Failing Grades
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
James Brock of Boston Home Inspectors Inc., South Boston, Mass., asks…
Removing the ceiling panels revealed this questionable light-fixture connection.