Closer Look Property Inspections Inc

Website: http://www.closerlookpi.com
Email: middleton520@verizon.net
Phone: (516) 455-6742
520 Linwood Street  
Uniondale New York , 11553
Inspector: Eric Middleton

Property Inspection Report
Client(s): Gilbert Marquez
Property address: 201 Homes Street Valley Stream New York
Inspection date: Sunday, March 09, 2008
This report published on 3/10/2008 11:08:32 PM EDT

View summary page

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 
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 
ServiceableItem or component is in servicable condition 
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
Kitchen
Interior rooms
 
General information Return to table of contents
Structures inspected: Whole house and garage
Time started: 3:30pm
Time finished: 6:00pm
Inspection Fee: $325
Payment method: Check
Present during inspection: Client(s), Property owner(s), Realtor(s)
Occupied: Yes
Weather conditions: Cloudy, Rain
Temperature: Cool
Ground condition: Wet
Foundation type: Slab on grade
The following items are excluded from this inspection: Outbuildings
 
Exterior Return to table of contents
Footing material: Not visible
Foundation material: Poured in place concrete
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Wood shingles, Brick veneer
Driveway material: Asphalt
Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete
Exterior door material: Solid core wood

1) 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) Based on the appearance of the siding and the age of this structure, the exterior siding material may contain asbestos. The client(s) should be aware of this when considering repairs to or replacement of this siding, and consult with qualified testing labs and/or abatement contractors as necessary.The tiles are in good condition and does not appear to pose a health risk. For more information on asbestos in the home, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/453.html

Photo 2  
Asbestos Tile
  
3) 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.

    Photo 15  
    Cracks in walls
    		  
    4) Vegetation such as trees, shrubs and/or vines are in contact with or less than one foot from the structure's exterior. Vegetation can serve as a conduit for wood destroying insects and may retain moisture against the exterior after it rains. Vegetation should be pruned and/or removed as necessary to maintain a one foot clearance between it and the structure's exterior.

    Photo 5  
    Tree touching house, conduit for insects
    		  
    5) Caulk is missing or deteriorated around the windows and doors and should be replaced and/or applied where necessary. For more information on caulking, visit The Ins and Outs of Caulking.

    Photo 1  
    Recaulk around all doors
    Photo 4  
    Recaulk around all windows
    6) 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) The front steps has missing caulk between the raiser and thread.These areas should be recaulked as needed.

    Photo 6  
    Steps in need of recaulking
    		  
    8) Rain water was found to have accumulated on the side of the front steps leading to the backyard. I reccomend in the future to regrade this area or to install a drain. This appears to happen only after very heavy rain and is not a serious concern. However, the side of the steps at the bottom must be caulked to prevent water from seeping under the stairs.

    Photo 7  
    Accumulated water on side of steps
    		  
    9) Rain water has been found to have accumulated in the backyard where the concrete meets the dirt. I recommend that the dirt be regraded so the water can run and drain into the dirt. Standing water can attract insects. This is a simple fix that can be done any time but will add to your enjoyment of the yard.

    Photo 10  
    Accumulated water in backyard
    		  
    10)   The doorstop on the side of the house is broken at the bottom and needs to be replaced. Caulking should be applied where the stucco and the siding meets to prevent water and insect intrusion.

    Photo 8  
    Caulking needed between stucco and siding
    Photo 9  
    Broken door stop on side of house
     
    Roof Return to table of contents
    Roof inspection method: Due to rain the inspector was unable to traverse the roof and therefore wasn't able to fully evaluate the entire roof, however it was viewed from the ground with binoculars.
    Roof type: Hipped
    Roof covering: Asphalt Shingles
    Gutter & downspout material: Aluminum
    Roof ventilation: Adequate
    11) The nails that support the gutters in some areas are loose and need to be renailed to frimly support the gutters.

    Photo 3  
    Rescure nails in gutters
    		  
    12) The downspout on the side of the house terminates under the wood deck. I recommend that it be rerouted to keep the dirt as dry as possible to prevent insects, mold and fungus in this area.
     
    Garage Return to table of contents
    13) A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary so the attached garage wall and ceiling surfaces that adjoin living spaces are tightly sealed and fire rated as per standard building practices. Typically these surfaces require a one-hour fire rating.
    14) The garage-house door poses a fire risk because it's not fire-rated (metal or solid-core construction). A qualified contractor should replace this door with a fire-rated door. In addition the entrance to the garage and the living space should have a six to twelve inch step to prevent gas fumes from entering into the living area.
    15) Much of the garage, including areas around the interior perimeter and in the center, are excluded from this inspection due to lack of access from stored items.
     
    Attic Return to table of contents
    Inspection method: Traversed
    Roof structure type: Rafters
    Ceiling structure: Trusses
    Insulation material: Fiberglass roll or batt
    16) Paper facing on batt insulation is oriented towards open spaces, rather than against interior space surfaces. This occurs when newer, fiberglass batt insulation with paper facing on one side is installed backwards or upside down, or when older batt insulation wrapped on both sides with paper is installed. The paper facing is flammable. Newer insulation usually has a warning label indicating this on the facing.

    For newer batt insulation with paper facing on one side only, the paper facing should be oriented towards interior spaces rather than exposed, open spaces. The existing insulation should be reinstalled or replaced.

    For older batt insulation with paper facing on both sides, recommend that repairs be made as necessary to eliminate the exposed paper facing.

    A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, and as per standard building practices and the insulation manufacturer's recommendations to eliminate the fire hazard.

    Also, the paper facing also acts as a vapor barrier, and if located away from the interior surfaces, can trap moisture from condensation in the cavity between the paper facing and the interior spaces. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects. The inspector was unable to evaluate the structure obscured by the insulation. When repairs are made, the exposed structure should be evaluated for damage by wood destroying insects and/or organisms, and repairs should be made if necessary.

    Photo 14  
    Insulation installed backwards
    		  
    17) Stains were visible on the roof rafters in one or more areas. These areas were dry at the time of the inspection. The stains may be caused by a past leak. Recommend asking the property owner(s) about past leaks. The client(s) should monitor these areas in the future, especially after heavy rains, to determine if active leaks exist. If leaks are found, a qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
     
    Electric service Return to table of contents
    Primary service type: Overhead
    Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
    Service amperage (amps): 100
    Service voltage (volts): 120/240
    Location of main service switch: Garage
    Location of main disconnect: Breaker at bottom of main service panel
    Service entrance conductor material: Copper
    System ground: Cold water supply pipes
    Main disconnect rating (amps): 100
    Branch circuit wiring type: (BX) Armor clad
    Solid strand aluminum branch circuit wiring present: Can't verify
    Smoke detectors present: Recommend installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors throughout.
     
    Water heater Return to table of contents
    Estimated age: 3 years
    Type: Tank
    Energy source: Natural gas
    Capacity (in gallons): 50
    Manufacturer: Kenmore
    Model: Power Miser-12
    Water temperature (degrees Fahrenheit): 120
     
    Heating and cooling Return to table of contents
    Estimated age: 30 years
    Primary heating system energy source: Natural gas
    Primary heat system type: Baseboard
    Manufacturer: Federal Gas Fired Boiler
    Model: GFSA15
    Filter location: At the base of the furnace
    Last service date: 2006
    18) The furnace or boiler may not have an adequate supply of combustion and/or dilution air. This may cause Carbon Monoxide to accumulate and is a safety hazard. A qualified heating and cooling contractor should evaluate and determine if combustion and dilution air supply sources are adequate, and make repairs and/or modifications if necessary. This is simply to ensure that enough air is available in the boiler room for it to function properly.
    19) The barometric draft damper on the furnace or boiler flue is defective or not operating correctly. It should swing freely and easily. A qualified heating contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
    20) The last service date of this system appears to be more than one year ago, or the inspector was unable to determine the last service date. The client(s) should ask the property owner(s) when it was last serviced. If unable to determine the last service date, or if this system was serviced more than one year ago, a qualified heating and cooling contractor should inspect, clean, and service this system, and make repairs if necessary. For safety reasons, and because this system is fueled by gas or oil, this servicing should be performed annually in the future. For more information visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05017.html
    21) A small hole was found under the exhaust flue. This should be repaired so that exhaust fumes will not enter the room.

    Photo 12  
    Hole under exhaust flue
    		  
     
    Plumbing and laundry Return to table of contents
    Water pressure (psi): 60psi
    Location of main water shut-off valve: Boiler room
    Location of main water meter: Boiler room
    Location of main fuel shut-off: Boiler room
    Water service: Public
    Service pipe material: Copper
    Supply pipe material: Copper
    Vent pipe material: Cast iron
    Drain pipe material: Cast iron
    Waste pipe material: Cast iron
    22) The clothes dryer is equipped with a vinyl or foil, accordion-type, flexible exhaust duct. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission considers these types of ducts to be unsafe, and a fire hazard. These types of ducts can trap lint and are susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the air flow. This duct should be replaced with a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, and by a qualified contractor if necessary. Most clothes dryer manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. For more information on dryer safety issues, see http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5022.html

    Photo 13  
    Non fire rated exhaust duct for dryer
    		  
    23) Neither the clothes washer nor dryer were operated or evaluated. They are excluded from this inspection.
     
    Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys Return to table of contents
    Fireplace type: Masonry
    Chimney type: Masonry
    24) Significant amounts of ashes, wood and/or debris are in the fireplace. The inspector was unable to fully evaluate it.
    25) All solid fuel burning appliances (woodstoves and fireplaces, etc.) should be inspected annually by a qualified chimney service contractor, cleaned and repaired as necessary.
     
    Kitchen Return to table of contents
    26) No "air gap" is installed for the dishwasher drain line. Air gaps are a device meant to prevent water from the sink drain or food disposal from entering the dishwasher. These are required in some municipalities for new construction and when remodeling. The client(s) should consult with a qualified contractor to determine if an air gap should be installed.
    27) The kitchen was found to be in good working condition.
     
    Interior rooms Return to table of contents
    28) An insufficient number of smoke alarms are installed. Additional smoke alarms should be installed as necessary so a functioning one exists in each hallway leading to bedrooms, and in each bedroom. For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html
    29) The wall in the interior are plaster based on the age of the house or it could be drywall which is made with the same material as plaster. One is not better than the other. In either case they are in good condition. The floors are wood, carpet and tiles in various areas. They are also in good condition. The ceilings throughout the house are in good condition.The interior doors are hollow core and in good condition.The 240 volt outlet in the dining room needs to have a new face plate to prevent children from sticking their fingers in and causing an electric shock. The three bedrooms are in good condition. Please be advised that there are no overhead lights. This would have to be installed by a qualified electrician if overhead lights are desired.

    Photo 11  
    New face plate needed
    		  
    30) The windows in the house are old single pane windows with storm windows attached. The windows are in good condition however you may want to upgrade in the future to more energy efficient windows.
     
    Thank you for choosing Closer Look Property Inspections. It was a pleasure serving you. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time. Best Wishes in your new home!