Website: http://www.reporthost.com/advancedhi
Email: advhomeinspections@yahoo.com
Phone: (559) 642-3335
FAX: (866) 453-6895
39519 Brier Pl 
Bass Lake, Ca. 93604
Inspector: Ken Card

 

ADVANCED HOME INSPECTIONS
Client(s): Larry Jackson
Property address: 1212 Nowhere Ave.
Somewhere, An. 91919
Inspection date: Tuesday, December 14, 2005
This report published on 11/12/2007 11:46:53 PM PST

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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.

 
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 
Major defectCorrection likely involves a significant expense 
Repair/ReplaceRecommend repairing or replacing 
Repair/MaintainRecommend repair and/or maintenance 
Minor defectCorrection likely involves only a minor expense 
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
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Interior rooms
 
General information Return to table of contents
Report number: 150101
Structures Inspected: House, Garage
Type of building: Single family
Age of building: 20 yrs
Client name: Larry Jackson
Time started: 8.45 am
Time finished: 11.00 am
Inspection Fee: $275.00
Payment method: Check
Present during inspection: Client(s)
Occupied: Yes
Weather conditions: Partly cloudy
Temperature: Cool
Ground condition: Dry
Main entrance faces: West
Foundation type: Crawlspace, Post and pier
 
Exterior Return to table of contents
Footing material: Poured in place concrete
Foundation material: Post and pier
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Wood panels
Driveway material: Poured in place concrete
Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete
Exterior door material: Wood panel, Glass panel
Fences: Wood
Chimney Type: Metal
Flue Cap: Yes

1) Safety, Minor defect - One or more outside faucets are missing backflow prevention devices. These devices reduce the likelihood of polluted or contaminated water entering the potable water supply. This condition can occur when an outside faucet is left in the "on" position with a hose connected and the sprayer head turned off. When pressure in the system fluctuates, water can be drawn back into the water supply pipes from the house. If a chemical sprayer is being used with the hose, those chemicals can enter the water supply pipes.

Recommend installing backflow prevention devices on all exterior hose bibs where missing. They are available at most home improvement stores and are easily installed. For more information, visit: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_AE079

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2) Major defect, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Cracks, deterioration, leaning and/or bowing were found in one or more retaining walls. Because of the height or proximity to foundations or property lines, a qualified structural engineer should evaluate to determine what repairs are necessary. Repairs should be made by a qualified licensed contractor.

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3) Major defect - Cracks were noticed in front retaining wall. Recommend immediate repair or further evaluation by a structural engineer.

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4) Repair/Maintain - It appears that the support post are in contact with the soil. 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 support post and the soil below.

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5) Monitor - Stains were found in one or more areas on soffit boards, but no elevated moisture levels were found and the wood appears to be in good condition. Based on the appearance of the roof, these stains may be from past leaks. Recommend monitoring these areas in the future. If moisture is observed, a qualified licensed contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
6) Comment - 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.
 
Roof Return to table of contents
Roof inspection method: Traversed
Roof type: Gable
Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Estimated age of roof: 20 yrs
Multiple Layers: No
Skylights: No
Gutter & downspout material: Aluminum
Roof ventilation: Adequate
7) Major defect, Evaluate - The roof surface material appears to be near the end of its service life and will likely need replacing in the near future, even with repairs. The client(s) should budget for a replacement roof surface, and may want to have a qualified licensed roofing contractor evaluate and attempt to issue a "5 year roof certificate".
8) Maintain - Moss is growing on the roof. As a result, shingles may lift or be damaged. Leaks may result and/or the roof surface may fail prematurely. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms. Efforts should be taken to kill the moss during its growing season (wet months). Typically zinc-based chemicals are used for this, and must be applied periodically. For information on various moss treatment products and their pros and cons, visit http://bryophytes.science.oregonstate.edu/page24.htm.

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Garage Return to table of contents
9) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - 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 licensed 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
 
Attic Return to table of contents
Inspection method: Traversed
Roof structure type: Rafters
Ceiling structure: Ceiling beams
Roof Sheathing: Plywood
Insulation material: Fiberglass roll or batt
Ventilation: Yes
Plumbing: OK
10) Minor defect - No insulation is installed over the attic access hatch. Recommend installing insulation above hatch for better energy efficiency.
 
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 panel: Rear of house
Location of main disconnect: Breaker at top of main service panel
Service entrance conductor material: Copper
System ground: Ground rod(s) in soil
Main disconnect rating (amps): 200
Branch circuit wiring type: Non-metallic sheathed
Solid strand aluminum branch circuit wiring present: No
Smoke detectors present: Yes
11) Safety, Repair/Replace - Exposed wiring and/or bus bars exist in the main service panel due to closure covers missing (slots where circuit breakers fit through the panel cover). This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. Closure covers should be installed where missing to eliminate exposed wiring, and by a qualified licensed electrician if necessary..

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Water heater Return to table of contents
Estimated age: 10 yrs
Type: Tank
Energy source: Propane
Capacity (in gallons): 40
Manufacturer: A.O. Smith
Model: G40-35040
Water temperature (degrees Fahrenheit): 109
12) Safety, Repair/Replace - The water heater does not have seismic straps or struts installed. This is a potential safety hazard since movement can cause leaks in the gas supply lines or damage wiring. Leaks may also occur in water supply pipes. A qualified licensed contractor should install seismic straps or struts as necessary and as per standard building practices.
13) Repair/Maintain, Evaluate - Dissimilar metals were used at the supply lines at top of water heater. Copper and galvanized metal connections can cause a die electric reaction, causing corrosion or restriction of water flow. Recommend licensed plumber to evaluate.

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14) Comment - A permanently installed insulated jacket is installed on the water heater. It obscures most of the water heater. The inspector was unable to fully evaluate the water heater.
 
Heating and cooling Return to table of contents
Estimated age: 1 yr
Primary heating system energy source: Propane gas
Primary heat system type: Forced air
Distribution system: Sheet metal ducts, Flexible ducts, Metal pipe
Manufacturer: Coleman
Model: LM8S080A
Filter location: At the base of the furnace
Thermostat: OK
 
Plumbing and laundry Return to table of contents
Water pressure (psi): 65
Location of main water shut-off valve: Front of house under stairs
Stop and Waste valve: No
Location of main water meter: Curbside
Location of main fuel shut-off: At tank, front yard
Location of main fuel shut-off: At propane tank in front yard
Visible fuel storage systems: Propane Tank
Water service: Public
Service pipe material: Galvanized steel
Supply pipe material: Copper, Galvanized steel, CPVC
Vent pipe material: Plastic
Drain pipe material: Plastic
Waste pipe material: Plastic
15) Repair/Replace, Comment - The washing machine has rubber supply hoses which a prone to failure and can cause water leaks. If the washing machine is to go with the sale of the house recommend replacing with steel braided hoses.

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Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys Return to table of contents
Woodstove type: Metal
Flue type: Metal
Dampner: No
16) - The woodburning stove appears to be non compliant per local jurisdiction, and may require removal before close of escrow
 
Crawl space Return to table of contents
Inspection method: Traversed
Insulation material underneath floor above: Fiberglass roll or batt
Pier or support post material: Wood, Concrete
Beam material: Solid wood
Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
Vapor barrier present: No
 
Kitchen Return to table of contents
Appliances: Stove, Oven
Cabinets: Solid wood
Finish: Stained
Sinks: Enamel
Counters: Ceramic
17) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The range hood fan is noisy or vibrates excessively. A qualified licensed contractor should evaluate and repair or replace the fan or range hood as necessary.
18) Safety - Romex bushing is missing at bottom of garbage disposal. This can be an electrical fire hazard as the wire insulation can rub against metal and short out. Recommend a licensed electrician repair as soon as possible

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19) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Tile, stone and/or grout countertops are damaged and/or deteriorated in one or more areas. A qualified licensed contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, replacing broken tiles and deteriorated grout, and resealing grout.
 
Bathrooms Return to table of contents
20) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more electric receptacles that serve countertop surfaces within six feet of a sink appear to have no ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. This was not a requirement on homes built or remodeled prior to 1975 for bathrooms and 1987 for kitchens. This is poses as a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified licensed electrician should evaluate to determine if GFCI protection exists, and if not, recommend installing GFCI receptacles that serve countertop surfaces within six feet of sinks.

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21) Repair/Maintain - Caulk is missing or deteriorated along the base of one or more bathtubs, where flooring meets the tub. It should be replaced where deteriorated and/or applied where missing to prevent water intrusion and damage to the floor structure.
 
Interior rooms Return to table of contents
Walls: Drywall/plaster
Flooring: Carpet, Sheet vinyl/laminate
Ceiling: Drywall/plaster, Wood
Smoke detectors: Yes
22) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more electric receptacles have reverse-polarity wiring, where the hot and neutral wires are reversed. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified licensed electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
23) Comment - Minor cracks were found in walls in one or more areas. They do not appear to be a structural concern, but the client(s) may wish to repair these for aesthetic reasons.

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Congratulations on your home purchase.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 559 642 3335

Thank you for your business!
Ken Card
Advanced home inspections