flipping houses: Happy Family - 06/14/10 01:42 PM
I love Chinese food.  One item on the menu, it seems, in every restaurant is a variation of something called "Happy Family."  It usually consists of three meats, say beef, chicken and pork, together with a bunch of veggies.  But the meal always comes with three things together.
In a recent inspection, of a flip, of course, the clients and Realtor were impressed with the quality of the work inside.  But, even though the house was remodeled by a Class A contractor, the buyers thought it wise to have a home inspection anyway.  That is very smart.
There were enough things … (8 comments)

flipping houses: Duct, Duct, Loose - 06/03/10 01:03 AM
When is heating and air conditioning an afterthought?
When it is installed by someone who is NOT a professional.  And without permits!  Flipper!
There was so much wrong with this HVAC register it was funny!
First, they totally forgot it until the end of the process.  By then they had installed so much other stuff to block access to this room, that they had one small opening available for a duct - right along the exterior wall!
The space was so small, the only thing they could use was a dryer vent tube.  And they chose the white plastic one!  It … (14 comments)

flipping houses: "Nonsense" - 11/27/09 10:58 PM
On a home inspection last week the house had a newly finished basement.  It was supposedly finished by a Class A contractor, who is also an investor.  The common term would be flipper.
The Realtor told me this particular investor has flipped many houses in the area.
Let's call him "Flipper."  Flipper is not using a Realtor - he's selling it himself!
Among other things in the basement, there were many "clues" that the electrical alone was not professional, not to code and done without a permit.  Alright, they weren't clues, they were obviously unprofessional installations!
For example: 
~~  The entire … (18 comments)

flipping houses: Move In Condition - 10/09/09 01:15 PM

 
This is what greeted me in the front window of my inspection yesterday.  I knew I was in for a treat!
The inspection was indeed a treat, but writing the report was not!  I knew from this particular Realtor's name that there was fun to be had in this inspection.  Reputation you know.  But an inspector has to be careful - there are lots of things that are hidden and not easily detectable.
The report had 165 items in the summary of concerns.  That might not be the record, but it is up there.
Here is a tour of … (16 comments)

flipping houses: An Historic Mess! - 08/27/09 09:43 PM
I was excited recently when I was called to inspect a very historic property in Northern Virginia.  Built in 1902, it has been actively listed and on the market for two years.  No offers.  Historic properties abound here and I love seeing them.  The picture is blurry.
The buyer had grand plans to fix it up a bit and rent it out for a while until the market improves.  They were grand plans.
I met him in front.  He said, "We need to go through the back door."
"No problem.  Let's go."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(113 comments)

flipping houses: Juliet Will Be Calling Romeo Any Day Now - 06/25/09 12:55 PM

A picture says a thousand words.
Look carefully!
I will have to supplement this picture with a conversation I had just the other day.  I arrived at my inspection and discovered a crew "remodeling" the house. 
It was purchased by an investor who is fixing it up to flip it.
The work was well underway.  I looked briefly at the balcony and went right inside.  I was met by "the crew."  My conversation went something like this:
Me (in italics): What's going on with the balcony outside?
The Crew:  It was an old balcony that leaked into the living room.  … (6 comments)

 
Jay Markanich, Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC)

Jay Markanich

Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Bristow, VA

More about me…

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC

Address: Bristow VA 20136

Office: (703) 330-6388

Mobile: (703) 585-7560

An experienced home inspector's look at current home inspection events and conditions along with his useful recommendations.


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