There’s a reason why Chip Gaines’s favorite part of flipping homes is “demo day.” While it’s a blast to knock things over and put holes in walls, there’s also a chance you might stumble upon an amazing treasure! Read on to find out what crazy things renovators found in their homes and buildings.
1.Cold Hard Cash in a Safe with a Bottle of Bourbon
A couple renovating their kitchen in Phoenix, Arizona came across a safe during demolition. They found roughly $50,000, a bottle of bourbon dated 1960 and a book titled “A Guide for the Perplexed” by E.F. Schumacher.
2. An Old Grenade
A construction team was digging in a residential area in Chatham, Massachusetts to build a wall, only to come across a grenade! Authorities were called and a bomb squad removed the grenade from the premises.
3. Over $180,000 in Depression-Era Money
Contractor Bob Kitts found over $180,000 from the depression-era. Some of the $10 bills have been appraised to be worth $85 each. Unfortunately, since Kitts found the fortune in a client’s home, there has been conflict over who gets to keep the money. Read about it here.
4. Smoking Pipe from the 1800s
This pipe was found by Terry McBride in his Missouri home. Terry stumbled upon the pipe when fixing the exterior siding on his kitchen.
5. $50,000 Gold Brick
Calgary-based plumber found a gold brick worth $50,000 CAD during a bathroom renovation. Can you imagine? He gave the bar to the owner of the home.
6. Keith Haring Mural
Behind a wall in a NYC apartment was a Keith Haring mural back from when he was a student at the School of Visual Arts. It’s apparently amazing that it survived since it was next to a sprinkler pipe and the paint is water soluble. It adds about $100,000 value to the apartment.