A Tiny Blink That Could Mean Big Risk

"It’s probably just the bulb, right?" That’s the common reaction when homeowners notice a flickering light. But during a recent home inspection in Roswell, GA, our team at IHI Home Inspections encountered a situation that proves otherwise. A simple flicker from the center bulb in a three-light bathroom fixture raised red flags—and it might do the same in your home, too.

The fixture looked modern and well-maintained, but as experienced home inspectors know, appearances can be deceiving. Flickering can indicate anything from a loose connection to a deeper electrical issue. And when it comes to electricity, what you don’t know really can hurt you.

Real Case in Roswell: What We Found

This inspection took place in a newly purchased property in Fulton County, nestled in the quiet suburbs of Roswell, GA. The home was built in the mid-2000s, recently updated, and passed a city code check. But that flickering bathroom light revealed:

• Possible loose neutral wiring behind the fixture

• Slight discoloration around the socket (a sign of arcing)

• No GFCI outlet protection in the same bathroom

What seemed like a minor annoyance was actually a fire risk waiting to happen.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical malfunctions are the third leading cause of home structure fires, responsible for thousands of incidents annually.

The Science Behind the Flicker

Let’s unpack it. What causes a bathroom light to flicker?

• Loose or corroded connections: These prevent consistent current flow

• Overloaded circuits: Especially in older homes not designed for today’s appliances

• Dimming switches: Can malfunction over time or be incompatible with LED bulbs

• Humidity and moisture exposure: Bathrooms are ground zero for condensation issues

A flicker isn’t just a flicker, it’s your electrical system whispering that something’s wrong.

Why Most Homeowners Miss the Signs

In neighborhoods like Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta, and Sandy Springs, many homes are a mix of original construction and partial renovations. This means some systems are upgraded while others remain outdated. That imbalance often leads to:

• Unnoticed circuit inconsistencies

• Improper grounding in bathrooms

• Fixtures wired by homeowners or subcontractors without permits

Because the light still turns on, homeowners shrug it off. But not all danger comes with a dramatic spark.

Why You Need a Home Inspector, Even in New Homes

A home inspector in Roswell doesn't just check the "big stuff." They're trained to notice the things most buyers, homeowners, and even some contractors miss. This includes:

• Visual clues like subtle burn marks or flicker patterns

• Testing for proper load balancing across the home’s electrical panel

• Identifying outdated or unsafe wiring types (aluminum wiring, for example)

• Moisture level readings near fixtures in high-humidity zones

David Lelak, a highly trusted home inspector in Roswell and the founder of IHI Home Inspections, always reminds clients:

"It’s the little things that tell the biggest stories about a home’s safety."

And he’s right. Catching a flickering light might seem minor until it leads to hundreds or even thousands in electrical repair—or worse, personal danger.

Stats That Should Stop You in Your Tracks

Still think it’s no big deal? Consider this:

• Every year, nearly 51,000 home electrical fires occur in the U.S.

• These result in over 500 deaths and 1,400 injuries (NFPA)

• Home inspections in Atlanta and surrounding suburbs have found that 1 in 10 homes has at least one fixture with wiring issues

Moisture + Electricity = A Hidden Threat

Bathroom lights, in particular, are highly vulnerable due to constant humidity. If your fan isn’t venting properly, or if fixtures aren't sealed correctly, that extra moisture leads to:

• Accelerated corrosion of electrical components

• Mold risks near ceiling junction boxes

• Deterioration of insulation around wiring

So yes, a flickering bathroom light is a big deal, especially in counties like Cobb, Gwinnett, and Cherokee where both aging and new construction homes often blend together.

New Doesn’t Mean Perfect

We’ve found electrical issues in homes less than two years old. Builders and contractors sometimes miss minor errors. That’s why a home inspection in North Atlanta suburbs is critical no matter how new your house is.

We’ve even seen:

• Neutral wires sharing terminals (a violation of code)

• Junction boxes hidden behind drywall

• Bathroom light fixtures improperly grounded

Why Roswell and Surrounding Areas Should Care

Roswell, GA is known for beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods and a mix of historic and modern properties. But the age diversity of homes also means a variety of electrical systems and installation practices.

Nearby cities like:

• Alpharetta: Many homes built during the tech boom have older panels

• Marietta: Historic homes = older wiring hidden behind plaster

• Woodstock and Canton: Growth neighborhoods where contractors rush jobs

...all carry unique risks. And only a certified home inspector with deep local experience can spot the inconsistencies.

When to Call a Home Inspector

Call a home inspector when:

• A light flickers without explanation

• You notice buzzing, humming, or a burning smell

• GFCIs trip frequently

• Light switches feel warm to the touch

• You’re buying a home built before 2005

These are all warning signs of a larger electrical fault. If you're in Roswell, Atlanta, or surrounding metro areas, you don’t want to take that chance.

Safety is in the Details

You might not notice that single flickering bulb every day. But an expert home inspection in Roswell, GA can reveal what’s hiding behind it. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just want peace of mind, it pays to go deeper than surface-level checks.

Let IHI Home Inspections help you protect your investment, and your family.

👉 CLICK HERE to Schedule or Contact 404-788-2581