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Just like Alpha Alpha Structural, Inc. (previously here, here, and here), Boston Home Inspectors also rain on people's parades. Well, kinda. In a nice way.

"We are hired by the buyer of a property to inspect the exterior of the house, basement, and structure along with all of the home systems," James Brock of Boston Home Inspectors told Bored Panda. "We test all the outlets, appliances, windows, doors, and bathroom fixtures. We, both, look for items not installed properly or that may be deteriorated, defective, or have an item of concern. For example, a leak or unsafe conditions."

Besides looking for problems or issues, the company educates the buyer about the investment that they will be making. "We teach them how the various components in their new home work and what to expect for life expectancy and what to plan for future maintenance."

During the past 24 years, Boston Home Inspectors have seen quite a bit in their job. From crazy DIY solutions to years of neglect, they share pictures of their most interesting finds on social media. Here are some of the most popular ones.

More info: bhi.us | Instagram

#1

Found The Cool House In The Neighborhood!

Found The Cool House In The Neighborhood!

bostonhomeinspectors Report

When talking about common problems, Brock said their Instagram is a pretty good representation of the big picture.

"As you can see, decks seem to have the most issues. Many are not built right or inspected annually for issues. Wood and metal deteriorate and corrode. Too many times people have a deck built and never give it a second thought for 15-20 years, meanwhile, the wood is starting to rot and the metal components rust."

"Also the famous uncle who knows just a little about everything, but is master of nothing, has now built your dream deck wrong! The deck is now potentially dangerous. I understand homeowners are trying to save money, but most times these items will cost them more in the long run," Brock explained.

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    #2

    Well, Hello Now!

    Well, Hello Now!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #3

    When You Need Privacy!

    When You Need Privacy!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    There are a lot of things that could make a home dangerous: it could be the hot water temperature (140F), stairs without handrails, loose toilets, uneven front steps, leaning basement stairs, non-GFI outlets next to a bathtub, window seats in a child's room, clogged fireplace flues, large icicles hanging from the gutters, uneven basement floors for tripping, fire hazards like clogged dryer vents or wiring not to code. The list is long. Apparently, there are many items in a home that can become unsafe if installed incorrectly or have started to age/deteriorate.

    #4

    Another Room With A View!

    Another Room With A View!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #5

    Just A Cool Set Of Stairs

    Just A Cool Set Of Stairs

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    "I love to use the analogy with home buyers, do you take your car in for regular maintenance and yearly inspection? Your home is no different than your car," Brock said. "Your home needs the heating and air conditioning system serviced and maintained annually. Same with the roof, dryer vent, foundation, decks, water heater, fireplace, etc."

    #6

    Kids, Please Grab The Oven Glove For Me

    Kids, Please Grab The Oven Glove For Me

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    #7

    Mother-In-Law Door

    Mother-In-Law Door

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #8

    Interesting

    Interesting

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    If you want to prolong your home's lifespan, Brock advises having a professional tradesman, who you can build a long-term relationship with. "[Your home] is your investment and it needs to be protected (inspected, serviced, and maintained). There are several dozen homeowners who have Boston Home Inspectors at their home every 3 years to inspect the major items and components and give them a list of the next few things they should focus on.

    For example, Brock said that in the next 3 years, some of these people will have the chimney pointed, repair some deteriorated wood and paint the weathered side of the house, fix the loose deck handrails and repair the leaning fence. "[Regular annual maintenance of the home and its items] gives the direction and what to focus on next."

    #9

    Seriously?? I Know You Said It Wasn’t Finished Yet

    Seriously?? I Know You Said It Wasn’t Finished Yet

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    #10

    All Right, Put Back The Other Half Of The House

    All Right, Put Back The Other Half Of The House

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #11

    With This Design You Can Multitask. Wash Dishes While You're On The Crapper

    With This Design You Can Multitask. Wash Dishes While You're On The Crapper

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #12

    This Was Sent To Me From Masong187!

    This Was Sent To Me From Masong187!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    While creating the Instagram page, Brock wanted it not to be a science book or manual, lecturing people on what they should or not should do, we get enough of that all day long, he said.

    "I wanted a spot where people could go, relate to a picture as a homeowner, laugh, and say 'I'm glad that's not my house.' And at the end of the day, they can look at their own home ... and they can say 'At least my deck post is not sitting on a bolder.' Or 'At least my home doesn't look like that.'"

    #13

    Almost!

    Almost!

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    #14

    Found At Work Today!

    Found At Work Today!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #15

    Now This Is A Basement We Can Party In!

    Now This Is A Basement We Can Party In!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #16

    Hmmmm

    Hmmmm

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #17

    Wavy Deck! Imagine A Couple Of Cocktails

    Wavy Deck! Imagine A Couple Of Cocktails

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #18

    Children And Drunks Are On Their Own!

    Children And Drunks Are On Their Own!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #19

    Would Love To Chat With Who Came Second!!

    Would Love To Chat With Who Came Second!!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #20

    Sometimes You Just Need A Little Edge!

    Sometimes You Just Need A Little Edge!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #21

    Almost!

    Almost!

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    #22

    Kinda Close....for New Construction!

    Kinda Close....for New Construction!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #23

    Dryer Lint. The Cremated Remains Of Missing Socks

    Dryer Lint. The Cremated Remains Of Missing Socks

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #24

    Remember When???

    Remember When???

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #25

    Timber!

    Timber!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #26

    Seen Something Cool At An Inspection

    Seen Something Cool At An Inspection

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #27

    Day 3 Of 7! Mold Week

    Day 3 Of 7! Mold Week

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #28

    Stairway To Nowhere

    Stairway To Nowhere

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #29

    Looks Like I’m Going To Have A ‘Fun-Gi’ Day! Ok I’ll Stick To Home Inspections And Leave The Comedy Alone

    Looks Like I’m Going To Have A ‘Fun-Gi’ Day! Ok I’ll Stick To Home Inspections And Leave The Comedy Alone

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    #30

    I Bet The Tree Will Win!

    I Bet The Tree Will Win!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #31

    I Have No Idea???

    I Have No Idea???

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #32

    Somebody Forgot To Change The Water Filter

    Somebody Forgot To Change The Water Filter

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #33

    Hope The Rock Doesn’t Move!

    Hope The Rock Doesn’t Move!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #34

    Who Left The Trx Out During The Home Inspection??

    Who Left The Trx Out During The Home Inspection??

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #35

    More Water Is Going Up Than Down!

    More Water Is Going Up Than Down!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #36

    Found The Dryer Vent!

    Found The Dryer Vent!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #37

    Why Bother??

    Why Bother??

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #38

    Damn I Missed The Roof Party!

    Damn I Missed The Roof Party!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #39

    Holy Duct! You Can’t Make This Stuff Up! Fire Waiting To Happen!

    Holy Duct! You Can’t Make This Stuff Up! Fire Waiting To Happen!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #40

    When You Run Out Of Shims!

    When You Run Out Of Shims!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #41

    When You Don’t Fit On Your Bike, Just Cut The Floor Joists!

    When You Don’t Fit On Your Bike, Just Cut The Floor Joists!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #42

    Well Now, This Is Not Good!

    Well Now, This Is Not Good!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #43

    Duct Tape Fixes Everything!

    Duct Tape Fixes Everything!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #44

    This Listing Agent Said They Have The Furnace Serviced Every Year!

    This Listing Agent Said They Have The Furnace Serviced Every Year!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #45

    New Construction Full Of Mold. See The Date On The Sheetrock 4/20

    New Construction Full Of Mold. See The Date On The Sheetrock 4/20

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    #46

    Guess What’s Holding This Deck To The House...scary

    Guess What’s Holding This Deck To The House...scary

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #47

    We Need To Start An Almost So Close Deck Building Club

    We Need To Start An Almost So Close Deck Building Club

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #48

    Osha Approved!

    Osha Approved!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #49

    Much Easier Than A 3 Point Turn

    Much Easier Than A 3 Point Turn

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #50

    May I Have A Scoop Of What’s In Attic Rafter Bay 1 And Bay 2 And Bay 3

    May I Have A Scoop Of What’s In Attic Rafter Bay 1 And Bay 2 And Bay 3

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #51

    Help Wash Off The Electric Panel!

    Help Wash Off The Electric Panel!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #52

    Not As Worried About The Duct Taped Sewer Pipe As I Am About The Amount Of Beer Someone Drinks!

    Not As Worried About The Duct Taped Sewer Pipe As I Am About The Amount Of Beer Someone Drinks!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #53

    Maybe Just Fill The Holes!

    Maybe Just Fill The Holes!

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    #54

    Who Needs Handrails??

    Who Needs Handrails??

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #55

    Awful Lot Of Stairs For A Small Deck!

    Awful Lot Of Stairs For A Small Deck!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #56

    Two Sketchy Deck Pics

    Two Sketchy Deck Pics

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #57

    Shocking!

    Shocking!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #58

    Measure Twice

    Measure Twice

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #59

    Looking Up An Unlined Chimney Flue

    Looking Up An Unlined Chimney Flue

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #60

    I Guess That Works!

    I Guess That Works!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #61

    Not A Great Place To Hang Around!

    Not A Great Place To Hang Around!

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    #62

    Good Thing They Only Live On The 1st Floor!

    Good Thing They Only Live On The 1st Floor!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #63

    Random...why???

    Random...why???

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #64

    At Least This One Didn’t Come Running Out When I Opened The Door

    At Least This One Didn’t Come Running Out When I Opened The Door

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #65

    We Know Who’s Boss!

    We Know Who’s Boss!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #66

    Moon Landing In The Attic!

    Moon Landing In The Attic!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #67

    Wonder Who’s Living In The Range Hood?

    Wonder Who’s Living In The Range Hood?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #68

    It’s Not The Hole In The Roof That Bothers Me..it’s Who Shot The Arrow?

    It’s Not The Hole In The Roof That Bothers Me..it’s Who Shot The Arrow?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #69

    Listing Sheet Did Say ‘Has A Deck’

    Listing Sheet Did Say ‘Has A Deck’

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    #70

    Why?

    Why?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #71

    Got My Cousin To Wire The Garage Lights!

    Got My Cousin To Wire The Garage Lights!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #72

    And The Homeowner Is Breathing This!!!

    And The Homeowner Is Breathing This!!!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #73

    Almost...

    Almost...

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #74

    Still Live And Still Working!

    Still Live And Still Working!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #75

    Wtf?

    Wtf?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #76

    When One Is Just Not Enough!

    When One Is Just Not Enough!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #77

    Yes Zip Ties Fix Everything!

    Yes Zip Ties Fix Everything!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #78

    Missing Something?

    Missing Something?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #79

    Not Sure What Was Going On Up Here??

    Not Sure What Was Going On Up Here??

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #80

    Short On Bricks??

    Short On Bricks??

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #81

    Clean Or Dirty Snacks?

    Clean Or Dirty Snacks?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #82

    Wedges Under The Floor Joists Work

    Wedges Under The Floor Joists Work

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #83

    Ceiling Fan???

    Ceiling Fan???

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #84

    What A Cool Pic

    What A Cool Pic

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #85

    Well Shit! He Wins

    Well Shit! He Wins

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    #86

    “I Made It Through The Rain”....well, Not Really!

    “I Made It Through The Rain”....well, Not Really!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #87

    Let’s Make A Sweater!

    Let’s Make A Sweater!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #88

    Well Now

    Well Now

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #89

    Nailed It!

    Nailed It!

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    #90

    How Many Young Kids Know What This Is For?

    How Many Young Kids Know What This Is For?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #91

    Nailed It!

    Nailed It!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #92

    Oh, I’m Sure That Is Safe!

    Oh, I’m Sure That Is Safe!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #93

    Thank God For Home Depot!

    Thank God For Home Depot!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #94

    Found On Yesterday’s Inspection And Still Working!

    Found On Yesterday’s Inspection And Still Working!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #95

    Well That Works!

    Well That Works!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #96

    Ugh! Somebody’s Gotta Go In!

    Ugh! Somebody’s Gotta Go In!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #97

    Newly Renovated Laundry Room!

    Newly Renovated Laundry Room!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #98

    Not Good

    Not Good

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #99

    Sometimes You Just Wonder Why?

    Sometimes You Just Wonder Why?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #100

    Now That’s Hot!

    Now That’s Hot!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #101

    Adjustable Drain!

    Adjustable Drain!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #102

    You Can’t Make This Stuff Up!

    You Can’t Make This Stuff Up!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #103

    Well This Did Not Work Out Too Well!

    Well This Did Not Work Out Too Well!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #104

    Dangerously Close!

    Dangerously Close!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #105

    Found The Water Meter!

    Found The Water Meter!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #106

    Crushing It!

    Crushing It!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    POST
    #107

    So Sad

    So Sad

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #108

    Everybody Needs One Of These In Their Basement!

    Everybody Needs One Of These In Their Basement!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #109

    The Key Is In The Lockbox!

    The Key Is In The Lockbox!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #110

    So Many Things Wrong! Should We Start With The ‘State Of Art’ Non Code Compliant Flue Pipe Or The Fact That The Expansion Tank Is Not A Water Heater?

    So Many Things Wrong! Should We Start With The ‘State Of Art’ Non Code Compliant Flue Pipe Or The Fact That The Expansion Tank Is Not A Water Heater?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #111

    ...and You Said A Permit Was Issued?

    ...and You Said A Permit Was Issued?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #112

    Scary!

    Scary!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #113

    Can’t Wait Till The 3rd Cocktail!

    Can’t Wait Till The 3rd Cocktail!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #114

    Yep, That Should Keep The Kids And Drunk Friends From Falling!

    Yep, That Should Keep The Kids And Drunk Friends From Falling!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #115

    Job Done!

    Job Done!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #116

    Only In Southie! A South Boston Fire Escape

    Only In Southie! A South Boston Fire Escape

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #117

    It’s Frost Proof, Not Freeze Proof!

    It’s Frost Proof, Not Freeze Proof!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #118

    That Washing Machine Drain Pipe Almost Made It Into The Pan

    That Washing Machine Drain Pipe Almost Made It Into The Pan

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #119

    Found The Mouse Hole!

    Found The Mouse Hole!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #120

    Service Technicians Nightmare! Wait Until The Furnace Needs To Be Replaced

    Service Technicians Nightmare! Wait Until The Furnace Needs To Be Replaced

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #121

    Where Do You Store Your Chairs, Ladder, Extra Bricks And Of Course Your Canoes?

    Where Do You Store Your Chairs, Ladder, Extra Bricks And Of Course Your Canoes?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #122

    The Ice Maker That Keeps Giving!

    The Ice Maker That Keeps Giving!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #123

    The Parties Will Have To Wait!

    The Parties Will Have To Wait!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #124

    When The Listing Agent Says The Seller Is A Contractor So You Shouldn’t Find Any Problems...

    When The Listing Agent Says The Seller Is A Contractor So You Shouldn’t Find Any Problems...

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #125

    Mold Week. Day 1 Of 7

    Mold Week. Day 1 Of 7

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #126

    Nothing Can Go Wrong With This!?!

    Nothing Can Go Wrong With This!?!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #127

    Well Now!

    Well Now!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #128

    Will Give You An “A” For Almost!

    Will Give You An “A” For Almost!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #129

    Just Blowing Off A Little Steam!

    Just Blowing Off A Little Steam!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #130

    Well Now!

    Well Now!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #131

    Love The Velcro Flap!

    Love The Velcro Flap!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #132

    Hmmm..mistake Or Intentional?

    Hmmm..mistake Or Intentional?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #133

    Shouldn’t The Microwave Hood Be Installed Over The Stove?

    Shouldn’t The Microwave Hood Be Installed Over The Stove?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #134

    Set At A Height To Prevent Children And Pets From Interfering With The Door Closing!

    Set At A Height To Prevent Children And Pets From Interfering With The Door Closing!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #135

    It’s A Nice They Are Using An Energy Saving Lightbulb

    It’s A Nice They Are Using An Energy Saving Lightbulb

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #136

    Nailed It!!

    Nailed It!!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #137

    Well Now... I Thought I Was In The City!

    Well Now... I Thought I Was In The City!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #138

    When One Just Isn’t Enough!

    When One Just Isn’t Enough!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #139

    What Could Go Wrong?

    What Could Go Wrong?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #140

    Where Are You Going With This One??

    Where Are You Going With This One??

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #141

    Well, At Least They Used A Gfi

    Well, At Least They Used A Gfi

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #142

    Deck Building -101

    Deck Building -101

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #143

    Can You Guess What This Is?

    Can You Guess What This Is?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #144

    Wonder What The Code Is?

    Wonder What The Code Is?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #145

    Guess What Somebody Forgot?

    Guess What Somebody Forgot?

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #146

    Ready For The Riding Lawn Mower!

    Ready For The Riding Lawn Mower!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #147

    Ugh!

    Ugh!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #148

    Now That’s Not Supposed To Happen!

    Now That’s Not Supposed To Happen!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

    #149

    So Much For Clearance! The Maintenance Guy Will Love This

    So Much For Clearance! The Maintenance Guy Will Love This

    bostonhomeinspectors Report

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    #150

    So Dangerous!

    So Dangerous!

    bostonhomeinspectors Report