u/Ashamed_Toe4907

Edit: to be more clear, the way it is shown in the drawing is how it was wired, all the switches worked as they should, 3-ways worked fine from both ends. I opened it up to update the switches which is how I discovered the mess. I disconnected that extra constant power and put all the other wires where they should and everything still works as it should. It also worked out even better because now I can use that extra hot down in the garage and add a much needed outlet there. Thanks everyone for the feedback!

Anyone want to take a stab at this before I call an electrician. Here is a picture of the switches in question. With all wires disconnected from the two 3-way switches, the RED traveler on top and the BLACK traveler on bottom both show 120V on the multimeter. This can't be correct, right?

Anyone want to take a stab at what is going on here before I call the electrician? This drawing shows the wiring in a box upstairs and one in the garage. Both switches have 2 wires on one of their travelers. When I disconnected all the wires from both switches and turned the breaker back on, using my multimeter I get 120V from the RED (traveler) upstairs and one of the BLACKS (also traveler) in the garage. In the top box there are 2 additional switches and wires coming and going to other flex conduit but these ones are the ones I'm trying to sort out for now. Everything works fine but this can't be correct, right? Thanks for any help!

https://preview.redd.it/u8bziyklvc2h1.jpg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0032444cceb1c58bdaea0f86235fa1bf1f5a61d8

I currently have a lamp post outside that has a 3-way switch—one inside the main level and one in the garage. We have never used the one in the garage and would like to add an outlet in that spot. Would doing something like this work? Taking one of the travelers and connecting it back to the power coming in from the panel - then use that to feed the new switch. Then use the neutral that goes to the light for the new switch. And obviously changing that first switch to a single pole. Thanks for any feedback!

https://preview.redd.it/a0xxfx0q8c1h1.jpg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6e07b8cf6c0c2a9a2194dccd48d94c06a4cb385b