Flip List

On this house, the selling agent, FOF (Friend Of Flipper) created quite the little disclosure issue for him/herself.

A Flip List was left on the kitchen counter.  It left for the buyer all the things done by the Flipper to "improve" the house.

I am sure the list is true.  And I am sure the "improvements" were not done with any permit whatever.

"New roof and roof flashing" was on the list.

No permit is needed in Virginia to put on new roof shingles.

And everything was new - shingles, plumbing penetration sleeves and chimney flashing.

Obviously the previous roof covering was bad enough that this Flipper bit the bullet and put on new shingles.

But other problems were not corrected.

For instance, see the dip to the left of this chimney?  There is a reason for that.  Such dips exist all over the roof and from the inside (rotting or separating plywood) it is easy to see why.

But what is wrong with this picture?

There is caulking above and below this "flashing" and nails all through "holding" it against the chimney.  And it's upside down.

There is nothing correct here.  This is all a big NO NO.  IT IS UNPROFESSIONAL.

Of course, step flashing under each shingle, and a counter flashing covering everything should be the proper course.  We inspectors have published many posts about this roof flashing installation.

Of course, from inside the attic, it is obvious that the new "flashing" isn't working. 

It had rained the night before this inspection and the moisture, and mold evidence, is visible.

Look at all the extra new nails.

THIS GUY IS NOT A ROOFER.  IF HE IS, HE SHOULD TURN IN HIS ROOFER CARD.

The rest of the house was like this.  The "plumber" was not a plumber, the "electrician" was not an electrician, and the flooring installation, kitchen cabinet installation, ceramic tile installation, appliance installation, new window installation were all just as unprofessional.

My typical report on a typical, well-maintained house has about three pages of summary.  This report had eight pages!  After receiving a copy of my report on this house, it seems to me, this FOF has a lot of disclosure to make!  If, and that's a BIG if, it gets disclosed at all...

My recommendation:  while lists of things done, or upgrades made, or interesting features of a house, might be left for the buyers, still check them out!  And a competent home inspector, the one with lots of radar dishes sticking out, is the best way to go!