When buying a new home, there’s always a mix of excitement and anxiety. But nothing can be more unsettling than discovering a problem lurking where you least expect it. For one of my clients, that unexpected discovery was a colony of bats living in the attic—a problem that could have gone unnoticed without a thorough home inspection.
The Batty Reality
During a routine home inspection of the property my clients were about to purchase, the inspector uncovered bats in the attic. Bats may seem harmless, but their presence in a home can lead to serious issues. Unfortunately, getting rid of them isn’t as simple as calling an exterminator. Bats are a protected species in many areas, meaning you can’t remove them directly. Instead, you have to install one-way gates that allow the bats to leave but prevent them from re-entering.
Once the bats are out, you’re left with a costly mess. In this case, the sellers were faced with a $29,000 repair bill. The entire attic had to be cleaned out, the old insulation—contaminated with bat guano—removed, and new insulation installed. On top of that, the attic was sealed to ensure the bats couldn’t return.
Why was this so expensive? Bat guano isn’t just unpleasant; it can carry a respiratory virus called histoplasmosis, which can be harmful, especially if inhaled over time.
The Hidden Dangers of Small Openings
You might wonder, “How did the bats get in?” The answer is surprising—and a little unnerving. Bats can squeeze through holes as small as your fingertip! That’s right—if you can fit your finger through a gap in your home’s exterior, a bat can likely fit through as well. This is why it’s essential to make sure your home is sealed properly, with all the little grates and screens intact to keep critters out.
An experienced inspector will check every nook and cranny to ensure there are no entry points for pests, including bats, mice, and other wildlife. If you hear strange noises in your attic or walls, it’s always worth investigating further—those odd sounds could be a sign of an unwelcome visitor.
The Importance of Home Inspections
This story highlights why a home inspection is more than just a box to check off during the buying process—it’s a crucial step in protecting your investment and your health. Without a professional inspector catching this infestation, my clients could have moved in and unknowingly put themselves at risk of exposure to harmful contaminants. It’s not just about the cost of repairs, but the peace of mind that comes with knowing your new home is safe.
In this instance, the sellers had to pay for the repair because their own inspection missed the issue before they bought the house. This situation could have been avoided with better prevention measures in place from the start.
Final Thoughts
A home inspection might seem like an extra step, but stories like this one show just how critical it is to ensure your new home is free from hidden dangers. Whether it’s bats in the attic or another unexpected issue, a professional inspection can protect you from costly repairs and health risks. Don’t skip this crucial part of the home-buying process—you’ll thank yourself later.