Fine Point Inspection LLC

	Safety	Poses a risk of injury or death
	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
	Serviceable	Item or component is in serviceable condition
	Comment	For your information

Structural Pest Inspection Concerns
Items marked with the following icons relate to the structural pest inspection

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

Table of Contents
General information
Exterior
Termites and Wood Boring Insects
Roof
Electric service
Water heater
Heating and air conditioning
Attic
Plumbing and laundry
Basement
Interior stairs
Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
Crawl space
Interior rooms
Bathrooms

1) It is the goal of the inspection to put a home-buyer in a better position to make a buying decision. Not all improvements will be identified during this inspection. Unexpected repairs should still be anticipated. The inspection is not to be considered a guarantee or warranty of any kind. This inspection is visual only. A representative sampling of building components are viewed in areas that are accessible at the time of the inspection. Furniture and storage, when present, limit accessibility to inspect some areas. As per State of Connecticut Home Inspection Regulations, no destructive testing or dismantling of building components is performed. Furniture is not moved, and main valves are not turned on.

		2) The perimeter grading slopes towards the structure at the back and a swale or gulley was dug. We recommend installing perforated pipe and stone to fill area, as it is a trip hazard at present. The purpose of gulley is to help eliminate 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. An excavation contractor could further recommend improving this area. Photo 7   Red: siding to grade contact. Yellow: swale improvements recommended.
		3) Rot was noted at front skirt board, stair risers. Rot should be repaired or replaced as necessary. Hidden damage may be present. Unattended rot can quickly spread to healthy wood and should be addressed immediately. Consult with a carpenter. Photo 1   Some rot has been painted over at the stair risers. Photo 3   Rot noted at front southeast skirt board.
		4) One or more downspouts are loose or detached. 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. Recommend making repairs as necessary so downspouts are securely anchored and functional. Photo 2   Downspouts should be connected to extensions.
		5) 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. Recommend making repairs as necessary such as repairing or installing splash blocks or 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. Photo 2   Downspouts should be connected to extensions. Photo 27   Extension shoud be opened up at downspout.
		6) Soil is in contact with or less than 6" from siding and/or trim. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms. Recommend grading soil as necessary so there's at least 6" of space between the siding and trim and the soil below. Photo 7   Red: siding to grade contact. Yellow: swale improvements recommended.
		7) Stone or brick exposed foundation needs repointing of the joints. Consult with a mason for repairs. Photo 6   As typical, foundation stones need localized re-pointing.
		8) Wood basement window(s) need typical repairs, including reglazing, repairing cracked or broken glass, or painting of sash. Recommend repairs be made as necessary. Photo 19   Foundation windows in need of maintenance and repair in some areas.
		9) Window wells at crawl or basement need improvement. Silt or organic growth should be removed and installing a cover will prevent this from occuring in the future.
		10) Vegetation (trees, shrubs and/or vines) are in contact with the structure's exterior. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms. Vegetation can serve as a conduit for insects and may retain moisture against the exterior after it rains. Recommend pruning or removing vegetation as necessary so there's at least a one foot gap between all vegetation and the structure's exterior.
		11) Front porch ceiling had prior water damage at one time, warping noted. Photo 37   Front porch ceiling has warped boards evident/no leakage detected at inspection - appears to be past leakage.
		12) Trim is loose and should be secured at north upper porch area. Photo 4   Small section of trim loose at front porch/north side.

13) There was no indication of the presence of wood boring insects at the time of the inspection. Indications would include mud tubes, damage, frass, ant bodies, and carpenter bee holes. We recommend annual or seasonal inspections by a professional exterminating company to prevent future infestation.

		14) The back masonry chimney has deterioration and spalling evident and requires repairs such as sealing brick, replacing bricks, and/or replacing the crown. Recommend having a qualified chimney service contractor or mason evaluate chimney and repair as necessary. Because of this spalling, also recommend that the chimney service contractor perform a Level 2 inspection as per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines. Photo 5   Back chimney has evidence of spalling.
		15) One or more chimney flues don't have a screened cover installed. Screened covers prevent the following: Fire hazard from wood fire sparks and embers exiting flues Wildlife (birds, rodents, racoons, etc.) entering flues Rainwater entering flues and mixing with combustion deposits, creating caustic chemicals which can corrode flues Rainwater entering flues and causing damage to terracotta flue tiles from freeze-thaw cycles Recommend having a qualified chimney service contractor install screened cover(s) where missing. Screens should have holes 1/4" or larger.
		16) The smaller chimney (boiler) should have the voids in the flashing sealed better. This is a job for a roofer.
		17) The small older chimney is out of plumb, however appears to be tilted somewhat and should be monitored.

		18) Knob and Tube wiring was used in the 1920's and 30's. Some is still active in the home, visible in side attic and probably serving some of the top floors behind walls. Usually this wiring is upgraded when major renovations are done. For example, when walls and/or floor are opened up. Some should be repaired here as noted in the picture and this is usually done by an electrician snaking a new wire in the structure. Consult with a licensed electrician. Photo 33   Some old knob and tube wires evident in side attic should be upgraded -bare spots.
		19) There are several smaller electrical repairs needed in basement. An electrician should be consulted. Photo 11   Electrical panel box opening should be plugged. Photo 14   Open junction box in basement Photo 15   Open junction box in basement. Photo 18   Wire should be terminated properly in basement.
		20) A clamp should be installed better above the meter socket (it holds the service wire).
		21) Electrical components concealed behind finished surfaces are not inspected. Only a representative sampling of outlets and light fixtures were tested. Furniture and/or storage may have restricted access to some electrical components, which would then have not been inspected The inspection does not include remote control devices, alarm systems and components, low voltage wiring, systems, and components, ancillary wiring, systems, and other components which are not part of the primary electrical power distribution system.

		22) Steam systems were used years ago and tend to be more temperamental and require a service company with some degree of knowledge and patience. This boiler has been maintained with a service record in place. The unit in service was operational at inspection, however several hours are needed to fully heat all radiators in order to determine effective heat transfer to all radiators (it was around 90 degrees F at inspection). As such, some limitation to this inspection is present. Photo 13   Water level good in steam boiler at inspection. Photo 17   Service record for boiler looks good. Photo 25   Boiler information label.
		23) The back addition is served by electric heat and this was operational at inspection.

		24) When re-roofing the upper portion, adding ridge vents is recommended, as ventilation is done by opening windows. The lower newer roof has ridge venting installed.
		25) One of the side access areas was covered or not accessible at inspection. Photo 30   Back side crawl obstructed at inspection.

		26) No dryer duct is installed. Recommend installing a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. For information on dryer safety issues, see http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5022.html Photo 22   Dryer should be vented to exterior.
		27) A valve was dripping at inspection and should be repaired consult with a plumber. Photo 8   Dripping valve noted in basement.
		28) Some of the steam piping is older pipe and could fail at any time,it is usually replaced on an as needed basis.

		29) Extension cords are being used as permanent wiring at sump pump. They should only be used for portable equipment on a temporary basis. Using extension cords as permanent wiring poses a fire and shock hazard, and is an indication that wiring is not adequate and should be updated. Recommend either removing extension cords or having a qualified, licensed electrician evaluate and make modification as necessary. For example, install additional circuits and/or electric outlets.
		30) The metal pads below the front wood columns are deteriorating and should be replaced. Consult with a builder. Photo 21   Post supports are deteriorating at floor in basement.
		31) One joist at the north side is cracked and should be sistered (adding another member to the side). Consult with a builder. Photo 31   One cracked rafter at north side should be sistered.
		32) The support to the sub panel box should be repaired at the base. This will help secure the box. Photo 29   This board supports sub panel and is rotted at base.

33) The spindles of the interior stairs are spaced too wide, creating a safety hazard, as a small child could fall through. Photo 32   Open areas should be closed in.

		34) A significant amount of creosote visible in fireplace flue (in newer section, family room). The damper needs adjustment and or repair. Recommend cleaning, inspection and repairs if necessary by a qualified chimney service contractor.
		35) The damper needs adjustment in the family room fireplace. The living room fireplace slides, and may be difficult to operate. You may want to install glass doors to keep from losing heat up the flue. Photo 36   damper at front chimney needs adjustment.
		36) All solid fuel burning appliances (woodstoves and fireplaces) should be inspected annually by a qualified chimney service contractor, cleaned and repaired as necessary.
		37) Typical wear was noted in the livingroom firebox. Photo 34   Typical floor wear inside front firebox (a few chips, etc.) Photo 35   Older fire box, front chimney. Some wear noted at back.

		38) Vapor barrier is missing at south crawl area. Recommend installing 6 mil polyethylene with seams overlapped at least 24" so no soil is exposed in the crawlspace. Photo 23   Crawl area to the south needs moisture barrier.
		39) Cellulose-based debris such as wood scraps, form wood, cardboard and/or paper were found in crawl space. Recommend removing all cellulose-based debris to avoid attracting wood destroying insects. Photo 23   Crawl area to the south needs moisture barrier.
		40) The back crawl space has a fan mounted to help circulate air, probably to keep area dryer and also to move warm air from boiler to help prevent winter freezing of pipes. Consult with seller on how often it was used or needed. Photo 26   appears back crawl space has a fan to help dry or move air.
		41) Minimal work room space (or inspection space) is present in the crawl areas.

		42) One or more open ground, 3-pronged receptacles were found. This is a safety hazard and poses a risk of electric shock. Recommend that a qualified, licensed electrician evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, replacing receptacles or correcting wiring circuits. Consult with an electrician for a proper remedy. The following appliances require grounded receptacles: Computer hardware Refrigerators Freezers Air conditioners Clothes washers Clothes dryers Dishwashers Kitchen food waste disposers Information technology equipment Sump pumps Electrical aquarium equipment Hand-held motor-operated tools Stationary and fixed motor-operated tools Light industrial motor-operated tools Hedge clippers Lawn mowers This list is not exhaustive. Grounded circuits and receptacles should be installed in locations where such appliances will be used.
		43) One or more doors swing outward over stairs without a landing area in front of the door. This a safety hazard, specifically in the case of someone tripping or falling when standing on the stairs and opening the door while someone else walks through the door as they are opening it. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. One solution may be to install a door that opens in the other direction (away from the stairs).
		44) One or more receptacles are loose, broken or damaged. A qualified, licensed electrician should resecure or replace them as necessary.
		45) Handrail(s) are missing from one or more flights of stairs with more than two risers. This is a safety hazard. Recommend having a qualified contractor install graspable handrails that your hand can completely encircle at stairs with more than two risers where missing.
		46) Gaps larger than 4" were found in one or more deck or stair rails. This is a safety hazard, especially for small children. Recommend that a qualified contractor make modifications as necessary, such as installing additional balusters, so gaps in rails don't exceed 4".
		47) Some windows will not stay open without being propped. This can be a safety hazard, as fingers could be caught in the sill when the sash drops open. Recommend repairing sash cords, springs or weights, as needed to assure proper working of windows.
		48) Few outlets and 2-pronged receptacles rather than 3-pronged, grounded outlets are installed in one or more interior rooms. This can result in "octopus" wiring with extension cords (a fire hazard), and limits the ability to use appliances that require a ground (computers and some other electronic appliances) in these areas. Recommend having a qualified electrian evaluate and install additional receptacles and grounded receptacles where necessary and as per the current National Electric Code.
		49) The hardware on the window(s) is missing, damaged or broken and needs repair or replacement (third floor, older windows). Window hardware should be repaired so that windows easily open and close and are able to be locked.
		50) Window(s) stuck shut and can't open (third floor office). Recommend repairing window(s) so they open easily.
		51) One or more doors don't latch when closed. Recommend making repairs as necessary such as adjusting latch plates or lockset mechanisms.
		52) One or more doors bind in their jambs. Recommend making repairs as necessary so they close easily.
		53) The walls in one or more rooms displayed typical flaws such as: * minor cracks * minor stains from past leakage * popped nails * loose or dried out taping seams * small, cosmetic holes that may need filling * limited areas of peeling paint These are considered cosmetic issues and are not considered defects, although it may be desirable to patch holes, cracks and popped nails, and repaint for aesthetic purposes.
		54) There were floor slopes evident that are typical of an antique home. Antique homes have generally settled over the years and repairs may have been made to improve support to the structure. It is unlikely that these types of floor slopes can be repaired without major renovations or replacement of the floors, and it is unlikely that this would be the preference, as many people buying an antique home choose to keep the character of the home. If repairs or improvements to the floor are anticipated, consultation with a structural engineer would be recommended.

		55) Leak at drain under sink in first floor bathroom. Recommend repairing leak.
		56) Claw foot tub is missing one leg. Some sort of support should be put under this area to keep the tub from "rocking" when used.
		57) Rust was noted in the drain of the claw foot tub. Repair or replacement may be needed in near future. Consult with a plumber.
		58) The drain plug on the tub does not operate or does not hold water. Recommend repairing plug mechanism so it holds water. Consult with a plumber.
		59) Cracks were noted in the second floor vanity sink. They appear to be surface cracks as leakage below the sink was not observed. This should be monitored.

Photo 9   Water heater manufacturer.	Photo 10   Information label water heater.
Photo 12   This is where main water shut off is.	Photo 16   Some dampness noted on basement floor.
Photo 20   Sump pump should have a dedicated outlet.	Photo 24   View looking into back crawl space.
Photo 28   level of oil in the tank at inspection.

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