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Safety and quality above everything, right? Alas! That’s not how the real world works. Caution, common sense, and genuine effort are sometimes completely ignored during construction projects, replaced by speed, shoddy workmanship, and risking your neck (sometimes very literally).

Whether due to a lack of skill, budget constraints, or a complete disregard for safety protocols, some construction workers spook the internet with the fruits of their labor. The very worst of the bunch end up on the r/ConstructionFails subreddit. This online community shames everything that’s related to construction gone wrong. Things that would probably make OSHA or any structural inspector mad and sweat with worry.

Whatever you might be thinking of, dear Pandas, we assure you—it’s a lot worse. Scroll down to see just how bad things can get. If we’ve got any architecture and design professionals in the house today, make sure you don’t faint. And don’t forget your hard hats!

#2

To Install An Air Conditioning Unit

To Install An Air Conditioning Unit

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Created back in early 2017, the ‘Construction Fails’ subreddit has grown to a community of 19.8k members.

Anyone hoping to join the community should know not to spam the sub with any promotions for products or services. There’s also to be no trolling (memes are still fine, but they have to be tasteful), and any photos or videos or fatal accidents are absolutely not allowed. The mod team also asks members to be kind and civil towards each other.

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#6

We Call This One, “The Landlord Supremo”

 We Call This One, “The Landlord Supremo”

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Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that we at Bored Panda have seen this sort of reckless attitude towards building safety. A while back, we spoke to the team of structural inspectors at Alpha Structural, Inc., who shared their thoughts about safety, shoddy repair and building jobs, and contractors.

“There are many factors that can affect the repair of a home such as budget constraints, timing, accessibility of workspace, etc. For the most part, we would put the responsibility on the contractors that were hired to do the work,” they said.

#7

The Stairs On The Side Of This Building

The Stairs On The Side Of This Building

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would take about an hour to climb those, while sobbing and trying to cling onto the wall.

UpQuarkDownQuark
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This picture pops up all the time. They’re not real doors, it’s an art installation.

Carter Allen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why does this look like something that could be in a james bond movie

Boreddd🇺🇦
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's just some artwork, unless some terrorist drops you off there you're fine

Garth Bock
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your final test to upper management... please exit the door and go up to the next floor...

Evi Grimes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But what secret room does that go to? And how badly do you want to find out? Zero badly, that's my answer.

Smitty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s actually an art installation from what I understand

Steve
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is where I turn down the promotion, if my corner office is upstairs.

LoneTomato
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not sure, but I think this was part of an art installation? Could be confusing it with another similar one, but I'm pretty sure that's it

Kimberlee Jackson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's for when I get pissed off and need to take a walk to cool down. Bonus: one door to slam right away, another if my WooSaa is taking its sweet time, lol.🤣

DancingPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Id love to go up those, just pop in to another room without taking all the extra ways inside, plus it’d be fun

Hax Deschain
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is a art project named: "Beautiful Steps #2 (2009), The building is the "Kongresszentrum Biel" just google it...

Mickie Shea
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Original plan did not mention an inside stairway of these floors. DIY made this possible.

Catherine Couch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A little difficult to climbwith no handrail. Or, you only had one job to do ...

Sam Cook
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a spot for a random action movie stunt, where it makes no sense as to why it’s there, but it’s awesome nonetheless.

Steve Hawtin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How many times is this going to turn up? It's an art installation!

Mel G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hope that's not to the bathroom's on a windy day.....

Rich Black
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Im betting this is some fire code/escape rule taken too literally

Enamelcamel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you thought you needed the stairs ... why did you not think you might ALSO like a handrail?

Tsunami_The_Seawing
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I freaked, then I realized it was art . I also wondered how long that took

Akalvin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was commented very often before. It's an art installation.

LapCat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be on my hands and knees. Tucked as close to the wall as possible doing all sorts of Hail Marys in my mind. Maybe weeping a bit. And moving agonizingly slowly.

JD Dillon
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine... if you went out one door to go to the other one, only to find out that both doors lock from the inside. 😱😱

Paul Macdonell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably a photo shop. Don't know a building code in the world that would allow no outside rails.

Tambot
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you want a coffee break, it's just out that door and up the stairs...

Pieter LeGrande
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Government building I'm guessing. Every gov't building has that hidden floor that is bypassed by the elevators- the 13th floor that none can access.

Nikki Hilton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How hard would it have been to put a guard rail or even enclosed the whole staircase?

Caroline Sinclair
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I the only one who would happily run up and down those stairs, then go back again to admire the view?

Jessie Zhang
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Random Person
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like something out of freaking Mario Odyssey. The thing is Mario doesn't take fall damage and we do.

Palo Sulek
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"..Tim, it is literally around the corner - to the right and upstairs to the HR office, what is your problem ? Should I really grab your hand and go with you ?"

der sebbl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Theese stairs are no fail. I've read about them the other day, they're an art projekt, there is no way to get to the doors and both, doors and stairs have the wrong size for humans

Ashley Greer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How else are they going to tell the birds to stop flying by to make fun of them? They used soundproof glass, duh! Lol

Featherytoad
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't even make it past the first step on a ladder.

JM
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does it look to anyone else like the actual stair risers are on the bottom?

Kim Lorton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah! They send newly fired employees up them to get their falling I mean walking papers!!

Fritz M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I strongly feel that this is something that I would see a movie trailer for about falling from high places and then cry myself to sleep.

Alaskatgal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope Nope Nopity Nope NOPE! I’d have heart failure the moment the door was opened!

Agamemnon Padar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The staircase looks like the one Gandalf nearly fell from when visiting these graves in the Hobbit

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#8

Neighbors Attempting To Reinforce Their Stone Wall With….spray Foam Insulation

Neighbors Attempting To Reinforce Their Stone Wall With….spray Foam Insulation

tacobonerstink Report

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“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. 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,” the Alpha Structural team explained to Bored Panda.

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#10

"Construction Is My Passion" 2.0

"Construction Is My Passion" 2.0

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#11

Hey Boss, Tucked The Light Switch In The Corner Like You Asked

Hey Boss, Tucked The Light Switch In The Corner Like You Asked

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#12

Legendary

Legendary

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Cold Eagle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just wanna boop it with a single finger nudge and watch it move so very very slowly. I'm going to hell for that, ain't I?

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“I would say one of the worst homes we inspected was back in 1992. 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,” Ben Reinhart, from Alpha Structural, told Bored Panda.

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“We are not alarmists in any sense but this was the first time we had to evacuate. 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,” he shared the experience.

#18

There Must Be A Better Way

There Must Be A Better Way

1-12TH Report

“Basic maintenance will keep your 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,” the structural inspectors shared how to take care of your home.

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“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, it also allows for wood-destroying organisms to get to 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,” they told Bored Panda.

#22

No1 Rule In Construction!!

No1 Rule In Construction!!

New-Home-QC Report

#23

Who Do You Blame For This?

Who Do You Blame For This?

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T5n
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For reference, this is the first floor of a 7 floor building(featured in another post)

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#24

Well Somebody Screwed Up

Well Somebody Screwed Up

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Max Robitzsch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like they had a gap there and made some use of it as a wardrobe - it seems to JUST be able to have it (and the door) open still? Not elegant but useful?

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“In order to be a structural assessor, it is required you have years of experience in the field of construction. They must be familiar with all types of building construction and must understand current building codes and hillside building codes,” Alpha Structural said. 

“Remember, we are not dealing with new construction, we deal with existing structures that may have had many repairs over the course of their life. As far as values, we require that no one is an alarmist and honesty is key,” Ben, from Alpha Structural, said what it takes to be a structural inspector.

#25

My Brother Was Painting A House And Sent Me This. Corner Cutting At Its Finest

My Brother Was Painting A House And Sent Me This. Corner Cutting At Its Finest

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Emily M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line! Aesthetics be damned!

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#26

When The Roofers Decide To Take Creative Liberties

When The Roofers Decide To Take Creative Liberties

labqueen2015 Report

“All homeowners have options when repairing their home. Our job is to explain all of those options and let them choose what they want to do, it is their home after all. We recommend that when buying a home, get all of your inspections done. This would include a general home inspection, foundation, sewer, plumbing, etc.”

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#28

My Friend Is Having Trouble Finding Good Contractors For A Garage Conversion. Saw This Yesterday

My Friend Is Having Trouble Finding Good Contractors For A Garage Conversion. Saw This Yesterday

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#29

No One Will Ever See

No One Will Ever See

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Delta Dawn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’d be fine with that if I did it myself… but not if I paid someone to do it properly

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#30

Atleast The Chiropractor Is Nearby

Atleast The Chiropractor Is Nearby

HubertJackson22 Report

He continued: “If you own a home and think there might be foundation or structural issues, make sure that the contractor you decide to hire is reputable and knowledgeable. Due diligence would include looking at their reviews online and checking their status with the CSLB to verify that they are licensed for the work they are performing.”

Which photos horrified you the most, dear Readers? Were there any that shook you to your very core? Have you ever seen something as bad or even worse? Tell us what you're thinking and feeling right now. Go on, we promise the comment section is built on a firm foundation.

#31

Why Poop Alone When You Can Poop With Friends

Why Poop Alone When You Can Poop With Friends

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#32

Spirit Level Not Needed

Spirit Level Not Needed

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#33

Shower Bench Failure At Less Than 3 Years

Shower Bench Failure At Less Than 3 Years

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#34

What’s The Point In This Balcony

What’s The Point In This Balcony

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#36

Lunch Poured In A Beam

Lunch Poured In A Beam

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KENOBI
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This it hilarious to poor dude is probably still wondering we’re his lunch is

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#38

Several Roof Trusses Anchored Together. Came Down Like Dominos. Even What’s Still Up Is Warped All To Hell. Hire Professionals Kids…

Several Roof Trusses Anchored Together. Came Down Like Dominos. Even What’s Still Up Is Warped All To Hell. Hire Professionals Kids…

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#42

Preventative Maintenance Is 3x Cheaper Than Reactive Maintenance

Preventative Maintenance Is 3x Cheaper Than Reactive Maintenance

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#43

Doing The Roof With Concrete Blocks

Doing The Roof With Concrete Blocks

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Max Robitzsch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ehhhhhhm, to be honest I suspect that's simply the lines from the concrete boxing. If the roof's underside is not going to be visible, the boxing is often done using quite rough timber, leaving lines.

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#44

5 Boxes = 5 Times As Safe?

5 Boxes = 5 Times As Safe?

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#45

‘Boss, We Need A Bigger Partition.’ ‘Make It Work.’

‘Boss, We Need A Bigger Partition.’ ‘Make It Work.’

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#47

The Way This Job Is Going It Honestly Could Be Anyone's Fault. (Look At The Railing For The Stairs)

The Way This Job Is Going It Honestly Could Be Anyone's Fault. (Look At The Railing For The Stairs)

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#50

When The Brick Guy Says “Not My Problem”

When The Brick Guy Says “Not My Problem”

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#51

Local Gas Station In Beloit, Wi Has A "Minor" Setback Today

Local Gas Station In Beloit, Wi Has A "Minor" Setback Today

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My O My
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down

#52

Meh, No One Will Ever See It; Until Someone Does

Meh, No One Will Ever See It; Until Someone Does

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#53

Idk How This Passed Inspection

Idk How This Passed Inspection

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B.Nelson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's actually a burglar alarm and booby trap. The glass shattering makes noise, makes it dark, and the door gets electrified as well.

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