Another one is dealing with bad neighbors. People might buy a house not realizing the neighbor is extremely noisy or has aggressive pets. There's not much you can do about it once you own the place.
One horror story is dealing with a hidden mold problem. After buying the house, we noticed a musty smell. When we investigated, there was mold all over the walls in the basement. It cost a fortune to get it remediated.
Well, financial issues are often part of these horror stories. Sometimes, one owner might not be able to pay their share of the mortgage or property taxes. This can put a strain on the other owners who then have to either cover for them or face the consequences like foreclosure. Also, there can be problems with decision - making. In shared ownership, decisions about renovations or big changes to the property need to be made jointly. But if the owners have different visions, it can turn into a horror story. For instance, one owner wants to modernize the kitchen while the others prefer to keep it traditional.
Well, a lot of people have horror stories about cat ownership. For example, some cats are extremely picky eaters. They might refuse to eat the expensive cat food you buy for them and instead beg for human food, which can be bad for their health. And then there are cats that get into the habit of waking their owners up in the middle of the night by meowing loudly or jumping on the bed. It can be really tiring for the owner who has to work the next day.
One common horror story is finding hidden structural issues. For example, a cracked foundation that the seller didn't disclose. It can cost thousands to repair.
First, make sure to have a detailed legal contract. This contract should cover all aspects such as financial obligations, usage rights, and decision - making processes. It should also have clauses for handling disputes. Second, consider setting up a joint bank account for shared expenses. This way, it's clear where the money is going and who has contributed what. Also, regular meetings among the owners are essential. These meetings can be used to discuss any issues that have arisen or potential future changes to the property. And if possible, try to find owners with similar lifestyles and goals. For instance, if you're a quiet person, it might not be a good idea to enter into shared ownership with someone who likes to throw parties all the time.
One of the common horror stories is foundation problems. Cracks in the foundation can be a sign of serious structural issues. It could mean that the house is not stable and might require expensive repairs to fix. Also, HVAC problems are quite frequent. An old and malfunctioning heating or cooling system can cost a lot to replace or repair.
Denial of claims is common. Insurance companies might find reasons like policy exclusions or pre - existing conditions to deny paying out. For example, if there's some minor wear and tear on a roof before a storm and the roof gets damaged during the storm, they might use that as an excuse.
One common horror story is contractors disappearing mid - project. They take the deposit and then stop showing up, leaving the homeowner with a half - finished mess. Another is finding out that the renovation work done was shoddy. For example, plumbing that leaks or electrical work that is a fire hazard. And sometimes, the final cost ends up being way more than the initial estimate due to unforeseen problems or contractors adding extra charges without proper justification.
One common problem is contractors not finishing the job on time. Another is using low - quality materials. Also, contractors might overcharge for the work.
In some nursing homes, there have been horror stories of improper handling of medical emergencies. For example, not having enough trained staff on hand to deal with a heart attack or a fall. This can lead to delayed treatment and even death. There are also stories of residents being left alone for long periods, feeling abandoned and depressed, which is a terrible situation considering they are in a place that should be providing care and support.