Allpoints Home Inspectors

Website: http://www.reporthost.com/nonameyet
Email: mr_hine@yahoo.com
Phone: (518) 541-2529 · (518) 364-5489

 

Property Inspection Report
Client(s): Mr & Mrs Mock Insp
Property address: 558 XXXX Grove Rd
XXXX, NY
Inspection date: Monday, March 08, 2008
This report published on 5/6/2008 4:50:28 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.

 
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/ReplaceRecommend repairing or replacing 
Repair/MaintainRecommend repair and/or maintenance 
Minor DefectCorrection likely involves only a minor expense 
MaintainRecommend ongoing maintenance 
MonitorRecommend monitoring in the future 
ServiceableItem or component is in servicable condition 
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
Roof and Ventilation
Walls Windows and Doors
Exterior and Landscaping
Attic
Main Bathroom
General Interior
Kitchen and Laundry
Heating
Domestic Water Heater
Electric service
Plumbing
Basement
 
General information Return to table of contents
Overview: A quiet residential neighborhood
Inspector's name: David Hine
NYS License #: 1600000xxxx
Time started: 9:00am
Time finished: 11:15am
Present during inspection: Owner
Occupied: Yes
Age of building: 60 Years
Type of building: Single family
Weather conditions: Cloudy
Temperature: Cool
Ground condition: Frozen
Foundation type: Basement
 
Roof and Ventilation Return to table of contents
Roof inspection method: From Ground
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
Gutter material: Aluminum
Downspout material: Aluminum
Chimney appears to be built: within the interior of house
Spark arrester/rain cap: none noted
Chimney made of: Brick, Metal
Flue Liner: noted at top of chimney
Visible Roof Ventilation: None Noted

1) Gutters should be monitored and cleaned on a regular basis to keep them working properly.

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2) One or more downspout extensions are missing and/or ineffective. Recommend installing extensions such as splash blocks or a drain line where missing, or repairing where necessary so rain water is carried at least several feet away from the structure to soil that slopes down and away from the structure.

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3) There was no roof ventilation noted from outside. Recommend a qualified person evaluate and correct if necessary.
4)   There are two chimneys through this roof. The brick chimney should have a spark arrester/rain cap installed to keep water and critters from entering. Any chimney should be at least 24 inches above the highest point of the roof. the metal chimney appears not to meet this criteria. Recommend a qualified person evaluate and correct if necessary.

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Walls Windows and Doors Return to table of contents
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall Covering Material: Vinyl, Aluminum
General Condition of Covering: Acceptable
Trim: Wood
Trim Condition: Acceptable Needs paint
Exterior Doors: Metal, Wood
Doors: Operated well
Windows: Storms
Main Entry Porch: Concrete
Steps down: Three or more
Roof: Yes, Good Condition
Primary service type: Overhead
Overhead wires threatened: No
Service size: 150 Amp Copper
Meter amperage (amps): 200
Drip loop present: yes
Service voltage (volts): 120-240
5) Front and side entrance concrete steps show signs of deterioration. Recommend having a qualified person repair.

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6) Entrance cable shows signs of deterioration. Recommend having a qualified, licensed electrician evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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7) Wood trim shows signs of deterioration, requires repair and repainting.

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8)   The steps to the back deck need to have hand rails installed. It is also recommend that any balusters on safety rails have no more than 4 inches clearance between them. Recommend having a qualified person replace and repair these existing conditions on this deck.

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Exterior and Landscaping Return to table of contents
Exterior of foundation walls: stucco over unknown material
Exterior Foundation Exposure: Approximately 1 foot
Grading within 6 feet of house: About level
Grading beyond 6 feet of house: Slopes away from house
Driveway material: Asphalt
Driveway condition: small cracks, Good
Walkway to front entry: pavers
Condition of walkway: Good and poses no tripping hazard
Trees & Shrubs too close to house: In the front of the house, On the right side of house
Deck Location: Rear of house
Deck material: wood
Steps down to grade: There are three or more steps to grade
Visibility under deck: Three foot and no visibility
Support column under deck: wood
Condition of the support columns: Acceptable
Condition of the guardrail: Wide gaps are a safety hazard
9) Tree(s) and shrubs are in contact with siding. Recommend pruning or moving tree(s) and shrubs so there's at least a one foot gap between them and siding.

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10) Minor cracks in driveway. These are only a cosmetic concern. No action is recommended.

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Attic Return to table of contents
Attic access: Pulldown
How observed: Walked thru end to end
Moisture penetration: none noted
Attic floor framing: not observed
Attic floor system: fully floored
Insulation material: Fiberglass roll or batt
Insulation location: roof
11) Attic has no ventilation. Recommend installing ridge vent, gable vents or soffet vents.

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12) The only insulation visible is against the roof which is framed with 2x6s. This is less than recommended. Insulation in attic is substantially less than an R30 rating. Recommend installing additional insulation for better energy efficiency.

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13) No insulation is installed over the attic access hatch. Recommend installing insulation above hatch for better energy efficiency.

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Main Bathroom Return to table of contents
Main Bathroom: Full
Location: 2nd floor
Shower: with tub
Tub: Built in
Surround: Plastic
Surround Condition: Acceptable
Number of sinks?: One
Sink Type: Vanity
Toilet: flushed
Toilet Condition: Good
Floor: Vinyl 12x12 tile
Floor Condition: Acceptable
Leaks: at sink
Caulking appears: Intact
Ventilation: Window
Outlets: One
Ground Fault Interrupter Outlets?: Yes
14) Mildew appears to be caused by a lack of ventilation. Ventilation must be increased.

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15) Leak at drain under sink. Recommend repairing leak.

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General Interior Return to table of contents
Ceilings appear to be made of: Drywall
Ceiling Style: Flat
Ceiling Condition: Good
Major Defects: None Noted
Waters stains in: Dining Room
Mostly walls appear to be made of:: Drywall
Condition: Good
Major defects were noted: No
Floor coverings are mostly: Hardwood, Resilient tiles
When bounced on: a normal amount of bounce was noted
Generally floors feel: Level
Mostly the doors are the following types: Wood
General door condition: Doors are generally in good condition
Windows were mostly observed to be: Double hung
Insulated noted in: Some
Appear made of: Wood, Vinyl
Random Tested: Yes
Cracked window located in: Dining Room and Kitchen dining area
Stairs: to basement, between living levels
Stairs condition: Good
16) Stairs between living levels and stairs to basement both lack safety hand rails. Recommend qualified person to install.

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17)   General interior picture front living room, upstairs bedroom and addition at back of house

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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: 12x12 vinyl
Dishwasher: Kitchen aid
Operated Dishwasher: no
Dishwasher age: midlife
Kitchen Sink: Stainless Steel
Ran water and found: No leaks
Disposal: In Sink Erator
Refrigerator: Hotpoint
Refrigerator in use during inspection: yes
Age: Middle
Range:: Whirlpool
Range type: Free standing
Age: Midlife
Operated and found: All burners working
Oven: Part of stove
Operated oven and found: gave off heat
Anti-Tipping bracket installed: No
Ventilation: Fan recirculates air within the room, Worked properly
Number of GFCI outlets in Kitchen: 0
Number of Regular outlets in kitchen: One
Washing Machine: Whirlpool
Age: midlife
Location: basement
Observed: Connections for water and drain, Connections for electric
Operated: Not operated
Dryer: Frigidaire
Dryer age: Midlife
Vented to: Exterior
Power: Electric
Operated: Not operated
18) 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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19) Kitchen stove does not appear to have an anti-tipping bracket installed. This could prove hazardous for children. I recommend an authorized stove repair company install this safety device.
 
Heating Return to table of contents
Heating System Brand Name: Weil McLain
Apparent age of unit: Midlife 1987 Boiler
Heating system type: Forced hot water
System has # of Zones: Two
Fuel Source: Gas
Oil tank location: Basement Not in use
Oil Tank approximate age: Older
Is there an abandoned oil tank on the property?: Yes
Combustion Air Supply: Interior
When thermostats were turned on, the system: system was on during inspection
Automatic shut-off safety devices were noted: above the unit
Flue pipes: Noted
Flue pipes: Power vent to outside
Boiler safety relief valve: noted
safety extension: noted
Distribution system: Radiators
Heat distribution: In most rooms
20) "To determine the condition of most heat exchangers, major disassembly is required, therefore this report does not represent the condition of the heat exchanger. I recommend that you have this evaluated by a professional Heating Technician at your earliest convenience.
21) Last service date is more than one year ago or cannot be determined. Examination of heating and cooling systems is mechanically limited since the units are not dismantled to examine interior components. The heating and cooling systems should be inspected and serviced on an annual basis. Before close of escrow, recommend obtaining from seller any documents concerning regular maintenance and service and/or a safety check by public utility, or a complete system evaluation by a qualified heating and cooling specialist, particularly if heating and cooling cannot be proven to have been inspected within the past twelve months. Utility companies typically, but not always, provide a free safety check of all gas-using appliances one year ago or unable to be determined.

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22) Recommend that this system be serviced every two years in the future by a qualified heating and cooling technician.
23) This unit was working properly at the time of the inspection. The estimated useful life for gas fired boilers is 15 to 20 years. This boiler appears to be at this age or older and may need replacing at any time.
This unit was manufactured in 1987.
24)   Main electrical shut for the boiler located above unit.

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Domestic Water Heater Return to table of contents
Estimated age: Older 1989
Type: Tank
Energy source: Natural gas
Capacity (in gallons): 40
Brand: Bradford White
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
25) Hot water heater appears to be older than 12 years and is older than its estimated useful life. This hot water heater may need replacing at any time. This unit is power vented to the outside.

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Electric service Return to table of contents
Location of Main Panel: Basement
Location of main disconnect: Separate fused box used for main disconnect
Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
Service conductor material: Copper
Main disconnect rating (amps): 60
Branch circuit wiring type: Non-metallic sheathed ("Romex")
Solid strand aluminum branch circuit wiring present: No
Double tapped breakers: Yes
Room for additional circuit breakers: Yes
Missing Circuit Breaker Covers: No
Grounding observed to:: Interior ground rod
Grounding connection feels: secure
26) This electric panel presents a MAJOR safety concern as it has its main entrance fuses jumped with brass bars. Strongly recommend a qualified electrician evaluate and repair immediately.

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27) One or more circuit breakers are "double tapped", where 2 or more wires are clamped in a circuit breaker terminal and the circuit breaker was only designed for 1 wire. This is a safety hazard since wires may come loose and cause arcing, sparking and fires. Recommend having a licensed electrician evaluate and repair.

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Plumbing Return to table of contents
Water service: Private
Main entry pipe material: Polyethylene
If private, evidence is:: Well head, storage-pressure tank
Type of Well: Drilled - From 200 to 1000 Ft.
Well Components Visible: Pressure Tank, Pressure Guage, Well Pump
If observed, location of well head: south east corner of lot
Interior supply pipes: Copper
Functional Flow: Tested
With multiple fixtures running observed: Acceptable decrease in flow
Waste System Pipes: Cast Iron
House Trap: Not noted
Main waste line cleanouts: noted
Vent pipe observed on roof: Yes
Vent pipe connection to plumbing observed: no
28)   General picture of well pump and pressure tank and main waste line.

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Basement Return to table of contents
Basement: Readily accessible
Basement: Full
Viewed by: walked throughout
Foundation walls: exposed to view
Ceiling framing: Exposed to view
Interior of foundation wall: block
Observed on interior wall: small cracks, deteriorated surfaces
Basement floor: concrete
Water stains observed on: none noted
General area dampness: some signs
Ventilation: Windows
Pier or support post material: Steel
Support columns condition: appear intact
Floor drainage: french drain
Sump pump: None noted
Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
Insulation material underneath floor above: None visible
Beam material: Built up wood
Windows: Wood, Vinyl
Chimney in basement: brick appears unused
Chimney condition: Good
29) Some signs of dampness was noted on exposed walls. Installation of down spout extensions should eliminate most of this.

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30) Some basement windows are blocked with wood and insulation. Recommend either replacing with windows or permanently blocking with suitable material.
31)   General pictures of support columns and main house bearing beam

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