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Constructing a building is no small feat. It takes lots of planning, lots of manpower, and can be quite costly. In fact, putting together any sort of structure is a challenge that not everyone can excel in. So, in a way, it’s no surprise that people make mistakes, it’s only natural. However, laughing at those mistakes is also as natural, if not more so.

The people responsible for the list below definitely made mistakes. Whether they were constructing, designing, installing, improving, or in any other way working on a construction, they didn’t do it right. More precisely, they failed. In some cases, majorly. And the people from the Facebook group Worst Construction Fails Everrrrrr kindly compiled all of those failures into one big list of laugh-out-loud construction comedy. So, get those safety goggles on, because you might be blown away by the sheer lack of competence.

If you think people started cutting corners during construction in the last century or so, you are awfully mistaken. Back in 27 AD, as in, almost 2,000 years ago, a wooden amphitheater collapsed in Fidenae, near Rome. It happened after the gladiator fight ban was lifted and more than 50,000 people flocked to the theatre to see one. 

Atilius, the entrepreneur that constructed the building, apparently was a bit too stingy with materials which caused a tragedy that resulted in 20,000 deaths and many more injuries. After the collapse, the government limited event hosting to people that had a capital of 400,000 coins or more. To this day, this is the worst structural disaster in history.

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    #3

    How Do You Allow This?

    How Do You Allow This?

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    Sum Guy
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is what you get when your structural engineer and architect don't talk to each other

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    The most famous construction failure that attracts millions of tourists each year is, of course, the captivating Leaning Tower of Pisa. The project was doomed from the beginning in 1178 when it was decided that a 10-feet foundation built on unstable soil will be sufficient enough to hold the whole construction. No wonder the tower started leaning the moment they began working on the second floor. 

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    But they didn’t abandon the project. Instead, they took a 55-year break to let the soil settle and continued working on it. Talk about determination. In an effort to compensate for the lean, they adjusted the walls of the upper floors to be taller on one side. That is why the tower has a slight curve. The tower was finished in 1372 or 194 years after the beginning of the project. 

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    And the trouble, of course, didn’t end there. For years following the construction, people made numerous efforts to keep the tower from falling over. Many didn’t make any improvements while some even worsened the situation. In the end, the stabilization project conducted from 1990 to 2001 was successful. The engineers claim that the tower should stand for another 200 years.

    Ironically, the soft foundations that caused for the tower to lean protected it from earthquake damage. The tower withstood strong tremors at least four times.

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    Another structure that suffered due to cutting costs was Tacoma Narrows Bridge that collapsed in 1940, just four months after it was opened to public use. The original design of the bridge intended the use of standard materials. However, they were proven to be too expensive, costing more than 200 million dollars in today’s money. So, a lighter and cheaper option was chosen instead. Unfortunately, this made the suspension bridge twist and buckle on windy days. On November 7th, a 40mph wind hit the structure causing the support cables to snap, and for the bridge to drop into the river below.

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    #10

    Lotus Riverside Shanghai

    Lotus Riverside Shanghai

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    arthbach
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The building collapsed because an underground garage was being excavated. The earth was being dumped on the side by the river. Heavy rains meant there was more pressure on the riverside. The garage side has not been reinforced, and the building collapsed. Totally foreseeable, and totally preventable.

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    A rather hilarious construction failure happened in Las Vegas hotel Vdara back in 2010. This time, the fail was related to hotel’s design. The surface of the curved south side of the building reflected the sunlight into one intense beam of light and heat creating what people started calling a “death ray.” And, so it happens, this death ray was hitting the pool deck of the building, alarming the guests. The hotel rushed to solve the problem by installing large umbrellas by the pool and covering the glass with non-reflective film.

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    What makes the previous story even funnier, though, is that the same architect made a similar “death ray” building across the pond, in London. The surface of the so-called “Walkie-Talkie” sky scraper would reflect the scorching light to the nearby street causing tile breakage and melting plastic in window displays. The heat also caused damage to a car parked on the street nearby. The journalists looking into this bizarre occurrence even managed to fry an egg on the sidewalk using the heat.

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    #18

    I Saw Lots Of Those, My God

    I Saw Lots Of Those, My God

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    TheBlueBitterfly
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They only replaced one handle, probably a broken one, and didn't bother matching the design (or couldn't find the same, because it was probably premounted on the door to begin with.)

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    All that is to say that even professionals make mistakes. So, if there’s something important in your house that needs fixing or remodeling, maybe don’t attempt to do it yourself—it’s hard. And thoroughly vet the professionals you’re hiring. No one needs another door that leads to nowhere. 

    #19

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    Eithne Griffiths
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We had a door at the back of our house like that,in Ontario Canada.For when the snow gets so deep that you can still get out.

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    #28

    Nevermind

    Nevermind

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    Clown fish
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes I could turn it around but it's clocking off time so it's not my job

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    #31

    Perfect For Stretch Armstrong

    Perfect For Stretch Armstrong

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    Duolingobird
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’ve been to ones like this when I was little. Nearly cried because I couldn’t reach it

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    #34

    Really?

    Really?

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    Tucker Cahooter
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The accessibility ramp seems to have been added afterwards (presumably in response to legislation). Even if the door can be opened inwards that is still an extremely tight angle for someone to try and turn in a wheelchair or mobility scooter

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    #36

    Also, Wheelchairs Probably Have Rockets Attached To Them

    Also, Wheelchairs Probably Have Rockets Attached To Them

    Worst Construction Fails Everrrrrr Report

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    Rob Cornwall
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the ramp was where the stairs are - and the stairs where the ramp is... wouldn't be a problem

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    #40

    I Hope You're Brave Because There's Only One Way Across

    I Hope You're Brave Because There's Only One Way Across

    Worst Construction Fails Everrrrrr Report

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    Mark (it/urgh)
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What would be great is if the white fence could be pivoted horizontally to fill that gap.

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    #41

    Don't You Love It?

    Don't You Love It?

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    Rob
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Parking for the old mobility helicopter. As long as the exit ramp for it comes out onto the right hand path you'll be fine.

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    #43

    Silly Man, This ATM Is For Hobbits Only...try The Previous One No One Would Be Able To See Your Pin :)

    Silly Man, This ATM Is For Hobbits Only...try The Previous One No One Would Be Able To See Your Pin :)

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    Lauora
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Erm ... Maybe for once wheelchair users were considered? I don't know this for certain, but an open mind can help.

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    #46

    When You Gotta’ Go, You Gotta’ Go

    When You Gotta’ Go, You Gotta’ Go

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    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would bet this is a very old building. The standard offset for a toilet f****e has been 12" for quite a long while, but before that it could be anything from 8" to 18" depending on the manufacturer. Toilets with odd offsets are now very expensive because you'll pay $500 extra to not have to tear up the floor in your bathroom to install a new toilet. Or you can install one sideways, or with a giant gap behind it.

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    #48

    Mother Nature Hits Again

    Mother Nature Hits Again

    Worst Construction Fails Everrrrrr Report

    #49

    "Frank, We'll Put Half The Lights In Here And The Other Half Elsewhere. It'll Be So Aesthetically Pleasing."

    "Frank, We'll Put Half The Lights In Here And The Other Half Elsewhere. It'll Be So Aesthetically Pleasing."

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    #50

    Wheelchairs Can Go Up Steps, Right?

    Wheelchairs Can Go Up Steps, Right?

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    #51

    Clever

    Clever

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    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is what happens when architects don't verify their design against building codes. Hand rail spacing is important for accessibility. Per IBC "All portions of the stairway width required for egress capacity are to be within 30" of a handrail."

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    #54

    Chimneys Belong In Front Of Windows. That's Just A Fact

    Chimneys Belong In Front Of Windows. That's Just A Fact

    Worst Construction Fails Everrrrrr Report

    #55

    When You Don't Have Enough Space, Just Go Off The Wall. Who Cares?

    When You Don't Have Enough Space, Just Go Off The Wall. Who Cares?

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    #57

    Who Knows

    Who Knows

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    Kira Okah
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The path/ramp is a later addition and the stairs were left in place as support structure. Not that unusual.

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    #58

    It's Safer To Roll Down The Stairs

    It's Safer To Roll Down The Stairs

    Worst Construction Fails Everrrrrr Report

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    #63

    Yes

    Yes

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    #66

    Reallyyyy

    Reallyyyy

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    arthbach
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nah, this is a cropped photograph. The entrance to the loos is to the right. The door shown is the cleaning supplies cupboard. Behind the door is a mop, bucket, broom, cleaning cloths etc.

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    #67

    Closed

    Closed

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    Zoe Vokes
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s called a desire path. People walk the sensible and direct route, whereas city planners expect people to walk a longer route to get somewhere

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    #69

    Would Be Interesting If They Use Tap Water For Flushing ...no?

    Would Be Interesting If They Use Tap Water For Flushing ...no?

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    SkekVi
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i mean the water you use to wash hands is the water that then drains and refills the tank after you flush in the toilets that do this, so it's clean water coming over your hands. But i'm not sure a urinal works like that....?

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    #71

    This Is What You Do When Someone Asks For Palm Trees

    This Is What You Do When Someone Asks For Palm Trees

    Worst Construction Fails Everrrrrr Report

    #72

    A New Wave Of Faucets: Now You Have To Work For Clean Hands

    A New Wave Of Faucets: Now You Have To Work For Clean Hands

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    #73

    We Wish To Inconvenience You By Placing This Pole In A Completely Pointless Place

    We Wish To Inconvenience You By Placing This Pole In A Completely Pointless Place

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    Kira Okah
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I doubt that the pole is in a pointless place at all. The interior layout on the other hand.

    #74

    You Shall Not Pass, Citizen, For This Gate Stands In Your Way

    You Shall Not Pass, Citizen, For This Gate Stands In Your Way

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    #77

    Just A Joke Folks,,,,he Parks His Helicopter There

    Just A Joke Folks,,,,he Parks His Helicopter There

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    #79

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    #81

    You'll Never Escape This Class. Ever

    You'll Never Escape This Class. Ever

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    #82

    Want To Escape? Jump!

    Want To Escape? Jump!

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    #83

    Here, Let Me Place This Electrical Outlet Right Underneath The Gutter

    Here, Let Me Place This Electrical Outlet Right Underneath The Gutter

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    #84

    Bicycle Obstacle Course

    Bicycle Obstacle Course

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    #85

    You Don't Need To Lift The Seat Up You Know

    You Don't Need To Lift The Seat Up You Know

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    #86

    Yes I Told You...we Don't Need Stairs

    Yes I Told You...we Don't Need Stairs

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    Zoe Vokes
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe there’s a rope ladder or abseiling rope inside to attach if needed.

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    #88

    You're Not Sure ? They Said

    You're Not Sure ? They Said

    Worst Construction Fails Everrrrrr Report

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    #89

    Now Don't Tell Me You Can't????

    Now Don't Tell Me You Can't????

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    SkekVi
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "love" how many of these are just blatant hatred for disabled people. and by love I mean i want to set fire to everyone involved.

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    #95

    In Case Of Emergencies: Fall To Your Death

    In Case Of Emergencies: Fall To Your Death

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    #96

    I'm Still Trying To Wrap My Head Around This One. What Even Happened?

    I'm Still Trying To Wrap My Head Around This One. What Even Happened?

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    Libstak
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Could be for wheelchair users, the bottom one, lower access for the seated.

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    #97

    "Where The Stairs End," The Lesser Known Shel Silverstein Book

    "Where The Stairs End," The Lesser Known Shel Silverstein Book

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    #99

    Mother Nature: 3 Architects: 0

    Mother Nature: 3 Architects: 0

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    #100

    Wait,are You Complaining?

    Wait,are You Complaining?

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    Mimi La Souris
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    very common and useful in small spaces, we have become too used to washing our hands in the equivalent of an Olympic pool :)

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    #101

    No Prob Ma'am,,,you Don't Need The Dishwasher Anyway

    No Prob Ma'am,,,you Don't Need The Dishwasher Anyway

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    #102

    Some Pple Just Loveeee Those Doors

    Some Pple Just Loveeee Those Doors

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    Kimbowa
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In every mother-in-law’s suite. (my apologies to mother-in-law‘s)

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    #103

    Men Upstairs

    Men Upstairs

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    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Having been in spaces like this it's a service crawlspace. They have refrigeration equipment up there for ice machines, etc.

    #104

    Who Needs Stairs When You Can Just Fall?

    Who Needs Stairs When You Can Just Fall?

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    #106

    Welllll...landscaping?

    Welllll...landscaping?

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    Stephen Smith
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's the law you must have a ramp...but we don't need one....but it's the law....but we don't need one. but it's the law......

    #109

    Really??????

    Really??????

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    Kira Okah
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same situation with the other one - the bogs are to either side, you can see them. This photo is purposely angled to focus on the cleaning cupboard.

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    #110

    You Won't Need It Anyway

    You Won't Need It Anyway

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    #114

    Further Proof That High Schools Are From Hell

    Further Proof That High Schools Are From Hell

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    #116

    Mother Nature: 1 Architects: 0

    Mother Nature: 1 Architects: 0

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    #117

    Waitttt, Mother Nature: 2 Architects: 0

    Waitttt, Mother Nature: 2 Architects: 0

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    Kimbowa
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’d like to see how they decorate the bottom of the tree in the house

    #118

    Bricks Are The New Windows

    Bricks Are The New Windows

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    Bubs (he/they)
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    probably another example of a leftover result of the old "window tax" in England, Scotland, and France

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    #119

    It's Hot In There

    It's Hot In There

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    arthbach
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In many older buildings, there would be a pulley system in place to lift goods to the upper floor. It would be taken in through doors like this.

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