As a contractor I come across all kinds of things in homes that make me shake my head. Recently I was called to fix a set of concrete steps that were chipping badly. The previous owner, in an attempt to hide the aging steps, had patched the steps with an incorrect method and painted over the patch so that it would cover and blend in. Not long after the new owner moved in the steps began to chip and crack, some were just loose concrete waiting to take an unexpected vistor for a fall. It was obvious that the repair was just a quick "cover up" until the house was sold. The cover worked in favor of the seller, unfortunately the buyer had to pay me to correct the problem. I'm sure at the time the home inspector who inspected this home was unable to detect these faulty steps. The steps revealed their true identity when the weather turned cold and they were unable to withstand freezing temperatures. Freezing temperatures are the true test of any concrete or mortar situation. Below is an after picture of the steps I didn't have my camera the day we demolished these steps so I don't have a before.
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