From a distance it looked like a nice shed.
New siding, new windows and doors.
And fresh paint.
What's not to like?
But before going in I had a look around the exterior.
Looking at the support beside the door with the platform I sure didn't like what I saw!
Unstable, erratic, including materials that are not pressure treated and would not last.
Unfortunately all five supports along the rear wall looked like this one!
Same unstable structure, same improper materials.
Crawling underneath I could see similar construction.
The shed is dangerously supported. They were looking to level it, without thought for anything else apparently. I would not go inside! And I did not want my clients to go inside either.
Who knows how long the shed has been this way, but we don't need a problem during a home inspection, for sure!
My recommendation: home inspector and client safety is an important thing during a home inspection. Perhaps the number one thing. If we all went inside, could this shed topple over with enough weight in some places inside? I don't know. But for sure we will not take that risk. We played it safe.
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC 
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia.
Office (703) 330-6388 Cell (703) 585-7560
Jay: That looks like an accident waiting to happen. Smart of you and your clients to stay out of that shed!
I was very glad they didn't go in Anita!
You crawled UNDER IT?????
Considering what is visible from the outside, nothing would get me under such a structure.
Just under the edge Lenn, to take-o a photo. That's perfect Spanish. I needed the right angle to demonstrate the lean to structural support!
I'm of the opinion that all men should consult their wives or mothers for permission to crawl under such a structure. Men have a poor sense of risk and court danger as a way of life.
I know you have been in some places I wouldn't go in so for you to say it was unsafe it must have been bad.
Great post! Thanks for the images as well
I don't know that I could do what you do Jay. That's some scary stuff! I'm glad you didn't go all the way under.
Thanks Mom, but I was safe. And my wife would say, "Have a nice time under there!"
James - no point in taking an unnecessary risk!
Any time Alexa. Stop by again!
A&J - no way Hose A, or Hose B. "A man's gotta know his limitations."
Wow, that tis' bad. If nothing else, it makes a nice little space underneath for critters, they won't mind that shoddy work :)
Good morning Jay,
I have one going up in the cul-de-sac behind me and hope it is better than this one!
Make yourself a great day.
I like this format of yours that presents situations allowing us to walk thru with you
I always that that a crawl space was a plus, until now. For sure I would not be happy buying this.
Oh my, what were the owners thinking ? Those images are scary!
Whew, that did look scary. I don't think those owners realize how expensive it is to fix that after the fact. Do it right up front and you won't have to spend a fortune afterwards.
Any recommendations on how to make this really nice looking shed stable?
It does look dangerous, aren't they going to have fun trying to re do the foundation and building? Or did the clients walk away altogether? I think I would wonder how all home maintenance was done...
Jay - I love the rotted pieces of siding on the top of some of those stacked blocks, no use using good wood to hold things up. It does look good for a distance though! :)
Jay, there does not appear to be anything wrong that an actual foundation wouldn't cure
Jay- seriously? What in the heck were they thinking? Smart not to let them even go in, or you either.
Jay, this was clearly not designed to support any serious cavorting inside!
It's a bit like a Monet, heh?
Love and light,
Laura
Sorry but you wouldn't catch me crawling underneath this one. That is pretty scary especially the back side up 4 or 5 blocks.
I am glad it's only a shed. I think I have seen a house on similar support before and my recommendation to clients was to strike that one off the list.
Yes, that looks crazy and unsafe. What happens to the dirt underneath when it rains?
You always have good posts and I enjoy reading them.
Definitely an interesting way to hold up a shed! It's a shame they did such a good job above grade but not at the bottom!
There were two large holes underneath Joshua, likely woodchucks.
Not chucking wood.
Is it on a slope Raymond?
Thanks Richie. 'Tis writing, 'tis! Fortunately I'm not paid by the word, like Dickens.
This is open on three sides Chuck. Kind of a crawl space, but not enclosed.
Rebecca - I was scared just looking at it! I'm glad my clients listened to me and did not go in.
Mike - who knows how to fix this now. I think one support at a time.
Suzie - buried posts, exchanging each of these "columns" one at a time I think. With proper attachment to the shed - much like a deck.
Evelyn - I think it will be loads of fun! The buyer wants to use it!
It did Tom. I think that rotting stuff may have been the previous walls!
That, my dear Doctor (Charlie), is the diagnosis nobody could argue with.
Kathy - I decided not to do the jumping object lesson.
Pat - the buyer wants to use it for the riding lawn mower and his motorcycle!
You mean from a distance it's great and up close you can see the details, Laura?
You got that right Bill! I didn't even want to blow on the building...
Ann - any house supported that way would be condemned by the local authorities!
You can see the erosion patterns Debbie. And the two animal holes, a little smaller than a basketball, were facing down! Smart little critters.
Thank you Myra. I have a lot of fun doing home inspections.
Marc - the siding and doors were okay. Interesting the foundation was such a mess.
Oh wow! I couldn't image pulling a riding lawn mower into that set up!
Looks nice enough from a distance. I would think that would be a deal breaker.
I couldn't either Than. But I'm not the buyer.
I don't know if that's enough to turn them away Pamela. There were other things!
Pretty scary Jay. I've seen a handful of sheds and similar structures like this, including a deck off the side of a house on a hillside, and another screened-in porch. Accidents waiting to happen
Jeff
And often they do happen Jeff! It is said that most accidents are planned. That may just be true.