Website: http://www.assurance-south.com
Email: john@assurance-south.com
Phone: (864) 494-3026
168 Brookgreen Drive 
Inman, SC 29349
Inspector: John Edwards

   

Assurance South, LLC Home Inspection Report
Client(s): John and Mary Doe
Property address: 100 Sample Street
Spartanburg, SC 29303
Inspection date: 1/24/04
This report published on 3/29/2004 12:30:42 PM EST

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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 shown in bold type. Items of concern follow descriptive information and are shown as follows:
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 
Concern items are sorted by the types listed above. Click here for a glossary of building construction terms.

Structural Pest Inspection Concerns
Items marked with the following icons relate to the structural pest inspection
InfestationEvidence of infestation of wood destroying insects or organisms (Live or dead insect bodies, fungal growth, etc.)
DamageDamage caused by wood destroying insects or organisms (Rot, carpenter ant galleries, etc.)
Conducive
conditions
Conducive conditions for wood destroying insects or organisms. (Wood-soil contact, shrubs in contact with siding, roof or plumbing leaks, etc.)

 


General information
Client is: buyer.
Report number: sample
Time started: 9:00 AM
Time finished: 2:00PM
Present during inspection: Buyer, buyer's agent
Occupied: Yes
Age of building: Approx. 60 years
Type of building: Single family
Weather conditions: Clear
Temperature: Cold
Ground condition: Wet, melting snow/ice
Main/front entrance faces: South

 


Exterior
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Vinyl
Exterior door materials/ types: Solid core wood
Exterior window frames: Metal
Storm doors installed at: front door
Condition: Good.
Storm windows: All windows
Condition: Good.
Screens installed on: all windows
Condition: Good.
Porches, patios, and decks: Front porch, Back porch
Driveway material: Asphalt, Gravel, Dirt
Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete
Additions to house: Yes--Side porch enclosed to create another room to house.
Oil tank location: Behind back porch.
SafetyRepair/ReplaceEvaluate   1) Unprotected, non-metallic sheathed wiring used outdoors, to run power to dryer in enclosed porch. Wire used to extend power to freestanding garage may be unsuitable for outdoor use. Unsheathed wires from house to insulator splice to overhead NM cable. Recommend having a qualified electrician evaluate and repair exterior wiring as appropriate. Possible solutions include rewiring using exterior-rated conduit or wire, or re-routing the wiring as appropriate.


Photo 37
Plastic-sheathed AC wire from main house feeds dryer in enclosed porch by running through outside walls.
 

Photo 41
Exposed wires from house spliced to NM cable.
 

Photo 42
NM cable run from house to freestanding garage.
 
 

SafetyRepair/Replace   2) Handrail(s) missing from entry steps to back porch. Recommend installation of handrail by a qualified contractor. Also,the back porch exterior door opens outward over steps, presenting a fall risk to persons approaching the door from either side. Recommend evaluation by a qualified contractor to determine feasibility of re-hanging door so it does not open outward over steps.


Photo 8
The stairs to the back porch lack a railing, and the door swings out over them.
 
 

SafetyRepair/Replace   3) Bottom step at back porch is chipped/broken on left side. Recomment repair by a qualified masonry contractor.


Photo 11
Bottom back step broken off at corner.
 
 

SafetyComment   4) Inconsistent rise (vertical distance) on bottom front step can cause a trip hazard.
Repair/Replace   5) Recommend patching cracks and/or holes in asphalt driveway where necessary and resealing.


Photo 2
Asphalt portion of driveway ends at front edge of house. Driveway continues as dirt and gravel to entrance of garage.
 
 

Repair/Replace   6) Perimeter grading slopes towards foundation on front wall of house (flower bed). Recommend grading soil so it slopes down and away from the building to direct rainwater away.


Photo 3
This flowerbed has a negative-slope grade going to the front foundation wall. The other side of this wall in the crawlspace shows signs of moisture intrusion.
 

Photo 17
Efflorescence and water stains on south interior foundation wall.
 

Photo 18
Evidence of significant moisture intrusion at south wall area immediately behind flower bed at front of house.
 
 

Minor defectComment   7) Minor cracks in sidewalk. These are only a cosmetic concern. No action is recommended.

 


Roof
Roof inspection method: Viewed from eaves on ladder
Roof type: Cross gable
Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Estimated age of roof: 5-10 years
General observed roof condition: Good except as noted.
Roof protrusions include: chimney(s), plumbing vents
Visible flashing located at: chimney(s), plumbing vents
Condition of visible roof flashing: Unable to determine. Flashing at fireplace chimney has been covered with black roof cement in an effort to cure ongoing leak. Black roof cement should be considered a temporary fix at best.
Gutter & downspout material: Aluminum
Repair/ReplaceEvaluate   8) Decking at roof's edge is wet and shows signs of detioration and/or rot at juncture of enclosed porch and main house. Cause should be determined and corrected, and the rotten sections of decking should be removed and replaced. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified roofing contractor.


Photo 4
This chimney is suspect in the leak problems indicated in the enclosed side porch.
 

Photo 7
This inside corner is where the enclosed porch (left) and the main house (right) meet.
 

Photo 20
The gutter is on the north face of the enclosed porch and ends at the main house. Note that the gutter is full of moss at the far end. The roof decking under the shingles is moist and rotting.
 

Photo 21
The chimney in relation to the enclosed porch roof.
 

Photo 22
Another view of the enclosed porch roof as it meets the main house. Note mold discoloration of some of the shingles.
 

Photo 38
Close up of former side porch steps. Note green growth in corner, underneath problem area.
 

 


Foundation and Structure
Footing material: Not visible
Foundation type: Crawlspace
Access: The area offered very limited access for inspection, so some items may not have been inspected.
Crawl space entry location: Back (north) side of house under kitchen for main crawlspace. Back (north) side of enclosed porch for small crawlspace.
Foundation material: Brick
Moisture barrier?: No
Overall condition of slab: See below for notes on slab floor in enclosed porch.
EvaluateMonitor Wood destroying insect or organism conducive conditions 9) It appears that the foundation under the slab floor of the enclosed porch was originally filled with dirt when the slab was first poured, and then dug out at some later time to create a small, detached crawlspace. Note the dirt caked overhead on the underside of the slab, and the mortar at the edges of some of the bricks around the hatch, suggesting that it was cut out at some time after the original construction. Although the main crawlspace appears well-ventilated, this smaller crawlspace has no ventilation except for a few holes drilled in the mortar between it and the main crawlspace which are unlikely to provide any useful amount of ventilation. This crawlspace appears damp, and heavy condensation is apparent on the frame of the wood hatch. There is also widespread mold on the top surface of the concrete slab in the enclosed porch above, suggesting significant wicking of moisture through the slab. Recommend evaluation by a qualified contractor to determine if either venting this crawlspace or sealing it with a moisture barrier and gravel on the ground, and insulation on the walls, is appropriate.


Photo 9
The inside of the mini-crawlspace created by digging out under the concrete porch floor slab. Heavy condensation on hatch frame. There is no ventilation in this crawlspace.
 

Photo 10
Another view.
 

Photo 32
Widespread mold across the surface of the concrete slab floor in the enclosed porch, Most likely caused by moisture migrating upward through the slab from the un-ventilated crawlspace.
 
 

Evaluate Wood destroying insect or organism conducive conditions 10) Efflorescence and water stains noted on south wall adjacent to flower bed outside. Significant moisture penetration over time evident. Recommend evaluation by a qualified contractor.


Photo 17
Efflorescence and water stains on south interior foundation wall.
 

Photo 18
Evidence of significant moisture intrusion at south wall area immediately behind flower bed at front of house.
 

Evaluate   11) Water stains observed on structural materials adjacent to toilet drain. Water stains may indicate a present and ongoing moisture problem or a previous problem that has been corrected. Recommend evaluation by a qualified contractor.


Photo 14
Corroded galvanized toilet drain with evidence of prior leaks on wood members.
 
 

 


Crawl space
Inspection method: Traversed
Insulation material underneath floor above: None
Pier or support post material: Masonry
Crawlspace floor is: dirt
Beam material: Solid wood
Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
Vapor barrier present: Partial
SafetyRepair/ReplaceEvaluate   12) Non-metallic sheathed wiring is unsupported or inadequately supported. This type of wiring should be attached to runners or to solid backing with fasteners at intevals of 4 1/2 ft. or less. Recommend having a qualified electrician evaluate and repair as necessary.


Photo 39
Live NM electrical cable snaking through metal plumbing pipes. AC duct resting on galvanized drain line.
 

Photo 40
More of duct on drain line.
 

SafetyRepair/Replace   13) Exposed open-bulb light fixture mounted overhead in crawlspace. This is a safety concern.


Photo 15
Exposed open light fixture overhead in crawl space.
 
 

Major defectRepair/Replace Wood destroying insect or organism conducive conditions 14) Partial vapor barrier exists on the crawlspace floor. If crawlspace is to remain vented this vapor barrier should be removed and floor insulated to R19 or better. If a sealed crawlspace approach is desired, recommend installing 6 mil polyethylene with seams overlapped at least 24", covering with a layer of gravel, sealing vents, and insulating crawlspace walls.
Major defectRepair/Replace   15) No insulation under floor in unheated basement or crawl space. Recommend installing R19 or better (6" thick fiberglass batt) insulation below floor for energy efficiency.
Repair/Replace Wood destroying insect or organism infestationWood destroying insect or organism conducive conditions 16) Evidence of prior termite infestation in bottom edge of one existing floor joist near juncture of enclosed porch and main house. Recommend evaluation by a qualified WDI/WDO technician.


Photo 19
Evidence of prior termite infestation in one floor joist near the enclosed porch.
 
 

Repair/Replace   17) The water supply pipes in the crawl space are uninsulated. Recommend insulating these pipes for better energy efficiency and to water pipes from freezing.
Evaluate   18) HVAC ductwork is resting on galvanized drain lines in some spots. Recommend evaluation by a qualified HVAC contractor.


Photo 39
Live NM electrical cable snaking through metal plumbing pipes. AC duct resting on galvanized drain line.
 

Photo 40
More of duct on drain line.
 

 


Plumbing and laundry
Location of main water shut-off valve: Street.
Location of main water meter: Street
Location of main fuel shut-off: Crawlspace, in oil line upstream of fuel oil filter
Visible fuel storage systems: Oil tank behind back porch outside
Water service: Public
Service pipe material: Galvanized steel
Backflow prevention device: Not visible.
Supply pipe material: Copper, Galvanized steelGalvanized pipe joins copper pipe.
Condition: Fair; should be monitored.
Vent pipe material: Galvanized steel
Condition: Appears serviceable.
Drain pipe material: Galvanized steel
Condition: Some corrosion of galvanized drain pipe evident. See photo 13. Recommend monitoring the condition and evaluation by a qualified plumber as indicated.
Waste pipe material: Plastic, Galvanized steel
Condition: Some corrosion of galvanized waste pipe evident. See jphoto 12. Recommend monitoring the condition and evaluation by a qualified plumber as indicated.
Major defectEvaluateComment   19) Some 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 and 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 while the toilet was flushed. Despite this, and given their apparent age, these pipes may need replacing at any time.


Photo 13
Corroded galvanized drain line.
 

Photo 16
Galvanized supply pipe meets copper distribution system. Joining dissimilar metals can cause corrosion at the joints.
 

Comment   20)


Photo 6
Main drain line cleanout in yard on west side of house.
 
 

 


Electric service
Primary service type: Overhead
Service conductor material: Aluminum
Service voltage (volts): 120-240
Service amperage (amps): 200
System ground routing/location: Routed from main panel to crawlspace.
Location of meter:: Exterior west wall.
Location of main service panel: Exterior west wall.
Location of main disconnect: Breaker at top of main panel
Main disconnect rating (amps): 200
Branch circuit wiring type: Non-metallic sheathed (
Smoke detectors present: YesKitchen, Hallway
Location of sub panels: Fuse panel in closet of bedroom #2 has been disconnected when house was rewired. No hazard observed.
Primary service overload protection type:
SafetyRepair/Replace   21) Recommend installing additional smoke detectors as necessary so a functioning one exists in each hallway and bedroom.
SafetyEvaluate   22) Two-conductor electrical service was standard years ago but is outdated by today's standards and may present safety issues in some situations. It may also be inadequate for modern electrical service requirements. Recommend evaluation by a qualified electrician to determine if property's wiring system presents a potential safety hazard or inadequate service.
SafetyEvaluate   23) One or more neutral and/or ground connectors are "double-tapped" into the neutral/ground bus bar in the main panel. Recommend evaluation by a qualified electrician.

 


Water heater
Water heater is located: in crawlspace.
Estimated age: 5-10 years.
Type: Tank
Energy source: Electricity
Capacity (in gallons): 40
Brand & model: A.O. Smith ELJF40914 S/N ML96-0655066-H43
SafetyRepair/ReplaceEvaluate   24) Temperature-pressure relief valve drain line is missing. Recommend having a qualified plumber install a drain line extending to within 6" from the floor to empty into a container, or (preferably) routed so as to drain outside (away from foundation).


Photo 12
No drain line for temp/pressure relief valve on water heater.
 
 

 


Heating and air conditioning
Heating system energy source: Oil
Heat system type: Forced air
Brand & model: Hallmark/Boyertown HSLD84
Serial number: 15328
BTU rating: 84,000
Location: Main crawlspace
A/C energy source: Electric
Air conditioning type: Split system
Distribution system: Sheet metal ducts
Brand & model: Goodman Mfg. CK 24-1B
Serial number: 9510016266
BTU rating: 24,000
Tons: 2
Location: Evaporator/fan in crawlspace; condenser unit at NW exterior corner
MaintainMonitor   25) Recommend that this system be inspected, serviced and repaired as necessary annually in the future by a qualified heating and cooling technician.
Maintain   26) This system is equipped with throw-away filter(s), accessible from the return air duct opening in the hall floor. Recommend replacing throw-away filter(s) every 2 months in the future if the thermostat's fan position is set to "Auto", or monthly if it's set to "On".

 


Interior rooms
Kitchen cabinets-condition: Good.
SafetyRepair/ReplaceEvaluate   27) 2-pronged outlets rather than 3-pronged, grounded outlets are installed throughout the house. This limits the ability to use appliances that require a ground (computers and some other electronic appliances) in these areas. If client intends to operate electronic devices requiring a ground, then recommend evaluation by a qualified electrician. In some cases 2-pronged outlets can be upgraded with GFCI receptacles to increase safety factor and help protect electrical/electronic equipment.
SafetyRepair/Replace   28) Receptacle in breakfast area is recessed due to addition of paneling.
SafetyEvaluate   29) "Popcorn" textured ceiling in living room, possibly installed before mid 1980s. This material may contain asbestos. The client may wish to have this ceiling material tested by a qualified lab to determine if it does contain asbestos. If the material is not removed, recommend keeping ceiling painted to encapsulate the material, and not disturbing it.

For more information on asbestos use in homes, visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/453.html
Safety   30) No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets installed in kitchen. GFCI outlets help prevent electric shocks in areas that may have water present. Recommend having a qualified electrician install one or more GFCI outlets, especially over counter tops and around sinks.
Repair/ReplaceRepair/MaintainEvaluateMonitor Wood destroying insect or organism conducive conditions 31) Water stains visible in ceiling and paneling in enclosed porch. Ceiling material is wet, apparently from an active leak in the roof at the juncture of the enclosed porch and the main house.. Recommend repairing roof leak. Recommend removing wet ceiling tile and paneling and replacing with new after area has dried thoroughly.


Photo 5
The side porch was added by enclosing/surrounding the chimney. The chimney flue is sealed and the fireplace is not in service.
 

Photo 27
Ceiling stains against back of chimney in the enclosed porch.
 

Photo 28
Water stains and mold on paneling in enclosed porch.
 

Photo 29
More water stains in enclosed porch.
 

Photo 30
Another ceiling stain in enclosed porch.
 

Photo 31
More water stains.
 

Repair/ReplaceRepair/MaintainEvaluateMonitor Wood destroying insect or organism conducive conditions 32) Mold evident across most of concrete slab in enclosed porch. Likely due to moisture migration from unventilated/unsealed crawlspace below, and hastened by moisture from ongoing leak above porch. Recommend evaluation and repair by a qualified contractor.


Photo 32
Widespread mold across the surface of the concrete slab floor in the enclosed porch, Most likely caused by moisture migrating upward through the slab from the un-ventilated crawlspace.
 
 

Repair/ReplaceEvaluate   33) Upper half of receptacle in master bedroom is dead. Recommend evaluation and repair by a qualified electrician.
Repair/Maintain Wood destroying insect or organism conducive conditions 34) No exhaust fan installed in bathroom with shower. Even if a window that opens exists, this may not be an adequate source of ventilation during the cold weather. Recommend installing properly vented bathroom exhaust fan.
Repair/Maintain   35) Glass in upper window sash in master bedroom cracked. Recommend replacing glass.


Photo 24
Top sash glass is cracked in an arc across its width in this master bedroom window.
 
 

Minor defectComment   36) No range hood is installed.
Minor defectComment   37) Minor cracks found in ceiling. These are only a cosmetic concern. No action is recommended.
Minor defectComment   38) Minor cracks found in walls. These are only a cosmetic concern. No action is recommended.
Minor defectComment   39) Several interior doors don't latch. Likely due to structural settling over the years. No action recommended unless this becomes an inconvenience.
Minor defect   40) Electric receptacle is recessed behind cover plate due to added paneling. Recommend having a qualified electrician install a box extension. Molding is cut out to accomodate added electrical box in bedroom. Light switch for outside illumination installed in floor in living room. Recommend having switch moved to a wall by a qualified electrician.


Photo 23
Light switch mounted in floor in living room. This is a safety concern.
 

Photo 25
Molding cut out to accomodate electrical outlet.
 

Photo 26
This receptacle is recessed behind the paneling and cover plate.
 
 

    41) Kitchen--Refrigerator appears functional.
    42) Dishwasher appears functional (portable).
    43) Disposal appears functional.
    44) Range and oven appear functional.

 


Attic
Inspection method: Traversed
Roof structure type: Rafters
There is evidence of prior and/or active leaks near: chimney(s), other areasseveral areas of roof.
Ceiling structure: Ceiling beams
Insulation material: Rockwool loose fill
Insulation estimated R value: R7
Passive attic vents observed include: gable vents
SafetyRepair/ReplaceEvaluate   45) Exposed wiring due to splices not being contained in junction box. Recommend having a qualified electrician evaluate and install junction boxes with cover plates where needed to contain wiring splices.


Photo 34
Open splices should be rejoined with wire nuts and enclosed in junction boxes. This is a safety concern.
 
 

Repair/ReplaceEvaluate   46) There is evidence in the attic of an active roof leak over enclosed porch as previously described . Recommend immediate evaluation by a qualified roofing professional.


Photo 33
Water stains in attic on underside of roof decking indicative of prior leaks.
 

Photo 35
More water stains in the roof decking at the house side of the enclosed porch.
 

Repair/Replace   47) Insulation in attic is substantially less than an R30 rating. Recommend installing additional insulation for better energy efficiency.
Minor defect   48) No weatherstrip is installed around the attic access hatch. Recommend installing weatherstrip around hatch to prevent heated interior air from entering attic.


Photo 36
No insulation or weatherstrip in attic stairs hatch.
 
 

 


Fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances
Fireplace type: Masonry
Chimney type: Masonry
Comment   49) Chimney flue is sealed and fireplace is not in service.

 


Detached garage carport or outbuilding
Footing material: Not visible
Foundation material: Brick
Access: The area was readily accessible for inspection.
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Vinyl
Roof inspection method: Viewed from ground
Roof type: Gable
Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Estimated age of roof: 5-10 years
Gutter & downspout material: None
A safety "electric eye": is present on the vehicle door opener and was observed to work properly.
SafetyRepair/ReplaceMinor defect   50) Wire connections exposed due to missing cover plate(s) over one or more junction boxes. Recommend installing cover plates over boxes where missing.
SafetyRepair/ReplaceEvaluate   51) The garage vehicle door doesn't appear to "auto-reverse". The door should reverse when closing and when it either strikes something or when something passes through a photo sensor at the base of the door. This is a safety hazard, especially for small children. Recommend having a qualified garage door contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.
Comment   52) A portion of the inside perimeter of the garage is excluded from this inspection due to lack of access from stored items.

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