Whatcom County Home Inspections (King of the House): Scenes From This Old House

  This Old House -- a famous song and a  famous expression. As a home inspector, I see lots of old houses. The one below was a classic example of a 100 year old plus farm house that had been built and lived in over all those years. The modifications and repairs were not always, in fact seldom, done right and the maintenance had fallen by the wayside over the years as well.

Sometimes people ask: "Why would someone pay an inspector money to report on such obvious problems?" I do not always have a good answer for that. With many homes the problems are subtle enough that it takes an inspector to find and report the issues. At this house I think the fellow knew many of the problems going in, however, I was able to provide specifics, such as what pest was working in the crawl space, what condition the beams and joists were in, etc. In this case, the client decided against buying the house. He had hoped it would be a fairly simple remodel and the problems were way beyond that. He learned that from the inspection, although the problems would be apparent to probably anyone here at AR.

  

Front                                                  Knob and tube wiring

 

          

Siding closeup                                        Front porch

   

Roof                                                             Two stories, only source of heat

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham Home Inspections

 

5 Comments on Whatcom County Home Inspections (King of the House): Scenes From This Old House

Looks like the issues at this home were pretty obvious, but for most homes, they're usually hidden pretty well.  It's always a good idea to have a home inspection - regardless of it's visible condition.

02/21/2008 10:58 AM by The Entire Team of Price & Company Professionals (Price & Company Realty)


Steve I like the difference in curb appeal whether you just look at the first floor or the second floor:)

02/21/2008 11:15 AM by Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com)


For a few hundred bucks it seems like a good investment to have that second set of eyes, if nothing else!  Too bad this home wasn't better taken care of!

 

Bob Mitchell

ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc. 

02/21/2008 11:25 AM by ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.


That buyer saved money over the long haul by backing off this house!

02/21/2008 08:12 PM by Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage)


For sure Barbara. I think the thing that tempted the guy was that, in theory, the land was worth the asking price. Problem was, then there would be demolition. He had hoped it was fixable.

02/21/2008 08:15 PM by Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection)


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Inspector: Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection)
Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector
Bellingham, WA
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King of the House Home Inspection

Office Phone: (360) 676-6908
Cell Phone: (360) 319-0038
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Home inspection information designed to be educate the real estate buyer and the real estate professional. Blog posts include general information and information specific to the Pacific Northwest region.

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