New Years always involves count downs or some type of numbering of things over the past year. Like the Top 10 News Stories of 2008. Well I thought I get into the numbering game and give my own top 10 list of 2008.
This one has to do with inspection defects, big surprise right. What I am focusing on is what I call creative construction techniques. Some of the other inspectors here in the Rain have other labels for it, but it all means the same thing. Stuff that makes you scratch your head and wonder what was that guy thinking.
So here are my Top 10 Creative Construction Techniques of 2008.
|
10. A good use of duct tape This water heater flue pipe was completely encased in foil (real) duct tape. The other problem was the foam insulation used to seal the chimney gap around both pipes and the fact that this pipe was below the bigger one. |
|
|
9. I forgot the vent This drip pan drain line is missing a vent at the end of the tee. If water fills the pan it's going to drain right out the end of the tee and onto the ceiling below. |
|
|
8. Does that pipe get hot? One of the by products of burning fuel oil is hot exhaust gases. Since we don't like those gases in our home we vent them out with a pipe and or chimney. Funny thing about metal is it gets hot when heated. I guess no one told this "electrician" about that little fact or to that he should secure his wires out of harms way. |
|
|
7. What about my sister? When a house catches on fire the wood framing burns and becomes compromised structurally. Depending on how badly it was burned it may be salvageable or require complete replacement. In this house almost the entire roof had been significantly burned. Instead of replacing or "sistering" the burned rafters, the contractors just re-roofed right over the charred wood. |
|
|
6. What's a structural wall and why do I need one? For a while now the craze is to open up rooms. Great rooms as they are called are all the rage. They are nice way to add the feeling of space, but designing and building one is a little more complicated than some folks realize especially in an existing home. Here some "contractor" removed about 12 - 15 feet of a load bearing wall to get that open feeling. What he will end up with eventually is an unplanned cathedral ceiling. |
|
|
5. Where's the notch? Structural support is what I would call significantly important. A home needs to be built on a solid foundation and structural support. One of the main components is the main carrying beam on which sits the load bearing walls of the home. This beam sits in the foundation walls in a notch made just for this purpose. Well that is unless some forgets to put in the notches then a piece of framing lumber will have to do. |
|
|
4. I thought you measured it Speaking of notches and beams what happens when you order the main carrying beam too short? Well you improvise of course. This beam was about two feet short of reaching the foundation pocket. And who says new construction never needs inspection. |
|
|
3. Plug it up If you have a hole in a pipe just jam a piece of wood in there. That ought to hold it until we call the plumber... in 10 years. |
|
|
2. I....can't....breath This has to be one of the just plain dumb, sloppy, I don't give a **** installations I have ever seen. There are minimum clearances around A/C compressors for a reason. I wonder how efficiently this unit ran. |
|
|
1. Plug in the plug This is just plain goofy to me. This setup was used to provide power for the garage door opener and some plugs in the garage. The real funny thing was the main electrical panel was right there in the garage. I guess uncle Bob was cheaper than the electrician. |
|
That's my Top 10 Creative Construction Techniques of 2008. Feel free to add you own in the comment section. I enjoy a good chuckle like anyone.
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC
The last one is my favorite. Thanks for sharing.
i am only guilty of about 4 of those, is that a passing grade? Ouch some of those are scary.
Please tell me that this was not one house. They are lucky it hasn't burned to the ground or flooded. Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely amazing! You have to wonder how people who do this kind of work stay in business!
Oh the stories I could tell.
I build homes and I've seen framing crews try all kinds of stuff that won't fly. That's why none of them get final money until we pass final inspection for their part of the work. If it won't pass inspection, they don't get all their money.
I would imagine home DIY jobs are even more creative.
Hi James, Just went to an inspection where some of the load bearing beams were on bricks. No support, no cement foundation, just dirt ! Hope your 2009 is the best ever !
Hey, James. That is a little scary. Thanks for sharing and I hope that you have a great 2009, Jim
James, obviously Hans Brinker totally approves of #3:)
James, Fantastic POST! I loved the pictures. You have found some amazing things going on in your travels with real estate. Keep up the findings!
Did Tim Allen have anything to do with these creative construction techniques? lolol
http://www.timallen.com/index.php?cat=xs&
James - I had a blast reading this and glorying and reminiscing in my own top, well, 3 million, list! Thank you for the laughs!
A couple of things:
1. Uncle Bob comes to my neighborhood too. It is funny, I have used the Uncle Bob phrase for many, many years.
2. I have to say, as I did to Mr. Buell's blog post earlier, fruit cake would have been a much better plug for #3...
3. You are very, very picky. Hey, no blood, no foul.
Seriously, typically great post, had fun, Happy New Year, and let's measure with a Golden Ruler...
Ahhh the many uses of duct tape - gotta love that stuff! Thank goodness for inspectors as a lot of buyers would probably overlook problems like these ( ok, not the plug in the plug.)
Hey, Marjorie - how about the plug in the pipe?
Carol, It was mine as well.
Robert, No pass or fail, but if you guilty of even one you should be flogged with a wet noodle. :)
Nate, No this is from 10 different houses over the course of 2008. I had more than 10 photos choose from.
Mark, I way too often wonder that myself.
Mike, It since there is no licensing and consequently no required training for contractors and home builders in CT, DIY or "professional" the creativeness runs about even.
James,
I really like #1 on the hit parade -- plug in the plug.
I once saw a similar deal, but they had energized the plug so, when it was out it was hot. It energized the wall when you plugged it into that. That was figured out by a near genius, with emphasis on "near."
Bill, That's a little scary. Maybe it was structural dirt.
Jim, Thanks and you have a great 2009 also.
Charlie, I knew you'd and Hans would like that one.
Sandy, That's the great thing about this job, the amazing discoveries.
Shawn, He may have supervised, but I can't be sure.
Jay, You gotta laugh at this stuff. What else can you do?
Yeah good old Uncle Bob. There's one in every family. Thanks for the kind words and Happy New Year to you as well.
Majorie, Duct tape the universal fix all...NOT!
I'll bet this barely scratches the surface of amazing things you've seen on home inspections. I love the photos you included to help clarify the explanations.
Steven,
I got a terrific shock from the same set up in my previous career in manufacturing. An electrician, yes a real electrician, wired the the plug hot and the receptacle cold on a cord for a machine. This was 220 volts. I touched the prongs and YOW! Haven't ever forgotten that experience.
OK I used to be an electrician and I have seen some pretty funny things. Those self made handy man are scary sometimes. This was a classic post. Good job.
Maragret, That would be an accurate statement.
Mark, Yes they are scary and thanks.
By the way James, congratulations on another well-deserved feature. You are, no question about it, one of the most informed and knowledgeable inspectors on the whole Active Rain network. You keep a pretty low profile but sure do know your stuff. You have earned my respect.
James. This is a great blog.. and full of things NOT to do. My favorite is #1.. I don't think Uncle Bob (an adult) did it. I think it was the 5 year old that wants to be an electrican (hopefully not) when they grow up.
James, this why Everyone of my buyers have a home inspection and a home warrenty. thanks for the laughs. Ann
James... How'd you get those pictures of my house?... (Just kidding)... Between all the homes I've owned, I've had all 10... God Bless Uncle Bob! Thx for a great post.
Rene'
Thank you SO MUCH for the laugh!!! I am sure that in your business you run into all kinds of kooky things... Meanwhile, all of us realtors are holding our breath that the house is ok!!!
Thanks again for a great post and congrats on the feature!
Happy New Year!
Steven, Thank you very much. Coming from someone who I respect very much it means a lot.
Valerie, I hope it wasn't a five year old. All though it may have been an adult with a five year olds understanding of electricity.
Rene, Uncle Bob is every where.
Emily, Glad it made you laugh. Thanks and Happy New Year to you.
The rub is that buyers of new construction still believe they don't need an inspector. Lately, I have been getting more positive response from the home builders than the home buyers. They don't want anything coming back to bite them in the end. Great post. Have an exceptional 2009.
It is amazing what we find in homes. The piece of wood in pipe is a good one.
Just sold a $2.5mm home with a 14 foot high retaining wall and no drainage system designed or installed whatsoever.....Yes, 14 feet of dirt pushing against a 14 foot wall. The seller was wondering why the crack was getting wider and wider. The house is 13 months old and the builder is not backing it. As usually another issue off to court......$18k wall....plus a pool above the wall. This one may get pretty nasty.
Jack, It's the same old story with new construction. Buyers believe because the house is new it's perfect.
Tim, If you like the wooden plug check out this blog by Charles Buell. That retaining wall situation does sound like it is going to get ugly.
James,
So #3, you would not have called that out had it been pressure-treated wood dowel held in with shoe-goo, right?
Steven, Pressure treated wood or some other equally appropriate material such as a Christmas fruit cake. What do you think man, I'm unreasonable:O
Mr James,
I think some of those repairs look quite practical and that you are a bit over the top in your criticism. Perhaps I could come stay with you while my boss goes to Mexico for 10 days. He is afraid that I might party too much if I am south of the border. He would feel better if I was living with you or that angry Mr Charles. Sounds good to me, if we can cut out mean Mr Charles. How about you Mr James?
Nutsy
Sorry, Nutsy the inn is full. Perhaps Mrs. Barbara will take you in. She seems like she would have a good influence on you. Or.....Keep this under your hat, it'll be our little secret. You could stow away to Mexico and surprise your boss. I bet he would be speechless to find you down there while he is vacationing. What do you think?