Interstate Property Inspections

Website: http://www.interstatepropertyinspections.com
Email: info@interstatepropertyinspections.com
Phone: (585) 721-7770
37 Alhambra Drive 
Rochester, New York 14622-3157 
 
 

Inspector: James Peralta
NYS Home Inspector License #16000002892

 

Property Inspection Report
Client(s): Mr. New Homebuyer
Property address: 123 Any Street
Smalltown, USA 00000
Inspection date: Tuesday, Feb 31, 2007
This report published on 4/19/2009 5:25:39 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.

This report is subject to the terms and conditions as stated in the Inspection Agreement between Interstate Property Inspections Inc and Client.

Interstate Property Inspections abides by the Standards of Practice issued by New York State. To view these standards, please visit: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/professions/homeinspector/Homeinspectionstandards.htm.

Areas of the property subject to noninvasive visual inspection are:
* overall structural condition and basement
* electrical, plumbing, water heater, heating and cooling systems
* kitchen / bathroom fixtures such as faucets, toilets, etc
* general exterior components, such as roofing,siding, gutter, chimney, grading
* general interior components, including walls, floors, ceilings, stairs, insulation

The scope of the inspection and report is a limited visual inspection of the general systems and components of the home, to identify any system or component listed in the report which may be in need of immediate major repair. Some items are checked randomly to represent other like items in the home, such as electrical outlets, windows, and doors.

It is understood and agreed between both parties that this inspection will be of readily accessible areas of the building and is limited to visual observations of apparent conditions existing only at the time of the inspection. Latent and concealed defects and deficiencies are excluded from the inspection. Equipment, items, and systems will not be dismantled for inspection.

This is not a home warranty, guarantee, insurance policy or substitute for real estate transfer disclosure which my be required by law. Your inspector is a home inspection generalist and is not acting as an licensed engineer or expert in any craft or trade.

Maintenance and other items may be discussed, but they are not part of our inspection. The report is not a compliance inspection or certification for past or present governmental codes or regulations of any kind.

 
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 

Structural Pest Inspection Concerns
Items of concern relating to the structural pest inspection are shown as follows:
WDO/WDI InfestationEvidence of infestation of wood destroying insects or organisms (Live or dead insect bodies, fungal growth, etc.) 
WDO/WDI DamageDamage caused by wood destroying insects or organisms (Rot, carpenter ant galleries, etc.) 
WDO/WDI Conducive
conditions
Conditions conducive for wood destroying insects or organisms (Wood-soil contact, shrubs in contact with siding, roof or plumbing leaks, etc.) 

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
Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys
Basement
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Interior rooms
 
General information Return to table of contents
Report number: 2009-415
Inspector's name: James Peralta
Structures inspected: 123 Anywhere Street
Property owner's name:
Type of building: Single family
Age of building: approx 80 yrs old
Time started: 9;50 AM
Time finished: 12:15
Inspection Fee: 300.00
Payment method: Check
Occupied: No
Weather conditions: Clear
Temperature: 35-40 Degrees F
Ground condition: Snow covered
Front of structure faces: West
Main entrance faces: West
Foundation type: Unfinished basement
The following items are excluded from this inspection: Security system, Swimming pool, Fences, Hot tub, Private well, Shed, Playground equipment, Sauna, Low voltage wiring, outdoor landscape lighting
1) 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)
     
    Exterior Return to table of contents
    Footing material: Not visible
    Foundation material: Concrete block
    Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
    Wall covering: Wood shingles, wood trim
    Driveway material: Asphalt
    Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete
    Exterior door material: Wood, solid core
    2) Safety, Major Defect, Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Comment - Front porch = Support column deteriorated at bottom. Porch floor and joists are deteriorated. Recommend professional evaluation by independent contractor.

    Photo 16  
     

    3) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Front porch = 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) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The driveway has cracks and/or deterioration in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace driveway sections as necessary.

    Photo 1  
    Driveway in need of repair and sealing
     

    5) Evaluate, Comment - One or more outside faucets were not working
    6) -
     
    Roof Return to table of contents
    Roof inspection method: Viewed from eaves on ladder
    Roof type: Gable
    Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
    Estimated age of roof: 12 -16 yrs
    Gutter & downspout material: Aluminum
    Roof ventilation: Inadequate, None visible. Attic ventilation appears to be provided by windows. Rafter ventilation cannot be seen due to finished ceiling in attic.
    7) Major Defect, Evaluate, Comment - Roof sheathing = old water stains, does not feel wet at this time. May have been caused prior to second roof being installed. Still a chance for dry rot to occur. Recommend evaluation by qualified contractor

    Photo 19  
     

    8) Major Defect, Comment - This asphalt or fiberglass composition roof surface has two or more layers of roofing materials. When this roof is replaced, recommend a complete "tear off", where all existing layers of roofing are removed before installing new roofing materials.
    9) Comment - Because of the steep configuration of the roof, the inspector was unable to traverse the roof and wasn't able to fully evaluate the entire roof. No shingles appeared missing. Roofing material appeared to lay well, evenly.
     
    Garage Return to table of contents

    10) - garage siding / trim in need of some repairs and/or painting.

    Photo 4  
    garage needs some painting and siding repairs. New overhead garage door

    Photo 11  
    some gaps in garage siding
     
    Attic Return to table of contents
    Inspection method: Traversed
    Roof structure type: Rafters, Not visible
    Insulation material: Mineral wool roll or battin floor
    Insulation depth: 3-4 "
    Insulation estimated R value: R8
    11) Safety, Minor Defect - Front storage room = 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.
    12) -

    Photo 3  
    attic has finished ceiling and wood floor
     
     
    Electric service Return to table of contents
    Primary service type: Overhead
    Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
    Service amperage (amps): 100
    Service voltage (volts): 120/240
    Location of main service switch: rear basement
    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: Non-metallic sheathed, (BX) Armor clad
    Solid strand aluminum branch circuit wiring present: No
    Smoke detectors present: Yes
    13) -

    Photo 2  
    electric panel box appears new

    Photo 6  
    electric panel box - interior
     
    Water heater Return to table of contents
    Estimated age: 10+
    Type: Tank
    Energy source: Natural gas
    Capacity (in gallons): 40
    Manufacturer: A.O. Smith
    14) Major Defect, Comment - The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8 to 12 years. This water heater appears to be at this age or older and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.

    Photo 12  
    Water heater appears over 10 years old; shows some rust at bottom
     

    15) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Corrosion was found in one or more areas on the water heater, and water stains were found below. The water heater may be failing. A qualified plumbing contractor should evaluate and replace water heater if necessary.
     
    Heating and cooling Return to table of contents
    Estimated age: 1 yr
    Primary heating system energy source: Natural gas
    Primary heat system type: Forced air
    Primary A/C energy source: N/A
    Distribution system: Sheet metal ducts
    Manufacturer: Goodman
    Filter location: At the base of the furnace
    16) Comment -

    Photo 9  
    new furnace, plenum and some new ductwork
     
     
    Plumbing and laundry Return to table of contents
    Water pressure (psi): 70-75 psi
    Location of main water meter: front basement
    Location of main fuel shut-off: front basement
    Water service: Public
    Service pipe material: Copper
    Supply pipe material: Copper
    Vent pipe material: Cast iron
    Drain pipe material: Plastic, Cast iron
    Waste pipe material: Plastic, Cast iron
    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) -

    Photo 10  
    new water meter , with copper supply from street
     
     
    Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys Return to table of contents
    Chimney type: Masonry
    19) Safety, Major Defect, Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Comment - Chimney = missing bricks and mortar. recommend evaluation by independent contractor

    Photo 14  
     

    20) Safety, Major Defect, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - 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.google.com/search?q=unlined+chimney+gas
     
    Basement Return to table of contents
    Pier or support post material: Steel
    Beam material: Built up wood
    Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
    21) Safety, Repair/Replace, Comment - basement ceiling light fixture appears loose, dangling by wires. replace

    Photo 5  
    hazardous light fixture in basement ceiling
     

    22) Minor Defect, Monitor, Comment -

    Photo 8  
    some moisture stains on basement concrete floor - typical with age of home, and cracks in floor. Large area is where old "octopus" furnace was.
     
     
    Kitchen Return to table of contents

    23) Safety, Repair/Replace, Comment - Kitchen gas range = plugged into electrial outlet in basement. Recommend outlet be installed behind stove, and this be eliminated.

    Photo 18  
     

    24) Safety, Repair/Replace, Comment - Garbage disposal wiring = switch located below sink, in base cabinet. Orange wiring appears to be from an extension cord or similar. Cover does not cover electrical wiring. Recommend evaluation by qualified electrician

    Photo 15  
     

    25) Major Defect, Repair/Replace, Comment - Suspended ceiling gridwork is sagging

    Photo 7  
    suspended ceiling in Kitchen is sagging
     

    26) Repair/Replace - No range hood is installed over the range or cook top. Ventilation and/or lighting may be inadequate and moisture may accumulate indoors. Recommend having a qualified contractor install a vented and lighted range hood, with the exhaust fan configured so as to vent outdoors.
     
    Bathrooms Return to table of contents

    27) Evaluate - One or more toilets have no water supply and could not be fully evaluated. The shut-off valve(s) may be turned off, or repairs may be necessary. The client(s) should ask the property owner(s) about this, and have a qualified plumber evaluate and repair if necessary.
     
    Interior rooms Return to table of contents

    28) Repair/Replace, Comment - Closet / Front Foyer = Hole in wall inside closet

    Photo 17  
    Inside closet
     

    29) Minor Defect, Comment - Random windows were opened and closed. Some may need minor adjustments to prevent binding and/or lack of tension to stay in raised position.
    30) Maintain - Carpeting in one or more rooms is soiled and/or stained. Recommend having carpeting professionally cleaned as necessary.
     
    Client agrees that any claim for failure to accurately report the visually discernible conditions at the subject property shall be made in writing and reported to Interstate Property Inspections within five business days of discovery, and thirty days from closing on property. With the exception of emergency conditions, Client or Clients agents will make no alterations, modifications or repairs to the claimed discrepancy prior to reinspection by Interstate Property Inspections or it' agents. Failure to notify Interstate Property Inspections, as stated above, shall constitute a waiver of any and all claims for said failure to accurately report the condition in question.

    Limited Liability: Interstate Property Inspections liability for mistakes or omissions in this inspection report is limited to a refund of the fee paid for this inspection and report.