Environmental Home Solutions,Inc

Website: http://www.envirohomesolutions.com
Company email: inspections@envirohomesolutions.com
Inspector's email: Ivanforero@att.net
Phone: (754) 423-6870
FAX: (954) 344-5302

Summary Page

Residential Inspection Report
Client(s):	Mr. Calero
Property address:	269 N.W 41 Street, Miami, Fl 33127
Inspection date:	Wednesday, September 23, 2009

This summary page published on 9/25/2009 8:09:58 AM EDT

Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types:

	Safety	Poses a risk of injury or death
	Major Defect	Correction likely involves a significant expense
	Repair/Replace	Recommend repairing or replacing
	Repair/Maintain	Recommend repair and/or maintenance
	Minor Defect	Correction likely involves only a minor expense
	Maintain	Recommend ongoing maintenance
	Evaluate	Recommend evaluation by a specialist
	Monitor	Recommend monitoring in the future
	Comment	For your information

 

	WDO/WDI Infestation	Evidence of infestation of wood destroying insects or organisms (Live or dead insect bodies, fungal growth, etc.)
	WDO/WDI Damage	Damage 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.)

1) General information:   - 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 Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov)
2) General information:   - Based on construction observed, modifications to this property may have been made without the owner having attained permits or inspections from the municipality. Work may have been performed by someone other than a qualified contractor or person. The client should consult with the property owner about this, and if necessary research permits.

At worst case, if substantial work was performed without permits, this knowledge must be disclosed when the building is sold in the future. This can adversely affect future sales. Also, the local municipality could require costly alterations to bring the building into legal compliance or even require that the additions or modifications be removed. For example windows replacement. Attic rafters repairs.
3) Exterior:   - One or more trip hazards were found in sidewalk and/or patio sections due to cracks, settlement and/or heaving. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace sidewalk and/or patio sections as necessary to eliminate trip hazards.
4) Exterior:   - One or more large trees on the property may be likely to fall on the structure, and are a potential safety hazard. Recommend consulting with a qualified arborist to determine if tree(s) need to be removed and/or pruned.
5) Exterior:   - Guardrails are missing from one or more sections of steps or elevated surfaces with high drop-offs. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of falling. Standard building practices require guardrails to be installed at drop-offs higher than 30 inches, but in some cases it is advised to install them at shorter drop-offs. A qualified contractor should evaluate and install guardrails as necessary and as per standard building practices.
6) Exterior:   - Front entrance stairs with more than two risers have no handrail installed. This is a safety hazard. A qualified contractor should install graspable handrails that your hand can completely encircle at stairs where missing, and as per standard building practices.
7) Exterior:   - Cover plate(s) are missing from one or more electric boxes, such as for 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.
8) Exterior: - Cracks, gaps and / or deterioration were found in one or more areas of the stucco siding. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs and/or replace stucco siding as necessary.
9) Exterior:   - Recommend sealing gaps around one or more soffits. For example N.E side.
10) Exterior:   - One or more crawl space vent screens are damaged and/or deteriorated. Animals such as vermin or pets may enter the crawl space and nest, die and/or leave feces and urine. A qualified contractor should replace damaged or deteriorated screens where necessary using screen material such as "hardware cloth" with 1/4 inch minimum gaps.
11) Exterior:   - Gaps exist at one or more openings around the exterior, such as those where outside faucets, refrigerant lines, and/or gas supply pipes penetrate the exterior. Gaps should be sealed as necessary to prevent moisture intrusion and entry by vermin.
12) Exterior:   - One or more soffit vent screens are missing and/or deteriorated. For example flat roof soffit vents. Birds and vermin may enter the attic because of this. Screens should be replaced or repaired where necessary, or installed where missing.
13) Exterior: - Soil is in contact with or less than six inches from stucco siding and/or trim. For example East exterior wall. 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 siding and trim and the soil below.
14) Exterior:   - Recommend caulking/ sealing around one or more windows.
15) Exterior:   - Minor cracks were found in one or more sidewalk or patio sections. 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.
16) Exterior:   - Tree roots are too close to foundation. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate.
17) Roof: - Substandard roof repairs noticed in one or more areas of roof covering. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
18) Roof: - One or more composition shingles have raised, most likely due to nails that have loosened. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, such as reseating nails.
19) Roof: - Standing water was found on the flat roof. It should evaporate within 48 hours after it rains. If standing water remains after 48 hours, then the roof installation is likely substandard. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair if necessary to prevent prolonged standing water.
20) Roof: - Gaps were found in one or more roof surface seams. These may result in leaks. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
21) Roof: - Gaps in the roof surface were found at one or more roof penetrations. These may result in leaks. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
22) Roof:   - Exposed nails East side of roof covering.
23) Roof: - One or more roof surface sections slope down towards flat roof surface sections. Debris such as leaves or needles are more likely to accumulate in this area than rest of the roof. Leaks may occur as a result. Recommend monitoring such areas for accumulated debris in the future and cleaning as necessary.
24) Roof: - Trees are overhanging roof and are within 10 feet of roof vertically. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms since organic debris such as leaves or needles are more likely to accumulate on the roof surface. Accumulated debris may cause water to enter gaps in the roof surface and leak into attic and/or interior spaces. Trees should be pruned so they are at least 10 feet above roof, or don't overhang the roof.
25) Roof:   - Wavy, uneven surface with low areas parallel to rafters, West roof areas.
26) Attic:   - One or more sections of wiring that weren't terminated were found. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, cutting the wire to length and terminating the wire with wire nuts in a securely anchored, covered, properly sized junction box.
27) Attic:   - 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.
28) Attic:   - Some wiring is loose, unsupported, or inadequately supported. Standard building practices require non-metallic sheathed wiring to be trimmed to length, attached to runners or to solid backing with fasteners at intervals of 4-1/2 ft. or less. Fasteners should be installed within 12 inches of all enclosures. A qualified, licensed electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, trim wire to length and/or install staples as needed.
29) Attic: - Rafters and roof decking have subterranean termite damage in one or more areas. Rafter sistering appears to be substandard in one or more areas. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.
30) Attic:   - The ceiling insulation's R rating is significantly less than what's recommended for this area. Recommend having a qualified contractor install additional insulation as per standard building practices for better energy efficiency.
31) Attic:   - Ceiling insulation is missing in some areas. Recommend installing insulation where missing for better energy efficiency.
32) Attic:   - Water heater was removed from attic and plumbing pipes were left behind. Evaluate and repair as necessary.
33) Attic:   - Stains were visible on the roof structure 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.
34) Attic: - Drywood termite damage visible in various parts of attic beams and rafters. Termite treatment if property is not under contract with a pest control company.
35) Attic:   - Some attic areas were inaccessible due to lack of permanently installed walkways, the possibility of damage to insulation, low height and/or stored items. These areas are excluded from this inspection.
36) Electric service:   - The legend for overcurrent protection devices (breakers or fuses) in the main service panel is missing, unreadable or incomplete. Recommend installing, updating or correcting the legend as necessary so it's accurate. Evaluation by a qualified electrician may be necessary.
37) Electric service:   - Overall condition of electrical service is good.
38) Water heater:   - Water heater was missing at the time of inspection. The water heater was not evaluated and it is excluded from this inspection.
39) Heating and cooling:   - Air handler filter(s) should be checked monthly in the future and replaced or washed as necessary.
40) Heating and cooling:   - The exterior condensing unit was missing. The air condition system was not fully evaluated. Once condensing unit is installed recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate air condition service.
41) Plumbing and laundry:   - Copper water supply pipes in homes built prior to 1986 may be joined with solder that contains lead. Lead is a known health hazard, especially for children. Laws were passed in 1985 prohibiting the use of lead in solder, but prior to that solder normally contained about 50 percent lead. The client(s) should be aware of this, especially if children will be living in this structure. Evaluating for the presence of lead in this structure is not included in this inspection. The client(s) should consider having a qualified lab test for lead, and if necessary take steps to reduce or remove lead from the water supply. Various solutions such as these may be advised:

Have a qualified plumbing contractor replace supply pipes and/or plumbing components as necessary.

For more information visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5056.html
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead/index.html
42) Plumbing and laundry:   - 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 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.
43) Plumbing and laundry:   - Substandard plumbing found in crawl space. PVC pipes connections to Cast Iron pipes are substandard. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.
44) Plumbing and laundry:   - Main water shut-off valve leaks at steam when operated. Evauate and repair as necessary.
45) Plumbing and laundry:   - Washer and dryer missing. Neither the clothes washer nor dryer were operated or evaluated. They are excluded from this inspection.
46) Plumbing and laundry:   - If washer and dryer are intalled rear of property. It is recommended to place them under some sort of cover to prevent rust and weather deterioration.
47) Crawl space:   - Some wiring is loose, unsupported, or inadequately supported. Standard building practices require non-metallic sheathed wiring to be trimmed to length, attached to runners or to solid backing with fasteners at intervals of 4-1/2 ft. or less. Fasteners should be installed within 12 inches of all enclosures. A qualified, licensed electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, trim wire to length and/or install staples as needed.
48) Crawl space:   - Dryrot to various parts of subfloor around plumbing areas. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.
49) Crawl space: - No vapor barrier is installed. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms due to the likelihood of water evaporating into the structure from the soil. A qualified contractor should install a vapor barrier. Standard building practices require the following:

The vapor barrier should be caulked and attached tightly to the foundation side walls. For example, with furring strips and masonry nails.
50) Crawl space: - Drywood termite evidence and damage was found in one or more areas of subfloor and crawl access. Drywood termite treatment recommended if property is not under contract with a termite company.
51) Crawl space: - Earth to wood contact in one or more areas. Recommend installing concrete block under support post in one or more areas.
52) Crawl space: - Cellulose-based debris such as wood scraps, form wood, cardboard and/or paper were found in crawl space. All cellulose-based debris should be removed to avoid attracting wood destroying insects.
53) Crawl space:   - Some crawl space areas were inaccessible due to pipes blocking, debris. These areas are excluded from this inspection.
55) Kitchen:   - 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 is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate to determine if GFCI protection exists, and if not, repairs should be made so that all receptacles that serve countertop surfaces within six feet of sinks have GFCI protection. For example, install GFCI receptacles or circuit breaker(s) as needed.
56) Kitchen:   - The sink sprayer at the kitchen sink is loose. Repair as necessary.
57) Kitchen:   - Kitchen appliances were missing .
58) Bathrooms:   - 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 is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate to determine if GFCI protection exists, and if not, repairs should be made so that all receptacles that serve countertop surfaces within six feet of sinks have GFCI protection. For example, install GFCI receptacles or circuit breaker(s) as needed.
59) Bathrooms: - Bathroom with a shower do not have an exhaust fan installed. Moisture accumulation will occur and may damage the structure. Even if the bathroom has a window that opens, it likely does not provide adequate ventilation, especially during cold weather when the window is closed. A qualified contractor should install exhaust fans as per standard building practices where missing in bathrooms with showers.
60) Bathrooms: - Caulk is missing or deteriorated around the base of one or more bathtub spouts. It should be replaced where deteriorated and/or applied where missing to prevent water intrusion and damage to wall structures.
61) Bathrooms:   - Bathtub plumbing was not fully evaluated. Water faucet is inoperable due to water heater missing.
62) Interior rooms:   - One or more open ground, three-pronged grounding type receptacles were found. For example living room area.This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.

Grounding type receptacles were first required in residential structures during the 1960s. Based on the the absence of 2-pronged receptacles, repairs should be made by correcting wiring circuits as necessary so all receptacles are grounded as per standard building practices. Replacement of three-pronged receptacles with 2-pronged receptacles is not an acceptable solution.
63) Interior rooms:   - One or more electric receptacles appear to have no power. For example bedroom #3. Recommend asking the property owner(s) about this. Switches may need to be operated to make some receptacles energized. If necessary, a qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
64) Interior rooms:   - One or more windows need adjustment or repair. For example bedroom #2. A qualified contractor or service technician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary so the window(s) operate as intended (open easily, stay open without support, close easily, etc.).
65) Interior rooms:   - One or more doors bind in their jamb and are difficult to open and close. For example bedroom #1.A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, adjusting jambs or trimming doors.
66) Interior rooms:   - Old water heater shut-off valve in bedroom #2 closet leaks when operated. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or remove as necessary.
67) Interior rooms: - Stains found in Air condition closet walls. However not elevated moisture was found. Apparently stains are due to old roof or plumbing leaks.Recommend monitoring these areas in the future.
68) Interior rooms:   - Stains were found in one or more ceiling areas. For example bedroom #1 .However, no elevated levels of moisture were found. The stain(s) may be due to past roof and/or plumbing leaks. Recommend asking the property owner(s) about this, and monitoring the stained area(s) in the future, especially after heavy or prolonged rain. If elevated moisture is found in the future, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
69) Estimated repairs cost:   - Roofing $750.00
Electrical $790.00
Plumbing $ 1,700.00
Caulking/ sealing $490.00
Drywood termites $890.00
Subterranean termite $950.00
Side walk/patio repairs $800.00
Mold testing $375.00
Crawl vents $450.00
Crawl debris removal $ 750.00
Correct earth to wood contact $350.00

Total approximated repairs cost $ 8,295.00

NOTE: The client has to consider that appliance replacement cost is not included in approximated repairs cost above. Also if mold testing is performed and results are positive for an elevated mold condition. Mold remediation costs will have to be added to approximated repairs cost above.