This is indeed what you think it is----even looks like one. It could be straight out of Walt Disney, it is so classic. It even has a concrete stoop in front of the entrance. An actual door would be an improvement I think. While I could talk about rats in relation to this “doorway,” what this post is really about is the concrete stoop at the doorway. It is about what happens when concrete patios get installed over the top of wood siding in the Pacific Northwest. If the siding is buried, so is the wood floor system behind it. It could also be about what happens when you don’t have your crawl space inspected for 30 years----or about all the Just the other side of this entryway, the following picture shows what the floor system looked like. I don’t think you have to have ANY experience at anything to know that this does not look right. The grey shape just to the right of the center of the picture is the edge of the concrete patio----the framing all rotted away. The crawl space vent was also covered over when the patio was installed and can be seen at the lower right corner of the picture. I would say, “Rotten luck,” but it really didn’t have anything to do with luck to get this way. Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector
bottle flies
----or about the lack of ventilation. 
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The tenants of our one rental house had a problem with Rats a few years ago. I discovered the access point: behind the front cement steps, through the rim joist that looked just like the one in your picture. It didn't help much that they were using a corn-based kittle litter. They have a set of wooden steps now with flashing between them and the new rim joist.
Charles, It just goes to show that the job needs to be done right, all kinds of things happen when it's not. And I did think you meant Rats! LOL.
I can't think of anything to say other than "eewwwww".
Somehow I figure "Mickey and Minnie" would have better taste in decorating. Nice photo Charles. Not everyday you get to see the inside of a mouse's house.
When I see an inspection report with photos like the ones you've pictured, all I can think of is how much money will it take to remedy this situation.
Rots of luck repairing that damage =)
Smile, It's gonna be a great week Charles!
Paul
Glenn, some how all those wood structures have to be protected----or the concrete structures removed or lowered.
Susan, I get a lot of mileage out of rats :)
Alan, you always like "eewwwww" :)
Jack----I wish it was just mice
Craig, and sometimes you can't really tell until you get in there and start tearing things apart.
Paul, it is all still just "boards and nails" :)
eeeeewwwrr right.
Moist conditions?
Conducive conditions?
Did it make your report?
Am I being obnoxious?
I get accused of that all the time by my daughter. I tell her it is just another service I offer...
THat's pretty yucky. Glad it's not my house! I see a lot of bad basements here in KY. Rotten floor joists in one the other day. Deal got dropped after inspection.
Mr Charles you big silly. If you switch from bottles to mugs, the flies goes aways.
Nutsy
Jay, and a good service it is :)
Lizette, I have expect this in a crawl space----even less excuse in a basement
Nutsy, I guess you would know
Charles,
The beauty of the NW. Whats a home with out a little rot?
Really, good post many have no clue what the ramifications are of performing this type of work.
Don
Thank goodness I have not seen anything like this come across my inspection reports. What do you say but fix it and then have it reinspected.
Don, it is pretty rare to not find a little decay somewhere
Diane, as well as monitor for signs of continued leaking etc.