Yesterday, I did an inspection on a "rehabbed" house for a very nice couple, who were sure they had found the house for them. The house had very nice "curb appeal", and if you didn't look too close, everything looked pretty good.
The seller "rehabber" had told them that he had a "great inspector" who was also very reasonable that they should use. Thankfully, they called and chose me instead.
I just had to share some of the findings on this one, because it shows to what great lengths some people will go to just to sell a house to some unsuspecting buyers.
First, there was the electric entrance cable that was missing all of its' outer insulation, and was "painted".
Of course this should have been replaced long ago.
Next, there was the extremely settled and extremely corroded gas line and fittings. The gas was shut off, but there was still leaking coming from the underground sections fittings. Time for underground supply line replacement? Me thinks so.
Notice the 'freshly painted' foundation?
Next, there was the 60 amp corroded main electric panel.
This next one is the one that had me scratching my head for a few moments until I figured out what they were trying to do. This is a corner of the basement, where I found dampness and new carpeting that was wet to the touch. I pulled back the corner of the carpet for a better look, and here is what I found....
Around the perimeter, they had chiseled out of the concrete floor, a little "channel" and installed some absorbent foam tubing, hoping to absorb some of the moisture that was entering the basement.
I guess it had reached it's capacity, because the surrounding carpet and foam padding were also wet.
This one was a first for me, after 23 years of inspecting, I have seen all kinds of efforts to disguise things, and all kinds of "waterproofing" methods, but never anything close to the stupidity level of this obviously laborious failed attempt.
I could go on and on about this particular house, and the shortcuts taken, but this should give you a good idea.
It just let's you know to what "lengths" some people will go to get by cheaply, or disguise something.
I'm still scratching my head deciding how to "write this up".
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