The proliferation of vacant homes in the last few years, due to foreclosure and shortsale (when vacant), has led to a subsequent proliferation in particular problems. I could list dozens of issues that are more common on such properties, but one that I wanted to mention is "the damaged garage door".
General bank owned properties, HUD properties, Fanny or Freddy properties, etc. will be winterized after they are taken over, and many of the winterization companies or others involved in the property will put locks on the garage door tracks or if the door has a lock on it they will at best lock it and at worst lock it then put a pad lock on it. Other "methods" include: using electrical wiring or a hanger in the track to "tie the door in place". Regardless of the method, what these people are trying to do is keep the door from being opened, particularly if the door has a door opener.
But, then co
mes the showings... the garage door is impeded from use, but in many if not most cases the door opener will still be hooked up. Buyer or Realtor (or various contractors, especially if it is a HUD property) comes along and "tests the door opener".
Opps...
They didn't realize that the door was pad locked or otherwise locked...
At this point various things can happen:
1. If the door is a very (very) basic metal door with no insulation (in other words, a cheap-o), the entire door can cave in. Been there... done that... unfortunately...
2. The door opener itself (the arm that is connected to the door) can rip off the door.
3. The door can bend or buckle where it is conneted to the door opener.
4. The chain can become loose or damaged.
5. And a host of other issues...
6. If not all of the above...
Which, again, has led to a proliferation of bent or cracked doors; damaged door openers; arms having pulled off the door; etc.Four years of this, and nobody has learned...
Solution:
If I was in charge of these properties, either as a realtor or other representative for the banks, I would do the following:
1. If you are going to lock the door, be sure to UNPLUG the door opener!!! This takes hardly any time, but could be all the difference.
2. Put up a small sign next to the door opener control, usually in the garage, that says "DO NOT OPERATE".
3. Put blue tape over the button/control, making it clear that the person who see is should "think twice" about the prospect of operating it.
These very basic things could save the door/door opener...
And While We are On It:
Another common problem is that the door will be locked when I arrive at the home inspection, but NO KEY IS TO BE FOUND. The inspection comments on the home "as it exists on the day of the inspection". It is unfortunate that some people are unable to have their garage door opener/door operation inspected during this important part of the buying process. If people are going to lock these doors on such properties, they should have the courtesy of leaving the key in the kitchen drawer or something...
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