Armstrong Home Inspections

Website: http://www.armstronginspect.com
Email: armstrong4x4@msn.com
Phone: (804) 539-5993 · (804) 598-5930
2933 Deercreek Trail, Powhatan, Va. 23139
Inspector: Danny Armstrong

  

HOME INSPECTION REPORT
Client(s): Ritu and Amit Bhargava
Property address: 8349 Charing Ln.
Glen Allen, Va.
Inspection date: 11/24/2010
This report published on Thursday, November 25, 2010 9:00:05 AM EST

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Thank you for allowing me to inspect this property for you.
The inspection completed on this home was a visual, non-intrusive evaluation of the condition of the property and all related components at the time of the inspection.

This inspection report contains information on the condition of the property on the day of the inspection. Armstrong Home Inspections assumes no liabilities for the future condition of the property.

Electrical, mechanical and plumbing components can fail without warning. It is impossible to predict the future serviceability of these components.

Weather conditions can affect the accuracy of the statements given in the report. Examples: A roof that appears in good condition could possibly leak during a heavy rain and / or wind event. A basement or crawl space that shows no signs of water entry could have water issues during and after a heavy rain and / or wind event.

 
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 
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
Attached garage
Electric service
Water heater
Heating and air conditioning
Attic
Plumbing and laundry
Fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances
Crawl space
Interior rooms
Appliances
 
General information Return to table of contents
Overview: This inspection was completed on a two story (with 3rd story bonus room) single family home.
Property address: 8349 Charing Ln.
Client name: Ritu and Amit Bhargava
Report number: Bhargava112410
Inspector's name: Danny Armstrong
Date of inspection: 11/24/10
Time started: 8:30 am
Time finished: 12:00 pm.
Inspection Fee: $400.00
Present during inspection: Buyer, Realtor
Occupied: Yes
Age of building: Approx. 9 years.
Type of building: Single family
Weather conditions: Clear
Temperature: Cool
Ground condition: Dry
Foundation type: Crawlspace
 
Exterior Return to table of contents
Footing material: Poured in place concrete
Foundation material: Concrete block
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Vinyl, Brick veneer
Driveway material: Asphalt
Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete aggregate
Exterior door material: Solid core steel
1) The built-in bench in the rear deck is somewhat loose. The railing is loose as well since this is part of the bench structure.

The bench is bolted at the bottom. The bolts may be loose. Recommend tightening bolts and adding screws or nails to strengthen the rail and bench.
Cost estimate: $ 100

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2) The rear door binds at the bottom on the threshold. Recommend adjusting door or threshold for smooth operation of the door.
Cost estimate: $ 100

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Roof Return to table of contents
Roof inspection method: Viewed from eaves on ladder, Viewed from ground
Roof type: Cross gable
Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Estimated age of roof: Original, approx. 9 years.
Gutter material: Aluminum
Downspout material: Aluminum
Roof ventilation: Adequate
3) The roofing appeared in good condition. No defects noted.
 
Attached garage Return to table of contents
4) The garage door opener safety controls were tested. Safety auto-reverse was adjusted correctly.

No defects noted with garage.
 
Electric service Return to table of contents
Primary service type: Underground
Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
Service amperage (amps): 200
Service voltage (volts): 120-240
Location of main service panel: Garage.
Location of main disconnect: Breaker at top of main panel
Service conductor material: Aluminum
Main disconnect rating (amps): 200
Branch circuit wiring type: Non-metallic sheathed ("Romex")
Solid strand aluminum branch circuit wiring present: No
Smoke detectors present: Yes
5) No electrical defects noted.
6)   200 amp service panel in garage.

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Water heater Return to table of contents
Estimated age: Approx. 9 years.
Type: Tank
Energy source: Natural gas
Capacity (in gallons): 75
Brand & model: A.O. Smith. Mod. no. FSG 75
7)   75 gallon gas water heater, located in attic.

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Heating and air conditioning Return to table of contents
Heating system energy source: Natural gas
Heat system type: Forced air
A/C energy source: Electric
Air conditioning type: Split system
Distribution system: Sheet metal ducts, Flexible ducts
8) The home is served by a two zone system with two gas fired forced air furnaces and central air conditioning.

The systems are manufactured by York Corp. One 2.5 ton capacity air conditioning system and one 3.5 ton.

Both systems operated normally during the inspection.

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9) NOTE: Filters are located in returns.
 
Attic Return to table of contents
Inspection method: Traversed
Roof structure type: Trusses, Rafters
Ceiling structure: Ceiling beams
Insulation material: Fiberglass loose fill
Insulation estimated R value: R30
10) Attic area.

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Plumbing and laundry Return to table of contents
Location of main water shut-off valve: In crawl sapce near access door.
Location of main water meter: Front near street.
Location of main fuel shut-off: Valve at gas meter (outside).
Water service: Public
Service pipe material: Polyethelene
Supply pipe material: Copper
Vent pipe material: Plastic
Drain pipe material: Plastic
Waste pipe material: Plastic
11) No plumbing defects noted.
 
Fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances Return to table of contents
Fireplace type: Metal prefabricated
12) The gas log fireplace operated normally during the inspection.
 
Crawl space Return to table of contents
Inspection method: Traversed
Insulation material underneath floor above: Fiberglass roll or batt
Pier or support post material: Masonry
Beam material: Solid wood
Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
Vapor barrier present: Yes
13) The crawl space appeared dry, no defects found in crawl space.

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14) Main water shut-off valves, just inside crawl space door to the right.

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Main valve on the right, irrigation valve on the left.
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15) NOTE: The valves for the water supply to the irrigation system appeared to be open. The irrigation system may not have been winterized. It should be winterized by an irrigation contractor prior to winter.
 
Interior rooms Return to table of contents
16) The left door, entering the study is separating at a joint between panels. This is due to pressure from the spring catch at the top being too hard to open.
Cost estimate: $ 100

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17) A tilt-out drawer in the kitchen cabinets is loose from the hinge.
Cost estimate: $ 50 to 75

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18) There is water staining on the front, right wall and above the shelf over the front entrance foyer.

This appears to have a one time event. Possibly a strong storm driving rain toward the front entrance. The area was dry during the inspection and showed no signs of an ongoing leak.

I checked the area from outside the window and found no obvious point of water entry.

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Appliances Return to table of contents
19) The range electronic display is defective. The range works, but has no display to show the mode of operation.
Cost estimate: $ 150 to 300

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REPAIR COST ESTIMATES: Armstrong Home Inspections does not engage in contract repairs of any kind. The estimates given are "ball park" estimates for the buyers information only. Actual costs will vary with different contractors and tradesmen.

Prices are based on the repair of each line item, savings will be realized if more than one repair is completed during the service call.

All estimates are based on work being done by qualified contractors in each trade.

Armstrong Home Inspections assumes no liability for the accuracy of cost estimates given in this report.

SCOPE: The scope of this inspection report is to include all structural, mechanical and electrical systems accessible to the inspector at the time of the inspection. The inspection has been done in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the state of Virginia July, 2003 and to the standards of ASHI (The American Society of Home Inspectors).

Armstrong Home Inspections is a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), The local chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors (CVASHI), The Virginia Association of Real Estate Inspectors (VAREI) and the Central Virginia Better Business Bureau.