Iowa State Home Inspection's, L.L.C.

Website: http://www.ishomeinspections.com
Email: dave@ishomeinspections.com
Phone: (515) 783-8241

 

Property Inspection Report
Client(s): John or Jane Doe
Property address: 1234 Main Street
Any town, Iowa
Inspection date: May 10, 2009
This report published on Thursday, February 03, 2011 12:28:39 PM CST

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Thank you for choosing Iowa State Home Inspection's. Experience and Integrity at work for your peace of mind.

This inspection was performed by NACHI Certified Home Inspector Dave Reynolds, and was conducted under the highest standards in our profession and in compliance with the Standards of Practice set forth by The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

This report identifies the defects that the inspector observed that were deemed material to the Home Inspection and the intent of this report is to identify major defects. Please remember that this is a visual inspection of the home you are buying and it's condidtion at the time of inspection. There is no way for your inspector to forecast the actual life of any componant or system.

Please pay attention to important information and concerns contained in this report. They can help prevent failure of equipment or damage to the home, and may contain safety concerns regarding this home and property. Thank you.

If you have any questions regarding this report please call Dave Reynolds at (515) 783-8241

 
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/ReplaceConsult a qualified contractor for evaluation of repair or replacement before contingency date expires. 
Repair/MaintainConcern appears to be a repair or maintenance item, however, hidden issue may be uncovered. Consult a contractor before contingency date expires. 
Minor DefectCorrection likely involves only a minor expense 
MaintainRecommend ongoing maintenance 
EvaluateThis concern should be evaluated by a qualified contractor before the contingency date expires. 
MonitorRecommend monitoring in the future and repair or replace when needed. 
CommentFor your information, no immediate action required. 

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
Home Inspection Report
Roof and Ventilation
Walls Windows and Doors
Exterior and Landscaping
Attached garage
1st Bathroom
Main Bathroom
Master Bathroom
General Interior
Fireplace
Attic
Kitchen and Laundry
Heating
Air Conditioning
Domestic Water Heater
Electric Panel
Plumbing
Basement
Safety Concerns
 
General information Return to table of contents
Overview: Residential area
Inspector's name: Dave Reynolds
Present during inspection: Buyer, Realtor
Age of building: 26+/-
Type of building: Single family
Weather conditions: Rain
Temperature: Cool
Ground condition: Wet
Foundation type: 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, Low voltage outdoor lighting, Central vacuum system, Water filtration system, Water softener system, Built-in sound system, Intercom system, Generator system, Sport court, Wood destroying insects, In-ground fuel/fuel oil tanks, mold/air quality
 
Home Inspection Report Return to table of contents
1) The following report is a detailed VISUAL report of specific areas of the home you are buying at the time of inspection only. There is now way for the inspector to forecast future problems with your new home. Please be reminded of the follow:
1. A home inspection is not a warranty of any kind.
2. This report is visual and reports the visual condition of specific areas
of the house at the time of inspection only.
3. That trying to forecast the life of any specific area or item in a home is
like trying to forecast when the transmission in your car will fail, It can't
be done.
4. That you should have all concerns evaluated by a qualified
contractor as to the extent of a concern and provide an estimate of
repairs before your contingency dates expire.
5. Concerns should be discussed with your attorney or real estate
professional.
6. Iowa State Home Inspections does not recommend that a home owner
perform any repair. Only a qualified contractor should perform ALL
home repair.
7. If you did not have a radon test performed, we strongly recommend
having this test done.
 
Roof and Ventilation Return to table of contents
Roof inspection method: Viewed from eaves on ladder, Viewed from ground, Viewed from windows
Roof type: Gable
Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Estimated age of Roof: Middle of its useful life
Defects Observed: None
Roof Requires: Monitor regularly
Roof Penetrations: Chimney, Vent Pipes, Roof Vents
Gutter material: Aluminum
Downspout material: Aluminum
Chimney appears to be built: within the interior of house
Spark arrester/rain cap: noted
Chimney made of: Metal
Flue Liner: noted at top of chimney
Visible Roof Ventilation: Soffet Vents, Roof Vents, power vent
2) There were no visible defects of the roof cover at the time of inspection.

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Walls Windows and Doors Return to table of contents
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall Covering Material: Masonite type
General Condition of Covering: Blistering, areas of decay
Trim: Wood
Trim Condition: , Needs some scraping and painting. Areas around windows mostly.
Doors: Operated well
Windows: Screens
Service size: 200 Amp Aluminum
Meter amperage (amps): 200
Service voltage (volts): 3 phase 120-240
3) Window trim and window frames should be scraped and painted. Any area of decay repaired or replaced. These appear to be original windows. All functioned as designed at the time of inspection.

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4) The corner of the front soffit is decayed. This is usually an easy repair as the material is thin plywood. Consult a contractor for repair.

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5) Areas of siding show signs of blistering and decay. Some siding may need repair/replacement. It is recommended that a qualified contractor evaluate siding for best method of repair.

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Exterior and Landscaping Return to table of contents
Exterior of foundation walls: block, stucco over unknown material
Exterior Foundation Exposure: Approximately 1 foot
Exterior foundation, observed: small cracks
Window Wells: Metal
Window well condition: Good
Grading within 6 feet of house: slopes away from house
Grading beyond 6 feet of house: Slopes toward house
Driveway material: Poured in place concrete
Driveway condition: large cracks
Walkway to front entry: concrete
Condition of walkway: Acceptable but has minor cracks or breaks
Patio: concrete
Patio condition: good
Deck Location: Rear of house
Deck material: wood
Steps down to grade: There are three or more steps to grade
Visibility under deck: Two foot and clear view
Support column under deck: block
Condition of the support columns: Acceptable
Condition of the guardrail: Acceptable
6) An Infrared, Thermal Image scan of the front exterior showed heat loose around lower level front window. This could be caused by poor window installation or a gap in insulation around the window.

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7) Driveway has been mud jacked and repaired. Monitor and keep cracks filled. If needed, consult a mason.

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8)   General exterior

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Attached garage Return to table of contents
# of Bays: Two
Situated: Side by side
Floor: Concrete
Floor Condition: Good
Walls: Wood Frame
Walls: Drywall covered
Automobile Doors #: One
Style: Overhead
Doors operated: easily
Rollers making clicking sound: No
Lift Cable: Good Condition
Is the overhead door balanced: Yes
Springs: Good Condition
Electric Car Door Openers: One
Operated: Yes, and operated properly
Applied resistance and: door stopped and reversed
Photo electric device: missing
Non-Automobile doors to interior: One
Interior door: Metal
Overhead: Closed in ceiling
Condition of Roof Underside: Some deterioration, sagging and loose Sheetrock
9) The Sheetrock ceiling has a slight sag. Additional Sheetrock screws should be enough to secure to joists.

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1st Bathroom Return to table of contents
Bathroom 1: Partial
Location: First floor
Tub: None Noted
Jacuzzi noted in bath: No
Surround: other
Surround condition: Acceptable
Sink Type: Vanity
Toilet: flushed
Toilet Condition: Acceptable
Floor: Vinyl
Floor Condition: Acceptable
Leaks: none noted
Caulking appears: Intact
Ventilation: Fan
Number of outlets: One
Ground Fault Interrupter outlets: Yes
10)   Partial bathroom

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Main Bathroom Return to table of contents
Main Bathroom: Full
Location: Second floor hall
Shower: with tub
Tub: Built in
Jacuzzi noted in bath: No
Surround: Plastic
Surround Condition: Acceptable
Number of sinks?: One
Sink Type: Vanity
Toilet: flushed
Toilet Condition: Acceptable
Floor: Vinyl
Floor Condition: Acceptable
Leaks: none noted
Caulking appears: Intact
Ventilation: Fan
Outlets: One
Ground Fault Interrupter Outlets?: Yes
11)   Second floor hall bath

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Master Bathroom Return to table of contents
Main Bathroom: Full
Shower: stall
Tub: None
Jacuzzi noted in bath: No
Surround: Plastic
Surround Condition: Acceptable
Number of sinks?: One
Sink Type: Vanity
Toilet: flushed
Toilet Condition: Acceptable
Floor: Vinyl
Floor Condition: Acceptable
Leaks: none noted
Caulking appears: Intact
Ventilation: Window, Fan
Outlets: One
Ground Fault Interrupter Outlets?: Yes
12)   Master bath

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General Interior Return to table of contents
Ceilings appear to be made of: Drywall
Ceiling Style: Flat
Ceiling Condition: Appears recently painted
Major Defects: None Noted
Mostly walls appear to be made of:: Drywall
Condition: Appears recently painted
Major defects were noted: No
Floor coverings are mostly: Wall to wall carpet
When bounced on: a normal amount of bounce was noted
Generally floors feel: Level
Mostly the doors are the following types: Hollow core
General door condition: Acceptable
Windows were mostly observed to be: Double hung, Casement, Sliding
Insulated noted in: All
Appear made of: Wood
Random Tested: Yes
Stairs: between living levels
Stairs condition: Acceptable
Thermal Imaging use: Yes
13) An Infrared, Thermal Imaging scan was performed on exterior walls. Infrared detected a gap in insulation on the south east corner of the den wall. The corner is cold, allowing 15 degree cooler air to infiltrate the living space.

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14) An Infrared, Thermal Imaging scan detected a defective front door seal. This broken seal is allowing cold air to infiltrate the living space.

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15) The Infrared, Thermal Imaging scan detected a draft from around the den electrical outlet. Most likely cause is poor house wrap. (Tyvek) Recommend insulting around outlets.

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16) Windows appear to be original. Some discoloration was noted due to condensation/moisture. Recommend cleaning, sanding and sealing the windows as needed.

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17)   General interior photo's

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Fireplace Return to table of contents
Fireplace Location: Den
Fireplace: Gas insert
Inspected: Pilot not lit and gas turned off
Damper: Opened and closed
Flue Liner: Noted
18)   Be sure to open damper before use!

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Attic Return to table of contents
Attic access: Scuttle hole, door
How observed: Limited viewing, looked thru opening only
Roof system: rafters
Roof decking: Particle board
Moisture penetration: none noted
Attic floor framing: wood
Attic Ventilation: Soffit Vents, Fan, roof vents
Soffit vents: yes, and working
Insulation material: Fiberglass loose fill
Insulation location: floor
19)   Two attic spaces, one above garage and one over main structure. No visible roof leaks were noted at the time of inspection.

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Kitchen and Laundry Return to table of contents
Cabinets: Wooden
Opened and closed and found: seemed to function
Cabinets secure: yes
Counter Tops: Plastic Laminate
Securely fastened: yes
Kitchen Floor: Sheet Goods
Dishwasher: Noted
Operated Dishwasher: yes
Dishwasher age: older
Kitchen Sink: Porcelain over metal
Ran water and found: No leaks
Disposal: In Sink Erator
Refrigerator: Noted
Refrigerator in use during inspection: yes
Range type: Free standing
Age: Older
Operated and found: All burners working
Oven: Part of stove
Operated oven and found: gave off heat
Ventilation: Fan recirculates air within the room
Number of GFCI outlets in Kitchen: 0
Number of Regular outlets in kitchen: Four or more
Washing Machine: Noted
Age: older
Location: basement
Observed: Connections for water and drain, Connections for electric
Operated: Advanced through cycles
Dryer: Noted
Dryer age: Older
Vented to: Exterior
Power: Electric
Operated: Turned on and heated up
20) No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices (outlets or circuit breakers) are visible for the kitchen. GFCI devices help prevent electric shocks in areas that may have water present. Recommend having a qualified, licensed electrician install GFCI protection for outlets, over counter tops and around sinks.

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21)   Laundry area in basement

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Heating Return to table of contents
Heating System Brand Name: Lenox
Apparent age of unit: Midlife
Heating system type: Forced hot air
System has # of Zones: One
Fuel Source: Gas
Combustion Air Supply: Exterior
When thermostats were turned on, the system: fired or gave heat
Flue pipes: Noted
Distribution system: Ductwork
22)   Heat plant operated as designed

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Air Conditioning Return to table of contents
Central Cooling: Central Air
Status: Operated
A/C energy source: Electric
Air conditioning type: Split system
23)   A/C functioned as designed

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Domestic Water Heater Return to table of contents
Estimated age: Older
Type: Tank
Energy source: Electricity
Capacity (in gallons): 40
Safety relief valve: was noted
Safety extension: was noted
Supply shut off valve: Noted
Drain discharge to:: Floor
Rust or Corrosion: was not noted
Tested hot water: Hot water was received at faucets
24) The hot water heater was producing hot water and there were no visible leaks. This hot water tank is older and may need repair or replacing at any time.

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Electric Panel Return to table of contents
Location of Main Panel: Basement
Location of main disconnect: Breaker at top of main panel
Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
Service conductor material: Aluminum
Main disconnect rating (amps): 200
Branch circuit wiring type: Non-metallic sheathed ("Romex")
Solid strand aluminum branch circuit wiring present: No
Double tapped breakers: No
Room for additional circuit breakers: Yes
Missing Circuit Breaker Covers: Yes
Grounding observed to:: Water main on street side, Water main on house side
Grounding connection feels: secure
If grounded to water main, is meter jumped: yes
25) Exposed wiring in panel due to covers missing from open circuit breaker slots. Recommend installing covers in open slots.

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26)   200 Amp electric service

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Plumbing Return to table of contents
Water service: Public
Main entry pipe material: Copper
Location of main water meter: Basement
Location of main water shutoff: Next to meter
Interior supply pipes: Copper, Unknown
With multiple fixtures running observed: Acceptable decrease in flow
Waste System Pipes: Plastic
Main waste line clean outs: noted
Vent pipe observed on roof: Yes
Vent pipe connection to plumbing observed: yes
27) There were no visible plumbing leaks at the time of inspection.

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Basement Return to table of contents
Basement: Readily accessible
Viewed by: walked throughout
Foundation walls: hidden from view
Could not see foundation walls because of: drywall
Ceiling framing: Hidden from view, Suspended ceiling
Interior of foundation wall: block
Observed on interior wall: nothing
Basement floor: concrete, carpeting
Water stains observed on: none noted
General area dampness: none noted
Ventilation: Windows
Support columns condition: appear intact
Floor drainage: had safety covers
Sump pump: submersible
Sump Pump Works Properly: Yes
Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
Beam material: Built up wood
Windows: Metal
28) All or most of the basement was finished. There were no visible signs of water infiltration at the time of inspection. It is recommended that you monitor all walls and floor covering on a regular basis. Consult a specialist id needed.

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29)   Sump pump was noted. Battery back up noted but not plugged in.

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Safety Concerns Return to table of contents
Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI): noted, Not noted
GFI tested: Using testing plug, Using test button
Smoke detectors present: Yes
Smoke Detectors are located on each floor.: Yes
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: No
30) Recommend installing carbon monoxide detectors
31)   The house has both smoke and heat detectors

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Thank you for using Iowa State Home Inspection's. Be sure to read the entire report and consult a qualified contractor about all concerns listed in this report. This report is not intended as a warranty of any system or structure in this report. Be sure to consult your real estate professional or your attorney about specific concerns within this report. Thank you.