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ALLISON CONSULTING GROUP, LLC

Website: http://apinspect.homecheck.com
Email: projman6@msn.com
Phone: (909) 973-9458
FAX: (909) 931-0878
Po Box 542 
Mt. Baldy, CA 91759
Inspector: Timothy Allison
NACHI #07121504

 

Property Inspection Report
Client(s): Dr Ayeth Hawatmeh
Property address: 3447 4th Street
Riverside, CA
Inspection date: Sunday, August 09, 2009
This report published on 8/9/2009 10:16:04 PM PDT

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This report is the exclusive property of ALLISON CONSULTING GROUP 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 

Structural Pest Inspection Concerns
Items of concern relating to the structural pest inspection are shown as follows:
WDO/WDI InfestationEvidence of infestation of wood destroying insects or organisms (Live or dead insect bodies, fungal growth, etc.) 
WDO/WDI DamageDamage caused by wood destroying insects or organisms (Rot, carpenter ant galleries, etc.) 
WDO/WDI 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

Table of Contents
General information
Exterior
Roof
Attic
Electric service
Water heater
Heating and cooling
Plumbing
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Interior rooms
 
General information Return to table of contents
Report number: 2009ayeth1
Structures inspected: 5 unit apartment conversion
Age of building: -58 y.o.
Time started: 11:00
Time finished: 12:00
Inspection Fee: 300.00
Payment method: Invoiced
Present during inspection: Owners agent and buyers broker
Occupied: Yes
Weather conditions: Clear
Temperature: Warm
Front of structure faces: North
Main entrance faces: North
Foundation type: Slab on grade
The following items are excluded from this inspection: Private sewage disposal system, Security system, Irrigation system, Shed, Low voltage outdoor lighting, Water filtration system, Water softener system, Built-in sound system, Intercom systemWall / window mounted A/C units
1)   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 hygienists, 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:
  • The Environmental Protection Association (http://www.epa.gov)
  • The Consumer Products Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov)
  • The Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov)
     
    Exterior Return to table of contents
    Footing material: Poured in place concrete
    Foundation material: Poured in place concrete
    Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
    Wall covering: Stucco
    Driveway material: Poured in place concrete
    Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete
    Exterior door material: Solid core wood
    2) Rot was found in one or more stair treads. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary, replacing all rotten wood.
    3)   One or more sets of stairs are wobbly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary, such as installing additional supports and/or diagonal bracing.
    4)   Trip hazard(s) exist at stairs due to non-uniform riser heights. Standard building practices call for riser heights not to vary more than 3/8 inch on a flight of stairs. At a minimum, the client(s) should be aware of this hazard, especially when guests who are not familiar with the stairs are present. Ideally a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace stairs so all riser heights are within 3/8 inch of each other.
    5)   Stairs are unsafe due to a non-standard configuration, such as too-high riser heights and/or too-narrow tread depths. Standard building practices call for riser heights not to exceed eight inches and tread depths to be at least nine inches but preferably 11 inches. Riser heights should not vary more than 3/8 inch on a flight of stairs. At a minimum, the client(s) should be aware of this hazard, especially when guests who are not familiar with the stairs are present. Ideally a qualified contractor should repair or replace stairs so they conform to standard building practices.
    6)   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 8  
    Gaps in rail should not exceed 4-1/8" for child safety.

    Photo 13  
    Consult termite report.

    Photo 20  

    Photo 21  

    7) Flashing missing from A/C unit penetration.

    Photo 22  
     

    8) Wooden timbers in one or more retaining walls are rotten or damaged by wood destroying insects. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace wall(s) as necessary.
    9) Rot was found at the base of the stair stringers. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced or removed and soil should be graded and/or removed if necessary to maintain at least a 6" gap between wood and soil.
    10)   Fences and/or gates are damaged and/or deteriorated in some areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs or replace sections as necessary.
    11)   One or more crawl space vent screens are missing. Animals such as vermin or pets may enter the crawl space and nest, die and/or leave feces and urine. A qualified contractor should install screens where missing using screen material such as "hardware cloth" with 1/4 inch minimum gaps.
    12) One or more minor cracks (1/8 inch or less) were found in the foundation. These don't appear to be a structural concern, but recommend sealing them to prevent water 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.
    13) The exterior finish in some areas is failing. A qualified contractor should prep (pressure wash, scrape, sand, prime caulk, etc.) and repaint or restain areas as needed and as per standard building practices.
    14) Wooden timbers in one or more retaining walls have minor amounts of rot and/or damage by wood destroying insects. The client(s) should monitor such walls in the future for continued rotting and/or damage. Repairs and/or replacement by a qualified contractor may be necessary in the future.
    15)   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: Viewed from ground with binoculars
    Roof type: Gable
    Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
    Estimated age of roof: <5 y.o.
    Roof ventilation: Adequate
     
    Attic Return to table of contents
    Inspection method: Viewed from hatch, Partially traversed
    Roof structure type: Rafters
    Ceiling structure: Ceiling beams
    Insulation material: None visible
    16)   Wire splices are exposed due to not being contained in a covered junction box. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock and fire. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, install securely mounted junction boxes with cover plates where needed to contain wiring splices.

    Photo 1  

    Photo 5  

    Photo 6  

    Photo 7  

    17)   Cover plate(s) are missing from one or more electric boxes, such as for receptacles, switches and/or junction boxes. They are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from exposed wires. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire and shock. Cover plates should be installed where missing.
    18)   No ceiling insulation is installed in the attic. A qualified contractor should install insulation for better energy efficiency and as per standard building practices with an R rating recommended for this area.

    Photo 2  
     

    19)   Water supply pipes are uninsulated. Recommend insulating pipes as necessary for better energy efficiency and to prevent water pipes from freezing.
    20)   Attic vent clogged with dust.

    Photo 3  
     
     
    Electric service Return to table of contents
    Primary service type: Overhead
    Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
    Service amperage (amps): 400
    Service voltage (volts): 120/240
    Location of main disconnect: Breaker at top of main service panel
    Service entrance conductor material: Copper
    System ground: Unable to locate, recommend evaluation and repair by licensed contractor.
    Main disconnect rating (amps): 100
    Branch circuit wiring type: Knob and tube, Copper
    Solid strand aluminum branch circuit wiring present: No
    Smoke detectors present: Yes
    21)   This property has "knob and tube" wiring, which was commonly installed prior to 1950. It is ungrounded, and considered unsafe by today's standards. Over time, the wire's insulation may become brittle and fall apart or wear thin, resulting in exposed conductors and a risk of shock and/or fire. This wiring is also easily damaged by covering it with insulation (a common practice), and incorrectly tapping new wiring into it.

    Some energized knob and tube wiring was found during the inspection. It is not within the scope of this inspection to determine what percentage of this property's wiring is of the knob and tube type, or to determine what percentage of the knob and tube wiring is energized vs. abandoned. A qualified electrician should evaluate this wiring and make repairs or replace wiring as necessary.

    Note that some insurance companies may be unwilling to offer homeowner's insurance for properties with knob and tube wiring. Recommend that the client(s) consult with their insurance carrier regarding this.

    22)   One or more knockouts have been removed inside the main service panel where no wires and bushings are installed, and no cover(s) have been installed to seal the hole(s). This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire. A qualified electrician should install knockout covers where missing.
    23)     Electrical meters and panels functional.

    Photo 10  

    Photo 11  

    Photo 12  
     
     
    Water heater Return to table of contents
    Estimated age: <1 y.o.
    Type: Tank
    Energy source: Natural gas
    Capacity (in gallons): 100
    Manufacturer: General Electric
    24)   Water heater closet deteriorated. Repair/replace.
    25) Corrosion present at water heater piping.

    Photo 14  
     
     
    Heating and cooling Return to table of contents
    Primary heating system energy source: Natural gas
    Primary heat system type: Fan assisted, in-wall units
    Primary A/C energy source: N/A
    Primary Air conditioning type: N/A
    Distribution system: N/A
    26)   Abandoned supply/return air duct in attic. Registers capped.

    Photo 4  
     
     
    Plumbing Return to table of contents
    Location of main water shut-off valve: Street
    Location of main water meter: Street
    Location of main fuel shut-off: Alley
    Water service: Public
    Service pipe material: Galvanized steel
    Supply pipe material: Galvanized steel
    Vent pipe material: Cast iron
    Drain pipe material: Cast iron
    Waste pipe material: Cast iron
    27)   Some, most, or all of the water supply pipes in this structure are made of galvanized steel. Based on the age of this structure, these pipes may be nearing or may have exceeded their estimated useful life of 40 to 60 years. Internal corrosion and rust can reduce the inside diameter of these pipes over time, resulting in reduced flow and eventually, leaks. The inspector performed a "functional flow test" during the inspection where multiple fixtures were run simultaneously, and found the flow to be adequate. For example, the shower flow didn't decrease substantially when the toilet was flushed. Despite this, and because of their apparent age, these pipes may need replacing at any time.
     
    Kitchen Return to table of contents

    28)   The under-sink food disposal is inoperable. A qualified plumber or contractor should evaluate and repair or replace the food disposal as necessary.
    29)   No range hood is installed over the range or cook top. Ventilation and/or lighting may be inadequate and moisture may accumulate indoors. Recommend having a qualified contractor install a vented and lighted range hood, with the exhaust fan configured so as to vent outdoors.
    30)   Vinyl flooring is damaged and/or deteriorated in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should replace or repair the damaged flooring.
     
    Bathrooms Return to table of contents

    31)   One or more sinks are clogged or drain slowly. Drain(s) should be cleared as necessary, and by a qualified plumber if necessary.
    32)   Vinyl flooring is damaged and/or deteriorated in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should replace or repair the damaged flooring.
    33) 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.
    34) Caulk is missing or deteriorated above one or more bathtubs, where the tub surround meets the tub. It should be replaced where deteriorated and/or applied where missing to prevent water intrusion and damage to the wall structure.
     
    Interior rooms Return to table of contents

    35) Bedroom window missing.

    Photo 19  
     

    36)   Unable to fully evaluate Apt 6, utilities turned off at time of inspection. Manager reports renovation in progress on this unit.

    VCT tile and carpet at end of life.

    Ceiling exhaust fan missing.

    Photo 15  

    Photo 16  

    Photo 17  

    Photo 18  

    37)   Screen(s) in one or more windows are missing. The client(s) should ask the property owner(s) about this. Screens are often removed for window cleaning and they may be stored somewhere. If not, then recommend installing screens where missing.
    38)   Carpeting in one or more rooms is damaged and/or significantly deteriorated. Recommend replacing carpeting where necessary.
     
    Thank you for choosing ALLISON CONSULTING GROUP, LLC