Inspectors vs. Critters: The Wild Encounters We Didn’t See Coming 

When most people think about home inspections, they imagine checklists, flashlights, and maybe a dusty attic or two. 

But for home inspectors? Sometimes, the job turns into a wildlife safari. 🦝 

Welcome to Inspectors vs. Critters, where home inspections get unexpectedly up close and personal with nature’s least invited guests. From raccoons in the rafters to surprise snakes in basements, here’s what happens when the wild decides to move in rent-free. 

 

🐍 When Nature Meets Real Estate 

Texas homes—especially older or rural properties—can come with more than just square footage. They often include surprise tenants of the furry, feathery, or scaly variety. Here are just a few of the real-life critter encounters we’ve experienced during inspections: 

 

🐍 Snakes in the Crawlspace 

Crawlspaces are dark, damp, and perfect for—you guessed it—snakes. 

 We’ve found them coiled near pipes, sunbathing on HVAC lines, and one that eyeballed us the entire inspection. 

 Fun fact: Black rat snakes are common in Texas and love basements. Not so fun? They don’t announce themselves. 

 

🦝 Raccoons in the Attic 

One homeowner “thought they heard footsteps.” We confirmed it—five little masked ones. 

 Raccoons can destroy insulation, chew wires, and leave behind a smelly mess. 

 Pro tip: If your attic smells musty or you hear movement at night, it’s time to investigate—before we do. 

 

🕸️ Spiders, Hornets, and Angry Guests 

We’ve walked face-first into spider webs, had hornets buzz our helmets, and once opened a panel to find an entire wasp condo. 

 Yes, we kept our cool. 

 No, we didn’t like it. 

 

🐀 Rodents Behind the Walls 

You’d be surprised what mice and rats can do with a little drywall and a lot of time. Chewed wires, nests in insulation, and droppings galore. 

 Why it matters: Rodent damage can lead to electrical fires and major repairs—and it’s not always visible unless you’re really looking. 

 

🐾 Why Critter Clues Matter in a Home Inspection 

Even if the animal isn’t there when we show up, the signs usually are: 

  • Chewed wires 
  • Droppings or urine stains 
  • Damaged insulation 
  • Entry points in the roof, siding, or foundation 
  • Odors or staining in attic or crawlspace areas 

These issues can affect: 

  • Structural safety 
  • Air quality 
  • Repair costs 
  • Pest control needs after move-in 

 

🔦 What We Do (Besides Stay Calm) 

At Kelly Inspection Services, we check every attic, crawlspace, garage, and shady corner where critters love to hang out. We know what to look for, how to document it, and how to help buyers or sellers understand what’s fixable and what’s serious. 

We may not be wildlife control experts, but we are expert spotters—and our job is to help you avoid moving into a zoo. 

 

🛑 Don’t Let the Wildlife Win 

Texas wildlife is fun to watch from a distance—not so fun when it’s in your HVAC system. 

Book your inspection with Kelly Inspection Services, and we’ll help you spot what others miss—including the four-legged kind. 

 

Need an inspection that sees past the paint—and straight into the crawlspace? 

 📞 Call Kelly Inspection Services today. We inspect fearlessly (even when it hisses). 

 

 

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The Lost and Found Chronicles: Home Inspections Unearth the Unbelievable!

When you book a home inspection, you expect us to check the roof, plumbing, electrical, foundation—all the essentials.
What you don’t expect? A forgotten stash of cash in the attic. A 1980s time capsule. Or… a fully functioning disco ball in a crawlspace.

Welcome to The Lost and Found Chronicles—where the unexpected is part of the job, and the weird becomes wonderful. At Kelly Inspection Services, we’ve seen it all (and then some), and we’re here to share the unbelievable things a home inspection can uncover.

🕵️‍♂️ What Do Home Inspectors Really Find?

We’re not treasure hunters—but sometimes it sure feels that way. While most inspections are straightforward, every now and then, something unusual pops up. Here’s what we’ve unearthed:

🎒 Forgotten Belongings

From wedding albums and vintage toys to old safes hidden in closets, we’ve seen personal history tucked away in crawlspaces and behind false walls.
Pro tip: If you’re selling a home, do one final sweep of attics, garages, and sheds—you might just find something you forgot.

🧟‍♂️ Creepy (and Hilarious) Décor

Skeletons in closets? Literally. One property had a Halloween animatronic that came to life when we opened a storage door. We jumped—you would’ve too.
Lesson: Always check batteries before selling your house. 😅

🐍 Wildlife Adventures

Snakes in attics, raccoons in chimneys, and one very disgruntled possum under a porch.
Home inspectors don’t just check for damage—we check for unwanted roommates.

💡 Hidden Hazards

Sometimes the biggest surprises aren’t funny—they’re dangerous. Like live wires tucked into insulation or active leaks hidden behind furniture.
Weird? Yes. Life-saving? Also yes.

🔧 Why These Finds Matter

Aside from entertainment value, these “unbelievable” finds tell us a lot:

  • They reveal hidden issues buyers need to know
  • They give sellers the chance to fix or disclose
  • They help agents avoid surprises during negotiation

Unexpected discoveries can make or break a deal—and that’s why a thorough home inspection matters.

🧭 Don’t Just Inspect. Explore.

At Kelly Inspection Services, we bring a sharp eye, a curious mind, and a good sense of humor to every property we inspect. We believe that every home has a story—and sometimes, those stories come with a side of mystery.

Need an inspection with serious attention to detail—and a side of storytelling?

📞 Call Kelly Inspection Services today. We’ve got the flashlight, the checklist, and the curiosity to find what others miss.

 

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DIY Disasters: The Comedy of Errors in Home Improvement 

When Pinterest Becomes a Punchline 

We love a good DIY project—nothing beats rolling up your sleeves, grabbing a power tool, and shouting “I saw this on YouTube!” But at Kelly Inspection Services, we’ve seen the other side of DIY: the Frankenstein kitchens, the backwards toilets, the duct tape “fixes,” and enough mystery wiring to power a spaceship (or start a small fire). 

This blog is dedicated to the bold, the brave, and the occasionally baffled DIYers whose creative fixes keep us inspecting with wide eyes and open toolboxes. 

 

  1. Plumbing Gone Rogue

Whether it’s PEX lines that resemble spaghetti or sink drains that empty directly onto the basement floor (true story), plumbing is one of the most common DIY “oops” zones. And don’t get us started on “flex seal makes everything better” logic. 

🚽 Inspector’s Tip: If your plumbing looks like a Rube Goldberg machine, it’s time to call a pro. Water always wins—and it never forgets. 

 

  1. Electrical Nightmares

From overloaded breakers to exposed wires twisted together with electrical tape (or worse—twist ties), we’ve seen more shocking sights than a horror movie marathon. One home had a live outlet inside the shower stall. That’s not ambiance—that’s an ambulance. 

⚡ Reality Check: Electrical systems are not the place to experiment. Hire an electrician before your “bright idea” becomes a fire hazard. 

 

  1. Creative Carpentry (A.K.A. Wobbly Everything)

We admire the spirit, but when your deck bounces like a trampoline, your staircase slants left, and your “floating shelves” actually float off the wall, it’s time for a course correction. We once saw a home office “addition” built entirely out of pallets. Charming? Maybe. Safe? Absolutely not. 

🪚 Inspector’s Caution: Structural integrity matters. Nail guns are fun—but math is essential. 

 

  1. Paint That Should’ve Stayed in the Can

We’re talking bubblegum pink ceilings, faux brick wallpaper over actual brick, and one unforgettable rainbow-colored garage (inside and out). Creative expression is great—until buyers can’t see past the lime green cabinetry. 

🎨 Pro Tip: Neutrals sell. Unless you’re flipping a clown college, keep it classy. 

 

  1. The “Open Concept” Fail

Everyone loves open layouts—until they become too open. Like, “we accidentally removed a load-bearing wall” open. Or the time someone used 2x4s and hope to rebuild part of their kitchen. Spoiler: it didn’t work. 

🏚️ Inspector’s Advice: Before you swing the sledgehammer, know what’s holding your house up. A good inspection can save you from a very expensive physics lesson. 

 

Final Thoughts: Laughs, Lessons, and Learning Curves 

We’re not here to shame your weekend warrior efforts—in fact, we admire the courage. But DIY should be backed by research, permits, and (ideally) at least one friend who knows what they’re doing. 

At Kelly Inspection Services, we inspect what’s hiding under your DIY—helping you find the laughs, fix the fails, and move forward with confidence. 

 

Planning a DIY project or buying a home that looks a little too “handmade”? 

Schedule an inspection with the team that’s seen it all (and lived to tell the tale).  

 

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Pint-Sized Properties: The Big Laughs and Challenges in Tiny Homes 

Introduction: Tiny Homes, Big Personality 

Tiny homes have taken the housing world by storm—offering minimalism, mobility, and major charm. But while these little dwellings pack a punch in creativity and lifestyle flexibility, they also come with their fair share of quirks, laughs, and inspection challenges. 

At Kelly Inspection Services, we’ve squeezed ourselves into more than a few of these cozy quarters, and we’re here to share the ups, the downs, and the downright hilarious moments of inspecting pint-sized properties. 

 

  1. The Hidden Spaces (and Surprises)

Tiny homes thrive on clever storage. We’ve found full pantries in toe-kick drawers, washing machines under stairs, and one memorable case of a cat litter box disguised as an ottoman. Ingenious? Yes. Confusing during an inspection? Also yes. 

🔍 Inspector’s Tip: Always ask for a layout. What looks like a step might be a fridge, and that “closet” might be a composting toilet. 

 

  1. Plumbing: The Great Squeeze

In tiny homes, plumbing systems are often custom-built—and sometimes very creatively. Think flexible tubing, marine-grade toilets, and water tanks nestled into floorboards. 

🚽 Challenge: These setups may not follow traditional residential code, so we double-check for leaks, pressure, and proper waste drainage. Because nothing ruins tiny living like a big plumbing problem. 

 

  1. Loft Life: Mind Your Head

Lofts are a staple in tiny homes—and also a source of a thousand head bumps. These cozy crawlspaces often serve as bedrooms, reading nooks, or even mini yoga studios (yes, really). 

🧠 Inspector’s Caution: We always assess ventilation, structural support, and adequate clearance. Because even a minimalist likes to sit up in bed without hitting the ceiling. 

 

  1. Power Play: Off-Grid or Out of Luck?

Many tiny homes are solar-powered, off-grid, or built for plug-and-play living. We love the sustainability—but we always check electrical systems for grounding, proper wattage load, and safe circuiting. 

⚡ Funny Find: One tiny home had a solar panel powering a coffee maker… and only the coffee maker. At least they had priorities. 

 

  1. Heating, Cooling & “Climate Control” (Kind Of)

Let’s be real: heating and cooling a shoebox is easier than a 3,000 sq. ft. home—but it’s also more noticeable when something’s off. We’ve seen everything from mini-splits and pellet stoves to heated floor panels powered by a battery pack. 

🌡️ Reality Check: Ventilation and humidity control are key in tiny homes. Moisture builds fast, and that adorable wood siding? It’s not cute when it’s moldy. 

 

Final Thoughts: Tiny, but Mighty (and Sometimes Hilarious) 

Tiny homes are full of heart—and sometimes, full of head-scratching design decisions. We love inspecting these quirky, compact spaces because they represent a big shift in how people live, save, and simplify. 

But whether your home is 250 sq. ft. or 2,500, our job is to make sure it’s safe, efficient, and ready for whatever adventures lie ahead (even if they’re just two steps from the front door to the kitchen). 

 

Need a Tiny Home Inspection? 

At Kelly Inspection Services, we specialize in all types of properties—from suburban spreads to compact castles. If you’re considering tiny home living or investing in one, let us help you uncover the big picture (even in a small space). 

📞281-378-2501

 

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Home Décor or Disaster? The Hilarious Chronicles of Weird Interior Design Trends Unearthed in Inspections 

When Inspections Get… Stylish? 

As home inspectors, we’re trained to spot potential issues—foundation cracks, roof leaks, faulty wiring. But sometimes, we stumble upon something even more shocking: the design choices. Welcome to the wild world of “what were they thinking?” interior trends. In this post, we’re diving deep into the hilariously strange, mind-boggling, and occasionally brilliant décor decisions we’ve discovered during our inspections. 

 

  1. Carpet… in the Bathroom?

We’re not sure who started this trend, but somewhere along the line, someone thought, “You know what this moisture-heavy, mold-prone room needs? Carpet!” Not only is it impractical, it’s the fastest way to turn your spa retreat into a spongey, bacteria-filled nightmare. 

Pro Tip: If it squishes when you step on it, it doesn’t belong in a bathroom. 

 

  1. Toilet Thrones (Literally)

Yes, we’ve seen it. A toilet mounted on a literal pedestal. Nothing says royal flush like climbing stairs to reach your porcelain throne. Extra points if there’s shag carpet around it and a chandelier overhead. 

Inspector’s Note: Elevation changes in bathrooms can be a tripping hazard—and we’ve got enough drama without falling off a toilet stage. 

 

  1. The Mirror Maze

One home had so many mirrors, we weren’t sure if we were walking into a living room or a carnival funhouse. Walls, ceilings, even a mirrored bathtub. Great for self-reflection… or losing your sense of direction entirely. 

Why It’s a Problem: Overuse of mirrors can be disorienting—and honestly, we don’t need to see that many angles of ourselves at 8 AM. 

 

  1. Taxidermy Overload

Decorating with a deer mount or two? Fine. But when your living room looks like a hunting lodge met a museum of natural history, it gets… intense. We once counted 17 mounted animals in one hallway. It was like walking through a wildlife staring contest. 

Inspector’s Tip: Personal style is great, but maybe tone it down when trying to sell. Buyers shouldn’t have to dodge antlers to see the kitchen. 

 

  1. DIY Gone Way, Way Wrong

Pinterest makes it look easy—but not all DIY projects are created equal. We’ve seen staircases made of pallets, countertops painted to look like marble (with glitter), and one infamous “mood room” lit only with lava lamps and neon signs. Not exactly up to code… or sanity. 

Lesson: Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Call a professional when in doubt. 

 

So, Why Does This Matter? 

Aside from a good laugh, weird design choices can affect your home’s value, safety, and marketability. During inspections, we look beyond the wild wallpaper to assess the home’s structural integrity—but hey, if there’s a disco ball in the attic, we’re still going to talk about it. 

 

Final Thoughts: Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder… Sometimes 

We respect creativity. We really do. But if your “statement wall” involves hot glue and hubcaps, it may be time to rethink. A great inspection doesn’t just help you avoid costly repairs—it helps you navigate the wonderfully weird world of homeownership. 

 

Need a thorough, honest (and occasionally amused) inspection? 

At Kelly Inspection Services, we bring expertise, professionalism, and yes—a sense of humor—to every home we inspect. Schedule your inspection today and let’s see what your house is hiding. 

📞 281-378-2501 | 📧 kari@kellyinspectionservices.com | 🌐 www.kellyinspectionservices.com

 

#HomeInspectionHumor #InteriorDesignFails #HomeDecorDisasters #KellyInspectionServices #TexasInspections #RealEstateFails #DIYDonts 

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