Every job has its quirks, but sometimes there’s nothing quirkier than the life of a home inspector. You just never know what could be hiding in a house. This month we’ll take a look at some real clunkers. Some are funny. Some are just plain weird. But a few are dangerous.
These are just a few of the many that pop up on a typical home inspection day.
Plumber or sculptor? You decide!
American architect Louis Sullivan taught us “form ever follows function.”
Maybe that’s what this do-it-yourself plumber was thinking when he concocted this drain sculpture beneath a bathroom sink.
Or maybe he was drunk!
Clothes smelling odd lately?
This dryer vent is hooked into the sewer line and held in place with duct tape. Hopefully those fuzzy dryer sheets can take out some really serious odors. If you ask me, this whole situation just stinks!
Dirty tricks
The builder left a huge pile of dirt and junk in the basement of a brand new house. Now the only way to get it out would be with a shovel and wheelbarrow. The owners decided instead to seal off the area. Now would be a good time for them to give us the “dirt” on the builder!
Doing their part for cleaner air
Here’s a vacuum cleaner tube being used as a plumbing vent extension. Perhaps the homeowner was concerned about air pollution and was ready to vacuum the sky. Maybe if all homes had this, we could reduce greenhouse gases significantly. Or maybe not.
On the rocks!
Here’s a “tiny house” being supported on a pile of rocks. It’s only a matter of time until the house starts slipping and sliding.
There are right ways and wrong ways to support structures. This is the quintessential example of the absolute wrong way!
It’s in the can!
Those can lights come in cans for a reason. Here’s a can light without the can. This leaves wiring exposed and subjects nearby insulation to heat – both potential fire hazards.
This is a perfect example of when NOT to kick the can down the road!
It’s a gas, gas, gas!
This is an unsafe way to run a gas line, as the concrete block may damage the line causing a leak. Gas lines should be run through a PVC pipe at the foundation.
Gas must be taken seriously, always. Installed improperly it can cause serious injury, fire, explosion, or death.
Blowing hot and cold
When your HVAC ducts are disconnected, it’s a great way to heat or cool your crawlspace instead of your house. This home’s heating and cooling bills must be going through the roof, even though the treated air is blowing under the floor.
Buying or selling a home?
Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click the link below to make an appointment.
