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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 #2
Property address: 123 Sample Rd.
Sampletown, PA 12345
Inspection date: September 16, 2009
This report published on 10/7/2009 6:36:32 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.A home inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of inspection. The results of this home inspection are not intended to make any representation regarding the presence or absence of latent or concealed defects that are not reasonably ascertainable in a competently performed home inspection. No warranty or guaranty is expressed or implied. If the person conducting your home inspection is not a licensed structural engineer or other professional whose license authorizes the rendering of an opinion as to the structural integrity of a building or its other component parts, you may be advised to seek a professional opinion as to any defects or concerns mentioned in the report. This home inspection report is not to be construed as an appraisal and may not be used as such for any purpose.

 
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 
Major DefectCorrection likely involves a significant expense 
Repair/ReplaceRecommend repairing or replacing 
Minor DefectCorrection likely involves only a minor expense 
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
Basement
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Interior rooms
 
General information Return to table of contents
Report number: 200902X
Inspector's name: Richard A. Milewski
Type of building: Single family
Age of building: 42
Property owner's name: Joe Homeowner
Time started: 0930
Time finished: 1245
Present during inspection: Property owner(s)
Occupied:
Weather conditions: Cloudy
Temperature: Cool
Ground condition: Dry
Front of structure faces: East
Main entrance faces: East
Foundation type: Finished 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) Safety, Comment - 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 Environmental Protection Association (http://www.epa.gov)
  • The Consumer Products Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov)
  • The Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov)
    3) Comment - Many wall, floor and/or ceiling surfaces were obscured by large amounts of furniture and/or stored items. Many areas couldn't be evaluated.
     
    Exterior Return to table of contents
    Footing material: Not visible
    Foundation material: Poured in place concrete
    Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
    Wall covering: Vinyl
    Driveway material: Asphalt
    Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete
    Exterior door material: Solid core steel
    4) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more open ground, three-pronged grounding type receptacles were found. 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 age of this structure and/or 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.

    Photo 8  
    Northeast outside corner of garage. Open ground indicated
     

    5) 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.

    Photo 5  
    Northeast outside corner of garage. Not waterproof where wires enter top
     

    6) Safety, Repair/Replace - One or more exterior electric receptacles aren't waterproof or rated for use in wet areas. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock and fire. Repairs should be made as necessary, and by a qualified electrician if necessary, so all exterior receptacles are waterproof as per standard building practices.

    Photo 5  
    Northeast outside corner of garage. Not waterproof where wires enter top
     

    7) Repair/Replace - 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.

    Photo 4  
    Southeast corner of home
     

    8) Repair/Replace - 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.

    Photo 3  
    South side of home @ electrical service entrance
     

    9) Comment - 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.
     
    Roof Return to table of contents
    Roof inspection method: Traversed
    Roof type: Cross gable
    Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
    Estimated age of roof: 6 years
    Gutter & downspout material: Aluminum
    Roof ventilation: Adequate
    10) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more sections of flashing at the base of the chimney are deteriorated and/or substandard. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.

    Photo 6  
    Metal chimney flashing split
     

    11) Repair/Replace - One or more "rubber boot" flashings are damaged or deteriorated and may result in leaks or vermin intrusion. A qualified contractor should replace flashings where necessary.

    Photo 7  
    Plumbing vent boot split. May allow water/vermin
     
     
    Garage Return to table of contents

    12) 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: Overhead
    Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
    Service amperage (amps): 125
    Service voltage (volts): 120/240
    Location of main disconnect: Breaker at top of main service panel
    Service entrance conductor material: Aluminum
    System ground: Ground rod(s) in soil
    Main disconnect rating (amps): 100
    Branch circuit wiring type: Non-metallic sheathed
    Solid strand aluminum branch circuit wiring present: No
    Smoke detectors present: Yes
    13) Safety, Repair/Replace - The service drop wires are in contact with trees or vegetation. Recommend having a qualified tree service company or arborist prune or remove trees as necessary to prevent straining or abrading the service drop wires.

    Photo 2  
    Service drop wires run through tree branches
     

    14) Major Defect, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The electric service to this property appears to be rated at substantially less than 200 amps, and may be inadequate for the client(s) needs. Recommend consulting with a qualified electrician about upgrading to a 200 amp service.
     
    Water heater Return to table of contents
    Estimated age: 5 1/2 years
    Type: Tank
    Energy source: Propane
    Capacity (in gallons): 40
    Manufacturer: Rudd
    Model: P40S-2P
    Water temperature (degrees Fahrenheit): 120
    15) Safety, Repair/Replace - Temperature-pressure relief valve drain line is too short. 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 extend the drain line to 6 inches from the floor, or route it so as to drain outside.

    Photo 23  
    Pressure release plumbing outlet ends <6" from floor
     
     
    Heating and cooling Return to table of contents
    Estimated age: 6 years
    Primary heating system energy source: Oil
    Primary heat system type: Hot water
    Manufacturer: Peerless
    Model: WBV03110WPCT
     
    Plumbing and laundry Return to table of contents
    Location of main water shut-off valve: Northwwest basement wall
    Visible fuel storage systems: 275 Gal. oil tank along east wall of basement
    Water service: Private
    Supply pipe material: Copper
    Vent pipe material: Not visible
    Drain pipe material: Plastic, Copper
    Waste pipe material: Galvanized steel
    16) Safety, Repair/Replace - The clothes dryer is equipped with a vinyl or foil, accordion-type, flexible exhaust duct. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission considers these types of ducts to be unsafe, and a fire hazard. These types of ducts can trap lint and are susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the air flow. This duct should be replaced with a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, and by a qualified contractor if necessary. Most clothes dryer manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. For more information, visit:
    http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5022.html

    17) Safety, Comment - 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:

  • Flush water taps or faucets. Do not drink water that has been sitting in the plumbing lines for more than six hours.
  • Install appropriate filters at points of use.
  • Use only cold water for cooking and drinking. Hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water.
  • Use bottled or distilled water.
  • Treat well water to make it less corrosive.
  • 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
    18) Repair/Replace - The clothes dryer exhaust duct is routed vertically. This can result in extended drying times, premature failure of the motor, drum rollers and heater. Recommend having a qualified contractor reconfigure the clothes dryer exhaust duct so it is routed horizontally, or as close to it as possible.
     
    Basement Return to table of contents
    Insulation material underneath floor above: None visible
    Pier or support post material: Bearing wall
    Beam material: Steel
    Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
    19) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more electric receptacles have reverse-polarity wiring, where the hot and neutral wires are reversed. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.

    Photo 19  
    Hot/neutral reverse indicated. North TV room wall in basement

    Photo 20  
    Hot/neutral reverse indicated. East TV room wall in basement
     
    Kitchen Return to table of contents

    20) 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.
     
    Bathrooms Return to table of contents

    21) 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.
     
    Interior rooms Return to table of contents

    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.

    Photo 11  
    Cover plate missing from outlet. North wall in upstairs living room
     
     

    Photo 9  
    Kitchen

    Photo 10  
    Main floor living room

    Photo 12  
    Guest bedroom

    Photo 13  
    Master bedroom

    Photo 14  
    Master bathroom

    Photo 15  
    Guest bedroom

    Photo 16  
    Main bathroom

    Photo 17  
    Toilet/shower area in main bathroom

    Photo 18  
    TV room in basement

    Photo 21  
    Service panel located along south wall in basement

    Photo 22  
    Laundry room in basement

    Photo 24  
    Boiler and water heater

    Photo 25  
    Basement storage area

    Photo 26  
    Basement storage area

     
    It is understood and agreed that this inspection has been conducted of readily-accessible areas of the building and is limited to visual observations of apparent conditions existing at the time of the inspection only. Latent and concealed defects and deficiencies are excluded from the inspection; equipment, items and systems will not/have not been dismantled. Maintenance and other items may be discussed, but they are not a part of our inspection. The report is not a compliance inspection or certification for past or present governmental codes or regulations of any kind. The inspection and report do not address and are not intended to address the possible presence or danger from any potentially harmful substances and environmental hazards including but not limited to radon gas, lead paint, asbestos, urea formaldehyde, toxic or flammable chemicals, and water, and airborne hazards unless agreed to previously in written form. Also excluded are inspections of and reports on swimming pools, wells, septic systems, security systems, central vacuum systems, water softeners, sprinkler systems, fire and safety equipment, and the presence or absence of rodents, termites and other insects. The parties agree that Genesis Home Inspections LLC, herein referred to as “Company”, and its employees and agents, assume no responsibility or liability for the cost of repairing or replacing any unreported defects or deficiencies, either current or arising in the future, or for any property damage, consequential damage or bodily injury of any nature. The inspection and report are not intended or to be used as a guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding the adequacy, performance, or condition of any inspected structure, items or system. Company is not an insurer of any inspected conditions. It is understood and agreed that should Company and/or its agents or employees be found liable for any loss or damages resulting from a failure to perform any of its obligations, including but not limited to negligence, breach of contract, or otherwise, then the liability of Company and/or its agents or employees, shall be limited to a sum equal to the amount of the fee paid by the Customer for the inspection and report.