2024 Inspection Highlights and Interesting Finds

Having been an inspection company for 18+ years, it’s no surprise that we’ve seen a lot of crazy things on the job. But believe it or not, we always somehow come across new things year in and year out. So as 2024 comes to a close, we’d like to shed light on some of the most memorable inspection highlights and interesting finds this year.

Framing Fail

Hmmm…looks like the shutter frame and window opening don’t quite match up.

Roof Top Furnace

This was a first! Furnaces can normally be found in utility rooms, basements, attics or crawlspaces. But our inspectors have never had to climb a roof in order to access a furnace. Talk about a unique location!

Double Danger

At first glance, these two electrical panels may not seem to be problematic. However, upon closer examination, you will find that the top panel is a Federal Pacific Stab Lok panel and the bottom is a Zinsco panel. Both of these panels turned out to be serious fire hazards. Historically, these devices have been known to cause house fires and several lawsuits have been filed against their respective manufacturers. With both panels present, this property is essentially facing double the danger! These should be replaced ASAP!

Giant Bird’s Nest

We’re used to seeing the average small bird’s nest in attics from time to time – but never one this big! This nest certainly takes the cake for size. Kudos to whatever bird built this luxurious bird mansion!

When Nature Calls

Yes, you see it correctly. There are some thriving plants somehow growing into this bathroom through the baseboard heater. It’s the perfect way to be one with nature when nature calls.

You Might Wanna Close That Up

That hole in the ground is an exterior access point to the sewer line (also know as a clean out). These should normally be sealed up by some type of clean out cap. A wide open clean out means that foreign objects and debris have the potential to enter the line, causing obstructions and/or damage. Definitely get that closed up!

Hidden Sprinkler

Whoever installed the “For Sale” sign put it directly on top of one of the sprinkler heads. Not the most efficient use of water.

Can’t Take The Pressure

One of our inspectors came across a Boulder home with extremely high water pressure. The recommended water pressure for residential buildings is 80-90 psi, and this house had a maximum reading of 180 psi! That might be the highest we’ve ever seen! (Our inspector even had to adjust the valve to a lower pressure when taking these pictures, in order to avoid damaging his pressure gauge.) Pressures that high can cause damage to appliances and piping over time, and should be adjusted.

Donkey Sighting

It’s always a treat to see furry friends on the job. At this particular job, our inspector made friends with some outgoing donkeys!

Are Two Doorknobs Better Than One?

This was an interesting one. The upper knob was originally a deadbolt that needed to be removed and/or updated. The homeowner decided to make it the old double knob combo instead. That’s one way to do it!

Gutter Gap

It seems like the builders cut some corners (or should we say gutters) on this part of the project.

Raccoon In A Chimney

One of our inspectors was taking a glance down the chimney from on top of the roof, and he spotted this little raccoon resting on the fireplace damper. Thankfully he didn’t test out that fireplace!

Watch Your Step!

This electrical panel was installed directly over a window well. Definitely not the most ideal placement. Needles to say, it was a bit sketchy for our inspector to take a look inside the panel!

Fast Mailbox

Having conducted thousands of home inspections, we’ve seen a lot of mailboxes. But this has got to be one of the coolest ones.

A Dirty Dishwasher

It looks like some rodents have made the top of this dishwasher their personal potty. Yuck!

Retro Restroom

It’s always fun to see the these throwback bathrooms in good condition. Although a carpeted restroom is not the most practical, it’s still got a funky vintage vibe.

Crawlspace Reptile

Imagine getting into the crawlspace to find this scaly imposter lurking in the corner!

Got AC Problems?

The inspector on this job concluded that the dog that lived on property was likely using this air conditioning unit as a peeing post. This eventually led to the corrosion visible along the exterior fins of the unit. This will certainly warrant a full replacement!

A Little Overkill?

Plumbing vents are only supposed to extend 6 – 12 inches above the roof (depending on local code). As you can see, this one is wayyyy higher than 12 inches.

Curious Kitten

It never gets old meeting friendly pets on the job!

And there you have it – a recap of the some of the craziest, coolest, grossest, most dangerous and cutest inspection highlights and fails we have seen in 2024. We hope you enjoyed your year as much as we have :-) Wishing you very Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from Scott Home Services. Stay tuned for many more informative blogs to come in 2025!