Home Inspector Chronicles: The Most Unusual Finds Ever Found on Albany New York Home Inspections

As a seasoned home inspector in the Albany NY area, I’ve ran into a wide range of properties and have encountered some quirks. While most inspections reveal routine issues, occasionally, I stumble upon truly unforgettable surprises. From the hilariously bizarre to the surprisingly unique, these moments add a bit of entertainment and fun to an otherwise serious job.

Deck held together by bungee cord in Albany NY — On a Home Inspection in Albany NY - Stairs held together with a bungee cord!

A home inspection I performed in Albany NY. The spiral staircase was being held with a bungie cord!

No, I did not walk up and down the spiral stairs!

Rock climbing wall as egress on home inspection Albany NY — Home Inspection in Albany NY

As a home inspector, I have bumped into some pretty wild things. At first, I thought what a great way to get some exercise in!The homeowner stated that was his remedy for a "2nd mean of egress for the 3rd story. I must say the current homeowner was joking around as it seems pretty difficult the windows are not in close proximity to "rock climbing holds". But on second thought maybe the setup was for a 2nd means of egress?

A home inspector finds electrical wire holding up joist in Albany NY — Electrical wire holding up portion of structure - Albany NY

During the process of inspecting a barn on a home inspection I found an electrical wire holding up a joist/supporting framing member. Above the wire on the 2nd floor there was heavy equipment!

Centered door knob found on a home inspection — Home Inspection in Albany NY

I never seen a doorknob installed in the middle of the door. It was very difficult to open the door with the doorknob installed directly in the middle of the door. I could not figure out the reasoning behind the installation. Things that make you go hmmmm.

Floating beam a home inspector discovered when inspecting a home in albany new york — Home Inspection in Albany NY

The contractor went through the trouble of setting up a poorly installed footing just to have the support column 3" shy of the main beam. Found on a home inspection outside of Albany NY.

Poor load transfer found on local home inspection by a local home inspector — Home Inspection in Albany NY

The main beam of a structure directs and transfers all of the weight it supports onto the members below. Typically, under a main support beam there is usually a support column or foundation that is not interrupted by a window! Of course, the window did not open or close and soon the weight will crush the window opening over time.

Rotting food in fridge Local Home Inspector Albany NY — Local Home Inspection

No need to comment on this picture. I am sure you can smell this right from the picture.

Local Home Inspector Discoveries cut trust system new construction — Local Home Inspector Discoveries

At times I have heard real estate agents say, "new construction does not require a home inspection". I disagree. Relying on local code enforcement is risky. This rafter system was cut into, and the integrity of the system is now compromised. A structural engineer came out to come up with a method of correction to save the compromised rafter system. The defect was found during a home inspection outside of Albany New York.

Local Home inspection discovered poor electrical during electrical inspection — Electrical Inspection - Albany NY

Another discovery that speaks for itself. Found during a Home inspection outside of Albany New York. The owner stated he updated his electrical system. If you look closely, you can see a line with an open valve that could potentially wet the internal electrical components on the main electrical panel. This home inspection was a disaster to say the least!

During a mold assessment found during a mold inspection we recommended that a qualified contractor INCREASE ventilation. At the opposite end of the attic there was significant mold growth due to bathroom vent fans venting into the attic along with lack of attic ventilation.

Owner installed a box fan as a method of correction. Innovative to say the least but not CORRECT.

One of the many innovative construction practices I came across during this home inspection outside of Albany NY (Colonie). The shower head was installed above the ceiling tile. I guess it's an easy way to relocate to another area in the ceiling if need be!

Worst Mold Ever Mold Inspection and Mold assessment Albany New York — Mold Inspection - Albany NY

During a mold inspection performed in Albany New York we discovered the worst presence of mold we have EVER seen. The underlayment could not be saved on this one. The entire roof required replacement. The worst part is they JUST had the roof shingles replaced by a family friend. The integrity of the sheathing must have showed signs of failure on the exterior when removing the layer of shingles prior to replacement.

Found on a home inspection in Colonie New York. The contractor who installed the HVAC duct work decided to cut right through 2 support beams. I noticed above the floor's deflection (the bounce) when I walked over it. The structural integrity for these beams is compromised. I guess you get what you pay for!

Thank you for looking at " Home Inspector Chronicles: The Most Unusual Finds Ever Found on Albany New York Home Inspections". I will add more as I go through my old reports and find the unusual things I have ran into during a home inspection!