Use The Right Nails People!

Pulling up to the house I noticed a problem from far away in the road.  It was a "repair," and not professional.

It was something done over a window, ostensibly to fix another problem that used to be there.

Not well done!

When I looked more closely, the entire window and framing had been "repaired."

When the young and inexperienced Realtor arrived I started with this, before she even went in the house.

There had been many "repairs" done to the house, inside and out.  I noticed a common theme outside.  See if you can pick up on it.

Notice the shiny nails.

Yes, the caulking was interesting too, and all around the window.

Miraculously there was no evidence on the inside of any previous damage from water.

I am not sure what they were trying to accomplish with the "repairs" over and around this window.

But again, pay particular attention to the nails.

They are very new, too deep and you will see what will happen to them given a little time.

Looking to the right, and beside the front door, we have another repair, although much older.

The same kind of nail was used here too.  And it was driven too far into the wood as well.

Could it be the same guy doing both repairs?

The young and inexperienced Realtor noticed this right away too.

Moving around back to the new "repaired" staircase, the treads were too narrow, the stringers (onto which the treads are nailed) were cracked, not attached to the house, and were actually supported by a brick driven into the ground.  These are dangerous stairs.

Actually this impressed both the young and inexperienced Realtor AND myself!

Now "that there" is some hugely professional support!

But again, notice the nails.  Loose, somewhat older, but sharing the same characteristic as the other two "repairs."

AND WHAT IS THAT CHARACTERISTIC?

They are interior bright nails.  Interior bright nails are not to be used outdoors!  They rust!  And as they rust, they will damage the wood nearby, causing it to deteriorate, rot or otherwise get damaged by stains and mess.

Interior nails used outdoors are a sure sign of unprofessional work!  The young and inexperienced Realtor agreed.

They make different nails for different applications and for good reason!

USE THE RIGHT NAILS PEOPLE!

My recommendation:  when you see repairs, look to see that they are professionally done.  Oftentimes, when not done professionally, or at least using best practices, they will not last long.  These repairs are usually easy to spot!  Even for young and inexperienced Realtors!  Click to the left to see who that Realtor was...

I might say, the Realtor who showed up today is EXCEPTIONALLY EXPERIENCED and was fun to have on the inspection!  She got employed a couple of times by the home inspector and I think had some fun doing it!