That What Lies Beneath- Electrical issues found during a remodel.

That What Lies Beneath- Electrical issues found during a remodel.
Wenatchee Home Inspections

As home inspectors, we can only see what we would be visible at the time of the home inspection. Just recently I had an opportunity to see a few things that were not visible due to coverings/sheetrock at the time of inspection.

I had some clients that I performed a home inspection about a year ago. They purchased the home and proceeded to perform a complete gut of the home down to the studs.  My clients asked if I would come out and inspect the structure now that everything is exposed and see if there were any additional issues they should address before starting the remodel process.

As we proceed to evaluate the home we go downstairs where they had not completely removed all the can lights, wiring, and some plumbing.

This is where I get to see wire splices, improperly stripped cables and that each can light was missing proper restraints to prevent potential damage to the conductors (wires). This was all buried above the ceiling finishes and not visible at the time of the inspection.

Here was a shut-off valve that was not accessible also buried behind sheetrock.

This is a great example of how often you really do not know what the possible concerns could be lying beneath the wall and ceiling coverings.

This also is why many contractors will either bid with a substantial contingency budget or by time and materials. You often just do not know what you will find till you start opening walls and ceilings.

It is this type of unpermitted home remodel work that could create a dangerous and potentially fatal situation. The basement remodel, that happened to be used for sleeping purposes, was missing proper emergency egress and if a fire had started could very well trap someone in the basement.

Emergency egress windows are really there for a reason. When everything goes wrong you need an easy escape route.

Proper permitting most likely would prevent this type of egregious and dangerous work from being performed. The permitting process may not be perfect but it is better than nothing at all.

When you are purchasing a home and remodeling work is present I recommend that due diligence is performed, see if permits have been pulled and completed. You may not ever know what lies beneath.

“The progress of rivers to the ocean is not so rapid as that of man to error. “

Voltaire

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection-  Bellingham Technical College

www.ncwhomeinspections.com                                                   509-670-9572

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