Hidden Gems found in Victoria Homes, Part 2

More scary pictures taken in homes around Victoria and Southern Vancouver Island.

These conditions exist in many homes which are being offered for sale to unsuspecting buyers.

There is nothing here that can't be repaired, replaced, or eradicated.

But wouldn't you want to know about them?

OK, a 67 Mustang is not so scary!

But here are some things that are not so good. Need help with any of these pics? Contact me anytime.

In this older home, one solid Aluminum branch circuit was added some time in the 70's.  Now the house has a condition that could be an issue.

It must be disclosed to your insurance provider. Solid Al branch wiring connections should be checked often for looseness or corrosion.

What we call Powder Post Beetles here are tiny wood-destroying insects that attack old Douglas fir planks and beams in damp crawlspaces.

The insect larvae stay below the surface for many years and turn the wood to a fine powder, before exiting through the tiny holes and flying to a new spot to lay eggs, repeating the cycle. A treatment with Borate or similar chemicals by a pest control specialist is needed.

Pest control should be left to the experts.

One screen is missing, and a rat has found a warm spot for the winter, 2 storeys above the ground.

The roof dip is visible from the road. Oriented strand board, OSB, is directional like plywood, and will sag if laid with the grain parallel to the rafters.

Garage doors come with a variety of latches and openers. Read the little signs before opening.

A mid-60's Pontiac. And a fun sign.

Good advice from 1976

Skylight opens sideways!

"S traps" like these can siphon themselves dry.

A dry trap will allow sewer gas to escape into the room.

Many homeowners think plumbing drainage is easy, but there are basic rules for venting which are available to anyone that wants to learn. Below are some more pics of items we find in homes in the Victoria area.

Sun-burned vinyl is invariably hiding under a rug. Repair = a new floor cover.

Ceramic tiles on a concrete slab. What can possibly go wrong there?

What was a woodpecker hunting for?

It is called 'dry rot', but moisture from leaks created the environment to start the attack.

The leak may be fixed, but this rot fungus continues to grow, drawing moisture from the wood fibres. The result is dry cubes with no strength.

Got a question? Contact me.

Seen enough? Return Home

Visit the Fleetwood Building Inspections Photo Gallery