2) Handrail at basement entrance flight of stairs was missing. This is a potential fall hazard. Handrails should be installed at stairs with four or more risers or where stairs are greater than 30 inches high. Recommend that a qualified contractor install handrails where missing and per standard building practices.

3) Cracks, holes, settlement, heaving and/or deterioration were found at front patio. Recommend that qualified contractor repair as necessary.

5) Some sections of siding and/or trim were damaged. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install siding or trim as necessary.

6) The masonry (brick or stone) veneer was deteriorated or damaged in some areas. Where cracks or openings are exposed, water can enter the wall structure causing mold, fungal growth and structural damage. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. For example, by repointing mortar or replacing broken or missing masonry.

7) Fence(s) were attached to or in contact with the building exterior. Such attachments can serve as a pathway for wood-destroying insects and can retain moisture against the exterior after it rains. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary so there is at least a 2-inch gap between fences and building exteriors.

8) One hole was found in siding or trim. Vermin, insects or water may enter the structure. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

11) Exterior door from basement to outside was difficult to open or close and/or were sticking. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

12) One or more downspouts were incomplete. Rainwater can come in contact with the building exterior or accumulate around the building foundation as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

14) The attic access hatch was located or configured so that it posed a safety hazard for falling when attempting to enter the attic. Had to use an extension ladder placed between rafters in garage to access attic. Recommend that a qualified contractor relocate or reconfigure the access per standard building practices to eliminate this hazard.

16) One or more ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles wouldn't trip with a test instrument at the exterior. This is a potential shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair as necessary.

17) All electric receptacles at the kitchen, garage and/or exterior had no visible ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection, or the inspector was unable to determine if GFCI protection was present. Due to age of the house GFCI wasn't required for the kitchen at the time house was built. The kitchen would be a recommendation to upgrade to GFCI protection. If not GFCI-protected, receptacles in wet areas pose a shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and install GFCI protection if necessary and per standard building practices. General guidelines for GFCI-protected receptacles include the following locations:

• Outdoors (since 1973)
• Bathrooms (since 1975)
• Garages (since 1978)
• Kitchens (since 1987)
• Crawl spaces and unfinished basements (since 1990)
• Wet bar sinks (since 1993)
• Laundry and utility sinks (since 2005)

For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?GFCI

18) Standard exterior electric receptacle was being used for appliances or systems that were constantly in use on front of house. This is a safety hazard for shock since water can reach receptacle slots. Recommend that a qualified person install "while in use" receptacle covers as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?INUSECVR

19) Smoke alarms were missing from one or more bedrooms. Smoke alarms should be installed as necessary so a functioning alarm exists in each hallway leading to bedrooms, in each bedroom, on each level and in any attached garage. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRM

20) One or more cover plates for switches, receptacles or junction boxes were missing or broken. These plates are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from occurring due to exposed wires. Recommend that a qualified person install cover plates where necessary.

21) No carbon monoxide alarms were visible. This is a potential safety hazard. Some states and/or municipalities require CO alarms to be installed for new construction and/or for homes being sold. Recommend installing approved CO alarms outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms on each level and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?COALRM

22) The functionality of, power source for and placement of smoke alarms is not determined as part of this inspection. Smoke alarms should be installed in each bedroom, in hallways leading to bedrooms, on each level and in attached garages. They have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every 10 years. Batteries in smoke alarms should be changed when taking occupancy and annually in the future. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed near sleeping areas and on each level in homes with a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRM
http://www.reporthost.com/?COALRM

27) The temperature-pressure relief valve drain line was too short. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of scalding if someone is standing next to the water heater when the valve opens. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair per standard building practices. For example, by extending the drain line to within 6 inches of the floor, or routing it to drain outside. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?TPRVALVE

29) The last service date of the gas or oil-fired forced air furnace appeared to be more than 1 year ago, or the inspector was unable to determine the last service date. Ask the property owner when it was last serviced. If unable to determine the last service date, or if this system was serviced more than 1 year ago, recommend that a qualified HVAC contractor inspect, clean, and service this system, and make repairs if necessary. For safety reasons, and because this system is fueled by gas or oil, this servicing should be performed annually in the future. Any needed repairs noted in this report should be brought to the attention of the HVAC contractor when it's serviced. For more information visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ANFURINSP

30) One or more heating or cooling ducts in an unconditioned space (e.g. crawl space, attic or basement) were not insulated, or the insulation was damaged or deteriorated. This can result in reduced energy efficiency, moisture inside heating ducts, and/or "sweating" on cooling ducts. Recommend that a qualified person repair per standard building practices. For example, by wrapping ducts in insulation with an R-value of R-8.

31) Insulation on the heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit's refrigerant lines was deteriorated or missing in some areas. This may result in reduced efficiency and increased energy costs. Recommend that a qualified person replace or install insulation as necessary.

34) The room in which fireplace was in had no visible smoke detectors or CO detector. This is a safety issue if smoke or CO were to enter the room. The detectors would alert occupants a lot sooner. Recommend installing both detectors in this room by a qualified professional.

35) One or more wood-burning fireplaces or stoves were found at the property. When such devices are used, they should be professionally inspected and cleaned annually to prevent creosote build-up and to determine if repairs are needed. The National Fire Protection Association states that a "Level 2" chimney inspection should be performed with every sale or transfer of property with a wood-burning device. Recommend consulting with the property owner about recent and past servicing and repairs to all wood-burning devices and chimneys or flues at this property. Recommend that a qualified specialist evaluate all wood-burning devices and chimneys, and clean and repair as necessary. Note that if a wood stove insert is installed, it may need to be removed for such an evaluation. For more information, search for "chimney inspection" at:
http://www.reporthost.com/?CSIA

36) The brick chimney was moderately deteriorated. For example, loose or missing mortar, cracked, broken, loose or spalled bricks. Loose bricks can pose a safety hazard, and deteriorated masonry can allow water to infiltrate the chimney structure and cause further damage. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.

37) One or more masonry chimney crowns were cracked. Crowns are meant to keep water off of the chimney structure and prevent damage from freeze-thaw cycles. Chimney crowns are commonly constructed by mounding concrete or mortar on the top chimney surface, however this is substandard. A properly constructed chimney crown should:

• Be constructed using either precast concrete slabs, cast-in-place steel reinforced concrete, solid stone, or metal
• Be sloped down from the flue a minimum of 3 inches of fall per foot of run
• Extend a minimum of 2 1/2 inches beyond the face of the chimney on all sides
• Not directly contact the flue liner (if installed), with the gap filled with flexible caulk
• Have flashing installed between the bottom of the crown and the top of the brick chimney

Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace crowns as necessary, and per standard building practices.

38) One or more exterior doors had double-cylinder deadbolts installed, where a key is required to open them from both sides. This can be a safety hazard in the event of an emergency because egress can be obstructed or delayed. Recommend replacing double-cylinder deadbolts with single-cylinder deadbolts where a handle is installed on the interior side.