Real-Life Horror Story: The Crawlspace & Bird Nest Disaster

How Cutting Corners Cost the Buyer’s Realtor in the End

There is a reason Peak Pro Home Services believes in doing things right the first time. It is not only about craftsmanship. It is about protecting realtors, buyers, and homeowners from expensive surprises caused by poor, unlicensed work.

As an affiliate member of the Yakima Association of Realtors, and with secure keybox access privileges, our team works directly with local agents to save time and simplify property repairs. Realtors enjoy partnering with us because of our transparency, communication, and responsiveness. We handle access for our crews and subcontractors without requiring agents to meet us on-site.

Unfortunately, some sellers and agents still gamble on cheap, unlicensed, or uninsured contractors. These shortcuts often lead to disaster, leaving the buyer’s realtor to deal with the fallout.

This is one of those stories.

The Home: A 2,700 Square Foot Remodel With Hidden Nightmares

We were contacted by a realtor representing the buyers of a beautiful 2,700 square foot home undergoing a high-end remodel. The home inspection report had noted rodent waste in the crawlspace. The seller had agreed to handle it, so the buyers assumed the home was ready for move-in.

When our team entered the crawlspace, the new vapor barrier looked immaculate, which raised a red flag. Within 15 minutes of inspecting, we found a dead mouse lying on top of the clean plastic. That discovery prompted us to lift a corner of the vapor barrier for a closer look.

What we found was shocking.

Underneath the newly installed vapor barrier was an entire crawlspace filled with rodent waste, droppings, and even decomposing animals. The seller or their hired “repairman” had simply laid new vapor barrier directly over the contaminated one, trapping years of filth underneath. The dead mouse we found had likely been caught between the two layers and left behind by accident. Without that clue, the cover-up might never have been discovered.

The Attic Surprise: Bird Nests and Blocked Vents

The inspection report also mentioned bird nests blocking attic exhaust vents, which the seller claimed were cleaned out. We went to verify the work.

At first glance, the vents above the garage looked properly covered with new mesh. But once we climbed into the attic above the vaulted ceiling, we discovered multiple active bird nests that had never been touched.

The seller, their realtor, and their handyman had only completed the easy work near the garage while ignoring the more difficult, hard-to-reach areas. Once again, shortcuts had created more problems than they solved.

The True Cost of Cutting Corners

By the time we finished our full remediation, the buyer’s realtor had to cover more than $2,000 in additional repairs and cleaning.

Our team performed:

• Rodent exclusion repairs near the dryer vent and heat pump opening to stop future intrusions
  
  
• HEPA vacuuming of rodent waste along foundation walls and concrete supports
  
  
• Removal and replacement of the vapor barrier using approved materials
  
  
• Complete attic nest removal and vent cleaning to restore safe ventilation
  
  

Every step followed IICRC standards and used professional-grade equipment, disinfectants, and safety protocols.

Why Realtors and Homeowners Choose Peak Pro

This experience shows that cheap work is never truly cheap.

When homeowners or realtors choose unlicensed or uninsured handymen, they risk more than extra costs. They risk their reputation, their clients’ trust, and their liability for unfinished or unsafe work.

At Peak Pro Home Services, we take a better approach. Led by licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor Josh Shoemaker, our team combines hands-on experience with nationally recognized certifications that ensure accountability and quality results:

1. IICRC Water Damage Restoration Certification
2. IICRC Advanced Microbial Remediation Technician Certification
3. National Home Builders Association Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)

These credentials prove our commitment to doing every job safely, correctly, and completely.

The Peak Pro Difference

When we bid against handymen, our quotes are often higher for a reason. We use certified techniques, professional tools, and premium materials to guarantee lasting results.

Our integrity and documentation protect every party involved in a real estate transaction. The difference between a professional repair and a shortcut can mean thousands of dollars and months of frustration for a buyer, seller, or agent.

Lessons for Realtors, Buyers, and Homeowners

This story is not just about a crawlspace or an attic. It highlights an issue that affects real estate professionals and homeowners across Yakima and Central Washington every week — the high cost of cutting corners and the long-term damage caused by unqualified contractors.

For Realtors

A Realtor’s reputation depends on the quality of the professionals they recommend. Partnering with licensed, bonded, and insured contractors like Peak Pro Home Services protects not only your clients but your business as well. Agents who rely on our team gain the confidence of knowing repairs will be handled to professional standards with full documentation and communication throughout the process. That means no last-minute surprises, no failed re-inspections, and no unhappy buyers after closing.

We also understand how time-sensitive transactions are. With affiliate membership in the Yakima Association of Realtors and secure keybox access, our team can coordinate repairs independently, saving agents valuable time while maintaining accountability and transparency.

For Buyers

A clean inspection report is not just a box to check before closing — it is a reflection of how much care and integrity went into a property’s preparation. Buyers who work with qualified repair specialists gain peace of mind that their new home is safe, sanitary, and built to last. The extra cost of certified professionals often prevents much greater expenses later.

Our detailed documentation also helps buyers establish a baseline for future maintenance, showing exactly what was repaired, how it was done, and when. That level of transparency builds confidence in your purchase and supports your home’s long-term value.

For Homeowners and Sellers

If you are selling your home, remember that buyers today have high expectations, especially in Yakima’s active housing market. Quick fixes and shortcuts are easily spotted by inspectors and often end up costing more when repairs have to be redone. Hiring an IICRC-certified repair team before listing ensures issues are handled correctly the first time, reducing negotiation stress and keeping transactions on track.

Homeowners who invest in quality post-inspection repairs also protect their property against environmental risks common in our region, such as moisture intrusion, rodent infestations, and poor ventilation caused by dust or irrigation conditions. Those proactive improvements demonstrate pride of ownership and strengthen a home’s position on the market.

Building Trust Through Accountability

At the end of the day, the difference between a handyman patch and a professional repair is trust. Realtors, buyers, and homeowners all deserve to work with a contractor who stands behind their work with proper licensing, insurance, and certification. Peak Pro Home Services, led by Josh Shoemaker, sets that standard.

Our mission is simple: deliver results that stand up to inspection, protect the value of every property, and ensure peace of mind for every client we serve.

If your home inspection report lists needed repairs or safety corrections, we can help.

Upload your inspection report or send us a link through our simple contact form for a 24-hour estimate, or schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation on our contact page to discuss your project.