Homestead Inspections LLc

Website: http://www.homesteadinspectionsllc.com
Email: jefmerit@netzero.net
Phone: (773) 457-4542
FAX: (773) 305-0917
Homestead Inspections LLc 
2846 N Narragansett Ave 
Chicago Il 60634

INSPECTION REPORT
Client(s): [Client Name]
Property address: 123 Default St.
Chicago IL
Inspection date: Monday, March 05, 2007
This report published on 7/23/2008 11:31:06 AM CDT

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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 
Major DefectCorrection likely involves a significant expense 
Repair/ReplaceRecommend repairing or replacing 
Minor DefectCorrection likely involves only a minor expense 
MaintainRecommend ongoing maintenance 
EvaluateRecommend evaluation by a specialist 
MonitorRecommend monitoring in the future 
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
Attic
Electric service
Water heater
Heating and cooling
Plumbing and laundry
Chimneys
Basement
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Interior rooms
 
General information Return to table of contents
Report number: 03050702
Structures inspected: House & Garage
Type of building: Single family
Age of building: Unknown
Time started: 5:45
Time finished: 7:30
Present during inspection: Client(s), Property owner(s)
Occupied: No
Weather conditions: Clear
Temperature: Cold
Ground condition: Frozen
Front of structure faces: West
Main entrance faces: West
Foundation type: Unfinished basement

1) 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) 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 hygenists, 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)
     
    Exterior Return to table of contents
    Footing material: Not visible
    Foundation material: Poured in place concrete
    Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
    Wall covering: Vinyl
    Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete
    Exterior door material: Solid core steel
    3) Rear deck / steps ,Flashing is missing from above one or more deck ledger boards. This can cause moisture to accumulate between the ledger board(s) and the structure. Rot may result in this area and cause the ledger board fasteners to fail. The deck may separate from the structure in this event and poses a significant safety hazard. A qualified contractor should install flashing above ledger board(s) where necessary. For more information on installing deck ledger boards visit: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/decks/deck_4.htm

    And for more information on building safe decks in general, visit: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/exteriors/article/0,16417,212625,00.html
    4) Handrail(s) at Rear stairs are ungraspable and are a safety hazard. Handrails should be sized and shaped so your hand can encircle them. A qualified contractor should make repairs or modifications as necessary. For example, replacing existing handrails or installing additional handrails.
    5) Front step Handrail(s) are loose. This is a safety hazard. A qualified contractor should make repairs as necessary. For example, installing new fasteners and/or hardware so handrails are securely attached.
    6) Front gate needs repair, difficult to open, close and/or latch, or are damaged and/or deteriorated. Repairs should be made as necessary, and by a qualified contractor if necessary, so gates operate easily.
     
    Roof Return to table of contents
    Roof inspection method: Viewed from ground with binoculars
    Roof type: Cross gable
    Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
    Gutter & downspout material: Aluminum
    Roof ventilation: Adequate
    7) 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
    8) 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.
    9) The infared "photo eye" devices that trigger the vehicle door opener's auto-reverse feature are located higher than 4 to 6 inches from the floor. This is a potential safety hazard. A qualified contractor should relocate these devices so they're 4 to 6 inches from the floor. For more information on garage door safety issues, visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/523.html or http://www.ohdstl.com/safety.html
    10) Underside of roof decking on west side appears to have wood rot, A qualified contractor should evaluate and make needed repairs.
     
    Attic Return to table of contents
    Inspection method: Viewed from hatch
    Roof structure type: Rafters
    Ceiling structure: Ceiling beams
    Insulation material: Fiberglass roll or batt
    11) Combustibles such as wood or insulation are in contact with or less than one inch from chimney or gas flue pipes in one or more areas. This is a fire hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs or modifications as necessary so minimum clearances to combustibles are maintained around all chimney and flue pipes as per the manufacturer's specifications.

    Photo 5  
    Vent flue pipe does not have 6" clearance should be "B" vent type
    		  
    12) Paper facing on batt insulation is oriented towards open spaces, rather than against interior space surfaces. This occurs when newer, fiberglass batt insulation with paper facing on one side is installed backwards or upside down, or when older batt insulation wrapped on both sides with paper is installed. The paper facing is flammable. Newer insulation usually has a warning label indicating this on the facing.

    For newer batt insulation with paper facing on one side only, the paper facing should be oriented towards interior spaces rather than exposed, open spaces. The existing insulation should be reinstalled or replaced.

    For older batt insulation with paper facing on both sides, recommend that repairs be made as necessary to eliminate the exposed paper facing.

    A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, and as per standard building practices and the insulation manufacturer's recommendations to eliminate the fire hazard.

    Also, the paper facing also acts as a vapor barrier, and if located away from the interior surfaces, can trap moisture from condensation in the cavity between the paper facing and the interior spaces. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects. The inspector was unable to evaluate the structure obscured by the insulation. When repairs are made, the exposed structure should be evaluated for damage by wood destroying insects and/or organisms, and repairs should be made if necessary.

    Photo 4  
    Attic insulation installed wrong side up
    		  
    13) 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.
     
    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 service switch: Basement at breaker panel
    Location of main disconnect: Breaker at top of main service panel
    Service entrance conductor material: Copper
    System ground: Cold water supply pipes
    Main disconnect rating (amps): 100
    Branch circuit wiring type: Copper
    Solid strand aluminum branch circuit wiring present: No
    Smoke detectors present: Yes
    14) One screw is missing from the main service panel cover and should be replaced. Because energized wiring may exist behind the holes with the missing screws, recommend that a qualified, licensed electrician replace these screws, or that care be taken to ensure that the new screws do not come in contact with wiring inside the panel when they are installed. Stock screws from the panel manufacturer should be used, or their equivalent.
     
    Water heater Return to table of contents
    Estimated age: 1-year
    Type: Tank
    Energy source: Natural gas
    Capacity (in gallons): 40
    Manufacturer: General electric # GELN1006417004
    Model: GG40T06AVG01
    15) The drain line to the water heater's temperature-pressure relief valve is undersized. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of explosion. This type of valve requires a minimum 3/4 inch diameter drain line. An undersized drain line can result in the water heater exploding if or when the valve opens due to restricted venting. A qualified plumber should replace the drain line with a correctly sized one as per standard building practices.

    Photo 1  
    Reduced drain line for TPR valve
    		  
     
    Heating and cooling Return to table of contents
    Estimated age: New
    Primary heating system energy source: Natural 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: Weatherking
    Model: 1st GE5D302F370608658 2nd GE5D302F380609501
    Filter location: In return air duct below furnace
    16) Significant amounts of debris, dirt and/or dust are visible in one or more sections of supply and/or return air ducts. This can be a health hazard, especially for those with allergies or respiratory problems. The Environmental Protection Association (EPA) recommends considering having ducts professionally cleaned when "ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers". At a minimum, the visible debris should be thoroughly cleaned. Recommend having a qualified contractor clean the ducts. For more information on duct cleaning in relation to indoor air quality, visit: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html
    17) Return air grill for 2nd floor heater is too close to full louvered door for combustion air. Mixing may occur, recommend further evaluation by qualified contractor.

    Photo 6  
    Return air grill and combustion air to close together, mixing may occur
    		  
    18) Air filter(s) are dirty and should be replaced now. They should be checked monthly in the future and replaced as necessary.
    19)   Both heaters are dirty in combustion chamber and blower compartment, from construction debris, units should be cleaned.
     
    Plumbing and laundry Return to table of contents
    Location of main water shut-off valve: West wall of basement
    Location of main fuel shut-off: Gas meter west side
    Water service: Public
    Service pipe material: Lead
    Supply pipe material: Copper
    Vent pipe material: Not visible
    Drain pipe material: Plastic
    Waste pipe material: Not visible
    20) The water service pipe appears to be made of lead, which is a known health hazard, especially to children. Lead service pipes should be replaced to eliminate this hazard. A qualified plumber should evaluate and replace the service pipe and fittings as necessary to eliminate the lead hazard.
     
    Chimneys Return to table of contents
    Chimney type: Masonry
    21) No metal liner is installed in the masonry chimney, and one or more gas appliances use the chimney for a flue. Standard building practices require that a metal liner be installed in masonry chimneys used to vent gas appliances such as furnaces and water heaters. The purpose of the metal liner is to ensure a correct draft, and to prevent damage to the masonry flue from corrosive exhaust deposits and moisture in the exhaust gases. A qualified chimney service contractor should evaluate and install a metal liner as necessary. For more information visit http://www.csia.org/homeowners/gasapp.html and http://www.csia.org/homeowners/liners.htm
    22) Chimney above roof was not inspected due to darkness,
     
    Basement Return to table of contents
    Insulation material underneath floor above: None visible
    Pier or support post material: Wood
    Beam material: Solid wood
    Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
    23) Handrail(s) at some stairs are ungraspable and are a safety hazard. Handrails should be sized and shaped so your hand can encircle them. A qualified contractor should make repairs or modifications as necessary. For example, replacing existing handrails or installing additional handrails.
     
    Kitchen Return to table of contents
    24) Cabinets , sink and faucet appear serviceable
    25)   Kitchen,is new, no appliance installed.
     
    Bathrooms Return to table of contents
    26) 2nd floor bathroom GFCI electric receptacle has 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.
    27) Window at 2nd floor bath shower is less than 60" high and is not tempered glass.
    28) No toilet paper holders , towel bars are installed. in bathrooms.
    29)   all three toilets, handles must be held down to flush , adjustment is needed.
     
    Interior rooms Return to table of contents
    30) 2nd floor two back bedrooms have open ground, three-pronged electric receptacles were found. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, replacing receptacles or correcting wiring circuits.

    Grounding type receptacles began being required in residential structures during the 1960s. Based on the age of this structure and the presence of 2-pronged receptacles in some areas of this structure, an acceptable repair may be to simply replace the ungrounded 3-pronged receptacles with 2-pronged receptacles. However the following appliances require grounding type 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.
    31) 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 it is opened. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, installing a door that opens in the other direction (away from the stairs).

    Photo 3  
    Door opens over stairs
    		  
    32) Lamp holders or light fixtures with fully or partially exposed bulbs are installed in one or more closets. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire. Flammable stored items may come into contact with hot bulbs, and hot fragments from broken bulbs may fall on combustible materials. Standard building practices require closet lighting to use fluorescent light fixtures, or to use fully enclosed incandescent fixtures. Installing a compact fluorescent lamp in a lamp holder is not an acceptable practice. A qualified electrician should replace closet lights as necessary and as per standard building practices.
    33) Basement, electric box has missing knock out, repair is needed.

    Photo 2  
    Open knock in basement electrical box
    		  
    34) Screen(s) in one or more windows are torn or have holes in them. Screens should be replaced where necessary.
    35) The doorbell was not inspected
    36) Note Front door and Basement door not inspected , secured unable to open
     
    Homestead Inspections LLC
    773-457-4542
    www.homesteadinspectionsllc.com