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Genesis Home Inspections LLC

Website: http://www.reporthost.com/genesis
Email: ramilewski@verizon.net
Phone: (570) 842-8724 · (570) 677-8195
3155 Nashotka Rd 
Madison Township PA 18444-6833
Inspector: Richard Milewski
InterNACHI #09090906

 

Home Inspection Report
Client(s): Joe Sample #1
Property address: 3155 Nashotka Rd.
Madison Twp., PA 18444
Inspection date: Saturday, September 12, 2009
This report published on 10/12/2009 1:26:42 PM EDT

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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 
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
Electric service
Water heater
Heating and cooling
Plumbing and laundry
Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys
Basement
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Interior rooms
 
General information Return to table of contents
Report number: 200901X
Inspector's name: Richard A. Milewski
Type of building: Single family, Manufactured home
Age of building: 24
Property owner's name: John Homeowner
Time started: 0700
Time finished: 1115
Present during inspection: Client(s), Realtor(s)
Occupied: Yes
Weather conditions: Cloudy
Temperature: Cool
Ground condition: Damp
Front of structure faces: East
Main entrance faces: East
Foundation type: Unfinished basement
The following items are excluded from this inspection: Private sewage disposal system, Security system, Irrigation system, Swimming pool, Hot tub, Private well, Shed, Playground equipment, Sauna, Low voltage outdoor lighting, Central vacuum system, Water filtration system, Water softener system, Built-in sound system, Intercom system, Generator system, Sport court, Sea wall, Outbuildings
1) Safety, Repair/Replace - This property has one or more fuel burning appliances, and no carbon monoxide alarms are visible. This is a safety hazard. Recommend installing one or more carbon monoxide alarms as necessary and as per the manufacturer's instructions. For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05017.html
2) Comment - Some wall, floor and/or ceiling surfaces were obscured by furniture and/or stored items. Some areas couldn't be evaluated.
 
Exterior Return to table of contents
Footing material: Not visible
Foundation material: Concrete block
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Vinyl
Driveway material: Gravel
Sidewalk material: N/A
Exterior door material: Solid core steel
3) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more outdoor electric receptacles 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 outdoor receptacles within six feet six inches of ground level have GFCI protection. For example, install GFCI receptacles or circuit breaker(s) as needed.
4) Safety, Repair/Replace - One or more retaining walls higher than three feet exist on this property and guardrails or barriers are missing or inadequate. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of falling. At a minimum, the client(s) should be aware of this hazard, especially when children are present. Ideally a qualified contractor should install adequate guardrails or make modifications to existing barriers as necessary above retaining walls higher than 3 feet to eliminate fall hazards. Dense shrubbery or vegetation may be acceptable as a barrier, but only when mature enough to be effective.
5) Safety, Repair/Replace - One or more deck ledger boards are nailed to the structure rather than being attached by adequate fasteners. This poses a significant safety hazard since the ledger board(s) may separate from the structure, causing the deck(s) to collapse. A qualified contractor should install lag screws or bolts as per standard building practices to securely attach the ledger board(s) to the structure. For more information on installing deck ledger boards visit:
http://www.google.com/search?q=installing+a+ledger+board

And for more information on building safe decks in general, visit:
http://www.google.com/search?q=building+a+safe+deck
6) Repair/Replace - The gravel driveway is in poor condition. Repairs should be made as necessary, such as filling holes or grading, and new gravel should be spread.
7) Repair/Maintain - 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.
  • Resilient caulks (easy to apply).
  • Epoxy sealants (both a waterproof and structural repair).
     
    Roof Return to table of contents
    Roof inspection method: Viewed from ground with binoculars
    Roof type: Gable
    Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
    Estimated age of roof: 6 years
    Gutter & downspout material: Plastic
    Roof ventilation: Adequate
    8) Comment - Because of the roof covering type and/or the configuration of the roof, the inspector was unable to traverse the roof and wasn't able to fully evaluate the entire roof.
     
    Garage Return to table of contents
    9) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more garage electric receptacles 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 garage receptacles, except for one for use with a refrigerator or freezer, have GFCI protection. For example, install GFCI receptacles or circuit breaker(s) as needed.
    10) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Non-metallic sheathed wiring is routed in one or more areas so it is subject to damage, such as on wall or ceiling surfaces. The insulation can be damaged by objects coming in contact with it and/or it being repeatedly moved. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock and fire. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, rewire using conduit, or re-routing through wall cavities.
    11) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - 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.
    12) Safety, Repair/Replace - 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.
    13) Safety, Repair/Replace - 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.
    14) Repair/Replace - One or more exterior entrance doors are damaged and/or deteriorated and should be repaired or replaced by a qualified contractor.
    15) Comment - 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.
     
    Electric service Return to table of contents
    Primary service type: Underground
    Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
    Service amperage (amps): 200
    Service voltage (volts): 120/240
    Location of main service switch: Utility Pole in middle of front yard
    Location of main disconnect: Breaker at top of main service panel
    Service entrance conductor material: Aluminum
    System ground: Ground rod(s) in soil
    Branch circuit wiring type: Non-metallic sheathed
    Smoke detectors present: Yes
    16) Safety, Repair/Replace - One or more bushings are missing from where wires enter holes in the main service panel. This is a safety hazard since the wiring insulation can be cut or abraded on the metal edge of the hole(s). A qualified electrician should install bushings where missing.
     
    Water heater Return to table of contents
    Estimated age: 6 years
    Type: Tank
    Energy source: Electricity
    Capacity (in gallons): 30
    Water temperature (degrees Fahrenheit): 120
    17) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Substandard wiring was found for the water heater's power supply. Exposed non-metallic sheathed (Romex) wiring is used and is subject to damage. Both the insulation and conductors can be damaged by repeated movement or contact with objects such as stored items. This is a safety hazard for both fire and shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. Typically, flexible conduit with bushings is used in this application.
    18) Evaluate, Comment - Based on the capacity of the water heater, the number of bedrooms in this structure and the number of occupants expected to live in this structure, this water heater may be undersized. The clients should consult with a qualified plumbing contractor or water heater distributor for more information, and may wish to upgrade the size of the water heater.
     
    Heating and cooling Return to table of contents
    Estimated age: 24 years **New blower motor, burner and gas valve replaced in 2001
    Primary heating system energy source: Propane gas
    Primary heat system type: Forced air
    Primary A/C energy source: N/A
    Primary Air conditioning type: N/A
    Distribution system: Sheet metal ducts
    Manufacturer: Lear-Siegler
    Filter location: Behind return air grill
    Last service date: September 2008
    19) Maintain - Air handler filter(s) are dirty and should be replaced now. They should be checked monthly in the future and replaced as necessary.
     
    Plumbing and laundry Return to table of contents
    Location of main water shut-off valve: Water supply provided by private well. Service disconnect for water supply located in breaker panel.
    Water service: Private
    Service pipe material: Polyethelene
    Supply pipe material: Polybutylene
    Vent pipe material: Plastic
    Drain pipe material: Plastic
    Waste pipe material: Plastic
    20) Evaluate - Plumbing supply lines appear to be made of Polybutylene. Polybutylene is a plastic material used extensively during the 1980s and 1990s that has proven to be more prone to leakage than other types of supply piping systems like copper. Recommend reviewing any disclosure statements if available for comments on leaks in the water supply system.

    A class action lawsuit has been filed regarding this material that requires the manufacturers to cover piping systems installed between Jan. 1, 1978 through July 31, 1995. For more information, call the Plumbing Claims Group at (800) 356-3496 or visit:
    http://www.google.com/search?q=Polybutylene+class+action
    21) Comment - 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
    Chimney type: Masonry
     
    Basement Return to table of contents
    Insulation material underneath floor above: Fiberglass roll or batt
    Pier or support post material: Bearing wall
    Beam material: Steel
    Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
    22) Safety, Minor Defect - 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.
     
    Kitchen Return to table of contents
    23) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more electric receptacles have burn or scorch marks on them. Receptacle(s) and/or wiring to them may be damaged. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, such as replacing damaged receptacles and/or wiring.
    24) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - 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.
    25) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Countertops are damaged and/or deteriorated in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace countertops as necessary.
    26) Repair/Replace - One or more filters are missing from the range hood exhaust system. Filters should be replaced as necessary.
    27) Repair/Replace - Vinyl flooring is damaged and/or deteriorated in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should replace or repair the damaged flooring.
     
    Bathrooms Return to table of contents
    28) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - 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.
    29) Repair/Replace - One or more bathrooms 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.
     
    Interior rooms Return to table of contents
    30) Safety, Repair/Replace - 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:
    http://www.google.com/search?q=old+smoke+alarms
    31) Repair/Replace - One or more air supply registers are damaged and should be replaced where necessary.
     

    Photo 1  
    Uncovered outlet in basement
    Photo 2  
    Exposed Romex in garage. Splice not contained in junction box.

    Photo 3  
    Hollow-core door between garage and living area in basement
    Photo 4  
    Exterior door in garage is warped/bent and allows outside air in.

    Photo 6  
    Non-GFCI outlet outside of back porch.
    Photo 7  
    Deck ledger board attached with nails.

    Photo 8  
    Exposed Romex wiring under back porch.
    Photo 9  
    Small cracks in foundation mortar joints

    Photo 10  
    Furnace air filter dirty
    Photo 11  
    Scorched/worn kitchen outlet

    Photo 12  
    Damaged kitchen countertop
    Photo 13  
    Range hood fan missing filter

    Photo 14  
    Linoleum shrinkage in kitchen
    Photo 15  
    Wires entering service panel not secured

    Photo 16  
    Service panel equipment
    Photo 17  
    Exposed Romex wiring leading to water heater unsecured. Flammable material placed on top of heater
     
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