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Structural inspectors and assessors are the silent heroes who deserve our respect. Their work is absolutely essential and ensures that you can live safely in your home. But what they see while on the job, while shocking, is a mystery to many.
However, Alpha Structural Inc., a Los Angeles-based company, lifts the veil and shows the reality of the job. Its employees share nightmarish and shocking photos from their assessments. Today, we’re featuring some of their most powerful pics of all time. Scroll down to check them out. If this won’t get you serious about structural safety, nothing will!
More info: AlphaStructural.com | Imgur | Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
This was a property built in the late 1940s by a guy who used to build barracks for the US Army. The home was sitting on metal I-beams and they were supported by large concrete piles. The home hasn't moved an inch since being built. Very interesting and impressive!
fly on the wall 1 year ago
I would think it is a given that you should expect your house to "not give an inch" in its' foundation.
Chintan Shah 1 year ago
The shape of the brown laces on the guy's shoes gave me a heart attack. My heartbeat is measurably faster right now despite knowing that it's just laces...
Sinnsyk Jakte 1 year ago
After living on base for the majority of my life, I promise you that the ones they used to build were done so with the idea in mind that they would not have to address the notion of building more or rebuilding them /ever again./ Especially in Okinawa. The place I lived in mocked typhoons.
Louise Stange-Wahl 1 year ago
Just wait until they have an earth tremor...it can happen anywhere!
Tony Chambers 1 year ago
Finally, a house built by non- professional that I wouldn't mind crawling under!
RELATED:
#2
This 7-inch crack is showing severe signs of differential settlement, meaning portions of the foundation are sinking at a greater rate.
Foot added for reference.
Science Nerd 1 year ago (edited)
Perhaps found during a pre-sale home inspection. The mortgage lender will likely overlook the issue.
#3
Jenga! Your turn.
Cecilia Herrera 1 year ago
The spiderwebs look like the sturdiest part of that accident waiting to happen.
robin aldrich 1 year ago
Moral: find the professional who is licensed, bonded and insured... and lastly DON'T attempt to do anything like this yourself!!!
Structural inspectors do exactly what’s in their name: they inspect structures. Their goal is to see if there are any structural issues or defects that might compromise a building’s safety.
They evaluate a building’s integrity by looking at the foundations, beams, columns, posts, joints, trusses, and any other components that bear a load. A home has to be strong and rock solid, not just look nice.
#4
This subterranean basement had a window that opened up into an open area underground. Imagine opening the window in your basement and a group of bats fly in. That probably wouldn't happen here but it's possible! This is a great spot for putting your disobedient kids.
AxleMunshine001 1 year ago
"Do you think you're only one with a Bat Cave,Bruce Wayne?"
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ElfVibratorGlitter 1 year ago
I own a split level house. I call the bottom floor the basement, but it's actually just ground level. Seems like a basement since the main/front entrance is above it...But...I mean it's probably not technically a basement then? Hmmm.
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Bec 1 year ago
But is it structurally sound? Is the rock too hard to have built in? Or would this setup be a bad idea? Like in the D**k Van Dyke episode where the house they and their friends looked at had the boulder in the basement
SnootWaggling Fox 1 year ago
I'm worried this may allow water to pool against the side of the foundation wall and window or something. Seems like a really bad idea.
LilBallofSparrow (they/them) 1 year ago
I would turn that into a mini library in two seconds flat.
#5
They did not understand the assignment.
Justin Tyme 1 year ago
Sure they did. A bag of concrete mix left in a humid environment will cure into solid concrete.
Purple_bio 1 year ago (edited)
i mean, the first part under the pillar is made up, so they got half correct- this gotta be done on purpose
#6
These homeowners were out of town when their pool service technician left the water running. As a result, the pool overflowed and contributed to the failure of this deck.
Mighty Toastress 1 year ago
Is something like this covered by an insurance? The pool owners, the pool technicians?
LooseSeal's $10 Banana 1 year ago
I'd assume it would fall to the pool tech's insurance assuming they or the company they work for is insured.
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Carlye Piparato 1 year ago
I thought it was an architectural statement on the fragility of life in Southern California
Seadog 1 year ago
My dad ended up with various things from a home in Baltimore including custom kitchen cabinets. On a Friday, a tech went by for something and called in and told the boss there was water running down the steps. Boss didn't comprehend what tech was telling him and told him not to worry about it and to go on to next job that he'd take care of it. Of course boss didn't get there until Monday. 38000 gallons of water ended up in the basement from the second floor bathroom mostly via the staircase. Pretty much everything in the house was ruined.
You might ask for a structural inspector’s services if you’re buying a home, spot cracks in the ceiling, walls, or foundations, or have problems with the drainage on your property.
The importance of these assessments can’t be overstated: your health and even your life might be at risk if something is seriously wrong with the integrity of the building. If there’s a potential problem, and you haven't been regularly maintaining your home, you definitely want it to be evaluated instead of praying for good luck.
#7
You are looking at the worst framing rot that we have ever come across on an inspection.
You can't even touch this wall without the whole thing falling apart. Just look at the insulation around it!
You know it's really bad when the studs begin to look like fractured vertebrae.
Shelly Graham 1 year ago
Looks like the last apartment I rented! It's pretty bad when you're walking through the kitchen and suddenly you're up to your crotch because part of the floor just collapsed. BTW, there was no subfloor, underlayment....it was the original 1950's plank wood that the Army used when building housing. He bought it and turned it into a duplex. Let's just say that wasn't the only problem! Opening your oven and finding SEVERAL dead rodents AND then while cleaning said appliance there were more under the stove top! OMG
#8
This apartment complex's tucked-under garage has begun to spall.
Spalling can cause serious injuries as it can damage the whole structure to a point of failure.
There are three stories above this garage.
Trophy Husband 1 year ago
I just wish I could hear "unlike that disaster in" followed by anything other than Florida. I don't live here by choice btw...
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Ephemera Image 1 year ago
I lived in a very similar place for a couple of years, one time the hallway lights had water dripping out of them after a heavy rain.
Seadog 1 year ago
Wait till an EV self-combusts. That'll take care of the whole building. BTW, the EV owners insurance will NOT pay 1 red cent for your car or your belongings. Remember than next time you park anywhere near one, inside or out. This fact comes straight from an agent, it's because their insurance is insufficient to cover multiple vehicles.
Red Wyvern Emperor 1 year ago
And now it's time to say "F**k this s**t, I'm out." and never return.
#9
At least they placed the concrete on the dirt to avoid termites. 2 out of 10 for the effort.
Cathy Hinz 1 year ago
If the cement block keeps sinking, the termites wont have to work hard to get to the wood.
DC 1 year ago
Lift with device found in car, take out wood, add in (thicker) concrete, good for another 50 years!
Load More Replies... Mighty Toastress 1 year ago
Do termites avoid 10cm of concrete when there's a tasty snack at the end? We don't have termites here, so honest question?
Kay Christensen 1 year ago
At first glance I thought a few old phone directories were in use. I worked for a telco from 1981-1991. I waa having a flashback. Groovy! 🌈💞🍀🙏😎💮💯🔃♋💟🆙❗💱⛲🌄🗽
Alpha Structural, which has been serving Los Angeles and Southern California for foundation repair since 1993, is known globally.
Not only has the company been doing stellar work for more than three decades, but it has also built up a very recognizable brand due to its prominent and iconic marketing on social media. In short, the company provides a glimpse of what it’s like to be on one of these inspections.
#10
These posts are waiting to fall over any day now.
Tony Chambers 1 year ago
Yeah, will hang on untill the middle of the night in a bad storm then yell "Whoopee!" and cut loose.
#11
Pottery can be a very useful tool.
M O'Connell 1 year ago
It's only holding up a plastic drain pipe. A structural flower pot is not the typical way to do this, but not exactly a red flag either.
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Louise Stange-Wahl 1 year ago
Maybe the pot might be an artifact and worth more than the building!
#12
The main support beams for this stilt home are suffering from extreme wood rot.
Cathy Hinz 1 year ago
*BREAKING NEWS* Patio collapses while homeowner enjoys his view. Forgot to do regular home maintenance.
It’s very likely that you’ve seen the business’ posts on Imgur, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram. Or maybe you’ve seen some of their clips on YouTube or TikTok. In short, Alpha Structural inspectors share some of the most impressively horrifying shots from their assessments online.
They’re captivating because they show the potential for danger. Not only that but some of the things that the inspectors find are truly mind-bogglingly creepy, from skulls to dolls.
#13
This home is suffering from a severe case of fungus growth inside the crawlspace. The amount of fungus that has spread across the joists and girder can potentially be a serious issue for the homeowners.
Science Nerd 1 year ago
Which issue? The house falling down around them or the serious health issues from mold in the lungs?
#14
This Rancho Palos Verdes home is experiencing extreme settlement and shifting which is evident in the huge cracks along the exterior.
Let’s just say the bend in the roof is not architectural.
Louise Stange-Wahl 1 year ago
Know the area well. I could say that it is revenge for closing the original Marineland and throwing up expensive real estate on the site, but this building looks much older than that! It is right on a cliff by the ocean, and there have been lots of landslides over the years.
AJZombieJag 1 year ago
What this is not telling you is that the house is probably appraised at $1million or more.
#15
I don't know about you but I would want to park the furthest away from this wall...
Suck it Trebek 1 year ago
I would just like to point out that based on the parking stops this person parked like an a$$hole.
A representative of Alpha Structural previously explained to Bored Panda during an interview that there are many different factors that can affect the repair of a home. These range from budget constraints and timing to the accessibility of workspace.
There are tons of potential problems that homeowners might not even be aware of because they simply trust their contractors to get the job done. That’s why it matters a lot that you hire contractors who have lots of experience and great skills. They might be costlier, but it’ll save you a lot of frustration in the future.
#16
"How do you know if your wood is rotting?" This is how.
YourLocalChicken 1 year ago
Cool way to check it. Hope the knife doesn’t break- anyway, NOT GOOD.
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rullyman 1 year ago
The black part that looks like a bike pedal is the handle of a folding knife. The blade is stuck into the wood, suggesting that the wood is very soft.
Load More Replies... #17
Life always finds a way...
Shelly Graham 1 year ago
I once discovered mushrooms growing in my hallway from my upstairs neighbors LONG TIME leaking water heater. When I contacted maintenance their response was, "There's no way you have mushrooms growing inside from a water leak. You must have planted them!". WHAT???
#18
An unstable slope will show indications of movement by the presence of geotropism, which refers to the growth of plants against gravity. The way the trees bend towards the bottom of the slope lets us know the hillside is unstable and is constantly moving.
Bonnie Edwards 1 year ago
At the same time though, the root systems are stabilizing the edge, preventing you from losing half your yard down the hillside. Never remove those trees.
fly on the wall 1 year ago
If the soil is sliding downhill would the tree trunks not curve the other way?
M O'Connell 1 year ago
The tree trunks were vertical. As the slope collapsed and the trees tilted over their growth continued in an upward direction. This movement obviously didn't happen recently, but there's nothing saying it won't occur again.
Load More Replies... Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
I don't want to live where the trees are lying down.
Cathy Hinz 1 year ago
I would think common sense would tell you this hill is sliding by the growth of the trees.
Gabriele Alfredo Pini 1 year ago
I think it p could have been written better: the tree tried to grown straight up, be the constantly sliding soil forced it horizontal, at least on the first growth phase.
Load More Replies...“For the most part, we would put the responsibility on the contractors that were hired to do the work. Most homeowners are not aware of the repair ‘methods’ used, especially when the work is under the home. For example, we’ve seen brick foundations that have been ‘retrofitted’ by bolting the framing to the brick walls. However, this doesn’t serve any purpose as the bricks can’t hold these bolts,” they told us.
“Many times, the homeowner had no idea that there was any problem performing this type of retrofit on a brick foundation. Without trying to sound cliché, we can say the old maxim ‘you get what you pay for’ holds true when selecting a contractor to repair or upgrade your home’s foundation.”
#19
I love magic shows.
This house impressed me with floating posts and invisible piers.
#20
Still selling for one million dollars…
Missy VanWinkle 1 year ago
Still *NOT* selling for a million dollars. You can ask any price. You get the real price.
#21
The foundation of this home has literally snapped in half resulting in extreme shifting throughout the structure.
Ben Reinhart, from Alpha Structural, opened up to Bored Panda earlier about one of the worst buildings that they’d encountered. “We went to a 3-story hillside home located in Playa del Rey. The condition of the soil supporting the home was so bad that, during our assessment, we found that the home was cracking and actually moving. We are not alarmists in any sense, but this was the first time we had to evacuate,” he said.
#22
Interesting brickwork on that chimney you got there.
Tell me you love controlled chaos without telling me you love controlled chaos.
#23
"I'm on the edge" - Lady Gaga
Red Wyvern Emperor 1 year ago
I'm just gonna ask... Why is there a huge hole full of water under the house?
#24
Please watch your step!
“Temporary shoring was put in the next morning to prevent the home from collapsing. The complexity of the repair required, getting a large rig on a steep hillside to excavate a 55’ deepened foundation, made this one of the worst and most challenging in our long history. Let’s just say if we were on a reality TV show, this episode would’ve been a season finale.”
#25
When you gotta go... you gotta go.
Diolla 1 year ago
Fun Fact: I'm Dutch and I'd never heard of this boy until late in life when I read about it on a US website.
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David Paterson 1 year ago
PS. Had this in my house. Copper pipe was brittle and snapped at a bend underground. Water flooded up through the wall. Painfully expensive to fix.
#26
Hmm, did they drink a bit too much and forgot to pour the footing?
Susan Teter 1 year ago
They were getting ready to pour, then they heard it was 5 o'clock somewhere. Welcome to Miller time!
#27
This is the result of a creeping hillside and shallow pile placement.
As the hillside slowly moves down or "creeps", the concrete piles, retaining walls and their footings begin to go down with it. This is why proper bearing material should be reached for all supporting systems on a hillside. Some places only require 5 feet down, others require 45+ feet down. It is imperative to get the proper depth!
According to Alpha Structural, basic maintenance should keep a home strong for a long time to come. “Our advice would be to clean out gutters, ensure you have downspouts that direct water away from your foundation, and see that the hardscape (walkways, patios, etc.) and landscape grade away from the home,” they said.
“Most foundation problems are caused by water and poor drainage. If you look under your home, check to see that there is no earth-to-wood contact. Not only will moisture from the ground get to the wood and cause rot, but it also allows for wood-destroying organisms to get into the framing of your home. Additionally, earthquake retrofitting is a cost-effective upgrade encouraged by not only engineering communities but also local and state officials.”
#28
Structural support shouldn’t be a balancing game.
Kyllein MacKellerann 1 year ago
No, Jenga you can live in (for a while, at least).
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#29
This was taken during one of our structural inspections in North Hollywood. It's gonna take a little more than duct tape to fix this one.
Mother of Giants 1 year ago
As someone who lived in North Hollywood for several years (and spent 25 years in the SFV), this looks post-earthquake to me. But the last big one out there was on January 17, 1994. (A day I personally, will never forget). And this pic is surely more recent than that...
Tony Chambers 1 year ago
It's too bad, looks like decent old kitchen, nice cabinetry and great light.
#30
The “Balcony Bill” was signed back in 2018, and for good reason. Let’s get them up to code now.
Nicole Weymann 1 year ago
"Stoopid government, always messin 'bout in our business!" THIS is why regulations are neccessary: to protect people from greed, incompetence, and - often enough - their own dámn ignorance (because "I want it this way" is not the argument Karens like to think it is)
I_imagine_even_worse_w***s 1 year ago
Normally I wouldn't know anything about us laws but I remeber the mother of one of the irish victims speaking about it here in the media.
Have you ever had to hire a structural inspector or assessor, Pandas? What’s the worst damage you’ve personally ever seen done to a building’s foundations? Which of the photos in this post shocked you the most?
If you’re in the mood to be social, scroll down to the comments and share your thoughts with everyone else!
#31
Anyone want to step foot on this balcony?
#32
This is one of the craziest things that we've seen during our inspections. This owner had undermined almost the entirety of his home by digging underneath the slab and excavating around the piles. There had been a minor mudslide and they decided it would be a good idea to create more space underneath... The grade of soil used to be up to the concrete slab above. Believe it or not, the property had not yet been red-tagged.
Kyllein MacKellerann 1 year ago
Actually I hope the person who did the damage is living there and gets what they deserve.
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Maude Lin 1 year ago
Morons like those deserve to be in there when it fails. America desperately needs to get rid of stupid people.
Jess Smith 1 year ago
What if they had children? Pets? Neighbors? Do those people/animals deserve to suffer just because of someone's stupidity?
Load More Replies... #33
Jenga but 100x bigger!
Ace 1 year ago
I think it's more that the bottom is sinking, and/or that the wood itself has shrunk/ squashed under the pressure of its own weight.
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#34
We were called out to assess a failing deck on an ocean-front home, but the ocean had other plans.
#35
Santa better have insurance.
Ace 1 year ago
Looks like it's the only thing that's not made out of cardboard.
Load More Replies... #36
Only bounce houses should move side to side. This home’s garage is clearly on its way out. Hope it’s empty.
#37
Being that my company in LA does this sort of repair/prevention work, this was some scary news to see this morning. Torrential rain and debris caused a large chunk of Highway 1 on the West Coast of California to wash away.
You're going to need yourself a Yoshi if you're wanting to cross here. Back in 2017, a massive landslide covered up over a half mile of the road. It took months to clean up and there was no access around it. If it continues to rain, I wouldn't be surprised if more of this happened in and around Southern California.
DudeFortitude (He/Him) 1 year ago
Poor Yoshi... *uses yoshi to get across a large gap* Yoshi: AHHHHHHHH
Robert T 1 year ago
This happens in many places where roads have been built on what little land is available. The main road linking the North and South Lake District in North West England had a landslip that destroyed the road. The detour added about another 60 miles and over an hour to what would normally be quite a short journey. It made going to school and shopping a pain in the jacksie for several months.
BunnyMommy 1 year ago
Highway 154 from Santa Barbara inland is now "sliding", and 154 is closed.
#38
Notice the compression of the posts into the girder. They go into the girder about an inch. This property has some crazy settlement and moisture problems
Joshua Moore 1 year ago (edited)
I was just thinking that, kn0b and tube wiring
Load More Replies... #39
One good look at this photo and you'll see multiple things going on. The floors are sloping (and have been for quite some time) so bad that it is effecting the levelness of the lamp, desk, drawers, AC vents and door frames. This home has some of the craziest sloping floors that we've seen.
Lisa Delgado 1 year ago
True that. I grew up in a home in Connecticut that was built in 1865.
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Shelly Graham 1 year ago
Visit Anchorage, Alaska, South Anchorage Earthquake zone.... No one has a flat floor, doors that close, Sheetrock screws popping out like bullets!
Jess Smith 1 year ago (edited)
Yes; the lights are on, there is a rug, the floor is clean, and apart from the floors it is reasonably well maintained. So people or magic fairies. Edit: could be magic fairies, I suppose.
Load More Replies... #40
Sometimes the access points to these crawlspaces can be a bit rough...
#41
The Los Angeles hillside communities were some of the hardest hit during the storm. Hillsides all over SoCal failed and our assessors were quickly dispatched out on emergency calls.
Don’t underestimate the power of water.
#42
The pig from the three little pigs story did a better job at building a house of bricks.
This looks rushed. Maybe the big bad wolf was closer than they thought.
Tyranamar Seuss 1 year ago
How long does it take to actually set the bricks on top of each other properly? It can't take that much more time. Maybe you have to wait for it to dry or something?
Hey hey hey 1 year ago
You don't need for the cement mortar to dry before you start stacking new layer.
Load More Replies... Jess Smith 1 year ago
It's from the sequel, when the brother who specialized in making houses of hay tried making one out of bricks.
#43
Who else is bummed they missed this party?
Cougar Allen 1 year ago
So your parents won't catch you smoking cigarettes and drinking beer while you play with your doll and gun and air horn, of course.
Load More Replies... #44
We have inspected this home a few times. It's a vacant lot, currently up for sale.
It has been like this for quite some time and should somebody buy the property, they would be in for a nice replacement project.
Here's the side of the home where you can see a decently sized crack separating the failed and stable areas.
Nature is taking over where this retaining wall has cracked and displaced.
#45
Jenga: House Edition.
#46
We inspected this "dangerous" retaining wall in Los Angeles that is leaning and broken apart. You can see how bad it's actually leaning from this angle. It has been there for quite some time but nobody has done anything to repair or replace it.
Louise Stange-Wahl 1 year ago
Posting this sticker might be more effective! you-shall-...2dc1a2.jpg 
Bob Brooce 1 year ago
How does the municipality not require the owner to fix what's an obvious danger to the sidewalk and pedestrians? I forget the exact reason (maybe a rock or two falling into the road?) but a few years ago the city required the owner of this to have a structural inspection to make sure it wasn't endangering the road. Untitled-6...c96caf.jpg 
#47
Here we have a brick retaining wall experiencing surcharge from the neighboring hill. Structures that are settling can cause this surcharge in the soil. This creates a high-pressure situation which then pushes out the remaining soil and results in this type of damage to retaining walls.
#48
Another failing railroad tie "retaining wall" that should be replaced soon. You can see how far it has begun to lean towards the street.
Mike F 1 year ago
Believe it or not, there was a time when those were pretty popular, they were "esthetically pleasing" and local zoning boards bought it and gave variances.
Load More Replies... #49
The brick and mortar piers are literally turning into dust. Not something you want holding up your entire house.
Diolla 1 year ago
Somehow I think that whoever built this wasn't too concerned with requirements.
Load More Replies... Tony Chambers 1 year ago
Looks like crumbling brick and no mortar. Lego foundation, without that structural integrity.n
#50
This post and pier looks funny.
Someone replaced the post with a game of jenga.
Heather Menard 1 year ago
At least it can be fixed pretty easily. Get a house jack and a proper post
#51
I guess the original builder of this property chose the ancient Roman vibe for this foundation.
#52
We always seem to find very old but interesting items when working under homes in LA. Some stuff here dates back to the very early 1900s!
Jess Smith 1 year ago
Ah, the three items people store under their houses: beer, strange bottles that look like they have either magic potions or genies inside them, and toy cars.
#53
We think this takes the cake. This is not rebar. These are old Helical Piers from the 70s. It has never been a method that we have used as a company and this is why. They are very practical in many situations, but for steep hillside and seismic zones, they are not. We've seen this all too many times in LA.
#54
This is one of those houses you don't want to be under for a very long time... All of the cripple walls and post and piers were tilting and the house was a solid wind gust away from collapsing. We really don't know how it didn't collapse in the last earthquake here in LA. There's one thing for sure, it probably will in the next one.
Here's one of the corners of the home. This place is a ticking time bomb.
#55
What seems to be the issue?
Louise Stange-Wahl 1 year ago
A friend of mine had this issue...and didn't think anything was wrong with it. I refuse to go over there any more!
#56
This is a cripple wall that is bowing outward, causing movement in the units above. This is dangerous and could end in a collapse if not handled properly.
#58
A car jack used as a subfloor support underneath a home. Classic!
#59
This is one of the most interesting things we've inspected in almost 3 decades. This property is located in an area called the Portuguese Bend on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This home requires some serious work. This is called cribbing. It's a form of shoring that is used mainly for lifting a structure for a short time to perform work underneath. It is NOT meant to be a long term solution for a foundation.
#60
Wrapping this cracked concrete column with duct tape seemed to be a good solution to this homeowner!
Jess Smith 1 year ago
When in doubt: duct tape. But the homeowner should not have been in doubt.
#61
Do not jump on this deck if you enjoy living. Don’t even walk for that matter.
#62
This was a crazy bridge structure we saw across from a home we inspected. Many of the supporting posts are bending as the soil erodes and the structure above begins to move.
#63
Here is one of our Senior Structural Assessors, Kyle, inspecting a failed retaining wall. You can see the tie-backs used to hold the retaining wall upright didn't work out too well.
#64
This concrete patio is sitting on a retaining wall that has been pushed outward due to what is known as a surcharge, or hydrostatic pressure build-up. Hollow areas formed under the patio, causing the cracking and further sinking of the patio from the roof load above
#65
Almost all of the concrete piers under this home were in this condition. One solid kick and they would all be toast! They need a good replacement.
#66
I am assuming a big rock fan lived down here!
#67
I guess they wanted an open floor plan? They took the brick wall separating the two rooms down. No permits, no contractor, just a man and his trusty hammer.
#68
The column was barely hanging together with just a small portion of the top and bottom staying connected.
#69
If you don't know what termite damage looks like, here is a great example. If you notice this around your house, I would call a termite guy right away.
BossyHossy1 1 year ago
We rented a house that had extensive termite damage. Came home one day to our dog in the garage and the huge hole he came in thru.
#70
Please watch your step!
Jess Smith 1 year ago
Either people before safety regulations or earthquakes? God, I hope it's one of those two. Those at least can have dangers minimized. If it's constructors, that seems much worse.
Load More Replies... shankShaw deReemer 1 year ago
It's interesting how they're all cracked in the same place. To me it is, anyway.
#71
You know your hillside has significantly eroded when the concrete pad which was once embedded into the ground is now dangling a foot in the air.
#72
Jenga? Who wants to play?
#74
Somebody was preparing for the zombie apocalypse or something!
#75
The side of this property is sinking, causing this column to lean backward, bringing the connecting beam forward in the other direction. It could slip in the future if it goes unhandled.
#76
This is a failed retaining wall. The owner just wanted some posts to put in place for reinforcement of the wall, but that is a very minor and temporary solution. Unfortunately, the wall needs to be demolished and redone.
#77
We've seen a few dolls under homes before, but this one may take the cake on the creepiest one so far.
Norm Gilmore 1 year ago (edited)
I do a fair amount of underfloor work. This would probably give me a heart attack...
#78
This is a pretty wicked stilt home we inspected this past week. Retrofitting these for earthquakes is one of our many specialties.
#79
If you wanted a visual representation of what evil looks like, this is it. And the brick foundation is in really bad shape...
#80
There should not be a space here. Never good news when you see stem walls separating at the corner.
KimTx ️ 1 year ago
Thank you! I was still trying to figure that out . Saw your post and looked closer.
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Add New Image
What do you think ?
Hphizzle 1 year ago
Hear me out on this… but I’m starting to think that building large homes, balconies, and apartments on the side of steep hills may not be the most sound of building plans.
Trisec Tebeakesse 1 year ago
We could have used you guys before COVID. Company I no longer worked for bought a new garage across the street from a tidal bay. Turns out the ground underneath had subsided by some two and a half feet, leaving the floorslab hanging in space. If we had driven one of our 13-ton vehicles in there, the entire floor would have collapsed. Wound up in the courts - and we're still paying the price now. (Part of the reason why I left.)
Tony Chambers 1 year ago
Thank goodness nobody go hurt trying to park in that thing. Good on you for leaving.
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Daycare Attendant Sun 1 year ago
This post has brought out a lot of people who seem to think houses in the US (and other parts of the world) are built poorly, without taking into account environmental factors, weather, location, humidity, etc.
Verena 1 year ago
Where I live, foundations are either reinforced, poured concrete beams or wooden or reinforced concrete poles drilled in de ground, with the foundation beams on top. Even for holiday homes.
Nikole 1 year ago
I’m guessing there aren’t a lot of earthquakes where you live?
Load More Replies... I_imagine_even_worse_w***s 1 year ago
Is it common to build houses in this manner (half of them are on stilts off the ground!) It's definitely nit common here in ireland.
Hey hey hey 1 year ago
Do a proper foundation. And never use lightweight blocks as retaining walls.
Hphizzle 1 year ago
Hear me out on this… but I’m starting to think that building large homes, balconies, and apartments on the side of steep hills may not be the most sound of building plans.
Trisec Tebeakesse 1 year ago
We could have used you guys before COVID. Company I no longer worked for bought a new garage across the street from a tidal bay. Turns out the ground underneath had subsided by some two and a half feet, leaving the floorslab hanging in space. If we had driven one of our 13-ton vehicles in there, the entire floor would have collapsed. Wound up in the courts - and we're still paying the price now. (Part of the reason why I left.)
Tony Chambers 1 year ago
Thank goodness nobody go hurt trying to park in that thing. Good on you for leaving.
Load More Replies... Daycare Attendant Sun 1 year ago
This post has brought out a lot of people who seem to think houses in the US (and other parts of the world) are built poorly, without taking into account environmental factors, weather, location, humidity, etc.
Verena 1 year ago
Where I live, foundations are either reinforced, poured concrete beams or wooden or reinforced concrete poles drilled in de ground, with the foundation beams on top. Even for holiday homes.
Nikole 1 year ago
I’m guessing there aren’t a lot of earthquakes where you live?
Load More Replies... I_imagine_even_worse_w***s 1 year ago
Is it common to build houses in this manner (half of them are on stilts off the ground!) It's definitely nit common here in ireland.
Hey hey hey 1 year ago
Do a proper foundation. And never use lightweight blocks as retaining walls.
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