| Property Inspection Report | |
| Client(s): | Robert Bates |
| Property address: | 746 Methodist Rd. Westbrook, ME. 04092 |
| Inspection date: | Friday, February 05, 2010 |
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.
 | Safety | Poses a risk of injury or death |
 | Major Defect | Correction likely involves a significant expense |
 | Repair/Replace | Recommend repairing or replacing |
 | Repair/Maintain | Recommend repair and/or maintenance |
 | Minor Defect | Correction likely involves only a minor expense |
 | Maintain | Recommend ongoing maintenance |
 | Evaluate | Recommend evaluation by a specialist |
 | Monitor | Recommend monitoring in the future |
 | Comment | For 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| General Information | Return to table of contents |
| Grounds | Return to table of contents |
One or more deck ledger boards were nailed to the building rather than being attached by adequate fasteners. This poses a significant safety hazard since the ledger board(s) may separate from the building, 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 building. For more information on installing deck ledger boards visit:
Front Porch - Vegetation such as trees, shrubs and/or vines was in contact with or less than one foot from the building exterior. Vegetation can serve as a conduit for wood destroying insects and may retain moisture against the exterior after it rains. Vegetation should be pruned and/or removed as necessary to maintain a one foot clearance between it and the building exterior.
 Photo 6 over grown shrubbery planted to close to stone foundation
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 Photo 25 front porch stair system rotting at base
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Trees were in contact with or were close to the building in one or more areas. Damage may result, especially during high winds. Vegetation can also act as a conduit for wood destroying insects. Vegetation should be pruned back and/or removed as necessary to prevent damage and infestation by wood destroying insects.
 Photo 24 tree planted too close to foundation, 1 foot away, recommend removal
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Recommend resealing asphalt driveway.
| Exterior / Foundation | Return to table of contents |
Evidence of prior water intrusion was found in one or more sections of the basement. For example, water stains at support post bases, efflorescence on the foundation etc. Accumulated water is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms and should not be present in the basement. The client should review any disclosure statements available and ask the property owner about past accumulation of water in the basement. The basement should be monitored in the future for accumulated water, especially after heavy and/or prolonged periods of rain. If water is found to accumulate, a qualified contractor who specializes in drainage issues should evaluate and repair as necessary. Typical repairs for preventing water from accumulating in basements include:
Small hole in vinyl siding . A qualified person should evaluate and repair, replace or install siding or trim as necessary.
 Photo 16 crack in vinyl siding
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Soil was in contact with or less than six inches from siding and/or trim. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms. Soil should be graded and/or removed as necessary so there are at least six inches of space between the siding and trim and the soil below.
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Photo 6 over grown shrubbery planted to close to stone foundation
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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, resilient caulks and epoxy sealants.
 Photo 7 open cracks in foundation
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 Photo 8 more open cracks in foundation
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 Photo 44 minor cracking in basement wall
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| Roof / Attic | Return to table of contents |
sections of the roof surface appeared to be near the end of their service life and will likely need replacing in the near future, even with repairs. The client should budget for a replacement roof surface, and may want to have a qualified roofing contractor evaluate and attempt to issue a "5 year roof certificate".
Extensions such as splash blocks or drain pipes for downspouts were damaged. Water may accumulate around the building foundation as a result. A qualified person should evaluate and repair, replace or install as necessary
 Photo 9 gutter extension needs repair
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The siding on one or more exterior walls above lower roof sections was in contact with or had less than a one inch gap between it and the roof surface below. A gap of at least one inch is recommended so water isn't wicked up into the siding from the shingles below, and also to provide room for additional layers of roofing materials when the current roof surface fails. Recommend having a qualified contractor make repairs as necessary, such as trimming siding, so at least a one inch gap exists between the siding and the roofing below where necessary.
 Photo 37 roof valley terminates against back wall of house
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Debris had accumulated in one or more gutters. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects since gutters may overflow and cause water to come in contact with the building exterior or make water accumulate around the foundation. Gutters should be cleaned now and as necessary in the future.
No accessible attic spaces were found or inspected at this property.
| Garage / Carport | Return to table of contents |
One or more vehicle doors were difficult or unable to open or close. Vehicle doors should open and close smoothly and easily. A qualified person should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
The lock mechanism one or more garage vehicle doors was inoperable or difficult to operate. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary so vehicle doors can be easily secured.
 Photo 30 garage door latch not aligned properly, won't lock
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Weatherstrip at the bottom of vehicle doors was insufficient. It should be replaced where necessary to prevent water and vermin intrusion.
 Photo 29 garage door seal non functional
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| Electric | Return to table of contents |
A qualified electrician should evaluate and install a service mast or make repairs as necessary.
The electric service to this property appeared 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.
| Plumbing / Fuel Systems | Return to table of contents |
The propane tank was leaning against the garage.
 Photo 21 propane tank in direct contact with garage
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The main water shut-off valve was corroded. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
| Water Heater | Return to table of contents |
| Heating | Return to table of contents |
This heating system is a specialty system, and only a limited evaluation was performed during the inspection. Recommend a full evaluation by a qualified specialist.
| Fireplaces / Stoves / Chimneys | Return to table of contents |
The fireplace hearth only extends 6 " in front of woodstove .
The rain cap for the chimney flue at location was missing.
| Kitchen | Return to table of contents |
| Bathrooms / Laundry / Sinks | Return to table of contents |
The clothes dryer exhaust hose is too long and has kinks in it, possibly restricting exhaust flow.
 Photo 32 dryer vent hose too long , kinked, ventilation compromised
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 Photo 33 non GFI outlet behind washing machine
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The sink at location A drained slowly. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary.
| Interior Rooms / Areas | Return to table of contents |
Multiple windows have defects, fog between the insulated glass . A qualified person should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Some tile flooring in the kitchen have cracks.
 Photo 49 cracked floor tiles in kitchen
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 Photo 50 cracked floor tiles in kitchen floor
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Minor cracks and/or holes were found in ceilings in one or more areas. They do not appear to be a structural concern, but the client may wish to repair these for aesthetic reasons.
 Photo 1 apparent water damage, recommend inspection of chimney flashing
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 Photo 2 cracks along tape in ceiling drywall
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Recommend cleaning and sealing grout in tile or stone flooring now and in the future as necessary to prevent staining and to improve waterproofing.
