Frigstad Home Inspections

Website: http://www.reporthost.com/frigstad
Email: frigstadhomeinspections@hotmail.com
Phone: (701) 255-4380
1717 5th Street North 
Bismarck, N.D. 58501
Inspector: Jim Frigstad

"Home Inspection Report"
Client(s): Marilyn J. Rose
Property address: 410 W. Thayer Ave.
Bismarck, N.D. 58501
Inspection date: 4-5-05
This report published on 4/6/2005 10:04:04 PM CDT

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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 
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.
Exterior  
Footing material: Not visible
Foundation material: Poured in place concrete
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Stucco
Driveway material: Poured in place concrete
Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete
Exterior door material: Hollow core wood
1) 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.
See photo(s):  12
2) 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.
See photo(s):  13
3) 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. Recommend having a qualified contractor replace or repair gutters where necessary.
4) Minor cracks were found in the sidewalk. These are only a cosmetic concern and no action is recommended.
  5) The flashing around the chimney should be corrected, so water does not penetrate.
See photo(s):  12
 
Detached garage or carport  
Footing material: Poured in place concrete
Foundation material: Poured in place concrete
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Wood clapboard
Exterior door material: None
Roof inspection method: Viewed from windows
Roof type: Flat
Roof covering: Plywood patio deck
Gutter & downspout material: None
Roof ventilation: None visible
6) There is some rotted wood at the base of the carport and also on the patio deck, which is also the patio floor.
See photo(s):  7, 8
  7) The screen door on the west side has no chain or spring so it can close by itself.
 
Roof  
Roof inspection method: Viewed from ground with binoculars
Roof type: Gable
Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Estimated age of roof: 2001 (estimated)
Gutter & downspout material: Aluminum
Roof ventilation: InadequateBoth vents are covered with plastic
8) The masonry chimney's mortar is deteriorated and should be repaired to prevent further, significant deterioration. Recommend having a qualified chimney service contractor or mason evaluate chimney and repair as necessary. This will likely require repointing the mortar.
See photo(s):  12
9) 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 is 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. Recommend pruning trees so they're at least 10 feet above roof, or don't overhang the roof.
10) The electrical service that comes into the home has an insulator that is not attached to the house.
See photo(s):  14
 
Electric service  
Primary service type: Overhead
Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
Service amperage (amps): 200
Service voltage (volts): 120-240
Location of main service panel: West side of basement bedroom within the closet
Location of main disconnect: No single main disconnect, use all breakers in main service panel
Service conductor material: Copper
Main disconnect rating (amps): Not applicable, no single main disconnect
Branch circuit wiring type: Non-metallic sheathed
Solid strand aluminum branch circuit wiring present: No
Smoke detectors present: Yes
11) The basement dryer outlet is not secured to the wall properly and should be repaired.
See photo(s):  9
12) The basement outlet right next to the sink does not have a GFCI outlet and recommend installing one.
See photo(s):  5
13) There is one light above the sink that does not work and the light in the shower also does not work.
 
Water heater  
Estimated age: 1989
Type: Tank
Energy source: Natural gas
Capacity (in gallons): 40
Brand & model: U.S. Water Heater Company
Water temperature (degrees Fahrenheit): 120
14) The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8 to 12 years. This water heater appears to be at this age or older. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
 
Heating and air conditioning  
Heating system energy source: Natural gas
Heat system type: Forced air
A/C energy source: Electric
Air conditioning type: Split system
Distribution system: Sheet metal ducts
Brand & model: Bryant Air Conditioner and a General Electric Furnace.
Filter location: In return air duct below furnace
15) Outdoor air temperature below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, unable to operate and/or fully evaluate cooling system.
 
Attic  
Inspection method: Viewed from hatch
Roof structure type: Rafters
Ceiling structure: Trusses
Insulation material: Cellulose loose fill
Insulation depth: 5" in places
Insulation estimated R value: low
16) Recessed "can" lights are installed in the ceiling below the attic. The inspector was unable to find a label or markings that indicated if these lights are designed to be in contact with insulation, and one or more lights are in contact with insulation. This is a possible fire hazard. Recommend trying to determine if these lights are rated for contact with insulation. If they aren't, or if their rating can't be determined, recommend repairing or installing barriers to keep insulation away from these lights and moving or removing insulation as necessary.
17) The ceiling insulation's R rating 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.
See photo(s):  4
18) The vents at each end ot the attic are covered with plastic and that should be removed to allow air to flow thru the attic area and prevent any possible moisture.
See photo(s):  3
19) No insulation is installed over the attic access hatch. Recommend installing insulation above hatch for better energy efficiency.
20) There is old knob and tube wiring in the attic, but do not believe it is used as the electrical was redone in the 80's.
 
Plumbing and laundry  
Location of main water shut-off valve: South wall
Location of main water meter: South wall
Water service: Public
Service pipe material: Copper
Supply pipe material: CPVC
Vent pipe material: Plastic
Drain pipe material: Plastic
Waste pipe material: Plastic
  21) The garbage disposal in the main floor kitchen did not operate when turned on.
 
Basement  
Insulation material underneath floor above: None visible
Pier or support post material: Bearing wall
Beam material: Solid wood
Floor structure above: Not visible
22) Within the living room in the basement the window on the north side is loose and should be trimmed or glazed.
See photo(s):  6
 
Fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances  
Fireplace type: Metal prefabricated
Chimney type: Metal
23) The right fireplace door does not shut tighly.
 
Interior rooms  
24) No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices (receptacles or circuit breakers) are visible in one or more bathrooms. GFCI devices help prevent electric shocks in areas that may have water present. Recommend having a qualified, licensed electrician install GFCI protection for receptacles over counter tops and around sinks as per standard building practices.
25) This home was built before 1978, when laws were enacted in the US preventing the use of lead paint in residential structures. Lead paint may be present, and is a known safety hazard, especially to children but also to adults. It may cause brain damage and retarded mental and physical development, among other things. The paint found in and around this structure appeared to be intact and and most likely encapsulated by more recent layers of paint that's not lead-based. However, recommend following precautions as described in the following links to Consumer Products Safety Commission website articles regarding possible lead paint.

What You Should Know About Lead Based Paint in Your Home: Safety Alert - CPSC Document #5054

CPSC Warns About Hazards of "Do lt Yourself" Removal of Lead Based Paint: Safety Alert - CPSC Document #5055
26) One or more light fixtures are inoperable. Recommend having a qualified electrician evaluate and repair or replace fixture(s) as necessary. Within the entry area on the south side the west track lighting fixture is broken and the light does not work. The outside light on the west side by that entry is broken and should be replaced.
27) The door for the washer and dryer on the main floor is not on its track and should be repaired.
28) The smoke detector in the hallway on the main floor and the light next to it is not in its socket and should be repaired.
See photo(s):  2
29) The bedroom on the main floor on the west side has a closet. The light within it is not in its socket and should be repaired.
See photo(s):  1
30) The patio door on the main floor does not lock and should be repaired.
31) The main floor bathroom has a drawer on the bottom left side that is not on its track and does not open properly.
 

Photo 1
Light is out of the socket in the west main floor bedroom closet.

Photo 2
The smoke detector cover is missing and the light is out of its socket in the main floor hallway.

Photo 3
Both vents in the attic are covered with plastic.

Photo 4
There is a maximum of 5" of insulation in the attic with some areas having very little insulation.

Photo 5
The basement bathroom does not have a GFCI receptacle and it is right next to the sink.

Photo 6
The basement window in the living room in the basement on the north side is loose. It should be trimmed in or glazed.

Photo 7
There is rotted wood on the deck which is also the carport.

Photo 8
Rotted wood at the base of the carport on the north side.

Photo 9
The 220 outlet for the dryer in the basement is not properly installed, as it just hanging there.

Photo 10
Front of house

Photo 11
Front of house

Photo 12
The chimney should be repointed with mortar.

Photo 13
The downspout is not connected to the gutter and there is no extension at the bottom of the downspout.

Photo 14
The electrical wiring into the house has an insulator that is not attached to the house.

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