Home Inspection Nightmares

(ThisOldHouse.com)

"I'm guessing that a beer bottle is not an approved duct-support system. This may show my age, but it looks like (from the bottle) that this was done on a weekend—the old commercial did say, 'weekends are made for Michelob.'" Tim HemmTim Hemm InspectionsYucaipa, Calif.  READ: Even More Home Inspection Nightmares (Courtesy of The ASHI Reporter)

"I always recommend Guinness kegs for girder support, as I assume that 'Tastes great, less filling' means Miller Lite kegs are not as strong." Robert GalsterPillar to Post/Cape May CountyWoodbine, NJ (Courtesy of The ASHI Reporter)

"I found an illegal firework next to a flying splice (a spliced wire not in a box, which is itself a fire hazard)." Kevin RobinsonKR Home InspectionPacific Grove, Calif. (Courtesy of The ASHI Reporter)

"I guess someone was sneaking cigarettes and figured he or she would hide the butts somewhere where nobody would find them—like inside the electrical panel, where a fire could damage the whole house's system." Tim QuinnPillar to Post – PittsburghMonroeville, Pa. (Courtesy of The ASHI Reporter)

"Recipe for disaster: Start with a vacation rental, add 2 margaritas, a bit of dark nighttime and a hot tub on a cantilevered and rail-free deck—seemingly built without adult supervision. Expect the hospital stay to be, oh, about 2 years." Jason GingeryView Point InspectionsSanta Cruz, Calif. READ: Craziest Homeowner Holiday Disaster Stories IV (Courtesy of The ASHI Reporter)

"Look around those attics. You never know what you'll find. This WWII mortar shell was not marked 'inert,' so it was suspected live. The fire department was called, who called military specialists to remove it. It was found to be a dud, but the neighborhood was snarled for several hours." John Dirks Jr.Arundel Home Inspection, LLCSeverna Park, Md. (Courtesy of The ASHI Reporter)

"Excuse me, sir. Why do you have a box of explosives in your crawl space? And why is there a wire attached to it? Never mind, I'll be leaving now." Dan ChapleskiTrue North Inspection ServicesCoeur d'Alene, Idaho READ: 15 Secrets Your Real Estate Broker Won't Tell  You (Courtesy of The ASHI Reporter)