New York (NY) Home Inspector Photos
Top To Bottom Inspections - Gallery One

The 12 photos presented in these Home Inspector Gallery pages are just a representative sample of various construction deficiencies. Many of them could have been prevented if proper construction techniques were implemented during the original construction. In fact, Manufacturers provide detailed instructions on how to install a specific product, although, many feel it's unnecessary to read them.

I often hear Contractors say, "I have been doing it this way for 30 years" and as you will see in the photos, it was 30 years of doing it the wrong way.

In today's do-it-yourself world, many Homeowner's attempt projects that are well above and beyond their capabilities. I have witnessed 'Big Box' building centers encouraging such practice in order to sell their goods.

It is not uncommon to report more than 20 defects or safety related concerns at a single home during the course of a Home Inspection. Taking time to review these photos should help to convince a Home Buyer why they need to have a Home Inspection performed by a qualified professional.

Click picture for close up view

Photo 1-1 Deck Collapse I don't get a chance to see this actual condition frequently. However, I do observe the lack of or improper flashing technique at the house to deck merge point. Moisture intrusion is imminent over time and may involve costly repairs or safety risk. Shoddy framing or improper use of fasteners is a common occurrence at deck structures. Also, the lack of proper gutters to redirect water flow from the roof area will most surely cause water intrusion at building envelope penetrations and exterior siding surfaces. This photo exhibits water splash stains on the house where the deck and stairs were attached. Guess why? No gutters!

Photo 1-2 Dyslexic Roofer This roof field of a second story, added onto a portion of a long ranch, was not visible from the ground. Despite the snow-covered roof areas, I cautiously ascended to the upper roof. Most of the roof was covered with a foot of snow except the edges. Upon closer investigation, I observed the roof covering to have been installed upside-down. I brushed the snow off a five square-foot area and revealed shingle tabs which had been blown off due to the lack of wind seal tar strip adhesion in this reverse installation. I still shake my head in amazement to this day in viewing this photo.

Photo 1-3 Poor Workmanship This roof covering was replaced to prepare the house for sale. The Homeowner presented the job proposal from the Contractor and it stated that the price included removal of existing roof covering, replacement of any damaged roof deck areas and installation of new roof covering materials. I spare you from having to look at all the other photos taken of this roofing disaster.

Photo 1-4 Walk that Roof! Can you see any problems with the roof covering in this thumbnail photo? Of course not! It is exactly what you would see from the ground - nothing wrong - and presume the roof to be okay. Premature roof failure, as depicted in the 'closeup view' by a long vertical crack, will most often be visible only by walking the roof surface. I hear too often from Home Inspectors that they do not walk roofs. They hide behind the scapegoat "the roof was not safe to walk on". Unfortunately, these are Home Inspectors that are not experienced or physically fit to do so. In the many years of inspecting homes, I am able to walk 90% roofs encountered during my inspection. I believe it is an injustice to the Home Buyer client when a Home Inspector cannot go the full distance to reveal major defects such as this.

Photo 1-5 HydroElectric? During my Home Inspection of this house on a rainy day, I observed the migration of water along the outer sheathing of the service feeder cable into this Main panel. Water entry was discovered due to improper seal at the exterior siding - cable entry point. These conditions are not always witnessed during the course of a home inspection. During dry conditions, I carefully inspect for signs of dry water stain or rust at the service equipment and improper sealing of exterior electrical components.

Photo 1-6 Sizzle! Zap! Zowie! You can just about hear those sounds as you look at this photo. No, it's not Batman and Robin fighting off villains! The non-sheathed grounded (neutral) conductor has worn through the insulation of the ungrounded (hot) conductor, leaving a white arc-flash residual on the black plastic insulation. Unseen in this photo, the cloth braid sheathed cable continues against the wood siding and through the roof of the enclosed porch. Simply put, a recipe for a fire. I told the homeowner not to operate anything electrical in the house and to call a licensed electrician immediately.