Website: http://www.reporthost.com/acrosstatehi
Email: acrosstate@yahoo.com
Phone: (973) 224-3215
16 Westminster Terrace 
West Orange, New Jersey 07052
Inspector: Don Sersen
Home Inspector License #24GI00085700
Radon Technician License #MET12472

 

Home Inspection Report
Client(s): Lucy Henson
Property address: 107 South Fullerton Avenue
Montclair, New Jersey 07042
Inspection date: Wednesday, July 25, 2007
This report published on 7/29/2007 6:31:11 PM EDT

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This report is the exclusive property of AcrosState Home Inspection Company and the client(s) listed in the report title. Use of this report by any unauthorized persons is prohibited.
This inspection was performrd to provide you with a general overview of all the major systems and components based upon their condition at the time of inspection. The report is intended to cover only such portions of the premises and equipment therein as may be evaluated visually.
While due care was/is exercised in the performance of these services, the company (AcrosState) and its inspector(s) makes no representations or guarantees with respect to latent or unobserved defects which may exist or surface in the future. The inspection report is not an insurance policy against future repair or replacement expense.

 
How to Read this Report
This report is organized by the property's functional areas.  Within each functional area, descriptive information is listed first and is shown in bold type.  Items of concern follow descriptive information. Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types:
SafetyPoses a risk of injury or death 
Repair/ReplaceRecommend repairing or replacing 
Repair/MaintainRecommend repair and/or maintenance 
MaintainRecommend ongoing maintenance 
EvaluateRecommend evaluation by a specialist 
MonitorRecommend monitoring in the future 
CommentFor your information 

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

Table of Contents
General information
Exterior
Roof
Garage
Attic
Electric service
Water heater
Heating and cooling
Plumbing and laundry
Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys
Crawl space
Basement
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Interior rooms
 
General information Return to table of contents
Report number: Henson07250701
Type of building: Single family
Age of building: 100+
Property owner's name: Ms. Lucy Henson
Time started and ended: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Inspection Fee: $425.00
Present during inspection: Lucy Henson
Occupied: Yes
Weather conditions: Clear
Temperature: Hot
Ground condition: Dry
 
Exterior Return to table of contents
Footing material: Not visible
Foundation material: Stone
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Stucco
Driveway material: Asphalt
Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete


1) Backyard patio slate tile is cracked and broken. Although it doesn't create a trip hazard it should be replaced.
2) 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, you may wish to have repairs made (sealent) or have cracked sections replaced for aesthetic reasons.
3) One or more minor cracks and or holes (1/8 inch less or more) were found in the foundation and stucco sideing. These don't appear to be a structural concern, but recommend sealing them to prevent water and insect infiltration and monitoring them in the future. Numerous products exist to seal such cracks including:
  • Hydraulic cement. Requires chiseling a channel in the crack to apply. See http://www.quickrete.com/catalog/HydraulicWater-StopCement.html for an example.
  • Resilient caulks (easy to apply). See http://www.quickrete.com/catalog/GrayConcreteRepair.html for an example.
  • Epoxy sealants (both a waterproof and structural repair). See http://www.mountaingrout.com/ for examples of these products.

    Photo 7  
     

    4) Gaps exist at one or more openings around the exterior, such as those where outside faucets, refrigerant lines, and/or gas supply pipes penetrate the exterior.
    Facing the house front (left) where the roof meets (butts to) the stucco wall there is some deterioration. Gaps should be sealed as necessary to prevent moisture intrusion and entry by vermin.

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    5) Recommend cleaning deck(s) and railing(s) and treating with a preservative claiming to waterproof, block ultraviolet light, and stop mildew. Consumer Reports recommends these products:

  • Cabot Decking Stain and PTW Stain
  • Olympic Water Repellent Deck Stain
  • Thompson's House and Deck Stain
  • Wolman PTW Deck Stain
  • Akzo Sikkens Cetol DEK
  • Benjamin Moore Moorwood Clear Wood Finish
  • DAP Woodlife Premium
  • Olympic Natural Look Protector Plus
    6) The substructure of the deck is excluded from the inspection due to limited access because of the low height and blocked by lattace and screening.

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    Roof Return to table of contents
    Roof inspection method: Viewed from eaves on ladder
    Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
    Roof type: Gable
    Estimated age of roof: 3 years
    Gutter & downspout material: Aluminum
    Roof ventilation: Unable to determine (no access to attic spaces) Soffitt vents are present. Unable to determine if functional
    7) Roof inspection was viewed from the eaves and with benoculars. Chimney and roof design (slope/wall) & stucco did not allow visually to evaluate flashings. Chimney appears to be recently re-pointed and roof repair was noted.

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    8) Downspout over the breakfast room should be extended to feed into the gutter. Discharge of water over time will eventually ware and reduce the effectiveness of the roofing shingles.

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    9) Because of the roof covering type and/or the configuration of the roof, the inspector was unable to traverse the roof and wasn't able to fully evaluate the entire roof.
     
    Garage Return to table of contents

    10) The garage roof shows sagging and is uneven. This may be a structural issue and a qualified engineer/roofing professional should be contracted to evaluate further. There is also signs of sagging in the interior ceiling as well.

    Photo 6  
     

    11) Safety containment cables are missing for one or more vehicle door springs. This is a safety hazard. Safety containment cables prevent springs from snapping free and causing damage or injury. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs or replace components 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

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    12) Garage Roof inspection method: From the eaves

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    Attic Return to table of contents
    Inspection method: All walls, ceilings and floors were covered. The attic was converted to living space.
    Roof structure type: Not visible
    Ceiling structure: Not visible
    Insulation material: None visible
    13) No accessible attic spaces were found or inspected at this property. Attic space was converted to living space.
     
    Electric service Return to table of contents
    Primary service type: Overhead
    Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
    Service amperage (amps): 200
    Service voltage (volts): 120/240
    Location of main service switch: South wall of basement
    Location of main disconnect: Breaker at top of main service panel
    System ground: Cold water supply pipes
    Main disconnect rating (amps): 200
    Branch circuit wiring type: Copper
    Smoke detectors present: Yes
    Service entrance conductor material: Aluminum
    14) One or more overcurrent protection devices (circuit breakers or fuses) are "double tapped", where 2 or more wires are clamped in a terminal designed for only one wire. This is a safety hazard since the bolt or screw may tighten securely against one wire, but leave others loose. Arcing, sparks and fires may result. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary.

    Photo 10  
     

    15) One or more connections with aluminum wires in the main service panel lack anti-oxidant paste. Oxidation usually occurs without it, and may result in poor connections, overheating, and possibly fires. A qualified electrician should evaluate and apply anti-oxidant paste as necessary.
    16) The service panel is at maximum capacity. Any additional electrical needs would require larger service. A qualified electrician should evaluate should that need present itself
     
    Water heater Return to table of contents
    Model: Sears Kenmore High Performance
    Estimated age: 2 years
    Type: Tank
    Energy source: Natural gas
    Capacity (in gallons): 75
     
    Heating and cooling Return to table of contents
    Estimated age: 5-7
    Primary heating system energy source: Natural gas
    Primary heat system type: Forced air, Standard efficiency
    Primary A/C energy source: Natural Gas
    Primary Air conditioning type: Split system
    Distribution system: Sheet metal ducts
    Manufacturer: Amana Gas Furnace
    Model: 80 SSE Air Command
    Filter location: At the base of the furnace Electric Air Cleaner cabinet
    Last service date: April 2007
    Manufacturer: Lennox Air Condenser
    Model: Lenox AC M/N-10ACC-060-230-04
    17) For safety reasons, and because this system is fueled by gas, a qualified heating and cooling contractor should inspect, clean, and service this system annually. For more information visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05017.html
    18) Air handler filter(s) should be checked monthly in the future and replaced or washed as necessary.
    19) The heating system was not inspected/tested due to owner/client request.
    There is a Ultravolite Treatment System (Envircare Elite) installed. It was not tested as per owner/client request.
     
    Plumbing and laundry Return to table of contents
    Water service: Public
    Water pressure (psi): 70 psi
    Location of main water shut-off valve: North side of basement
    Location of main water meter: North side of basement
    Service pipe material: Galvanized steel
    Supply pipe material: Copper, Galvanized steel
    Drain pipe material: Plastic
    Waste pipe material: Plastic, Galvanized steel
    Vent pipe material: Plastic
    20) 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

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    21) Neither the clothes washer nor dryer were operated or evaluated. They are excluded from this inspection.
     
    Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys Return to table of contents
    Fireplace type: Masonry
    Chimney type: Masonry
    22) Fireplace was gas operated and operational. Fireplace and inside chimney was not inspected as per client request.
     
    Crawl space Return to table of contents
    Inspection method: Not inspected as per client
     
    Basement Return to table of contents
    Insulation material underneath floor above: None visible
    Pier or support post material: Bearing wall
    Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
    23) One or more flights of stairs with more than two risers have no handrail installed. This is a safety hazard. A qualified contractor should install graspable handrails that your hand can completely encircle at stairs where missing, and as per standard building practices.
    Servant stairway, although quite narrow, does not have handrails.
    Basement stairway does not have handrails.
     
    Kitchen Return to table of contents

    24) One or more electric receptacles (2) that serve countertop surfaces within six feet of a sink appear to have no ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate to determine if GFCI protection exists, and if not, repairs should be made so that all receptacles that serve countertop surfaces within six feet of sinks have GFCI protection.
    25) A GFCI ground fault circuit interrupter should be installed under sink for the garbage disposal unit. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate to determine if GFCI protection exists, and if not, repairs should be made so that all receptacles that serve the disposal unit (within six feet of sinks) have GFCI protection. For example, install GFCI receptacles or circuit breaker(s) as needed.

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    Bathrooms Return to table of contents

    26) The inspector was unable to determine if ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection is installed for the jetted tub's electric supply due to lack of access to the equipment below the tub. If no GFCI protection is installed, then this is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified contractor and/or electrician should evaluate and install GFCI protection if none exists. If necessary, modifications should be made to allow access to the GFCI device for periodic evaluation and to reset it when it trips.
    27) Recommend cleaning and sealing grout in tile or stone flooring now and in the future as necessary to prevent staining and to improve waterproofing.
     
    Interior rooms Return to table of contents

    28) This structure was built prior to 1979 and may contain lead paint. Laws were enacted in 1978 in the US preventing the use of lead paint in residential structures. Lead is a known safety hazard, especially to children but also to adults. The paint found in and around this structure appeared to be intact and may be encapsulated by more recent layers of paint that are not lead-based. Regardless, recommend following precautions as described in the following links to Consumer Products Safety Commission website articles regarding possible lead paint.

    What You Should Know About Lead Based Paint in Your Home: Safety Alert - CPSC Document #5054

    CPSC Warns About Hazards of "Do lt Yourself" Removal of Lead Based Paint: Safety Alert - CPSC Document #5055

    29) One or more bedroom windows (attic) ( AC unit) have inadequate egress in the event of a fire due to it being blocked by AC unit. Bedroom windows should be easy to open, stay open by themselves, and have:

  • A maximum sill height of 44 inches from the floor
  • A minimum width of opening of 20 inches
  • A minimum height of opening of 24 inches
  • A minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet (5 square feet for ground floor).
    For more information, visit http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/pages/h00100.asp
    30) Wood flooring in one or more areas is worn. Refinish wood flooring as necessary.

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