Security and Exterior Lighting
Safety doesn’t stop at the door. Good exterior lighting and functional locks are your home’s first defense against intruders. I often recommend that new homeowners in Lakeland check that all entry doors have deadbolts, that motion lights are functional, and that landscaping doesn’t obscure sightlines near windows.
Modern security systems are more affordable than ever, and integrating cameras or smart locks during move-in is much easier than doing it later.
The Value of a Professional Inspection
Safety issues aren’t always dramatic — sometimes it’s as simple as a missing cover plate, an ungrounded outlet, or a broken stair tread. But taken together, these small defects can create real risks.
A professional home inspection doesn’t just highlight what’s wrong; it gives you a clear understanding of what needs to be fixed first, what can wait, and what maintenance will keep your family safe long-term.
Whether you’re buying a brand-new build or an older home near Garner Lake or I-40, Upchurch Inspection provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home has been evaluated by a certified professional.
📞 Schedule Your Lakeland Home Inspection Today
Serving Lakeland, Arlington, Bartlett, and communities across West Tennessee, Upchurch Inspection offers certified home inspections, safety evaluations, and specialized testing for mold, radon, water quality, and sewer systems.
📞 Call (901) 350-8885 or visit UpchurchInspection.com to schedule your inspection today.
