Who Put The “Work” In Workmanship?

Development

2 minute read

June 20, 2014

Do you ever walk into a newly-listed house for sale, and think aloud, “This is definitely their first project”?

Buying a “flip” always comes with a bit of risk, since you would assume a happy couple with two kids would get rid of asbestos or mold, whereas a builder/profiteer might just cover it up.

But it’s also a risk because you have no idea what’s behind the walls, even if you can see what’s in front of you.

And sometimes what’s in front of you can be pathetic…

roofer

You’re all familiar with my “Photos of the Week” posts, right?

Well this time around, I figured why not shoot a series of very short video clips to even more accurately convey what I’m trying to show in the photos.

Case in point: this house I saw two nights ago, which looked great if you were walking through with goggles on, but not so great once you took a look at things close-up.

For almost $1M, I’d like to think the “workmanship” could have been better.

I mean, define “workmanship” anyways!  Every single MLS listing uses “workmanship” in a positive tone, when in reality, every house has been “worked” on, and even the most poorly-constructed house can still have “excellent workmanship” said about it on MLS.

Here’s a few choice videos I shot, and believe me – there were plenty…

First, have a look at the eavestrough, and how securely it was fastened.  If this is the amount of effort put into other areas of the home, we have a problem…

 

Now look at the “workmanship” that went into the baseboards, notably how they chose to continue the baseboards over the tile.  That’s creative!

 

There wasn’t much “design” involved in the layout of this basement.  I don’t recall the last house I’ve seen with this many bulkheads!

 

Terms like “fully-renovated,” and “excellent craftsmanship” can’t really be used when you see water damage in a brand-new house, can they?

 

“Hey Johnny, what do you want to do with that pipe when we’re stuccoing?”

“Ah, it can’t be that important.  Just stucco OVER it!”

 

Craftsmanship, folks.  This is really what it’s all about…

 

Nothing says “million-dollar-home” like wires sticking out of the wall, and being run to the next floor through the floor-boards…

 

And last but certainly not least, have a look at the placement of this bathroom mirror.  I’m about 5’11” on a good day, and this mirror was hung at about 4-feet.  Watch as I pan the camera up to eye-level, which leaves me looking right at the light fixture that’s a full 18-inches above the top of the mirror!

I hope that gave everybody a good chuckle on this sunny Friday afternoon!

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Written By David Fleming

David Fleming is the author of Toronto Realty Blog, founded in 2007. He combined his passion for writing and real estate to create a space for honest information and two-way communication in a complex and dynamic market. David is a licensed Broker and the Broker of Record for Bosley – Toronto Realty Group

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3 Comments

  1. Cliff

    at 9:51 am

    I’d say this extends to the “pros” too as I’ve seen some brand new condos/houses with some terrible, amateur workmanship.

  2. honey

    at 11:49 am

    Those wires were a real “wtf?!” for me. I cannot imagine that being considered acceptable in any listing.

  3. Mike

    at 12:00 pm

    anyone who watches tv knows that when you connect a downspout each connection goes inside the next piece pipe not over it so the water leaks out..

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