 | NJ Home Inspector LLCWebsite: http://www.njhomeinspectorllc.comCompany email: patrickytan@njhomeinspectorllc.com Inspector's email: yongchiew_tan@hotmail.com Company phone: (732) 325-7627 · (201) 421-4170 Inspector's phone: (201) 421-4170 FAX: (732) 667-3722 220 Maple Ave S Bound Brook NJ 08880 |
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HOME INSPECTION REPORT By Patrick Y Tan NJHI # 24GI00103200 | |
| Client(s): | Mr. Sample |
| Property address: | Some Place City, State 00000 |
| Inspection date: | 01/01/2011 |
This report is the exclusive property of this inspection company and the client(s) listed in the report title. Use of this report by any unauthorized persons is prohibited.
 | Safety | Poses a risk of injury or death |
 | Major defect | Correction likely involves a significant expense |
 | Repair/Replace | Recommend repairing or replacing |
 | Repair/Maintain | Recommend repair and/or maintenance |
 | Minor defect | Correction only involves a minor expense |
 | Maintain | Recommend ongoing maintenance |
 | Evaluate | Recommend evaluation by a specialist |
 | Monitor | Recommend monitoring in the future |
 | Comment | For your information |
Wood Destroying Organism Concerns
Concerns relating to wood destroying organisms are shown as follows:
 | Infestation | Evidence of infestation of wood destroying insects or organisms (Live or dead insect bodies, fungal growth, etc.) |
 | Damage | Damage caused by wood destroying insects or organisms (Rot, carpenter ant galleries, etc.) |
 | Conducive conditions | Conditions conducive for wood destroying insects or organisms (Wood-soil contact, shrubs in contact with siding, roof or plumbing leaks, etc.) |
Click here for a glossary of building construction terms.
Contact your inspector if there are terms that you do not understand, or visit the glossary of construction terms at http://www.reporthost.com/glossary.asp| General information | Return to table of contents |
Structures built prior to 1979 may contain lead-based paint and/or asbestos in various building materials such as insulation, siding, and/or floor and ceiling tiles. Both lead and asbestos are known health hazards. Evaluating for the presence of lead and/or asbestos is not included in this inspection. The client(s) should consult with specialists as necessary, such as industrial hygenists, professional labs and/or abatement contractors for this type of evaluation. For information on lead, asbestos and other hazardous materials in homes, visit these websites:| Exterior | Return to table of contents |
Trip hazards were found in footpath leading the the main entrance, at the joint between the footpath and driveway, due to their different levels. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary to eliminate trip hazards.
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One or more large trees on the property may be likely to fall on the structure, and are a potential safety hazard. Recommend consulting with a qualified arborist to determine if tree(s) need to be removed and/or pruned.
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The Front Entrance door's timber sole-plate/threshold is damaged and deteriorated and should be repaired or replaced by a qualified contractor.
 Photo 41 |
One or more outside faucets appeared to be inoperable. No water came out of the faucet(s) when turned on. This may be due to a (winterizing) shut-off valve being turned off. As per the NACHI and ASHI Standards of Practice, the inspector did not attempt to turn on or off any water supply shut-off valves. Recommend that the client(s) ask the seller about outside faucets with no water, and/or have a qualified plumber evaluate and repair faucet(s) as necessary.
 Photo 50 |
One or more downspouts are dented, damaged and/or crushed. This can restrict the water flow and result in clogging and overflowing gutters. Water may accumulate around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms, and may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. Damaged downspouts should be repaired or replaced as necessary, and by a qualified contractor if necessary.
 Photo 46 |
Soil is in contact with or less than six inches from siding and/or trim. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms. Soil should be graded and/or removed as necessary so there are at least six inches of space between the siding and trim and the soil below.
 Photo 48 |
Minor cracks were found in the driveway. However they don't appear to be a structural concern and no trip hazards were found. No immediate action is recommended, but the client(s) may wish to have repairs made or have cracked sections replaced for aesthetic reasons.
 Photo 42 |
One or more light fixtures have missing bulbs and could not be fully evaluated. Bulbs may simply need to be installed, or repairs or replacement may be necessary.
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| Roof | Return to table of contents |
One or more sections of flashing at the base of the chimney are deteriorated and/or substandard. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluated and repair as necessary.
 Photo 53 |
Debris has accumulated in one or more gutters. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects since gutters may overflow and cause water to come in contact with the structure's exterior or make water accumulate around the foundation. Gutters should be cleaned now and as necessary in the future.
 Photo 47 |
The roof was completely obscured by snow and couldn't be fully evaluated.
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Photo 1 |
| Garage | Return to table of contents |
The auto-reverse mechanism on the vehicle door opener is inoperable or requires too much force to activate. This is a safety hazard, especially for small children. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary. For more information on garage door safety issues, visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/523.html or http://www.ohdstl.com/safety.html
 Photo 6 |
Evidence of "light to moderate" rodent infestation was found in one or more areas. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines this as less than 20 feces per square foot. Rodent infestation may be a safety hazard due to the risk of contracting Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). HPS is a rare (only 20-50 cases per year in the United states) but deadly (40% mortality rate) disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. For example, from sweeping up rodent droppings.
One ceiling surfaces have gaps, holes, or missing or inadequate surface materials. These surfaces are intended to prevent vehicle fumes from entering living spaces, and to slow the spread of fire from the garage to living spaces. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary so the ceiling surfaces that adjoin living spaces are tightly sealed and fire rated as per standard building practices. Typically these surfaces require a one-hour fire rating.
 Photo 85 |
The garage-house door poses a fire risk because it's not fire-rated (metal or solid-core construction). A qualified contractor should replace this door with a fire-rated door.
 Photo 5 |
The garage-house door isn't equipped with an automatic closing device such as sprung hinges. This door should close and latch automatically to prevent vehicle fumes from entering living spaces and/or to slow the spread of fire from the garage to living spaces. A qualified contractor should install automatic closing device(s) as necessary, and as per standard building practices, so this door closes and latches automatically.
 Photo 4 |
The wall-mounted control for the vehicle door opener is less than five feet off the floor, or within reach of children. This is a safety hazard, especially for children. Children should not be able to operate vehicle door openers. Controls for door openers should be relocated as necessary so they're at least 5 feet above floors and/or out of reach of children. For more information on garage door safety issues, visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/523.html or http://www.ohdstl.com/safety.html
| Attic | Return to table of contents |
Evidence of "light to moderate" rodent infestation was found in one or more areas. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines this as less than 20 feces per square foot. Rodent infestation may be a safety hazard due to the risk of contracting Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). HPS is a rare (only 20-50 cases per year in the United states) but deadly (40% mortality rate) disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. For example, from sweeping up rodent droppings.
The Attic Access/Stair cannot be fully closed, resulting cool air or heat loss. Recommend repair by a qualified contractor for energy efficiency as well as safety reasons.
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The attic exhaust fan was inoperable during the inspection. Recommend consulting with the property owner(s) as to how it operates and/or having a qualified contractor evaluate and repair if necessary.
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Pull-down stairs are installed for the attic access. No insulation is installed above the stairs and no weatherstripping is installed around the hatch perimeter. To reduce air leakage, recommend installing weatherstripping and an insulated hatch cover. An example of one can be seen at http://www.batticdoor.com/
 Photo 36 |
Stains were visible on the roof structure in one or more areas. These areas were dry at the time of the inspection. The stains may be caused by a past leak. Recommend asking the property owner(s) about past leaks. The client(s) should monitor these areas in the future, especially after heavy rains, to determine if active leaks exist. If leaks are found, a qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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Some attic areas were inaccessible due to lack of permanently installed walkways, the possibility of damage to insulation, low height and/or stored items. These areas are excluded from this inspection.
| Electric service | Return to table of contents |
The service drop wires are less than 3 feet from one or more doors, balconies, decks and/or windows that open. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician and/or the utility company should evaluate and repair as necessary.
 Photo 43 |
The service drop wires are in contact with trees or vegetation. Recommend having a qualified tree service company or arborist prune or remove trees as necessary to prevent straining or abrading the service drop wires.
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Photo 44 |
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One or more screws are missing from the main service panel cover and should be replaced. Because energized wiring may exist behind the holes with the missing screws, recommend that a qualified, licensed electrician replace these screws, or that care be taken to ensure that the new screws do not come in contact with wiring inside the panel when they are installed. Stock screws from the panel manufacturer should be used, or their equivalent.
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| Water heater | Return to table of contents |
The exhaust connection pipe/screws loose, Leaks may exist, may cause Health Hazards from Carbon Dioxide Poisoning.. A qualified plumbing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8 to 12 years. This water heater appears to be at this age or older and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
 Photo 11 |
A water heater is installed over finished living spaces and has no catch pan and drain installed. Recommend having a qualified contractor install a catch pan and drain to prevent water damage to finished interior spaces below if/when the water heater develops a leak or is drained.
| Heating and cooling | Return to table of contents |
At the time of Inspection the furnace could not be fully inspected, due to the access to the front of furnace was enclosed by partitions. Access to the furnance should not be blocked for normal maintenance and services. Recommend an access or door be installed by a qualified contractor. The estimated useful life for most forced air furnaces is 15 to 20 years. This furnace appears to be at this age or older and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
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Combustible materials were found less than 24 inches from the front of the oil-fueled furnace or boiler. Most manufacturers require at least a 24 inch clearance from the front. If documentation cannot be found indicating that a closer clearance is allowed, then this is a fire hazard. Combustible materials should then be moved, or repairs made by a qualified contractor, as necessary to maintain this clearance.
 Photo 58 |
Significant amounts of debris, dirt and/or dust are visible in one or more sections of supply and/or return air ducts. This can be a health hazard, especially for those with allergies or respiratory problems. The Environmental Protection Association (EPA) recommends considering having ducts professionally cleaned when "ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers". At a minimum, the visible debris should be thoroughly cleaned. Recommend having a qualified contractor clean the ducts. For more information on duct cleaning in relation to indoor air quality, visit: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html
The last service date of this system appears to be more than one year ago, or the inspector was unable to determine the last service date. The client(s) should ask the property owner(s) when it was last serviced. If unable to determine the last service date, or if this system was serviced more than one year ago, a qualified heating and cooling contractor should inspect, clean, and service this system, and make repairs if necessary. For safety reasons, and because this system is fueled by gas or oil, this servicing should be performed annually in the future. For more information visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05017.html
 Photo 15 |
The air handler's filter(s) are rusty and/or deteriorated and should be replaced or repaired.
Air handler filter(s) are dirty and should be replaced now. They should be checked monthly in the future and replaced as necessary.
 Photo 19 |
The estimated useful life for most air conditioning compressors is 8 to 15 years. The inspector was unable to determine the age of the air conditioning compressor. The clients should be aware that this air conditioning compressor may be near, at, or beyond its useful life and may need replacing at any time. Recommend attempting to determine the air conditioning compressor's age (ask property owner or service technician), and budgeting for a replacement if necessary.
 Photo 52 |
The outdoor air temperature was below 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the inspection. Because of this, the inspector was unable to operate and fully evaluate the cooling system.
 Photo 49 |
| Plumbing and laundry | Return to table of contents |
The clothes dryer is equipped with a vinyl or foil, accordion-type, flexible exhaust duct. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission considers these types of ducts to be unsafe, and a fire hazard. These types of ducts can trap lint and are susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the air flow. This duct should be replaced with a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, and by a qualified contractor if necessary. Most clothes dryer manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. For more information on dryer safety issues, see http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5022.html
 Photo 8 |
Copper water supply pipes in homes built prior to 1986 may be joined with solder that contains lead. Lead is a known health hazard, especially for children. Laws were passed in 1985 prohibiting the use of lead in solder, but prior to that solder normally contained about 50 percent lead. The client(s) should be aware of this, especially if children will be living in this structure. Evaluating for the presence of lead in this structure is not included in this inspection. The client(s) should consider having a qualified lab test for lead, and if necessary take steps to reduce or remove lead from the water supply. Various solutions such as these may be advised:
Pin holes and/or corrosion were visible on one or more areas of copper water supply pipes. This most often occurs with acid water with a pH of less than 6.5. Leaks may result because of this. A qualified plumber should evaluate and replace water supply components as necessary. The client(s) should consult with a qualified plumber regarding the possibility of acidic water, and what solutions may be available to neutralize the pH.
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One or more active leaks were found in drain and/or waste pipes or fittings. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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The clothes dryer exhaust duct is broken or disconnected in one or more places. Clothes dryers produce large amounts of moisture which should not enter structure interiors. Damage to building components may result. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make permanent repairs as necessary. For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5022.html
 Photo 9 |
The washing machine is installed over a finished living space and has no catch pan or drain installed. These are not commonly installed, but they are recommended to prevent water damage to finished interior spaces below if or when the washing machine leaks, overflows or is drained. Recommend having a qualified contractor install both a catch pan and drain.
The laundry sink is not anchored to the wall or floor. A qualified contractor should securely anchor the sink to the wall and/or floor to prevent damage to and leaks in the water supply and/or drain pipes due to the sink being moved.
 Photo 63 |
| Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys | Return to table of contents |
All solid fuel burning appliances (woodstoves and fireplaces, etc.) should be inspected annually by a qualified chimney service contractor, cleaned and repaired as necessary. Get it Checked by a qualified chimney service contractor before using it for the first time.
 Photo 55 |
The masonry chimney's mortar is deteriorated and should be repaired to prevent further, significant deterioration. Recommend having a qualified chimney service contractor or mason evaluate chimney and repair as necessary. This will likely require repointing the mortar.
 Photo 54 |
| Basement | Return to table of contents |
Evidence of "light to moderate" rodent infestation was found in one or more areas. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines this as less than 20 feces per square foot. Rodent infestation may be a safety hazard due to the risk of contracting Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). HPS is a rare (only 20-50 cases per year in the United states) but deadly (40% mortality rate) disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. For example, from sweeping up rodent droppings.
Handrail(s) at some stairs are loose. This is a safety hazard. A qualified contractor should make repairs as necessary. For example, installing new fasteners and/or hardware so handrails are securely attached.
 Photo 65 |
The Ceiling surfaces have gaps,holes,or missing surface materials. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessaary.
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Stains were found in one or more ceiling areas. However, no elevated levels of moisture were found. The Stains may be due to past roof and/or plumbing leaks. Recommend asking the property owner(s) about this, and the monitoring the stained areas in the future, especially after heavy or prolonged rain. If elevated moisture is found, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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| Kitchen | Return to table of contents |
The dishwasher drain line is not configured with a "high loop" or "air gap". A high loop is created by routing the drain line up to the bottom surface of the counter top above, and securely fastening it to that surface. It is meant to prevent water from siphoning out of the dishwasher, and to prevent water from the sink drain or food disposal from entering the dishwasher. Some dishwashers have a built-in high loop where one is not required to be configured in the drain line. The clients should try to determine if a high loop is required for this brand and model of dishwasher (review installation instructions, etc.). If one is required, or it cannot be determined if one is not required, then a qualified contractor should install a high loop as per standard building practices.
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Wood flooring in one or more areas is damaged, came off, and/or cupping. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate, repair and refinish wood flooring as necessary.
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The ceiling exhaust fan is noisy or vibrates excessively. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace the fan as necessary.
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| Bathrooms | Return to table of contents |
One or more faucets leak by handle(s) or at their base when turned on. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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 Photo 67 |
One or more bathrooms with a shower do not have an exhaust fan installed. Moisture accumulation will occur and may damage the structure. Even if the bathroom has a window that opens, it likely does not provide adequate ventilation, especially during cold weather when the window is closed. A qualified contractor should install exhaust fans as per standard building practices where missing in bathrooms with showers.
 Photo 27 |
Caulk is missing and/or deteriorated where countertops meet backsplashes in wet areas, such as around sinks. Caulk should be replaced where deteriorated and/or applied where missing to prevent water damage.
 Photo 26 |
Recommend cleaning and sealing grout in tile or stone flooring now and in the future as necessary to prevent staining and to improve waterproofing.
 Photo 29 |
The enamel coating on one or more bathtubs is damaged and/or deteriorated. For example, chipped or worn, and/or rust on some exposed steel. However, no leaks were found due to the deterioration. The client(s) should evaluate to determine if the bathtub(s) should be refinished or replaced.
 Photo 28 |
| Interior rooms | Return to table of contents |
Wood flooring in one or more areas has sharp edges, damaged and/or cupping. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate repair and refinish wood flooring as necessary.
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Evidence of "light to moderate" rodent infestation was found in one or more areas. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines this as less than 20 feces per square foot. Rodent infestation may be a safety hazard due to the risk of contracting Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). HPS is a rare (only 20-50 cases per year in the United states) but deadly (40% mortality rate) disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. For example, from sweeping up rodent droppings.
 Photo 7 |
The Sliding door to the built-in-cupboard in one the the Bedrooms is wobby. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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Lock mechanisms on one or more windows are missing and/or damaged so that they are inoperable. Repairs should be made by a qualified contractor or service technician so that windows lock and unlock easily.
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Glass in one or more windows is broken. A qualified contractor should replace glass where necessary.
 Photo 30 |
One or more doors will not open or close normally. Repairs should be made as necessary, and by a qualified contractor if necessary. For example, aligning strike plates with latch bolts and/or replacing locksets.
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One or more air supply registers are damaged and should be replaced where necessary.
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Trim or skirting (one in the Kitchen) is missing in one or more areas. Recommend having a qualified contractor install trim where missing.
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Stains were found in one or more ceiling areas. However, no elevated levels of moisture were found. The stain(s) may be due to past roof and/or plumbing leaks. Recommend asking the property owner(s) about this, and monitoring the stained area(s) in the future, especially after heavy or prolonged rain. If elevated moisture is found in the future, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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