Ultimate Home Services LLC

Website: http://www.Ultimate-Home-Services.com
Company email: UltimateHomeServicesLLC@gmail.com
Inspector's email: garpost@gmail.com
Phone: (518) 294-7241
273 W Richmondville Rd 
Richmondville NY 12149-2026
Inspector: Gary Post
New York State License # 16000048600

  

Property Inspection Report
Client(s): Sample
Property address: Sample
Inspection date: 5/17/2010
This report published on Monday, May 16, 2011 6:02:26 PM EDT

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This report is the exclusive property of this inspection company and is for illustration only. Use of this report by any unauthorized persons is prohibited. NOTE: Some photos have been pixelated to protect the identity of the property

 
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 
Repair/MaintainRecommend repair and/or maintenance 
Minor DefectCorrection likely involves only a minor expense 
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
Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys
Crawl space
Basement
Well
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Interior rooms
 
General information Return to table of contents
Report number: 00009
Inspector's name Gary Post:
Structures inspected: Sample
Type of building: Single family
Age of building: 170 years and new addition 10 years
Property owner's name: John Doe
Time started: 6:00pm
Time finished: 8:00pm
Inspection Fee: Free
Present during inspection: Property owner(s)
Occupied: Yes
Weather conditions: Cloudy
Temperature: Warm
Ground condition: Dry
Main entrance faces: South
Foundation type: Unfinished basement, Crawlspace
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, Sauna, Low voltage outdoor lighting, Central vacuum system, Water filtration system, Water softener system, Built-in sound system, Intercom system, Generator system, Sport court, Sea wall, Outbuildings
1) Sill at top of steps is rotted and needs replacement. Recommend that a qualified person repair.

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2) 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
3) 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)
    4) More than one window on the older section of the house need repainting or maintenance.

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    5) Sub owner.
     
    Exterior Return to table of contents
    Footing material: Not visible
    Foundation material: Poured in place concrete, Stone
    Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
    Wall covering: Wood clapboard
    Driveway material: Gravel
    Sidewalk material: None
    Exterior door material: Solid core wood
    6) Siding is damaged, deteriorated and/or missing in some areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace siding as necessary.

    Based on the appearance of the siding and the age of this structure, some, most or all of the exterior siding material may contain asbestos. The client(s) should be aware of this when considering repairs to or replacement of this siding, and consult with qualified testing labs and/or abatement contractors as necessary. For more information on asbestos in the home, visit:
    http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/453.html

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    7) Trip hazard(s) exist at stairs due to non-uniform riser heights. Standard building practices call for riser heights not to vary more than 3/8 inch on a flight of stairs. A qualified contractor should repair or replace stairs so all riser heights are within 3/8 inch of each other. There are no steps for both of the rear entrances. Install steps.

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    8) One or more outside faucets are missing backflow prevention devices. These devices reduce the likelihood of polluted or contaminated water entering the potable water supply. This condition can occur when an outside faucet is left in the "on" position with a hose connected and the sprayer head turned off. When pressure in the system fluctuates, water can be drawn back into the water supply pipes from the house. If a chemical sprayer is being used with the hose, those chemicals can enter the water supply pipes.

    Recommend installing backflow prevention devices on all exterior hose bibs where missing. They are available at most home improvement stores and are easily installed. For more information, visit:
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AE113

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    9) One or more ground fault circuit interrupter protection devices were defective. Because one GFCI device may in turn provide GFCI protection for other electric receptacles on the same circuit, the inspector was unable to determine if all electric receptacles that serve countertop surfaces within six feet of sinks are protected with a GFCI device. If they are not, a safety hazard due to the risk of shock exists. After repairs are made to the defective GFCI device(s), a qualified electrician should evaluate, determine if all receptacles that serve countertop surfaces within six feet of sinks are protected by GFCI devices, and make repairs if necessary.

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    10) Siding is damaged and/or deteriorated in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs and/or replace siding as necessary to prevent water and vermin intrusion.

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    11) Windows on the older section of the house need maintenance or replacement.
    12) One or more moderate cracks (1/8 inch to 3/4 inch) were found in the foundation. These may be a structural concern, or an indication that settlement is ongoing. The client(s) should consider hiring qualified contractors and/or engineers as necessary for further evaluation. Such contractors may include:

  • Foundation repair contractors who may prescribe repairs, and will give cost estimates for prescribed repairs
  • Masonry contractors who repair and/or replace brick veneer
  • Geotechnical engineers who attempt to determine if settlement is ongoing, and what the cause of the settlement is
  • Structural engineers who determine if repairs are necessary, and prescribe those repairs

    At a minimum, recommend sealing cracks to prevent water infiltration. Numerous products exist to seal such cracks including:
  • Hydraulic cement. Requires chiseling a channel in the crack to apply.
  • Resilient caulks (easy to apply).
  • Epoxy sealants (both a waterproof and structural repair).

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    13) Vegetation such as trees, shrubs and/or vines are in contact with or less than one foot from the structure's 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 structure's exterior.

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    Roof Return to table of contents
    Roof inspection method: Viewed from ground with binoculars
    Roof type: Gable
    Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
    Estimated age of roof: 10
    Gutter & downspout material: None
    Roof ventilation: Adequate
    14) One or more composition shingles have raised, most likely due to nails that have loosened. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, such as reseating nails.

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    15) Both chimneys should have caps and screens attached to keep out rain and animals.

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    Garage Return to table of contents
    16) Ground rod to garage above ground. Recommend that rod be properly seated in the ground.

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    17) Safety containment cables are missing for one or more vehicle door springs. This is a safety hazard. Safety containment cables prevent springs from snapping free and causing damage or injury. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs or replace components as necessary. For more information on garage door safety issues, visit:
    http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/523.html
    http://www.ohdstl.com/safety.html

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    18) 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.
    19) One or more flights of stairs with more than two risers have no handrail installed. This is a safety hazard. A qualified contractor should install graspable handrails that your hand can completely encircle at stairs where missing, and as per standard building practices.

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    20) Receptacle is not GFCI protected. Install GFCI receptacle.

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    21) Window on upper floor is level to the floor. This could be a safety hazard to small children.

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    22) Siding is damaged due to ground contact. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate.

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    23) The garage vehicle door track roller is damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace the door as necessary.

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    24) Wear on edge of shingles.

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    25) View from outside of garage.

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    26) Garage roof.

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    27) Electric service panel in garage.

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    28) Evidence of water leak at base of window. Repair leak.

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    29) Clutter in garage.

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    Attic Return to table of contents
    Inspection method: Not inspected
    Roof structure type: Not visible
    30) Attic access.

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    31)   Exterior view of attic ventilation.

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    Ridge vent
     
    Electric service Return to table of contents
    Primary service type: Underground
    Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
    Service amperage (amps): 200
    Service voltage (volts): 120/240
    Location of main service switch: West side of basement.
    Location of main disconnect: Breaker at bottom of main service panel
    Service entrance conductor material: Aluminum
    System ground: Ground rod(s) in soil
    Main disconnect rating (amps): 200
    Branch circuit wiring type: Copper
    Solid strand aluminum branch circuit wiring present: No
    Smoke detectors present: Yes
    32) Main panel. Located in basement.

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    33) Generator transfer switch located in basement.

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    34)   Sub panel located in basement for garage.

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    35)   Electric service entrance

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    Water heater Return to table of contents
    Estimated age: Unknown. Intigrated with boiler.
    Type: Tank
    Energy source: Oil
    Capacity (in gallons): 40
    Manufacturer: Amitrol Boiler Mate.
    Water temperature (degrees Fahrenheit): 120
    36) External hot water tank.

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    Heating and cooling Return to table of contents
    Estimated age: Unknown. Intigrated with boiler.
    Primary heating system energy source: Oil
    Primary heat system type: Baseboard
    Primary A/C energy source: N/A
    Primary Air conditioning type: N/A
    Manufacturer: Burnham
    Last service date: 2/20/09
    37) The water jacket for the hot water heater is leaking and needs repair. The air bleeder on the expansion tank is also leaking. Recommend that a qualified HVAC contractor inspect.

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    38) Boiler and 275 gallon oil storage tank located in basement.

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    39) Oil fill.

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    40) Emergency boiler shut off located in first floor closet.

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    Plumbing and laundry Return to table of contents
    Location of main water shut-off valve: Basement
    Visible fuel storage systems: 275 gallon oil tank
    Water service: Private
    Service pipe material: Copper
    Supply pipe material: Copper
    Vent pipe material: Plastic
    Drain pipe material: Plastic
    Waste pipe material: Plastic
    41) 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
    42) Recommend having the septic tank inspected. Recommend having the tank pumped if it was last pumped more than 3 years ago.
    43) Kenmore washer and dryer.

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    44) Water supply expansion tank and main shut off.

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    45) Supply line to outside wood furnace.

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    46) Well located on west side of house.

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    Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys Return to table of contents
    Fireplace type: Masonry
    Chimney type: Masonry
    47) One or more chimney flue openings do not have a screen installed. Screens prevent the following:

  • Fire hazard from wood fire sparks and embers exiting flues
  • Wildlife (birds, rodents, raccoons, etc.) entering flues

    A qualified chimney service contractor should install screening where missing. Screens should have holes 1/4 inch or larger.

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    48) Fireplace. Recommend that a qualified CSIA inspect and clean.
    49) Recommend that a qualified CSIA specialist inspect and clean the fireplaces.

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    50) One or more chimney flues do not have a rainproof cover installed. They prevent the following:

  • Rainwater entering flues and mixing with combustion deposits, creating caustic chemicals which can corrode flues
  • Rainwater entering flues and causing damage to terracotta flue tiles from freeze-thaw cycles

    A qualified chimney service contractor should install rainproof cover(s) where missing.

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    51)   Fireplaces. Recommend that a qualified CSIA chimney specialist inspect.
     
    Crawl space Return to table of contents
    Inspection method: Viewed from hatch
    Insulation material underneath floor above: None visible
    Pier or support post material: Bearing wall
    Beam material: Solid wood
    Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
    Vapor barrier present: Not visible
    52) No insulation is installed under the floor in the crawl space. Recommend that a qualified contractor install R19 or better (6" thick fiberglass batt) insulation under the floor for better energy efficiency.

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    53) No vapor barrier is installed. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms due to the likelihood of water evaporating into the structure from the soil. A qualified contractor should install a vapor barrier. Standard building practices require the following:

  • The soil below the vapor barrier should be smooth and free from sharp objects.
  • Seams should overlap a minimum of 12 inches.
  • The vapor barrier should lap up onto the foundation side walls.

    Better building practices require that:

  • Seams and protrusions should be sealed with a pressure sensitive tape.
  • The vapor barrier should be caulked and attached tightly to the foundation side walls. For example, with furring strips and masonry nails.
     
    Basement Return to table of contents
    Insulation material underneath floor above: Fiberglass roll or battFloor partially insulated.
    Pier or support post material: Wood, Steel
    Beam material: Solid wood
    Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
    54) One or more sections of wiring that weren't terminated were found. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, cutting the wire to length and terminating the wire with wire nuts in a securely anchored, covered, properly sized junction box.

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    Tom looking for the cookies

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    55) Stairs leading to basement from bilco door are unsafe due to a non-standard configuration, such as too-high riser heights and/or too-narrow tread depths. Standard building practices call for riser heights not to exceed eight inches and tread depths to be at least nine inches but preferably 11 inches. Riser heights should not vary more than 3/8 inch on a flight of stairs. A qualified contractor should repair or replace stairs so they conform to standard building practices.

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    56) Lights need covers.

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    57) Hazardous materials stored in basement.

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    58) Metal support post has sunk into beam it is supporting. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate.

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    59) Evidence of moisture damage. Recommend that a qualified contractor inspect.

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    60) Evidence of insect damage. Recommend that a qualified exterminator inspect.

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    61) Left hand side of bilco door is damaged and/or deteriorated and should be repaired or replaced by a qualified contractor.
    62) Walls have sprayed on insulation.

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    63) Steps leading to upper floor blocked off.

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    Well Return to table of contents
    Location of well equipment: Basement
    Location of tank shut off valve: Basement
    64) Recommend having the well water tested for coliform bacteria, nitrates, and anything else of local concern, by a qualified lab. For more information, visit:
    http://www.wellowner.org
    65) The well casing is less than 30 feet from the house. If a "barrier" treatment for termites has ever been applied or is applied in the future around the perimeter of the house this may contaminate the well water. Recommend asking the property owner(s) about prior treatment for wood destroying insects, and consulting with a qualified well contractor as necessary.
     
    Kitchen Return to table of contents
    66) Stone sink located near west side entrance does not operate.
    67) Kitchen appliances.

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    68) Water does not work in stone sink located near the west side entrance hallway.

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    West side entrance.
     
    Bathrooms Return to table of contents
    69) Sink stopper in half bath needs repair. Hot water side in half bath not working.
    70) Hot water side on half bath sink does not work. Could be shut off.
     
    Interior rooms Return to table of contents
    71) This structure was built prior to 1979 and may contain lead paint. Laws were enacted in 1978 in the US preventing the use of lead paint in residential structures. Lead is a known safety hazard, especially to children but also to adults. Numerous areas of the paint found in and around this structure are in poor condition (peeling, flaking, etc.). Recommend consulting with a qualified industrial hygienist to determine the safest and most cost-effective action to take regarding the paint. Testing and/or abatement may be necessary. Also recommend following precautions as described in the following links to Consumer Products Safety Commission website articles regarding possible lead paint.

    What You Should Know About Lead Based Paint in Your Home: Safety Alert - CPSC Document #5054

    CPSC Warns About Hazards of "Do lt Yourself" Removal of Lead Based Paint: Safety Alert - CPSC Document #5055
    72) Sill at front entrance rotted and needs replacement or repair. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate.

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    73) An insufficient number of smoke alarms are installed. Additional smoke alarms should be installed as necessary so a functioning one exists in each hallway leading to bedrooms, and in each bedroom. For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html
    74) One or more windows extend to within 18 inches of the floor and do not appear to be made of tempered glass. If the glass is not tempered, then this is a potential safety hazard. Typically a label is etched into the corner of tempered glass panes to indicate that they are tempered. The inspector was unable to find such labels. Recommend consulting with the property owner(s) and/or have a glass specialist evaluate to determine if glass is tempered and make repairs as necessary. If it cannot be determined that the glass is tempered, then a qualified contractor should either replace glass as necessary with tempered glass and as per standard building practices, or install protective devices as necessary, such as wooden bars.
    75) Moisture damage at front door sill. Recommend repair or replacement by a qualified contractor.
    76) Cover plate(s) are broken at 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 replaced where necessary.

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    77) Seals between double-pane glass in one or more windows appear to have failed based on condensation or stains between the panes of glass. A qualified contractor should evaluate and replace glass where necessary.

    The client(s) should be aware that evidence of broken seals may be more or less visible from one day to the next depending on the temperature, humidity, sunlight, etc. Windows or glass doors other than those that the inspector identified may also have failed seals and need glass replaced too.

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    78) Floors in one or more areas are not level. Significant repairs may be needed to make floors level, such as repairs to the foundation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.

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    79) Evidence of settlement in older section of home. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate.

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    80) Glass in one or more windows is broken. A qualified contractor should replace glass where necessary.

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    81) Stains were found in one or more ceiling areas. However, no elevated levels of moisture were found. The stain(s) may be due to past roof and/or plumbing leaks. Recommend asking the property owner(s) about this, and monitoring the stained area(s) in the future, especially after heavy or prolonged rain. If elevated moisture is found in the future, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.

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    82)   Thermostats. Two zones.

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