Handyman Project Gone Bad
One of our customers sent us a work order on a ceiling that had fallen in because of a leak. When we looked at the project, the tenant pointed out another leak in an additional bedroom. Repairs had been done prior to our inspection and we found a roof that appeared to be in distress. We advised the tenant, we would talk with the property manager and resolve the problem. The next day, our customer advised us, the tenant had contacted Codes Enforcement and the property was being sited for an illegal enclosure; this is where the story begins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seBHVT05uqMThe property manager let the tenants out of their lease and contracted with us to determine what it would take to bring the property into compliance. What we discovered was far more than just a leak in the ceiling and I will explain how the problem evolved. This home had been a cute little cottage, along a thoroughfare, convenient to the local mall and University of Florida. The owner lived in it for a few years, moved out of state and never considered any problems with the property. What the owner was unaware of, all the improvements had been done illegally, no permits no inspections and a property that is in serious trouble. As we started our investigation, it was apparent, a non-skilled, unlicensed person had done the improvements on this property. Opening up walls, we found materials that should have never been used and improper construction practices which could have created health hazards as well as possible structural failure in the future. As we kept digging, additional problems surfaced. We determined; the person who did this had never done a real remodel project or they hired people who didn't care about doing the right thing, it was all about the job and getting that final check. Once we got all the structural members exposed, we found a house in distress and dangerous. What is going to have to happen next is going making the owner sick. He bought the house in good faith, expected the seller to have disclosed what they had done to make the property look like it did, that never happened. This is just the beginning of this project, there will be more problems than what we have just pointed out to you
Comments (2)
Anytime you buy a property, it is your responsibility to insure that all improvements to the property have met current building by asking your local building department if any permits have been applied for and completed with a final inspection. Every state is different and it is up to you to understand what is supposed to be permitted. For many home inspectors, all they do is inspect and report what they see. Most do not use infrared to determine if stud placement is correct, only to detect moisture. Keep in mind, many areas have limited building guidelines or thorough building inspections and everything falls upon you to have thorough inspections. As always, it's Caveat Emptor...
Terry Martin-Back, almost 9 years ago
@terry Martin-back
What would the protocol be to protect yourself against something like this as a buyer? You would think that the property would have been inspected prior to closing. From my experience the inspector generally will not catch hidden items, like the studs at 24" so does your client go after the seller for reimbursement? I appreciate your input. Thanks.
Scott
Scott Parker, almost 9 years ago