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Inspectors complain about this!

By
Home Inspector with VICO Home Inspection NACHI07070602

It seems like on almost every inspection report that some inspector complains that  trees or some type of shrubbery is planted too close to the residence.  I hear it all the time, that it looks so custom with a tree or some type of foliage close the house and the current owner sees no problem with the situation. These problems happen many times in the country areas but they can also happen where new trees are planted in newer subdivisions.  Case in point: on this inspection I saw three trees that are currently an issue for the new buyer.

When these trees were near the house and the deck was built around the trees, I'm sure the owner thought it was a good idea.  The trees would add an atmosphere of a country setting.  Please believe the inspector, all it is going to do is add to the new owners expense of the removal process or an insurance policy that is unbelievable to pay.  

 

You will notice, when the tree grows, the footings, piers, and decking will move and not in a good way for the house.  I know you think inspectors are sometimes too picky about trees and shrubbery growing near a house but what we are trying to do is warn the new owner of the possibility of a problem.

Posted by

InterNACHI Certified Inspector
Vince Chinell
VICO Home Inspection
eMail: vgchinell@gmail.com
Affiliate Member of the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors

Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

I have to agree with you. Those trees are too close for comfort or country feeling. All I can think is roots in the pipe lines.

Sep 29, 2012 03:02 PM
Bill Reddington
Re/max By The Sea - Destin, FL
Destin Florida Real Estate

This one is pretty common on home inspections. In your photos I agree. Lots of times 5 minutes with some clippers cures the iaaue.

Sep 29, 2012 03:07 PM
Nancy Frimann
Eagle Ridge Realty/Signature Homes & Estates - Gilroy, CA

Those trees need to be made into firewood.  I imagine the roots might be wreaking havoc.

Sep 29, 2012 03:08 PM
Vince Chinell
VICO Home Inspection - Branson, MO
CPI

Sarah, I don't think anyone thought of the consequences.

Bill, You are probably looking at several thousand dollars now with bonded and insured tree removal specialists.

Nancy, A point well taken that few people even consider when these issues are brought up.

Sep 29, 2012 03:15 PM
Winston Heverly
Coldwell Banker Access Realty - South Macon, GA
GRI, ABR, SFR, CDPE, CIAS, PA

I love it, to see something so close, is simply amazing. perhaps when they do the addition they can have it grow through the roof. Great shots.

Sep 29, 2012 03:30 PM
Vince Chinell
VICO Home Inspection - Branson, MO
CPI

Winston, On the back of the house, I did not show you, but they cut out a piece of the metal roofing to allow another smaller tree, at this time, to protrude through the edge of the roof.???? 

Sep 29, 2012 03:36 PM
Steven Cook
No Longer Processing Mortgages. - Tacoma, WA

Vince -- just had a client come in and tell me they were going to have to remove couple of trees that were too close to the house (not this close) and so they were dropping acorns on the roof - which made terrible noise.

Sep 29, 2012 03:59 PM
Clint Mckie
Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections - Carlsbad, NM
Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586

Hi Vince,

The tree will grow and push and pull the home a lot.

Not a good idea to have a tree so close to the home. How about the roofs being affected by the closeness of the tree?

Have a great day in Branson. I like the home though.

Best, Clint McKie

Sep 29, 2012 11:39 PM
Vince Chinell
VICO Home Inspection - Branson, MO
CPI

Steven, It's always a good idea to trim if not cut away any part of a free that can fall and damage a house.

 

Clint,  I'm sure the tree was not too close when this part of the house was added but now...You should see the inside of this house.  It is beautiful if you like a  cabin lake type of house.  I know it was done to look cool but the reality is, as you know, a possibility of major damage to the home.  

Sep 29, 2012 11:48 PM
Spectrum Inspection Group
Spectrum Inspection Group - Las Vegas, NV

Yikes!  I see this all the time and must agree, it is a nightmare!

Oct 02, 2012 04:14 AM
Vince Chinell
VICO Home Inspection - Branson, MO
CPI

SIG, It is so much trouble for the owners in the long run.

Oct 04, 2012 10:57 PM
Cheryl Dickson
Retired Realtor / Retired Home Inspector - Oklahoma City, OK
Retired Realtor, GRI / Retired Home Inspector

Here in Colorado we see this all the time. They even build homes leaving the trees INSIDE the house! Getting "Back to Nature" seems fine when they are first building, but they just seem to FORGET that trees and roots GROW.

Jan 19, 2013 11:37 PM
Vince Chinell
VICO Home Inspection - Branson, MO
CPI

Cheryl, You are so right!  If people could see into the future they would have a much better idea of how to fix something before it got out of hand and to not build a house of cards. IMHO

Jan 20, 2013 02:25 PM