Complete Home Inspections Blogs

Invariably, while inspecting older challenging properties, real estate agents will catch me somewhere when the client is not around and want to get a ‘sneak peek’ of how the inspection is going. Not wanting to jump the gun and tell the boys to get the D8 off the trailer prematurely, I generally tell the agent that there are a few things under the house that I want to check first.

Yesterday was no exception. I was inspecting this ‘charming’ cottage in Nashville, TN that had ‘lots of character’. Now mind you, two other buyers had walked away from this property due to ‘structural inconsistencies’ I am using this term loosely – very loosely. I guess that the agent had this in mind when he asked me this question and heard some of the flooring start to give way under my feet. And, in the meantime, the buyer was looking to find a place to put her piano. Piano? Goodness, gracious, there were places that could not hold up a potted plant much less a piano…

This is where the client was thinking of putting the piano…

As is my practice, I was working VERY HARD to tell them at least 10 good things about the property. The obligatory crawl was very telling as to the reason that there were so many structural irregularities (new politically correct term here for all you home inspectors). Needless to say that there is a weeks worth of blog fodder from this place. My crystal ball says that sellers will receive a visit from a structural engineer, foundation contractor, or a D8 sometime in the not too distant future.

OH, BTW did I find any deal killers? Yeah Buddy….

Tags: structural //