Pit Bulls Attack Door Knob
This has got to be a first. I have seen where dogs will scratch the heck out of a door and trim, but never have I seen several, yes several door knobs chewed, at a home inspection. The owners of this home had two Pit Bulls. Fortunately for me, they had been removed from the property prior to my arrival for the home inspection. I suspect these fellows had a little separation anxiety during the day while the owners were at work.
How Not To Fix A Leaking Drum Trap
Not sure how to fix a leaking drum trap? Well, neither was this guy. He did however find a way to direct the leak to a drain, in the basement shower below. Some string, a funnel and some old garden hose and we’re good.
During home inspections I frequently come abross several unique ways to stop leaks from coating with silicone or epoxy, hanging buckets under them and such. It’s really best to have the leak properly resolved. Who wants to be exposed to whatever is leaking out of this thing.
Special thanks go out to Trent Martin over at Mr Rooter Plumbing for sharing this photo.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942
This was the wiring that the homeowner strung from the second story of the house (maybe off a bedroom circuit?) to the garage, which was about 40 feet away. Not only are the wires through the steel siding dangerous, there is no support for the wire. And how about that wire wrapped loop at the insulator. I recommended that an electrician remove this wiring and provide a safe solution with proper wire, support and terminations.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942
Construction projects gone bad… The following pictures were sent to me by a friend that knows I do home inspections. It’s kind of humorous how some things happen in the process of putting a building together. Blame it on the Contractor, blame it in the Architect, blame it on the Project Manager, whatever, these are pretty funny….Enjoy
I hope this one isn't in the snow belt...
Can you really see through that monitor?
At least there is a hand rail
Be careful when you take a right at the top of the stairs
The guy with the level showed up late that day.
Private Balcony
Train tracks under the balcony
Sometimes you just have to work around the streetlights
Limited Access ATM
Lack od a railing is not the only problem here
Hey buddy, can you scoot over a little....
Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rick Erickson, Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942 http://www.homepro-inspection.com
In this video, your Rochester MN home inspector shows what can happen sometimes when a homeowner has to, or thinks he has to make a quick fix, which then becomes a permanent solution to the problem. The problem is that over time, these types of fixes can result in failure and cause some serious water problems. I recommended to the prospective home owner that he get a plumber into the property to properly plumb the external hose faucet to meet today’s requirements.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com
Recommend further evaluation by Licensed Structural Engineer
We had a lot of snow this past winter and apparently the load exceeded the design specifications of this garage roof. Or maybe deferred maintenance caught up with structure. Whatever the case, it appears this garage is near the end of it’s useful life 
.
Your home inspector saw this as I was passing by and couldn’t resist stopping and taking a picture.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com
Charred Wire In Electrical Panel
In addition to the spider, I found three wires that were charred due to arcing and overheating in this electrical panel at this home inspection. It goes without saying that this client was very fortunate to have not had an electrical fire.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com
The only can of green beans we have in the house.. And they are way past the expiration date. I guess we’ll have to run to the store. This home inspector thinks it would have been better for the home owner to have the furnace professionaly repaired by a qualified repairman.
Canned beans supporting burner
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com
Basement Bee Hive
Here’s another good reason you should make sure all exterior openings are sealed. During the home inspection I usually discuss with my clients the importance of making sure that all exterior openings are sealed so that moisture and insects can not infiltrate.
This home had been sitting empty for quite a while. The bees found a way in through a disconnected dryer vent and built quite a large nest. Lucky for me, someone has smoke bombed the place and killed all of the bees…. there were hundreds of dead bees throughout the home, mainly in the basement.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com
Rick was great to work with. He is very professional and knowledgeable. He did a great job of explaining everything in his home inspection report. I would highly recommend Rick.
Randy R. Rochester MN
Thanks for everything and being willing to go over some extra questions on the home inspection for us first time home buyers. It was greatly appreciated. We will definitely send you some referrals when the time comes.
Jennifer F, Rochester, MN
Everything about our home inspection was very professional. Thank you for all of the helpful hints. We will tell anyone that needs a home inspector about you. Thanks!
Amber & Jay L. Mantorville, MN