Like new and completely updated!

Well I'm sure we have all seen this type of statement on a brochure or on a listing before.  Over the years I have learned that 75% of the time this is CODE for "Buyer beware" and it just makes me look a little harder to see what I can find that was covered up. Many times updates are only skin deep or what the eye can see. 

Have you ever heard this saying "You can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig"!

This is from a recent inspection, this was on a 125 year old home in historic East Nashville, TN.  I have looked at many homes in this area and for the most they are all in the 100 year old range and those that have been properly updated are really fine homes.  But, I have also found many where the owners or agents claim that they have been updated when I'm sure they meant to say that they have been freshly painted!

The next few pictures are what I found in the basement of this updated home:

Sump pump not working

This is a 6x6 post newly installed and supporting the new master tub!

New High Efficiency HVAC split system sitting in mud from being flooded because the sump pump was not working.  Unit was distroyed and will need to be replaced.