Upon Closer Inspection: Tales From A Flip House
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Here’s a little story about a home inspection at a flip house that, Upon Closer Inspection, wasn’t exactly as advertised. We’ve previously discussed that some flippers can be in the business of putting “lipstick on a pig,” and merely putting a shiny new veneer over existing problems without actually fixing anything, or using subpar contractors to do the work. Today’s column is devoted to a house where one inspector got an eyeful of just such a house.
The listing claimed this 1986 built flip was “essentially new,” and that “no expense was spared.” See what you think.
Brand New Windows!
New windows are always a nice touch when renovating a home. They’re more efficient and certainly have a cleaner, fresher look. But it’s kind of important that they be sealed properly. See where he can get his fingers in there? That’s not good. You’re not getting much efficiency from a window that hasn’t been sealed.
Don’t Bother Going in the Attic
Don’t mind the flying leap you’ll have to take to access that ladder, as long as it’s accessible to rodents and other vermin, which it quite clearly is if you want to take a closer look at that second picture. Or maybe you don’t. But we’re actually pretty sure the flippers didn’t go in the attic at all if you take a look below.
Brand New AC! Except …
Don’t mind the ductwork. I’m sure that brand-new AC will do just fine with air running through this completely disintegrated, flattened duct. That’ll work out great. That’s a huge red flag because a pro would never install a new AC system leaving ducts like this in place and put their name on it.
Irrigation System!
Clearly, no stone was left unturned when putting this property together for sale, including the fabulous irrigation system. One head is shown broken and leaking into the yard and on the sidewalk, and another is power washing the wall. Somebody hasn’t been maintaining their sprinkler system properly.
These are just a few of the wacky images from this particular property. Of course, I’m never trying to suggest that all flippers do shoddy work like this. There are incredible professionals in the business of flipping homes that do wonderful work renovating and restoring homes. But, as I’ve said before, you don’t have to have any kind of license to be a flipper, and there are plenty of homes that get flipped and sold with little or no oversight, so if you are purchasing a property that has been recently flipped or undergone major renovations, make sure you have a home inspection so you can be sure the work was done properly.
