57 years of DIY wiring

[Richard Moore]

1954, one owner home (which translates into "Never been inspected"). This guy was the "master" of lamp-cord permanent wiring, although he changed it up now and then with orange extension cords. Besides all the usual ungrounded three-prong receptacles, air splices, etc, there was an amazing array of crap on exterior walls (gotta love the power strip open to the elements). The Zinsco panel was now in a bathroom, part of a converted garage, and directly over the toilet.

But, my favorite bit was the circuit wire tapped directly off the main lug. Notice how he "correctly" re-identified the white wire with black tape. That way you will know it was a hot when the house burns down!

Just a taste for your viewing pleasure...there was so much more.

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[Robert Jones]

That irrigation/sprinkler mess is fantastic. I am guessing approximately 10 minutes into the inspection and you were already calling the electrical system for "updating".

[Richard Moore]

That irrigation/sprinkler mess is fantastic. I am guessing approximately 10 minutes into the inspection and you were already calling the electrical system for "updating".

Oh boy...you had to see the FUBAR irrigation system to believe it. Most of the PVC was exposed above ground, some just laying on the grass and some attached to the side of the house. The best part was the fenced rear yard. He had the PVC running along the back of the wood fencing with sprinkler heads poking through every few feet halfway up the fence. I've never seen anything like it...real Rube Goldberg crap that was already broken in a few places. I told my clients that the irrigation system should not be considered an asset.

Actually, I hope they run away from this one. I think they will. They were certainly wavering when I left them. The house had good bones, a nice metal roof and mostly fine exterior, but everything else needed repair or replacement. Nothing that money wouldn't fix but, IMO, just too much to take on for young, first time homeowners with two small children and without a clue about houses, no matter what they can negotiate. I dropped all the hints I could. It's not a pretty report!