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If you are squeamish about seeing Barbie naked----skip right on by to the next post!

Reblogger
Real Estate Agent with Premiere Property Group,LLC Portland Metro & Suburbs Oregon

This is why my husband always grumbles when he needs to go into the crawl space. Everytime I watch an inspector "shimmy" into these tight spaces into the unknown just makes me appreciate what they do even more. Kinda like spelunking. I figure some rodents are a given, but some of these pics just amaze me on what one can find. Do you know whats in YOUR crawlspace?

Original content by Charles Buell

I have found all sorts of things in crawl spaces. 

Dead rats are very common. 

Leather Rat

As are the skeletons of cats, dogs, birds and mice----and even snakes.

Dead snake in a crawl space

I have seen live raccoons, snakes, rats, and mice.

Live snake in the hole!

There is always the spiders and wood destroying insects----termites, Dampwood termitecarpenter ants, moisture ants and anobiid beetles.

Mold covered spider

There can be structural concerns from rotten floor systems and support posts----as well as failing foundations and supports.

Jenga support post

All of these things, along with the plumbing leaks from both sewage and water supply pipes, and electrical issues make these places a treasure trove of blog fodder and all things nasty.

There have also been the occasional abandoned wells and septic tanks. 

Abandoned Septic Tank in a Crawl Space

Finding oneself on the precipice of either of these is freakier to me than piles of rodent crap or even raccoon latrines.

Moldy cat doo

I have seen a landfill of stored items from abandoned tires, water heaters, and lumber, to Christmas decorations and kiddie pools.

Santa's Helper in the Crawl Space

There have been the lost and forgotten toys, from naked Barbie dolls……

Naked Barbie---has lost her mind

……to marbles, Legos, and the Lone Ranger’s badge.

Toys in a crawl space

Of course there are the physical constraints of really low crawl spaces……

I knew I could get in there

…..and even crawl spaces that are so full of vegetation that access was not possible…..

Vegetation taking over the crawl space

…..or insulation in the way…..

Raccoons love to pull down the insulation

……or even so much dryer lint that inspection was not possible.

Dryers should not vent into the crawl space

Aside from all of these things there is another thing that I don’t like finding in a crawl space.

Oil Tank fill pipe in a crawl space

If you don’t recognize this contraption, it is the fill pipe/cap for an underground oil tank.  These tanks are difficult enough to remove and/or decommission when they are merely along the side of the home.  Hide them in the middle of a crawl space and they get REALLY difficult to deal with.

Sometimes it is difficult to remember that in the context of all the other stuff that is the part of any ordinary crawl space---there is this important stuff to find too.

 

 

Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector

 

 

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Comments (6)

Kristi DeFazio
RE/MAX Advantage - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Rea lEstate 719-459-5468

Oh my- That is so gross. I could never be a home inspector for that reason! My inspector has been late before because he has had to change clothes (and throw them away) after doing that. Yuck!

Dec 21, 2010 04:28 AM
Charles Buell
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector

Hi Cindy, thanks for the reblog!----love spreading these nasty photos around :)  (thanks for subscribing too)

Dec 21, 2010 04:33 AM
Cindy Westfall
Premiere Property Group,LLC Portland Metro & Suburbs Oregon - Tualatin, OR
ABR,GRI Your Tualatin & Portland Metro Real Estate

Hi Kristi, My inspector always asks me if I want to go down and check out the crawlspace..usually with a devilish grin saying he has an extra one of those white suits (not sure disposable) Of course I always make sure I'm wearing a skirt on those days..LOL

Dec 21, 2010 05:09 AM
Cindy Westfall
Premiere Property Group,LLC Portland Metro & Suburbs Oregon - Tualatin, OR
ABR,GRI Your Tualatin & Portland Metro Real Estate

Hi Charles, You're welcome, Even though the pics are pretty gross...some are very cool in a way. It is interesting what you find when you are going in these spaces...better you than me is all I can say!

Dec 21, 2010 05:11 AM
Charles Edwards Bentonville
Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette 479-253-3796 - Bentonville, AR
AR REALTOR, Bentonville Real Estate Agent and Broker

Cindy, Amazing post. I do not like being under a house!! These guys earn their money.

Dec 21, 2010 09:02 AM
Cindy Westfall
Premiere Property Group,LLC Portland Metro & Suburbs Oregon - Tualatin, OR
ABR,GRI Your Tualatin & Portland Metro Real Estate

Hi Charles, They sure do!...I just say no..ewwwww.

Dec 21, 2010 03:18 PM