Unexpected Home Inspection Finds Are Oddly Satisfying
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Home inspectors know to always expect the unexpected because every home is different, and every homeowner has had a hand in caring for — or not caring for — its different parts. Even so, after hundreds of homes, it becomes hard to surprise some of these inspectors. So the examples of unexpected home inspection findings I have for you today are interesting but not all that surprising for the inspectors. But for regular homeowners like you and me? Not something we see every day, and strangely … satisfying. It’s like watching “America’s Funniest Home Videos.” Watching other people screw up is fun.
Fed Up With the Squirrels
While this particular setup is not “approved” by anyone’s standards, you have to give this DIYer credit for ingenuity. They managed to rig up a trap to allow the critter to get out, but not get back in. So when the squirrels (or rats, raccoons, possums, or what-have-you) leave to find food, they can’t return. A for effort, C- for aesthetics.
The Golden Throne
No, there is neither a golden treasure nor anything mystical or demonic (doesn’t the pipe look like a forked tail, though??) occurring in this toilet. This is thermal imaging, which is a tool inspectors use all over the house to see temperature differentials where they shouldn’t be. This helps them find things like water leaks behind walls and unsealed vents where conditioned air is leaked into the wall. And in this case, it helped them discover that the plumber had mistakenly connected hot water to this toilet.
“What’s the big deal with that?” you might say to yourself, thinking it sounds kind of nice during this icy weather to have a nice warm toilet waiting for you. Unfortunately, hot water in the toilet encourages mold growth in the tank and pipes, so it’s not a good thing. It’s also just a waste of hot water.
Careful Where You Drill That Hole
In investigating a water leak from the bathroom above the garage, Inspector Luis was able to trace the leak to the installation of the garage door opener, which was drilled into a water line. That’ll do it, as they say. At least they’ve found the source of the leak and can fix it before more damage is done. If they’re lucky, that door was installed by a contractor who will have to fix the damage for them. If they installed it themselves, well, more evidence for why some things should be left to professionals.
Have you encountered a surprising or unexpected condition at your home? Send pictures! If you’re a Realtor, tell us about the most unexpected home inspection finds you’ve encountered at a listing. We love to hear your stories. As always, if you or someone you know needs a home inspection, the folks at Green Scene Home Inspections are here to help!
