Many rehabbers cut corners in order to maximize profit. One way they do this is to hire cheap, low-skilled workers who lack the training and experience to do good work.  

At a recent Logan Square rahab, we found that the rehabber’s “plumber” connected hot water to a toilet.  It’s not always possible to find a defect like this on an inspection since a flush or two usually isn’t enough to get fresh hot water to make its way to the toilet.  This bathroom was right next to the utility room where the water heater is located, so the hot water didn’t have far to go.  After noticing the valve was hot, I touched the tank – it was scalding hot as well.