After ordering pizza---delivered----to your new home the day you move in, the next big event at the home is the housewarming party. The one you hold for all y Having been invited as the "honored home inspector" at such events on more than one occasion, I have to wonder how many of these parties end in a less than perfect manner, or even in tragedy, as the back deck collapses under more weight than it has ever seen before. I know what can happen when decks are not built properly----and many are not built properly----often by weekend warriers that “think” they know what they are doing. Inadequately bolted (or not bolted) ledgers, rotten supports, lack of diagonal bracing, improper stairs, inadequate barriers and other conditions can result in falls and spilled beer. Either way---this is not the type of party to be at, as the honored inspector, when the deck fails. I would not even want to hear about it collapsing later if I was not there. As a result, I trash a lot of deck installations----I am not about to be embarrassed at the party----and have to take back all those business cards. Charles Buell
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My WORDLESS WEDNESDAY pictures and some selected POEMS & STORIES.
I'd cry over spilt beer! :-) I am always amazed at your photos and some of the crazy things you see in your home inspections.
One of the big problems I have seen in so many of the boom neighborhoods of the last 10-15 years is that decks, railings, window frames, etc., are simply painted and not primed first. Wood rot becomes a major point of home inspections and is costing sellers a lot. As much as I hate more government interference, I sometimes think that the final inspection/approval should include requiring that all exposed wood be primed before painting.
Charles....there are so many people who don't maintain their decks properly.....would love to hear your thoughts on composite materials for decking and engineered wood versus dimensional lumber for a structural component within the home.
I've encountered more than one deck I refused to walk on, and a few with the "yellow tape" announcing proceed with caution. Another good reason to have a thorough home inspection.
Charles ~ Great blog and its funny however, it does happen. You call them weekend warriors and I call them Harry home owners.
Decks always scare me when we walk into the home for the first time. Way too many potential problems with decks!
Amy, I see lots of decks that are 29" off the ground, where unimaginably, there is no requirement for a barrier at all----that would certainly end in a lot of spilled beer:)
Steve, seems like a hard thing for an inspector to tell once it has been finish painted.
Barbara, the answer to your question would require several posts:) The short answer is that there are some great composite materials for decks (and a few bad ones) and engineered lumber in homes is generally a great advance in my opinion. That said, all systems can have problems. (did I wiggle through that answer good enough?:)
Norma, I have had a couple that I wouldn't walk on as well.
June---I call them that too----same person though:)
Charles this just reminded me of a recent deck mishap that could have been avoided had the inspector not been as blind as a bat. Beer was not the only thing that was spilled. BTW, in case you're wondering I was not the inspector.
Having built many "high end"decks in my carreer, and having replaced many original decks with little to no support, I never walk on deck till I look at the structure. My old body doesn't heal as fast as it used to so I have to protect it.
Mr Charles,
I do not question your deck making or inspecting, but I really doubt that anyone has ever invited you to a party....ever.
Nutsy
OH NO!! Not the BEER!! For the love of all that is holy . . . NOT THE BEER!!
Talk about hanging on by a thread! WOW -- that photo is amazing.
Suesan, it is a REAL good idea to check decks as good as we can
David I have noticed that about mine as well
Nutsy---I am sure you have been served at more than one party----surprised there is anything left
Carla---yup the beer----not good
Yes, decks get mentioned a lot in my experience. And have to say -- better to know and get fixed than to spill the beer -- or the red wine!
Slexsandra----ah yes---the red wine----how could I have neglected to say that:)
Charles, that picture is as creative as a painting. I had a hard time figuring it out. See if you can figure out this one which is also creative.
Barbara---it looks more "excreative" to me:) Believe it or not I remember them.
LOL Good way to cover your butt Charles! That would be pretty embarrassing at a housewarming party of a home you inspected! I can't even imagine how red my face would get as I slowly try to sneak out to my car and peel off down the street!
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Kathleen, I am afraid I might have to commit hari-kari:)
OMIGOSH -- 'excretive" and the next comment to follow is "way to cover your butt" . . . . which had nothing to do with the mystery photo . . . but it WORKS on so many levels. LOL
Carla----nothing quite like a little "potty humor" among adults:)
Charles - Having been around for a long time--one of the benefits of aging--I've seen decks that should have collapsed, and a few that did. Most just don't consider the potential problem posed by a dozen or more people on a poorly supported or attached deck. And they don't seem to pay attention to the news stories when one collapses either.
John and that first big kegger is usually what does it:)
It's the weekend warriors who trash me for trashing their deck.
Jay, they are the ones aren't they
Decks have to be one of the most common defects in any home. I would have to say the majority are built with some problems by weekend warriors and professionals alike.
Charlie - I hear ya, and that is why I can only refer the best inspectors and why I do everything possible to make the inspector feel like I am not there to influence his discoveries or try to downplay any major issue. As a Realtor, I don't ever want to find myself in a position of following up with a past client to find out they are unhappy homeowners due to a botched home inspection.
James, so true---pretty rare to not find something wrong with them
Carol---there are plenty of opportunities to screw up that is for sure:)