Gallery – Do-It-Yourself Repairs…Done Wrong in Omaha, Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa

Pictures taken on Omaha Home Inspections by ASHI Certified Home Inspector, Greg Wayman

Do-It-Yourself…Done Wrong! – Gallery 2

My view on the do-it-yourself mentality:

Know your limitations. If you think you’re going to be in over your head, hire a licensed Contractor to handle the part of the job you’re not comfortable with.

I’ve seen so many scary installations of electrical wiring, plumbing, and furnaces that it’s a wonder that more people haven’t been electrocuted, died of exposure to methane gas or carbon monoxide, or burnt their house down! For laughs, go to any of the big home improvement centers on the weekend and hang out in the Electrical Department. Not one of the customers will be a licensed Electrician, yet they’re buying main panel boxes, service wires, breakers…items they have no business installing themselves!!! Did you know that you can buy a furnace over the internet and have it delivered to your doorstep?

Photo #1: “Hot” shower

This is the #1 reason why permits should be pulled during remodel jobs. Here’s an electric furnace with 120 amps running to it and the shower aimed directly at it! The shower is using the furnace as part of it’s surround.

Photo #2: B-vent out the sidewall

We’ve got a fire waiting to happen and dangerous flue gases not venting above the roof line.

Photo #3: Duct tape fixes everything!

Photo #4: Broken garage door spring “FIXED”!

Photo #5: DIY Wiring at its best!

This guy was remodeling his basement. There were splices like this everywhere. The scary part was half of the basement was already covered over with drywall;-)

Photo #6: Pure Genius!

A true Homer moment right here;-) …and yes, you’re looking at the gas meter.

Photo #7: The Seller volunteered to show me how to access the basement…

…Thank GOD! I never would have found that access. I had all I could do to keep from laughing as he methodically removed each step and riser;-) Imagine being this homeowner and have to dismantle your steps every time you want to do laundry.

Photo #8: Shocking!