Failing Grades
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Just when you thought you’ve seen it all when it comes to absurd household repairs—we present the next roundup of baffling home-inspector findings: electrical hazards, faulty deck installations, aggressive chickens, and more. What lurks behind walls, under decks, and in the ceiling will surely amaze you.
Early Bird Gets the Worm
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David Grudzinski of Advantage Home Inspections, Cranston, R.I., reports…
While digging for the septic, I found worms and tossed a few to the onlooking flock of chickens. They chased after me the rest of the time I was there.
There’s a Hole in the Bucket, Dear Liza
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Randy Sipe of Family Home Inspection Services Inc., Spring Hill, Kans., says…
A bathroom sink appears to be draining properly…until we take a look around the other side of the wall to find the water emptying into a bucket.
Watch his video of the problem sink on YouTube.
Filter Used to Vent
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Jeremy Provan of Pro Vantage Home Inspections, Columbia, Md., notes…
Here, a washable HVAC filter is being used as a gable vent. It should help to filter any dust that might want to enter or leave the attic—but not with ventilation.
Lack of Deck Support
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Jim Foss of Best Inspection Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, says…
There is a reason I inspect the outside first! The homeowner still uses this deck for BBQs and didn’t understand my concerns about the lack of support underneath!
Spelling Fail
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Matthew Steger of WIN Home Inspection, Elizabethtown, Pa., says…
The electrician misspelled “electric” on this label. Learning how to become an electrician doesn’t include a spelling test, apparently.
Mixed-Up Pipe Connections
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James Brock of Boston Home Inspectors Inc., South Boston, Mass., warns…
Beware, this is what happens when auto mechanics step in as plumbers. The homeowner’s brother-in-law, an auto mechanic, tried to install this garbage disposal—and used a garage exhaust hose.
Unprotected Wires
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James Brock of Boston Home Inspectors Inc., South Boston, Mass. says…
An assortment of bulbs and twisted, exposed wires is an unsettling sight in this attic.
Overheated Receptacle
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James Brock of Boston Home Inspectors Inc., South Boston, Mass., asks…
Is this electrical outlet too close to the spigot? Not to worry. A self-cooling water system is in place.
Convenient Outlet
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James Brock of Boston Home Inspectors Inc., South Boston, Mass., reports…
The medicine cabinet was installed directly over an electrical outlet. They just cut out a hole for it!
Staircase Support Shed
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James Brock of Boston Home Inspectors Inc., South Boston, Mass., asks…
In need of a strong support for this multilevel staircase? No problem! Build a handy storage shed underneath.
Plumbing Vent Stack Turned Trash Can
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James Brock of Boston Home Inspectors Inc., South Boston, Mass., reports…
This right here is a multipurpose product: a plumbing vent stack, an ashtray, and a glass-recycling bin.
Poor Installation, Exposed
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James Brock of Boston Home Inspectors Inc., South Boston, Mass., asks…
Removing the ceiling panels revealed this questionable light-fixture connection.