When you are on a home inspection and the feature list says to look at particular things, be sure to check the back side (I'm not referring to people, people!).

Yes, the features included a "beatifully refurbished and painted deck!"

OK, very nice.  Let's have a look.

When I hear or see the word "refurbished," I am going to check out everything!

Now let's see, the "refurbishER," um:

1.  Didn't notice this while caulking and painting it.
2.  Ran out of caulk.
3.  Thought the bare wood needed to breath.
4.  Was sure that since this is on the BACK SIDE nobody would notice until he is long gone.
5.  Forgot his duct tape ... bummer.

Well, take your pick. 

Have some fun with it!

Remember what the Knight's Templar said when giving advice to two people who were choosing the Holy Grail from the large selection offered:  "Choose wisely."

My recommendation:  features lists are great.  Features lists are probably very honest.  Features lists have not necessarily been inspected.  FEATURES LISTS MUST BE INSPECTED!

 

 

 

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC  

Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia

www.jaymarinspect.com


 
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19 Comments on Be Sure To Check The Back Side (I'm Not Referring To People, People!)

OCT
21
155,778 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I'm sure you inspect everything. A features list is incidental. But that's a courious 'feature' on that post base. Even without the paint-rot-blister, I'd be wondering what that base 'moulding' was covering.

The mix of painted wood and unpainted deck and tread surface is a curious 'feature' to me as well.
6:57am • #1
197,761 Points 22 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I like the ones that fill the rotted area with caulk and paint over it. It is easy to spot because the surface is smooth and not the natural wood texture. So usually you can poke your finger right through the soft "rotted" wood. Fool me? Not!

Yours was a little more obvious... have a great day!
6:58am • #2
1,133,544 Points 151 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

LOL...I'll go w/ option 5...or maybe all of the above.
7:02am • #3
498,428 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Ooooops! Looks like refurbisher fail to me!
9:37am • #4
404,985 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

Good morning Jay. The old "can't see it from the street" mentality at work there. lol. Had it been indoors I am sure "drywall would cover it".
10:12am • #5
475,967 Points 58 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Jay,

I have to say that even Uncle Bob would at least painted or tried to. As far a s not being seen from the street. That would be a government worker. LOL

Have a good day my friend.

Best, Clint McKie
11:32am • #6
972,707 Points 348 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

All the posts had that wrapping Robert.  I guess they thought it looked good.  The decking and treads are painted, kind of a brown/gray, and in my opinion it would be slippery when wet.

Fred - I don't know why they do that when they can so easily go to the paint store for some spackle...

Ha!

Any apply probably Debbie.  Your choice is a good one though!

Nancy - definitely!  The grades are already out in the mail.

 
12:04pm • #7
972,707 Points 348 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I guess he could have used drywall Randy, but didn't have any more?

Clint - once I said it was good enough for gubment work and my mother nearly bit my head off.
12:05pm • #8
Outside Blog

Hey Jay,

A little wood filler and duct tape and she's good as new.lol
6:05pm • #9
353,601 Points 19 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jay, I've heard that having proper ventilation was always important so having that wood in breathable condition is to be expected, right? Hard to believe the refurbisher would think that blemish would be missed.
8:14pm • #10
OCT
22
972,707 Points 348 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I think a nice quart of spackle should do it Eric.  Yeah, that's it.

Wayne - and important here in our humid climate!  At least maybe they thought...
1:40am • #11
667,050 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

Morning Jay a wise reminder in checking out the backside.  Have a great day sir and be sure and check out the backside as I know you will
2:31am • #12
972,707 Points 348 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

All day long James!  And I look at houses sometimes too.
2:43am • #13
226,413 Points Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jay -- maybe someone would miss this, if it were on the underside, but how is one supposed to miss it otherwise?  Doesn't compute.
1:19pm • #14
972,707 Points 348 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

To see it one has to walk around the back side of the deck, battle with bushes, and reach in with a camera to get a photo Steven!
4:06pm • #15
292,016 Points 66 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jay, I just really hate when my backside starts to rot ; )
7:15pm • #16
OCT
23
972,707 Points 348 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Try some medicated powder or cream Don.  Works for me.  Duluth Trading has a "Monkey Butt" cream.  I hear it's good!
1:41am • #17
567,003 Points 140 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I hate it when I forget my duct tape. 
4:51am • #18
972,707 Points 348 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

If I had had mine I would have repaired it right there Jim.  But, couldn't find it on my tool belt hook.
6:45pm • #19

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Jay Markanich - N. Virginia Home Inspector

Bristow, VA

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Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC

Address: 12315 Sherborne Street, Bristow, VA, 20136

Office Phone: (703) 330-6388

Cell Phone: (703) 585-7560

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