7 of the Worst Things Scott McGillivray Has Come Across in Canadian Homes

Kitchens that are ugly are one thing – and kitchens that aren’t built to code are a whole other story. But kitchens that are <em>both</em> are just plain scary. I’ve seen a lot of bad kitchens in my life, but this one still stands out as the absolute worst. Not functional. Not attractive. Not safe. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/scott-mcgillivray-top-home-renovation-trends-2019-1921701/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Scott McGillivray Predicts the Top Home Renovation Trends for 2019</a>

I could <em>smell</em> this house before I even stepped inside. The cigarette smoke was totally embedded in the carpet and walls. It was beyond gross. Since you can’t actually smell this photo though your computer screen, let me leave you with this thought – that carpet used to be white. <br><b> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/scott-mcgillivray/photos/scott-mcgillivray-favourite-income-properties-1922899/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Scott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He's Most Proud Of</a>

I like a good handheld shower as much as the next person, but even I have limits. There’s a part of me that admires the DIY ingenuity of this garden hose shower, but a bigger part of me says no. Just <em>no</em>. A shower/tub combo can be great – but if you're going to do it, do it right. <em>Please</em>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/buyers-bootcamp-with-scott-mcgillivray/photos/buyers-bootcamp-florida-1915651/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Scott McGillivray Gives a 1950s Outdated Bungalow a Head-to-Toe Makeover</a>

I’m all for adding an ensuite, but this is not the way to do it. This was literally built inside an existing bedroom. To be honest, I’m not even sure how they got the plumbing in there, but it’s safe to say it was not built to code. While this stuff is always kind of funny when you first see it, the reality is that it’s actually quite dangerous. If you’re going to build something – anything! – in your home, make sure it’s done right with the help of a professional. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/moving-the-mcgillivrays/photos/scott-mcgillivrays-jaw-dropping-dream-bedrooms-1053053/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Scott McGillivray's Jaw-Dropping Dream Bedrooms</a>

I have to admit, walking into this basement was an incredibly upsetting experience. Those dark marks on the wall are mold, and there were people <em>living</em> in this space for a time. It's a terrible health hazard and, to date, it’s one of the worst cases of mold I’ve seen in a residential home. Homeowners need to take mold seriously. A basement like this one can put both your home and your health at risk. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/save-my-reno/photos/a-family-of-four-gets-the-basement-makeover-of-their-dreams-1900140/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Family of Four Gets the Basement Makeover of Their Dreams</a>

In the grand scheme of random things you can find in old houses, horse hair insulation isn’t really that big a deal. But let me tell you, if you’ve never seen it before and suddenly come across a big chunk under the floorboards it can be a little alarming.

If you want to have an income suite in your home, then it’s important to have a separate entryway. I’ve been saying this for years. Unfortunately, I may have neglected to say what that entryway should open up into. Well, definitely not a bathroom! I couldn’t believe it when I opened this door and was faced with a toilet. To date, the worst entryway ever.