Seattle Home Inspector's Blog

     Most of the time the condition of flooring falls under the realm of  "cosmetic" and not the focus of the inspection.  Other than noting the "overall" condition I rarely get too involved with the condition of flooring as long as it is "functional" and not going to jump up and smack someone.  I will note stains, and trip hazards----like carpet seams that are coming apart, tiles that are loose or splinters that might injure someone.  Floor coverings with cosmetic issues can be upgraded or not as desired----usually.

     On the other hand seriously stained carpet can mean damage to structures under the carpet----especially if the staining is from pets.  A wise inspector will note these kinds of stains because of the potential for hidden damage and the difficulty of repairs to homes with severe pet damage.  Even if the stains were not caused by pets they can be so deep into the wood flooring that removing the stains is not possible and the stained areas may need to be replaced (like the stains in this floor that were finished-over instead of removed).

     In a recent home there was considerable staining of the carpet and walls where a pet had slept in the corner of the bedroom for many years.  My buyers were interested in removing the carpet and re-finishing the wood flooring under the carpet.  While, without pulling up the carpet, there is no way to definitively state that the floors under the carpet would be in poor condition-----the probability was very high and the buyer should "anticipate" additional costs associated with re-finishing the floors.

     They might look like this floor did when the carpet was removed.

     But back to the Kitchen floor. 

     Sometimes the flooring is just so bad that the inspector must recommend replacement of the floor for safety and/or sanitary reasons----especially in Kitchens and Bathrooms. 

     I would say that this Kitchen Floor fits those criteria----with large areas worn completely through, exposing previous floor coverings.  Cleaning and maintaining floors that are in this condition is not likely----and they should be replaced----don't you agree?

     So take a look at the picture below. 

     Can you figure out how the wall got marked like this?

     Now imagine a couch under the window.

     Then picture the curtains being drawn for 25 years.

     Next, turn on the TV,  sit on the couch and smoke cigarettes for 25 years.

     As the air circulates under the couch and up behind the curtain (or visa-versa)----each fold acting like a little chimney----the cigarette smoke collects on the wall between the folds of the curtain.  The only requirement for this to happen (with the cigarette smoke as a given)-----don't move the curtains!

     While this house wasn't quite as bad as one I blogged about previously----it was still bad enough for me to ask once again:  "Cigarette anyone?"