The Funny Things Home Inspectors Find in Shepherd, MT and Neighboring Towns

When a homeowner in Laurel calls asking, “Did you see any real problems?” I’m often reminded why we love this job. The high plains of eastern Montana bring unique construction quirks, weather‑worn details, and a few truly funny moments that only a seasoned inspector like Sam can appreciate. From the first step onto a porch in Shepherd to the final crawl‑space check near Worden, the stories we collect are as varied as the terrain – and they all reinforce why a Professional Home Inspection is worth the time.

Below are some of the most memorable oddities we’ve encountered across our service area. They’re not just good laughs; they’re reminders that every home has a story, and a thorough inspection helps you read it correctly.

Hidden Treasures in the Attic

The Attic is a Time Capsule

In many of the older ranch‑style homes around Billings and Huntley, the attic is a storage area that has been used for decades. During a recent inspection in a Ballantine home, I discovered:

• A vintage rotary phone still hanging from a joist, complete with a coiled cord that looked like it belonged in a museum.
• A Christmas ornament tucked behind insulation, its glass shattered but still glittering in the shaft of light.
• A nest of squirrels that had taken up residence, complete with a few acorns scattered across the rafters.

These finds are harmless, but they illustrate how homeowners often stash items in places that later become hard to reach. When you’re planning a remodel or adding insulation, it’s wise to clear out the attic first. If you notice any animal activity, a wildlife‑control professional can help safely relocate the occupants.

Image description: a dusty attic ladder leading up to a low‑ceiling space filled with insulation, a broken glass ornament on the floor, and a squirrel nest tucked into a corner.

Basement Surprises

The Basement is Not Just for Laundry

Basements in the Shepherd‑to‑Roundup corridor often double as storage, workshop, and sometimes an improvised play area for kids. While conducting a Full Home Inspection in a Joliet home, I ran into a few unexpected items:

• A rusted garden hose that had been coiled around a support beam for years, now dripping a faint trickle onto the concrete floor.
• An inflatable pool toy—a bright yellow dinosaur—left from a summer party that had been forgotten for a decade.
• A stack of old paint cans with lids missing, releasing a faint, lingering smell of oil‑based paint.

These objects are harmless, but they can hide moisture problems or impede access to critical components like the sewer clean‑out. When we perform a Sewer Scope Inspection, we make sure nothing blocks the camera’s path. If you see similar items, consider clearing the space before your next inspection or during a seasonal clean‑out.

Image description: a concrete basement floor with a rusted garden hose, a bright yellow inflatable dinosaur, and a pile of old paint cans against a wall.

Exterior Oddities on the Front Porch

The Front Porch Tells Its Own Story

The front porch is the first impression of a home, especially in the wide‑open landscapes of Montana where houses are often set back on generous lots. While inspecting a historic bungalow in Columbus, I noted several amusing details:

• A garden gnome perched on the railing, wearing a tiny baseball cap—clearly a local’s sense of humor.
• A wind‑blown mailbox that had been knocked over by a sudden spring gust, now leaning against the side of the house.
• A mismatched set of shutters, one painted a deep blue, the other a faded green, likely from a DIY repaint that never got finished.

These quirks don’t affect structural integrity, but they can indicate where maintenance has been postponed. For example, a leaning mailbox may hint at a shifting footings issue, especially after a heavy snowfall in winter. A quick visual check of the porch, gutters, and exterior paint condition can save you from surprise repairs later.

Quick Exterior Checklist

• Look for loose or missing siding.
• Verify that gutters are securely attached and clear of debris.
• Check that the foundation drainage slopes away from the house.
• Note any decorative items that might be covering problem areas.

Keeping an eye on these small details can help you maintain curb appeal while protecting the home’s envelope.

Schedule Your Inspection Today

If you’ve ever wondered whether the funny things we find are just a laugh or a warning sign, the answer is both. A quirky ornament in the attic may simply be a conversation starter, while a rusted hose in the basement could be a sign of hidden moisture that needs attention.

At Yellowstone Home Inspections, Levi and the team bring a local perspective to every inspection—whether you’re buying a home in Laurel, preparing a property in Park City for sale, or need a Healthy Home Inspection Package in Huntley. Our Full Home Inspection, Sewer Scope, Mold & Environmental Testing, and other services are designed to uncover both the obvious and the hidden.

Ready for a thorough, friendly inspection?

• Call us at (406) 690‑3010
• Ask about our 4‑Point Insurance Inspection if you’re dealing with an insurer.
• Have a question about radon levels, water quality, or the next steps after a funny find? We’re happy to help.

Let’s make sure your home in Shepherd or any of our neighboring towns is safe, comfortable, and ready for the next chapter.