Most of the time it takes the trained eye of a professional home inspector to identify defects or potential hazards within a home.  On some occasions, however, certain maintenance issues are easy to spot.  Each year, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) releases unusual home inspection discoveries from the field.  This year, to remind consumers that April is National Home Inspection Month, the Society is sharing some of its most unusual, yet obvious, finds.

The photos below were submitted by ASHI Certified Inspectors and published in ASHI's publication, the ASHI Reporter.  Photos appear monthly in ASHI's "Postcards from the Field" section.

"Some of the most unusual discoveries I've made as a home inspector have happened while I was inspecting dark crawl spaces, attics and roofs," said Brion Grant, 2008 ASHI president. "From time to time, though, I spot some pretty unusual and potentially dangerous issues simply by walking into a room."

Shocking Discoveries

Electrical outlets come in all shapes and sizes, but even John Fryer, an ASHI Certified Inspector from Oakland, Calif., was stumped by this unique contraption. While Silicon Valley (the site of this finding) is lauded as a premier location for creative minds and innovation, this improvised design is more dangerous than ingenious.

Speaking of dangerous electrical situations, take a look at this photo.  ASHI Certified Inspector Matt Fisher of Bloomington, Ind., discovered an electrical outlet inside the shower of this newly remodeled bathroom.  He also pointed out that the toilet paper dispenser is inside the tub, too.

"When I look at this picture, I can't help but wonder what was going through the contractor's head when he installed that outlet," said a puzzled Grant. "The outlet doesn't even have a ground fault circuit interrupter. Sometimes a shower is all you need to jump start your morning ... but this seems extreme."

It All Falls Down

ASHI's founder, Ron Passaro of Bethel, Conn., advised the owner of this home to take caution when walking out this door.   Watch out, that first step can be a little tricky. 

Each year, ASHI emphasizes the importance of winterizing outdoor faucets as part of an ongoing winter maintenance regimen.  While inspecting this home in Hopedale, Mass., however, ASHI Certified Inspector Ron Cook concluded that this homeowner did not heed the Society's advice.
    

When Enough is Too Much

The owner of this home in Bartlett, Tenn., does not appear to believe in the expression "all things in moderation."  There are six hoses connected to the faucet shown here.  ASHI Certified Inspector Brandon Dyles said the homeowner was hoping it would pass as a "sprinkler system."

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