Fake repair work uncovered by home inspector

WATE 6 News at 4 p.m.

[@AskMeWhen]

Printing out my new kitchen as we speak!

[@diamondly6250]

i know when then😐

[@lukek8357]

Licenses should be suspended or cancelled when they find these kinds of things.

[@steveurbach3093]

You assume they had one for *electrical*. That 'cheat' saved them ~$15. Depending on the age of the house, non-GFCI outdoor outlets could have been 'legal' BUT NOT A 3-Prong outlet used without a GFCI (just because it is grandfathered, does not mean it should not be done. GFCI still protects on older 2 wire era homes. )

[@SgtJoeSmith]

they dont have licenses. lol

[@DHxJarsyl]

Nahh, the government gave up on regulating business years ago. I had a contractor completely screw me in Texas, city said it was a civil issue so I sued him, then they said they can't serve him the papers unless he confirms to the cops he lives at the address I listed. I got a problem right now in Georgia where the MLS listing for the house I bought was wrong or fraudulent. GA is a buyer beware state though, where the seller and real estate agents have 0 liability (Because you are supposed to get a thorough inspection). I did pay for a thorough inspection though, but the inspector also has 0 legal liability. The house is listed as being on city sewer and it isn't. It turns out there isn't even city sewer available.

[@professionalschizo]

The same people half-assing every single job are the ones who bitch the loudest that "nobody respects the trades".

[@bitshtannicajohnson6957]

*LOL, Keep hiring travajo contractors from home despot's parking lot*

[@SonicBoyster]

Source: I just made it up.
You are living up to your username, my guy.

[@professionalschizo]

@SonicBoyster Cry about it. New construction is absolutely garbage now to the point it's a warning to home buyers. You see garbage like this everywhere. Tradies today are cheap and incompetent compared to their historical peers.

[@Beesnorter]

The money is in the trades right now and unfortunately where the money goes, scumbags follow.

[@brianleeper5737]

Fake sticker outlet? That's some real Southern ingenuity right there. (This happened in Tennessee).

[@phreeesubz]

*And Who Are You My Friend?*

[@bobguy6542]

Tennessee is not the south.

[@phreeesubz]

Thats right!
Florida is the real south

[@brianleeper5737]

@@phreeesubz Anywhere where they speak real slow and drive squatted trucks.

[@phreeesubz]

Watchu talken'bout?

[@GeorgeWashingtonLaserMusket]

"Exterior, Attics, and Crawspaces, those are places people never look when buying a house."
That's funny, whenever someone I know buys a house I always ask to look in those places.

[@harryl7946]

‘Looks good to me!’ Check it off and move on! It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!😂😂😂

[@ncooty]

Somebody should lose a license over that. It's outright fraud... but the trades get away with it. There's ZERO accountability.
If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself.

[@Jeff-xy7fv]

Or hire me. I might be one of the only honest electricians left. It's ridiculous.

[@SgtJoeSmith]

no its employees of legit businesses quitting and starting their own unlicensed/uninsured illegal operation out of corporate greed cause they dont think they got paid fairly so they made their own corporation now their greed is to cut corners, no insurance, no bond, no work comp, no license and half azz work. otherwise if they done things legit they only profit what last company paid them.

[@piratekit3941]

Never buy a home without an inspection unless you are prepared for stuff like this. Even with an inspection, they'll cut every corner short they possibly can, including risks that might set the home on fire.

[@NotReal20245]

I recommend getting your own home inspector but not the one referred by your realtor. Then meet your inspector without your realtor present at the house you are going to buy

[@shaystern2453]

firestarter💣

[@drscopeify]

Sounds like this was the model house and they rushed to get it ready for customers to see how the houses will look in the community but forgot to fix the outlets when selling the model home itself. My house I live in was also the model house but way way back built in the 1950s, my house is the first one in the community, and you can see something funny, they actually built my house at first without a garage and then they added it after the fact, the reason is that there is brick siding on the wall facing the garage so they built it as an exterior wall, then they added the garage, the result is I have a 2 car garage but unlike the other homes mine is like extra deep for some reason they built it 2x deep so room for 4 cars, 2 deep, no idea why, all the other homes look the same but have a normal 2 car deep garage. Funny stuff is done to the model homes it seems, they play and experiment with it but might also do strange things to it.

[@james_crook]

Now model homes are built so cheap I wouldn’t want one. Everything is thrown together. We looked at one and the drain in the shower wasn’t even real, the the dryer vents not connected closets not painted, cabinets with no shelves. A lot of other stuff, it was wild.

[@CbrF4i600cc]

​@james_crook so you get it at cheaper price...

[@ericmcquisten]

If you think this is bad, wait until you find out that over 90% of "new construction" homes built in America fail even the very minimum federal & state standards. The only reason they are still sold, is because there is so much corruption involved, that inspectors will rubber-stamp their approval for inspections, and most major home construction corporations have been committing wide-spread fraud for decades.... its the norm nowadays.
So unless you oversee the construction yourself, or have a home design firm or trusted GC (general contractor) oversee every step of the home... you're likely getting ripped off. But this doesn't include "spec" homes, which are typically of higher quality.

[@jonahhekmatyar]

That is unbelievable. Builders in the US are something else

[@adamb89]

My mother got taken for about 30k by holy ground tiny houses out of colorado. They're actually not frauds, they're just horribly incompetent. You know how ponzi schemes work, where investors give you money, and you pay back earlier investors with new investors money to keep the illusion going, while skimming from the top? It's like that, except due to incompetence. They use money from current customers to buy supplies to fulfill back orders for old customers. The business is hemmorhaging money, and as a result a lot of the newest customers are simply never going to get their money or home. But hey, it's a "christian charity" so that makes it all A-OK right? And people ask why I'm so disgusted by chriSTAINS.

[@turtleneckferret]

Yeah because all builders are responsible

[@MojoPup]

It's not just builders in the US, I've seen some amazingly dangerous repairs in Britain, Europe and Australia. and lets not even discus Southeast Asia...🤣🤣

[@nomusicrc]

But CyFy only works in Arizona

[@friedrichweitzer3071]

It's not that bad...

[@nomusicrc]

@@friedrichweitzer3071 not like the house is going to fall down

[@teraxiel]

Those pictures of the GFCIs are paper inserts that come with the covers. They could have just forgot to remove them. Exterior outlets are not required to all be GFCIs, they just have to be protected by a GFCI.

[@steveurbach3093]

But those 'in place' covers ALSO come with a 'duplex' style insert (a Duplex was there)

[@teraxiel]

@@steveurbach3093 Yes. And...?

[@earlebaker2440]

You are correct but it must be labeled indicating that it is GFCI protected.

[@GoogleMe-en9sg]

@@earlebaker2440 I'm thinking the insert was put there showing it was GFCI protected. Usually there are small stickers that say that. It's actually better to have the GFCI indoors to protect it from the elements.

[@rupe53]

I have to wonder if that picture of the GFCI was part of the display packaging, like when you buy stuff in a bubble pack at the store, and it shows what the finished job will look like. (who would go to that extra trouble anyway?) Good chance an inspection found broken exterior covers and someone added replacements with no intention of an upgrade because you can't buy the old style covers these days. OTOH, the media has to hype it up because that's what they do!

[@shaystern2453]

that was probably done by the owner

[@rupe53]

@@shaystern2453 who cares. In my opinion, it's the media going overboard because GFCI upgrades are rare for a home sale but fixing broken stuff is pretty common.

[@Strahan740i]

@@rupe53 Going overboard? If I pay someone to do something, and they pull shit like that, it most _definitely_ wouldn't be going overboard to call them out like this.

[@rupe53]

@@Strahan740i Where did anyone say someone got paid to install a GFCI? I only suggested that a broken cover was replaced, and the factory packaging was left in that cover. I also suggested the media had a field day with it... and never gave any backstory or details beyond an inspector finding what was shown.

[@Strahan740i]

@@rupe53 Dude, did you even watch the video?? They literally say a contractor was hired _to replace the exterior outlets_ not to just install covers. Christ, keep up already.

[@autumnhansen213]

Shocked by a piece of paper? I’m an electrician and that’s a new one, lol 😂

[@ryanpaaz]

I'm interested in what the root issue was with the outdoor outlets. No GFCI? You don't need to upgrade it meets the original installation of the house and in good working order and grandfathered in. Building codes are updated every year, and no house is having things ripped open every year to be updated.

[@SgtJoeSmith]

true. unless you are tearing it open for a remodel then in some states you may be required to bring everything part of the remodel up to code. like doing a bath remodel then you may be required to convert to gfci.
if the house is over 4 years old I would strongly suggest replacing outlets and switches and breakers and bringing electrical up to current code

[@andrewdarbyshire9108]

Some breakers can have two lines coming off per code and manufacturers guidelines

[@DetroitHomeInspector]

Always get an inspection done. Greetings from Detroit.

[@danielkofman4592]

That contractor should be sued and he should lose his license.

[@petebusch9069]

As a home inspector, repairing fake outlets is a minor problem when compared to the big issues. If this is your only issue then consider yourself lucky. It should be fixed and will cost a bit but is still very minor, just trying to put this into perspective.

[@corinnecerminaro9753]

Omg. Stickers.

[@heroknaderi]

they need to find the ones responsible and fire them

[@garysgarage.2841]

I purchased my home with no inspections paid cash no big problems a few plumbing leaks I fixed myself and some upgrades needed. Just sold my second house guy payed cash and waved all inspections. If you have basic knowledge what to look for you'll be ok.

[@grimacres]

I only sell my homes "as is" I will not make repairs to a house I am selling. My current home can't pass an inspection and I won't have one done. It will be the buyers responsibility. I want my home to bring local taxes and home values down when I sell it below market value.

[@DanakarEndeel]

Wow! That's the kind of 'work' you'd expect to see in China.

[@TODD-KOBELL]

I'm not there so I don't know. But I'm assuming he checked the inside GFIs. A lot of times they put the GFI inside because it keeps it safer from the weather.
Depending on the breaker you may be allowed to put two wires under the lug.

[@throwuout87]

That should be criminal offenses and not just civil

[@1985230ce]

There is a condition called a False Ground. This is when a jumper is placed from the ground lug to the neutral terminal of an outlet. This fools basic outlet testers to show that the ground is good when it is not to code and potentially dangerous. Usually this happens with older two wire cables and a three prong outlet is used.
More sophisticated testers check for False Ground and other conditions to make sure the wiring is good.
I recommend spending the extra money to get a more sophisticated tester.

[@erick5709]

Thay use a picture of this as a funny in our electrical code class we take😂😂

[@Gameyfur]

Wish the home inspector that checked the place I'm in was as thorough as this guy.
Lots of bad thing's were missed in my place like ungrounded outlets to a section of roof that was not replaced when the rest of the roof had been. The non replaced shingles of my roof are in a blind spot.

[@lilithmoore1520]

The real crime is houses being priced so high.

[@StewieGriffin505]

I don't trust home inspectors either. They go around the house with an iPad and take pictures of stuff that isn't even an issue. Not all of them have construction experience.

[@NotReal20245]

My inspector missed a window that was dry walled inside but not outside by stucco & a leaking bathtub not waterproof by a lazy DIY or handyman

[@seamac7564]

Get a home inspection prior to occupancy.

[@danrichards496]

Something needs to be done. I’m hearing about things like this all the time now. I’m seeing a lot of shoddy work in people’s homes where “they hired a professional”. I tore out a basement bath that looked like shit on the outside and was a nightmare inside. I was talking about the terrible job someone did and a dummy that lives down the road acted like I didn’t know what I was talking about and stressed the fact to me that the previous owners “hired a professional to do that”. The shower, walls, and trim on the outside didn’t even look professional.

[@gantzthegreat8998]

That fake sticker is just what comes in the box when you buy it

[@raymondmesa8258]

Wow the economy has gotten so bad and people are allowed to do this!

[@earlebaker2440]

I believe that most of these problems are house flippers and doing the work themselves. If you looking at buying a house ask that question with the realitor and if so take extra precautions and be with the inspector while this is taking place. 95% of contractors are good and have good intentions in doing it correctly. I find that the home owner wants it done as cheap as possible and some contractors will follow there instructions, that is when the contractor should walk away when discussing the job if he wants it that way.

[@abelhernandez2381]

I found a contractor that's half your quote.
Meanwhile Cheap guys work.
Always go with personal recommendations and proven work history. Yes the experienced tradesmen is going to want "to much money".

[@matthewkearney9044]

Lawsuit time.

[@CMCraftsman]

I did this on April fools day at a new build we were doing. There was only temporary power at the street but I put two of these in the house, everyone kept trying to plug into them haha

[@leeedens9497]

You just can't trust people anymore, everyone seems like they are trying to take advantage of you, it's like you have to watch them like a hawk

[@katieolson4207]

The homeowners had to see those outlets the pictures just dont do them justice

[@ShannonMcCraryH]

Watch out inspector a billion dollar home building company may also try to sue you for "bullying" them hahahaha

[@AlexR_44]

So.... about 2:04 the dude points to the breakers and says they should only have a single wire.
He's wrong. 100% wrong. Even if he actually looked closer and was right, he'd still be wrong.
How are we supposed to trust this news story at all?

[@WayneMiller-zx4cv]

It takes 5 minutes tops to change an outlet and that's if I stop to answer my phone

[@TheCreedBratton]

A crooked real estate company? Never! 😂

[@deathx605]

I was an insulator for a while its bad out there ive seen some scary things

[@richardbrown8794]

We do not respect the lazy ones.correct

[@MrSocko-vn7fw]

Just when you’ve thought you saw it all

[@dbuzman]

The electrical outlet stickers were outside outlets like the post said that you showed on air not indoors.

[@Here4TheHeckOfIt]

America - the land of Grifters! 🇺🇸
The inspector isn't wrong when he said this never happened in the past. So what changed?

[@JonDoe-cg4mr]

The pizza was also just a picture. Very dry

[@planethedgehog2427]

I've printed fake outlet stickers and put them on walls near tables in fast food joints for people to try to plug in their cellphone chargers.😆

[@rattlinbucks]

😈😈😈

[@1996ChevroletImpalaSS]

I’m glad 2018 is over…

[@ILovePancakes24]

It can happen in 2024 and probably 2025

[@SirMegaManNeoX]

Taylor Morrison Arizona house contractor... 2024

[@petebusch9069]

Could be a switched outlet.

[@1985230ce]

Good point.

[@johnlang2293]

You would trip the breaker on panel, instead of GFCI on outlet. Sometimes those are redundant, but code is code, and the person was paid to do something they didn't do. What a mess.

[@mae2759]

It takes a LOT more current to trip a breaker than a GFCI.

[@johnlang2293]

@@mae2759 Thats true, and one hurts a lot more too !

[@gg-gn3re]

That picture is not "inside the home"

[@LP-hs6yz]

Name the company!

[@heroknaderi]

that is bazzar damn

[@lugiasean19]

We’re living in China now, Chimerica

[@woodzyfox4735]

WOW! Thats a new low...

[@inlonging]

Electric can cause house fires. Super important.

[@VOLTRONDEFENDER4440]

Wow unsafe and violates nec code

[@MarkHughes-pb1xe]

Hacked
This is bad.

[@shaystern2453]

lots of scamola goin' round

[@ant3604]

😂😂😂 naw it looked fake from the get go lol look bottom left corner. And if u really can’t telll the difference between paper and plastic it’s ur fault. As a home owner u can’t trust anyone u have to atleast look at the work before he leaves or something 😂

[@terywetherlow7970]

Good lord!!

[@pollard068]

Cheap fakes -KJP

[@HuntMountain06]

Fake news. That’s not a sticker. It’s an insert. It comes with the exterior outlet box when you buy it new. The interior outlet that didn’t work was probably a switched outlet. Turn the switch on. 🤣

[@surf2257]

OMG, i think youre right/. MSM is trash for sure.

[@steveurbach3093]

Good 'catch' .

[@johnlang2293]

I thought that too, but the story says they paid the electrician to change those to GFCI. So they didnt do what they were paid to do, and instead put in a picture of what they wanted instead. Such a bizarre story overall !

[@surf2257]

@@johnlang2293 all F aKe News. Ms m is the real C riMIN al.

[@flashsentry1791]

Now, if you want to buy a home you need to wave the inspection. It's crazy

[@ATFDC24]

LOL

[@stanleymcfallsthesouthernc4104]

😂😂😂😂

[@KN-cool]

🤣🤣

[@kevinmcreynolds7520]

💀

[@JacobSchmitt-j8p]

Capitalism

[@SMCDisaster]

If you purchased a home and they had sticker outlets, you deserve to get scammed. You don’t deserve a home because you don’t have enough intelligence to maintain that home.

[@1985230ce]

So says the scammer.

[@KosherFinance]

Poor rich people😢

[@jaxumpanther6783]

heh, I painted my sink conections silver because insurance wanted me to replace them. Screw that, green is not a bad color.