Skilled Tradies is excited to bring you a series of mysteries and out-of-the-ordinary stories related to renovations across the world. The stories are captured from varied sources and renovators worldwide; this is the first of many intriguing stories to come.
Renovating homes can be unpredictable, but for contractor Vadim Kharkhavyy, the surprises went beyond dated wallpaper or rusted pipes. While remodeling a bathroom in a Ballard home in Seattle, he stumbled upon something extraordinary: a grenade hidden under the bathtub. How did it get there? How did Vadim manage to get it to safety? Let’s have a closer look at the full story.
A Shocking Discovery
It started like any ordinary workday for Vadim, who owns Polar Bear Construction. As he ripped out an old bathtub, he noticed something unusual lodged between the studs. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a grenade.
“My first thought was to get out of there,” Vadim told KIRO 7 News. Understandably shaken, he rushed outside, caught his breath, and decided to document the situation. “I zoomed in on my phone and took a closer peek. I’m like, that’s an actual freaking grenade,” he said.
Vadim’s next steps were cautious. He set the tub down, stepped out of the room, and waited for about five minutes, unsure if he might accidentally trigger an explosive. “I didn’t know if I set something off,” he shared with Professional Remodel.
Seattle Police and the bomb squad were called to the scene to investigate. Fortunately, the grenade was not live, and the situation was quickly deemed safe.
The Hidden Compartment
The grenade wasn’t just lying around—it was deliberately concealed. It was tucked into a hidden compartment beneath the bathtub, accessible only through a closet on the other side of the wall.
“Even if you open that compartment, you still would not know it’s there,” Vadim explained. “You wouldn’t even have known if you put your head in there because everything is so tight with all the electrical and plumbing in the way.” He theorized that someone had intentionally hidden it. “Somebody had to know, you know, that it was there because of the way they reached in.”
A Link to the Past
Investigators believe the grenade’s origin might date back to World War II. Vadim mentioned that police told him it’s not uncommon for veterans to have brought weapons home after the war. In some cases, these items were stored away and forgotten over time.
A public information officer for the Seattle Police Department said it remains unclear who placed the grenade there or how long it had been hidden. The ATF website notes that dummy grenades and other deactivated devices are not classified as weapons, offering a possible explanation for why they ended up there.
Balancing Risk and Responsibility
The discovery wasn’t just startling; it was disruptive. Vadim lost three hours of work as a result, but he knew the risk wasn’t worth rushing back to the job. “Whether it’s a bomb, whether it’s a grenade — it’s an explosive. I have kids and a wife at home, so I’d rather play it safe than sorry,” he said.
His reaction highlights the unpredictable nature of renovation work. While most finds are harmless, unexpected discoveries like this remind us of the potential dangers lurking in old homes.
Other Odd Finds During Renovations
While the grenade was Vadim’s most unusual discovery, it wasn’t his first surprise on the job. Over the years, he has come across dated magazines, old newspapers, and other forgotten relics hidden inside walls and under floors.
This phenomenon isn’t unique to Seattle. On December 31, 2023, a new homeowner in White Settlement, Texas, discovered a military-style hand grenade while renovating their property. The Fort Worth Fire Department’s Arson and Bomb Investigation team confirmed that the grenade was also inactive.
Such findings often stem from a combination of human behavior—hoarding, forgetfulness, or even deliberate concealment. Homes carry the stories of their past residents, and sometimes, these stories include objects that were never meant to be found.
What Can We Learn?
Vadim’s experience underscores the importance of caution during home renovations. If you ever come across a suspicious item, call the authorities immediately. It’s always better to prioritize safety over curiosity.
Old homes hold untold stories, and while most discoveries are harmless, every now and then, someone finds something truly extraordinary. It makes you wonder: What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever discovered in your home or during renovations?
