Summary Page
| ADVANCED HOME INSPECTIONS | |
| Client(s): | Larry Jackson |
| Property address: | 1212 Nowhere Ave. Somewhere, An. 91919 |
| Inspection date: | Tuesday, December 14, 2005 |
1) Exterior:
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
2) Exterior:
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.
3) Exterior:
Major defect
- Cracks were noticed in front retaining wall. Recommend immediate repair or further evaluation by a structural engineer.
4) Exterior:
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.
5) Exterior:
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) Exterior:
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.
7) Roof:
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) Roof:
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.
9) Garage:
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
10) Attic:
Minor defect
- No insulation is installed over the attic access hatch. Recommend installing insulation above hatch for better energy efficiency.
11) Electric service:
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..
12) Water heater:
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) Water heater:
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.
14) Water heater:
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.
15) Plumbing and laundry:
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.
17) Kitchen:
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) Kitchen:
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
19) Kitchen:
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.
20) Bathrooms:
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.
21) Bathrooms:
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.
22) Interior rooms:
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) Interior rooms:
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.