Inspector's check · Safety and electrical
If the garage is attached, is the door into the house solid and self-closing?
The door from the garage into the house should be solid wood, steel or fire-rated, close and latch on its own (spring hinges or a closer), and seal well. Look for gaps or holes in the wall or ceiling between the garage and the house too.
Why it matters
Garages hold cars, fuel and chemicals, so garage fires spread fast. A solid, self-closing door and a sealed wall keep fire and car exhaust out of the house.
If it's a problem
An inspector would write it up as “Garage-to-house door isn't fire-safe” and rate it fix this year. Your options, with rough U.S. costs:
- DIY, $30 to $80: Add spring hinges so it closes on its own, and weatherstrip it.
- Handyman (usually best), $300 to $800: Replace a hollow door with a solid or fire-rated one and patch holes in the shared wall.
Get this on your own house's plan
DwellTended builds a seasonal plan for your actual house, shows what needs you this week with rough costs, and reminds you before things are due. Free to start, no inspection report needed.