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Sweat Is Free

By
Home Inspector with JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC HOI 394

Vegetation over growing A/C compressorIn a recent post of mine, I discussed my classification of homeowner maintenance.  One category is homeowner's who basically do almost nothing to maintain their homes. Some of the comments said that due to the economy people are unable to afford repairs. Now I totally agree with that sentiment to a point.

Does lack of money prevent someone from keeping the landscaping trimmed and in check? How about changing filters in their HVAC system?

I found these two A/C compressors during a recent home inspection. Now I understand lack of funds can put people into survival mode where they must choose whether to eat or pay for home maintenance. But some maintenance only costs time.

Yes there is an A/C compressor behind the bushesThis is plain and simple neglect. Vegetation like this does not over grow a unit in a year, this cumulative and was the theme through out this home.

The buyers of course walked, realizing that no matter what the price and or concessions, the work to be dome was monumental. They also felt due to a clear lack of maintenance, there was a good chance the systems in place may not last as long as if they had been properly maintained.

Even in a bad economy home maintenance is certainly possible. Money is not necessary to buy a little time and sweat.

 

 

James Quarello
Connecticut Home Inspector
2010 - 2011 SNEC-ASHI President
NRSB #8SS0022
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC

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Posted by

James Quarello
Connecticut Home Inspector
Former SNEC-ASHI President
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC

 ASHI Certified Inspector

To find out more about our other high tech services we offer in Connecticut click on the links below:

Learn more about our Infrared Thermal Imaging & Diagnostics services.

Serving the Connecticut Counties of Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, Southern Litchfield and Western New London.

Fred Hernden, CMI
Superior Home Inspections - Greater Albuquerque Area - Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque area Master Inspector

AMEN James! If you see something like that right off the bat... you can be sure that it will translate to much much more throughout the house. That is just negligence!

May 29, 2011 02:17 AM
Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty LLC - Big Rapids, MI
Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI

Sometimes sweat does cost us dearly. I have a listing withan elderly lady who is incapable of keeping up her yard work. She can't afford help on her meager social security. You are correct though that most often it is pure lack of effort to upkeep the yard and even though someone may not be able to upkeep the way they should the house is still hurting and should be looked at closely to see what the cost of doing nothing has been. Have a great weekend James.

May 29, 2011 02:19 AM
Howard and Susan Meyers
The Hudson Company Winnetka and North Shore - Winnetka, IL

Some homeowners are so accustom to having everything done for them, they have no idea that many basic maintenance tasks are easy to do.  If their situation changes and they are no longer able to pay for these chores, they have no idea how to do it on their own.  Seems kind of crazy.

May 29, 2011 02:28 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I totally agree. In fact, you can see who takes this attitude about their home from the street! The AC units look like they are in the Brazilian rainforst.  I'm sure pulling weeds & trimming bushes do not cost money.

May 29, 2011 03:41 AM
Charles Buell
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector

Jim, plus if they give up the gym membership they will have money for gas for the lawn mower---or in this case bush-hog.

May 29, 2011 04:28 AM
Steven L. Smith
King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham WA Home Inspector

I think sometimes people just get bummed-out and say to heck with it or they never had much pride to begin with.

May 29, 2011 04:55 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Often when I see this the sellers don't realize how inefficient it makes their AC!  It's called life experience!

 

May 29, 2011 06:33 AM
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

James, It TOTALLY amazes me at how some people maintain their house. It has got to the point where I can almost tell when I drive up to the curb what the home is going to be like inside.

May 29, 2011 02:58 PM
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector

Fred, It almost always does.

Randy, That situation is unfortunate, but I'm sure the effort would be there if capable.

Howard & Susan, I'm certain that has happened a lot in the last few years.

Lyn, Nope, just a little time and effort.

Charlie, Yep :)

Steve, Depression can be part of it in some instances.

Jay, For sure. Just like us the A/C needs to breathe.

Marchel, I can also usually tell from the street what it will be like inside.

May 30, 2011 04:02 AM
Steven L. Smith
King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham WA Home Inspector

Frankly,

I do not gets the point of this. I like the brushy look. It is a matter of taste, not maintenance.

Nutsy

May 31, 2011 10:41 AM
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector

Nutsy, Your tail is bushy and needs a trim. I can help.

Jun 01, 2011 01:45 AM