Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, WA Home Inspector (King of the House)

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Don't Let The Water In

It is common place to find that a repair has been made, yet it is not done correctly. The photo below is a good example. The original receptacle at this outside corner of the home had not been a GFCI protected receptacle. The seller hired someone to upgrade all of these -- good! While most of the work, from what was visible, looked to be okay, there was a dead giveaway that the work was not done by an electrician.

Any electrician, or so we hope, would know that this is not an acceptable, nor waterproof, arrangement for a receptacle that is exposed to heavy wind, rain, snow, etc.

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham WA Home Inspections

        

        

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Comments

Steven if I didn't know better I would swear you took this picture at my neighbors house. Last weekend he replaced 4 outdoor outlets with GFCI that look as pretty as your picture. This weekend he and I are going to get the waterproof boxes and install things right!

Posted by Dan Callahan (Callahan's Home Inspections) over 2 years ago

Steven, I've told you this is what happens when Nutsy moonlights. You should pay him more to protect homeowners from his handiwork. Ms. Kate

Posted by Ask Kate for answers (Get Your Best Mortgage Rate & First Time Home Buyer Tips) over 2 years ago

Steve, You don't believe this was done by an electrician!

In fact neither do I.

Posted by James Quarello - Connecticut Home Inspector (JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC) over 2 years ago

You mean that outside receptacle has to be waterproof?  Imagine, what will they think of next.  Had one here at my house when we moved in.  Tkhe previous owner told me it didn't have to be  waterproof because it was under the roof of the porch.  heh heh.

Posted by Jack Gilleland (Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton) over 2 years ago

You must be kidding!  Did they perhaps think that rain only falls away from buildings? I am amazed...

Posted by Shoshana Shay (St. Pete Realty) over 2 years ago

Should it have faced the other direction?

 

 

Kidding...  (;>)

Posted by Jay Markanich - Northern VA Home Inspector (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC) over 2 years ago

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