Before I go to an inspection, I always pull the public records and all of the MLS listings -- sold, canceled, expired, pending, and active -- because they can give me valuable information about what to expect and how to budget my time.
For example, if a home sold on, say, December 1, 2008, and is now for sale again, and it's vacant, and the MLS listing says "Beautiful renovated home," I know that I better get my extra camera, some more re-charged batteries for the camera and the voice recorder, and perhaps some extra paper and pens, because more often than not here in Southern California, the renovation is not of the best quality. Exterior stucco renovation and painting is a prime example.
One of my biggest complaints about the real estate industry here is that industry professionals are not cross-trained on how the work they do can impact the work that someone else does.
One of yesterday's inspections was a great example. It had a new water heater and everything was looking good until I followed the TPR drain pipe out the garage:
Generally, that pipe should be kept as short as possible. But in all instances, the end of it should never be blocked. Unfortunately, at this home, the stucco had been renovated, but either someone didn't care or they didn't know how their work could impact this home, so they had blocked the TPR drain pipe with stucco.
The problem with stopping the end of the drain pipe is that the TPR valve on the water heater is a safety valve that allows excessively hot or high-pressure water to exit the water heater, thereby preventing it from blowing up.
I even sometimes find this type of shoddy workmanship on brand new construction, just another reason why all homes -- new, old, or indifferent -- need an inspection by a professional home inspector.
We've had three water heater explosions here in San Diego County since 2003 -- granted, not many and possibly of no concern to you until it's your house that blows up.
Here's some interesting videos about water heater explosions, a couple of them in real neighborhoods:
6 Comments on How to get your water heater to turn into a rocket (pictures and videos included)
JAN
08
2009
Russel - I'll vote for the "Did not know", rather than "Did not care". Here's why! I have seen people show an employee how to do a task and forget the little things such as this. Even though this little thing can create a huge problem it was probably an oversight.
Example: One time I told my son to fill the shelf on the refridgerator door with water. I forgot to say "water BOTTLES". So he took the shelf out and filled it with water and put it back into the refridgerator.... :)
You are correct, new homes really do need inspections too. I have had SO many buyers say they wanted to decline an inspection on a new home, citing that the city/county had to sign off on the permit so it must be ok. I am usually sucessful in changing their mind, and they are ALWAYS grateful that I did. Someone, anyone can ALWAYS miss something! And your example would be a HORRIBLE thing to miss!! ~A:)
As my real estate career continues to unfold, I often think back on what my grandad and uncles taught me when we were building houses in South Texas. It's amazing that those houses continue to survive hurricanes like they do. I have a much greater appreciation, though, of all things real estate.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
;)
;)
Russel - I'll vote for the "Did not know", rather than "Did not care". Here's why! I have seen people show an employee how to do a task and forget the little things such as this. Even though this little thing can create a huge problem it was probably an oversight.
Example: One time I told my son to fill the shelf on the refridgerator door with water. I forgot to say "water BOTTLES". So he took the shelf out and filled it with water and put it back into the refridgerator.... :)