Homeowners sometimes think they are wise in doing electrical work themselves, and saving all that money that the "professional" would have charged them. Well, that may be the case... IF THEY DO IT RIGHT!
But, unfortunately, I most frequently come across what I call "Electrical Spaghetti" served up by the homeowner.
Here we have loose "Spaghetti" going everywhere. Homeowner, or amateur wiring is usually pretty easy to spot. The most common thing, is that none of the wiring is neat, and almost never stapled or secured properly to the framing. The wires at the top of this box should be fastened (staples) securely to the wood to conform to national code requirements.
Here is the other side of the wall, where wires are run Under joists, loose loops, and loosley run down the wall.
This is the homeowners idea of wiring the hot water heater. The wire connections are exposed, and the wire is run loosely over the water heater, not secured, or in conduit.
The yellow, looped wire is providing power to the relatively new furnace unit.("Spaghetti, anyone?")
Even when they almost got it right, they forgot the simple addition of a cover over the junction box.
Exposed wiring under kitchen sink= "bad electrical jujuj" .
The homeowner figured he saved about $1500 in doing all of this himself (and he did.. for about 6 months). But now that he is selling his house, the lowest estimate that came in to "fix" all of the things he did...
was $2350. I don't think he thinks he saved money ... any more.
Yesterday, I did an inspection on a "rehabbed" house for a very nice couple, who were sure they had found the house for them. The house had very nice "curb appeal", and if you didn't look too close, everything looked pretty good.
The seller "rehabber" had told them that he had a "great inspector" who was also very reasonable that they should use. Thankfully, they called and chose me instead.
I just had to share some of the findings on this one, because it shows to what great lengths some people will go to just to sell a house to some unsuspecting buyers.
First, there was the electric entrance cable that was missing all of its' outer insulation, and was "painted".
Of course this should have been replaced long ago.
Next, there was the extremely settled and extremely corroded gas line and fittings. The gas was shut off, but there was still leaking coming from the underground sections fittings. Time for underground supply line replacement? Me thinks so.
Notice the 'freshly painted' foundation?
Next, there was the 60 amp corroded main electric panel.
This next one is the one that had me scratching my head for a few moments until I figured out what they were trying to do. This is a corner of the basement, where I found dampness and new carpeting that was wet to the touch. I pulled back the corner of the carpet for a better look, and here is what I found....
Around the perimeter, they had chiseled out of the concrete floor, a little "channel" and installed some absorbent foam tubing, hoping to absorb some of the moisture that was entering the basement.
I guess it had reached it's capacity, because the surrounding carpet and foam padding were also wet.
This one was a first for me, after 23 years of inspecting, I have seen all kinds of efforts to disguise things, and all kinds of "waterproofing" methods, but never anything close to the stupidity level of this obviously laborious failed attempt.
I could go on and on about this particular house, and the shortcuts taken, but this should give you a good idea.
It just let's you know to what "lengths" some people will go to get by cheaply, or disguise something.
I'm still scratching my head deciding how to "write this up".
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I know, you have probably all heard it at least a dozen times.... but that's what makes it even more puzzling to me that I find SOO MANY smoke detectors not working, or operating improperly.
Those of us that have the battery type that are not tied into any electrical system are the most at risk, because it is VERY EASY to forget to change those 9 volt batteries (that have now become quite expensive). Of course the rule of thumb is to change the batteries whenever the time changes to or from daylight savings time (about every 6 months).
It's not that the battery type is unreliable, but it's more about US being unreliable in changing the batteries. (Hint: when you hear that little "chirp" every so often, and can't figure out where the noise is coming from... chances are real good that it is your battery operated smoke detector telling you that it wants a NEW BATTERY- NOW!)
Even the ones that are "hard-wired" to the electrical system still have a battery backup that needs to be changed every so often. AND these detectors should also be tested with the "test button" at regular intervals as well. ( I know, you don't like hearing that screaching in your ears... maybe wear some earplugs before you do the testing- I do!)
I usually test them near the end of the home inspection, put in my earplugs, and send everyone else outside. This way, no one gets the ringing in their ears.
This house actually had the packing plastic still installed over all the smoke detectors!
I'm afraid smoke would have a hard time getting through the plastic.
The Museum is totally run by volunteers and friends, (over 300 of them). Guided tours can be taken 6 days a week. One of the many very knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will show you all there is to see, in this massive collection of airplanes, equipment, and war memorabilia. Volunteers work on and restore aircrafts that are donated to the museum. Some have been in 'restoration' for 6- 10 years. Dilligent workers strive to restore every possible detail to it's original condition. This is a Vietnam era helicopter, single blade.
There is even a Russian 'Mig" that they will let you sit in for a great photo opportunity. This is one of several open cockpit bi-planes on display. This is a replica of the plane made famous by Snoopy; the "Sopwith Camel" which really flies. It has only one engine speed, so it is controlled by switching the engine on and off. This is a 'Smart Bomb' made by Goodyear aerospace. It had the ability to be guided to it's target. This is a reconnaisance plane used during the Vietnam War. It still flies, but the armaments are not real. Several real jet engines are also on display, with one 'cutaway' to see the interior workings. There is also a model room, with thousands of models on display. There is a memorabilia room, where many exhibits have been donated, and are currently on display. The museum is a great bargain, at only $8 general admission, and discounts are also available. The tour takes approximately two hours, and maybe a little longer if you want to see everything. It is well worth checking out for the entire family. The museums hours are: Sun. 11-30 am-4pm Tues-Sat: 9am-4pm. Closed Mondays. Group tours and catered events can be arranged, just call 330-896-6332 or 877-627-7247 Website: www.mapsairmuseum.org 
Stark and Summit County residents have a special little "Gem" right here in their own backyard. The MAPS AIR Museum is located on the West side of the grounds of the Akron-Canton Regional Airport, and is accessible from Massillon Rd, about 1 mile South of Greensburg Rd.
The Ohio Canal was originally created in the early 1800's to transport goods, and materials North from Lake Erie all the way South across the state of Ohio to the Ohio River. It was completely hand dug, with the aid of farm animals. It was fed with water from the Cuyahoga, and Tuscarawus Rivers, (which run beside it much of it's length). Many Canal Boats traversed the canal, being pulled by mule or oxen, using ropes to pull the heavy boats down the canal from the adjacent towpath. The boats had to go through many different locks, as the surrounding terrain changed. The Canal became obsolete in the late 1800's, early 1900's as steam powered railways took over. Today, most all of the locks are gone, except for their concrete moorings, but most of the canal still has water, and the towpath has been turned into a bike/hike trail that is most enjoyable to ride or walk. The terrain is mostly very level, so it is an easy path for even beginning bikers and hikers to navigate. This bridge, near Manchester Rd is where the path starts. (Nesmith Lake is on the other side of the bridge.) This section extends down to past the southern borders of Barberton. There is another section, that is not yet connected, that starts not far from there in Clinton, goes through Canal Fulton, and Massilon. The path is lined with crushed limestone, and is easy to navigate. This was also the site of the Indian Portage, where they carried their canoes to travel from lake to river. The placard tells of Chief Hopocan, who fought in this area, and signed many of the early treaties. Plant life, frogs and turtles can be seen along the canal. The water no longer flows as it once did, because the locks are not used to control the water flow any longer. This was a very enjoyable bike ride. The path is shaded nearly the entire length, which makes it pleasant to ride even on fairly hot days. If you would like to explore this path, it is about a 6-7 mile stretch, with parking on Manchester Rd. near Nesmith lake. Take the family out for a bike ride. Even the little ones will be able to keep up on this level path. 
Kevin is a truly experienced home inspector with great communications skills - he's been inspecting homes in NE Ohio for over 22 years now! We also schedule Termite Inspections and Radon Inspections.
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