Franchise Info
Inspector testing automatic garage door function, checking for water entry under the door, and inspecting garage-to-house fire separation wall.

What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Inspecting Garage Safety — More Than Just a Door Test

The garage is where home inspection myths live. People think we’re here to test the water heater, poke around in attic hatches, or inspect the panel—sure, those might be in the garage, but those systems get covered elsewhere. Here? I’m focused on safety, structure, and whether your garage is going to be a problem waiting to happen.

Here's What I Actually Inspect in the Garage

  • Automatic vehicle door – I test openers, safety sensors, emergency release, and whether the door reverses properly. Yes, I video it.
  • Water intrusion at vehicle door threshold – Garage floors should slope gently out. If I see standing water or evidence of past flooding under the door, I document it.
  • Firewall between garage and home – That drywall between the garage and living space? It’s not just drywall—it’s your first line of defense in a fire.
  • Combustible storage or fire risks – I don’t judge, but if you’re stacking cardboard next to a furnace, I’m going to flag it.

What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not

  • ✅ I’m looking for: door safety operation, obvious trip hazards, signs of water intrusion, and missing or damaged fire separation walls.
  • ❌ I’m not inspecting: the water heater, electrical panel, or attic insulation in this post—those are each covered in their own system sections. I also don’t move personal belongings to see behind them.

Fire Safety Starts with the Wall You Overlook

The wall between the garage and the house is a big deal. It should be fully drywalled, with any attic access or doors rated to slow the spread of fire. I look for breaches, missing tape, or damage. It’s not code enforcement—it’s basic fire safety.

Water Intrusion Is a Bigger Deal Than You Think

Water entering from under the garage door doesn’t just ruin boxes. It can seep under walls, damage trim, or invite pests. I document stains, rust at metal tracks, or signs that water regularly pools in the garage.

FAQs: Garage Inspections

Do you inspect the garage door and opener?

Yes. I test for full operation, auto-reverse safety, sensor alignment, and visible mechanical condition. I document it with a video.

What is a firewall in the garage?

It's the drywall barrier between the garage and living space, intended to slow the spread of fire. I inspect for completeness and breaches.

Do you test for leaks in the garage?

Only what’s visible. I look for signs of past water intrusion under the door or walls, but I don’t flood test or open walls.

Do you inspect the water heater and electrical in the garage?

Yes—but not as part of the garage section. Those are inspected under their own categories earlier in the report.

→ Next up: Post 26: Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Checks During a Home Inspection

← Previously: Post 24: Doors & Windows — How Small Details Reveal Bigger Problems

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