
Summary Page
| Commercial Inspection Report | |
| Client(s): | Iglesia de Dios Ministerial |
| Property address: | 1100 S.W 21 Street, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33315 |
| Inspection date: | Saturday, February 02, 2008 |
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.) |

- 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:

- One or more guardrails are too low. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of falling. A qualified contractor should evaluate and modify or replace guardrails where necessary.
- One or more flights of 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.
- One or more guardrails are constructed in such a way that children could climb them like a ladder. This is a potential safety hazard. Modifications should be made as necessary by a qualified contractor so guardrails cannot be climbed by children.

- One or more exterior disconnect switches, such as for a heat pump or air conditioner compressor unit, have exposed wiring or components when the cover is opened or removed. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock, especially for children. Because these boxes rarely need to be opened (usually only for maintenance), recommend installing a lock on box cover(s) to reduce the risk of shock.


- The exterior finish over the entire structure is failing. A qualified painting contractor should prep (pressure wash, scrape, sand, prime caulk, etc.) and repaint or restain the entire structure as per standard building practices.


- Water damaged to all exterior doors and door frames. Recommend repair or replace as necessary.


- Rot was found in one or more areas on exposed wood beamd. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, replacing all rotten wood.


- One or more gutters are poorly sloped so that significant amounts of water accumulate in them rather than draining through the downspouts. This can cause gutters to overflow, especially when organic debris such as leaves or needles have accumulated in them. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, such as correcting the slope in gutters or installing additional downspouts and extensions if necessary.


- Stains were found in one or more areas on soffit boards. These appear to be due to current roof leaks (dripping water, high moisture content, etc.). A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary. Roof repairs may be necessary, such as to the roof surface and/or flashing. Drip edge flashing may need to be replaced or installed.

- One or more areas of the grounds around the structure have significantly soggy soil, standing water or indications of accumulated water at times (sediment, dead grass, etc.). Recommend consulting with a qualified contractor who specializes in drainage, to determine if or what repairs are needed to provide adequate drainage. Possible repairs may involve grading soil, or installing, repairing and/or replacing underground drains.

- Moderate cracks and/or deterioration found in one or more sections of brick veneer. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, such as repointing mortar, replacing bricks and/or sections of veneer. Moisture.

- The perimeter grading slopes towards the structure in one or more areas. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms. Wet soil may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. Recommend grading soil so it slopes down and away from the structure with a slope of at least 5% (10% or better is optimal) for at least 6 feet.

- One or more downspouts have no extensions, or have extensions that are ineffective. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms, and may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. Repairs should be made as necessary, such as installing or repositioning splash blocks, or installing and/or repairing tie-ins to underground drain lines, so rain water is carried at least several feet away from the structure to soil that slopes down and away from the structure.

- One or more gutters are damaged. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms, and may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. A qualified contractor should replace or repair gutters where necessary.

- One or more gutters were leaking during the inspection. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms, and may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. A qualified contractor should replace or repair gutters where necessary.
- 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.


- Stucco is damaged and/or deteriorated on one or more areas. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.

- Recommend Sealing around one or more exteriour doors. East side of property. West and East side of property

- One or more moderate cracks (1/8 inch to 3/4 inch) were found in the foundation. Church West and East side, Day care front East side. These may be a structural concern, or an indication that settlement is ongoing. The client(s) should consider hiring qualified contractors and/or engineers as necessary for further evaluation. Such contractors may include:
- One or more minor cracks (1/8 inch or less) were found in the foundation. Church West side, Day care front West side. 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:
- 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.

- Trees and/or shrubs are in contact with or are close to the roof edge(s) in one or more areas. Damage to the roof may result, especially during high winds. Vegetation can also act as a conduit for wood destroying insects. Vegetation should be pruned back and/or removed as necessary to prevent damage and infestation by wood destroying insects.

- Caulk is missing or deteriorated in some areas and should be replaced and/or applied where necessary. For more information on caulking, visit The Ins and Outs of Caulking.
- Recommend caulking and sealing around one or more windows
- One or more light fixtures appear to be inoperable. Recommend further evaluation by replacing bulb(s) and/or consulting with the property owner(s). Repairs or replacement of the light fixture(s) by a qualified electrician may be necessary.
- Stains were found in one or more areas on soffit boards, but no elevated moisture levels were found and the wood appears to be in good condition. Based on the appearance of the roof, these stains may be from past leaks. Recommend monitoring these areas in the future. If moisture is observed, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.



- The gravel roof surface material is beyond or at the end of its service life and needs replacing now. The client(s) should consult with a qualified roofing contractor to determine replacement options and costs.


- The rolled roof surface material appears to be near the end of its service life and will likely need replacing in the near future, even with repairs. The client(s) should budget for a replacement roof surface, and may want to have a qualified roofing contractor evaluate and attempt to issue a "5 year roof certificate".


- One or more sections of roof flashing are deteriorated and/or rusted. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and replace flashing where necessary.


- Signs of 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.


- Gaps at one or more roof surface seams and at one or more roof penetrations were found. These may result in leaks. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.

- Debris has accumulated in one or more gutters. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects since gutters may overflow and cause water to come in contact with the structure's exterior or make water accumulate around the foundation. Gutters should be cleaned now and as necessary in the future.

- Trees and/or shrubs are in contact with or are close to the roof edge(s) in one or more areas. Damage to the roof may result, especially during high winds. Vegetation can also act as a conduit for wood destroying insects. Vegetation should be pruned back and/or removed as necessary to prevent damage and infestation by wood destroying insects.

- 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.
- Pull-down stairs are installed for the attic access. No insulation is installed above the stairs and no weatherstripping is installed around the hatch perimeter. To reduce air leakage, recommend installing weatherstripping and an insulated hatch cover. An example of one can be seen at http://www.batticdoor.com/
- 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.

- Evidence of drywood termites was found on East attic area (pellets). Recommend having a qualified pest control company evaluate and treat as necessary.

- Exposed wiring and/or bus bars exist in the main service panel or subpanels due to closure covers missing (slots where circuit breakers fit through the panel cover). This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. Closure covers should be installed where missing to eliminate exposed wiring, and by a qualified electrician if necessary.

- One or more service panel or subpanels covers couldn't be removed due to lack of access from shelving, cabinets, walls and/or ceilings. This panel wasn't fully evaluated. Repairs should be made so the panel cover can be easily removed.

- No drain line is installed for the temperature-pressure relief valve. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of scalding if someone is standing next to the water heater when the valve opens. A qualified plumber should install a drain line as per standard building practices. For example, extending to 6 inches from the floor, or routed so as to drain outside.

- The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8 to 12 years. This water heater appears to be at this age or older and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.

- The estimated useful life for most forced air furnaces is 15 to 20 years. This furnace appears to be at this age or older and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.

- 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. This servicing should be performed annually in the future.

- Condensantion found on air handler unit. Pan rusting. Recommend having a qualified A/C contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.
- The cooling fins on the air handler's evaporator coils are dirty. This may result in reduced efficiency and higher energy costs. Some sources claim that energy efficiency is degraded by about five percent each year as the coils get dirtier due to accumulated dust and grime. A qualified heating and cooling contractor should clean the evaporator coils as necessary.
- Air handler filter(s) are dirty and should be replaced now. They should be checked monthly in the future and replaced as necessary.
- Air handler filter(s) should be checked monthly in the future and replaced or washed as necessary.
- Permanent structures are too close to the outdoor condensing unit. Standard building practices require that there be at least 12 inches of clearance on all sides and at least four to six feet above. Inadequate clearances around the condensing unit can result in reduced efficiency, increased energy costs and/or damage to equipment. Modifications should be made to structures around and/or above the condensing unit by a qualified contractor as necessary to maintain these clearances.

- 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. This servicing should be performed annually in the future.

- The cooling fins on the air handler's evaporator coils are dirty and bent, damaged and/or deteriorated. This may result in reduced efficiency and higher energy costs. Some sources claim that energy efficiency is degraded by about five percent each year as the coils get dirtier due to accumulated dust and grime. A qualified heating and cooling contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, and clean the evaporator coils.

- Panel missing cover. Replace panel.

- Splices no contained in J boxes. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.
- Air handler filter(s) are dirty and should be replaced now. They should be checked monthly in the future and replaced as necessary.
- Air handler filter(s) should be checked monthly in the future and replaced or washed as necessary.


- The outside condensing unit is not anchored. Anchoring straps are missing. Recommend securing unit to ground.

- 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. This servicing should be performed annually in the future.
- The cooling fins on the air handler's evaporator coils are dirty. This may result in reduced efficiency and higher energy costs. Some sources claim that energy efficiency is degraded by about five percent each year as the coils get dirtier due to accumulated dust and grime. A qualified heating and cooling contractor should clean the evaporator coils as necessary.
- Air handler filter(s) are dirty and should be replaced now. They should be checked monthly in the future and replaced as necessary.
- Air handler filter(s) should be checked monthly in the future and replaced or washed as necessary.

- Wall units need routine maintenance. Recommend having a qualified A/C contractor evaluate and service units as necessary.

- One or more waste pipe cleanouts have no cap installed. This is a safety hazard because sewer gases may vent into the structure. A qualified plumber should install a caps where missing.

- Copper water supply pipes in properties 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:
- 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. Despite this, and because of their apparent age, these pipes may need replacing at any time.

- Recommend having the septic tanks inspected. Recommend having the tank pumped if it was last pumped more than 3 years ago.
- One or more main waste pipe cleanouts show signs of wear from having been opened, possibly multiple times. Clogging and/or damage to the waste system may have occurred in the past. The client(s) should consult with the property owner(s) regarding past repairs, and/or have a qualified plumbing contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. A video scope device may be used to inspect these lines and to determine if they have been damaged. Repairs are often expensive due to the need for excavation.

- Stains were found in one or more sections of drain and/or waste pipes. Recommend monitoring these areas in the future, and if leaks are found, have a qualified plumber evaluate and repair as necessary. Alternatively, the client(s) may wish to have a qualified plumber evaluate now and repair if necessary.


- 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.

- Gas was turned off, stoves were not fully evaluated.

- One or more faucets leak or drip when turned off. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.

- One or more faucets leak by handle(s) or at their base when turned on. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
- 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.
- Vinyl flooring is damaged and/or deteriorated in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should replace or repair the damaged flooring.


- One or more toilets are loose. A qualified contractor should remove the toilet(s) for further evaluation and repairs if necessary. A new wax ring should be installed and toilet(s) should be securely anchored to the floor to prevent movement and leaking. Ladies room toilets
- One or more sink stopper mechanisms are missing, or need adjustment or repair. Stopper mechanisms should be installed where missing and/or repairs should be made so sink stoppers open and close easily.
- One or more light fixtures appear to be inoperable. Recommend further evaluation by replacing bulb(s) and/or consulting with the property owner(s). Repairs or replacement of the light fixture(s) by a qualified electrician may be necessary. East building bathroom second floor.
- One or more toilets have no water supply and could not be fully evaluated. The shut-off valve(s) may be turned off, or repairs may be necessary. The client(s) should ask the property owner(s) about this, and have a qualified plumber evaluate and repair if necessary.

- Based on the age of this structure and the appearance of existing smoke alarms, the alarms may be older than 10 years old. According to National Fire Protection Association, aging smoke alarms don't operate as efficiently and often are the source for nuisance alarms. Older smoke alarms are estimated to have a 30% probability of failure within the first 10 years. Newer smoke alarms do better, but should be replaced after 10 years. Unless you know that the smoke alarms are new, replacing them when moving into a new residence is also recommended by NFPA. For more information, visit this article: NFPA urges replacing home smoke alarms after 10 years.

- One or more bedroom windows have inadequate egress in the event of a fire due to the opening size being too small and/or being unable to open. Bedroom windows should be easy to open, stay open by themselves, and have:
- 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.

- Batteries in all the smoke alarms should be replaced after taking occupancy, and annually in the future. "Chirping" noises emitted from smoke alarms typically indicate that batteries need replacing. For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html

- This structure was built prior to 1979 and may contain lead paint. Laws were enacted in 1978 in the US preventing the use of lead paint in residential structures. Lead is a known safety hazard, especially to children but also to adults. The paint found in and around this structure appeared to be intact and may be encapsulated by more recent layers of paint that are not lead-based. Regardless, recommend following precautions as described in the following links to Consumer Products Safety Commission website articles regarding possible lead paint.

- Various windows are damaged and need replacement.


- Stains and elevated levels of moisture were found in one or more ceiling areas. The stain(s) appear to be due to roof leaks. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary. East building S.E side. Evidence of water intrusion on floors.

- 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.
- One or more air supply registers are missing. The air flow cannot be controlled as a result. Registers should be installed where missing. Day care West room.
- One or more windows that were built to open, will not open, or open only minimally due to their being shut, damaged,bolted and/or deteriorated in some way. Repairs should be made as necessary, and by a qualified contractor if necessary so windows open fully, and open and close easily.
- Lock mechanisms on one or more windows are missing and/or damaged so that they are inoperable. Repairs should be made by a qualified contractor or service technician so that windows lock and unlock easily.
- Screen(s) in one or more windows or doors are torn or have holes in them. Screens should be replaced where necessary.
- One or more locksets are loose and should be tightened, repaired and or replaced as necessary.
- One or more locksets are damaged and/or deteriorated. Locksets should be replaced as necessary.
- One or more exterior entrance doors are damaged and/or deteriorated and should be repaired or replaced by a qualified contractor.
- The weatherstrip around one or more exterior entry doors is missing and/or deteriorated. Weatherstrip should be installed where missing and/or replaced where deteriorated, and by a qualified contractor if necessary.


- One or more moderate cracks (1/8 inch to 3/4 inch) were found in the foundation. Church West and East side, Day care front East side. These may be a structural concern, or an indication that settlement is ongoing. The client(s) should consider hiring qualified contractors and/or engineers as necessary for further evaluation. Such contractors may include:
- Stains were found in one or more ceiling areas. 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. East building.