Sometimes there is “obvious” and then there is “not-so-obvious.”

While the corner is “obviously” damaged, what was “not-so-obvious,” was that behind all that nice new paint, there was considerable decay/rot in much of the trim up the side of the window.  As you can see by the length of the key, the decay is quite deep, involving not only the trim board but the sheathing behind it as well.  So besides starting the car when it is time to go home this key hopefully is going to start the repairs to this long standing damage—-hidden and otherwise.

Homes are often painted prior to sale and can definitely make the house sell faster—-improving the “curb-appeal.”

For the trained inspector, fresh paint just makes them look closer—-or at least it should.  When I inspect a home that I know has been painted prior to sale, the report will include a general warning that hidden damage is possible and that the exterior should be monitored for signs of deterioration after purchase.  Sometimes the stains from painted over decay takes a few weeks or months to bleed through the paint—-or blister the paint.

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Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector

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