 | Website: http://www.tanzapro.com Company email: v3068@aol.com Inspector's email: mincey@tanzapro.com Phone: (516) 537-6914 114 N Waldinger St. Valley Stream NY 11580 |
| Property Inspection Report | |
| Client(s): | Joe Sample |
| Property address: | 123 Inspection Lane |
| Inspection date: | Tuesday, December 11, 2007 |
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 |
 | Serviceable | Item or component is in servicable condition |
 | Comment | For your information |
Structural Pest Inspection Concerns
Items of concern relating to the structural pest inspection are shown as follows:
 | WDO/WDI Infestation | Evidence of infestation of wood destroying insects or organisms (Live or dead insect bodies, fungal growth, etc.) |
 | WDO/WDI Damage | Damage caused by wood destroying insects or organisms (Rot, carpenter ant galleries, etc.) |
 | WDO/WDI Conducive conditions | Conditions conducive for wood destroying insects or organisms (Wood-soil contact, shrubs in contact with siding, roof or plumbing leaks, etc.) |
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.aspTable of Contents
General information
Exterior
Roof
Garage
Attic
Electric service
Water heater
Heating and cooling
Plumbing and laundry
Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys
Basement
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Interior rooms
| General information | Return to table of contents |
| Exterior | Return to table of contents |
One or more trip hazards were found in sidewalk and/or patio sections due to cracks, settlement and/or heaving. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace sidewalk and/or patio sections as necessary to eliminate trip hazards.
 Photo 9 |
 Photo 18 |
One or more outdoor 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 outdoor receptacles within six feet six inches of ground level have GFCI protection. For example, install GFCI receptacles or circuit breaker(s) as needed.
The air conditioner bracket contains wood rot and is unstable,suggest replacing ASAP
 Photo 24 |
Soil is sloping towards the foundation and moss is present indicating that proper drainage is not occuring. This could lead to water penetrating the foundation walls.
 Photo 7 |
Patios have significant cracks in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace sidewalk and/or patio sections as necessary.
 Photo 1 |
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.
 Photo 5 |
The driveway has significant cracks and/or deterioration in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace driveway sections as necessary.
 Photo 25 |
One or more large trees are very close the foundation. Tree roots can cause significant structural damage to foundations. Recommend having a qualified tree service contractor or arborist remove trees as necessary to prevent damage to the structure's foundation.
The perimeter grading slopes towards the structure in one or more areas. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms. Wet soil may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. Recommend grading soil so it slopes down and away from the structure with a slope of at least 5% (10% or better is optimal) for at least 6 feet.
 Photo 11 |
Caulk has been applied between siding and the head flashing above window(s) and/or door(s). This gap should be left open rather than caulked to allow any water that accumulates behind the siding to drain out. Recommend removing caulk between head flashings and the siding above as necessary. For more information visit The Ins and Outs of Caulking.
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.
 Photo 8 |
| Roof | Return to table of contents |
Main ridge beam is sagging in the atttic, and many of the roof rafters were found to be pulling apart from the beam. This is likely due to the property's movement. The condition should be monitored to see if the movement is ongoing.
 Photo 22 |
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.
 Photo 2 |
 Photo 17 |
 Photo 19 |
| Garage | Return to table of contents |
The automatic door closing device (sprung hinges, etc.) on the garage-house door needs adjustment, repair or replacing. The door doesn't close and latch easily and/or completely via the force of the automatic closing device. This door is intended to prevent vehicle fumes from entering living spaces and to slow the spread of fire from the garage to living spaces. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
The garage-house door poses a fire risk because it's not fire-rated (metal or solid-core construction). A qualified contractor should replace this door with a fire-rated door.
The garage-house door poses a fire risk because a pet door has been installed in it, eliminating its fire rating. A qualified contractor should replace this door with a fire-rated door.
Water stains are visible on the vehicle door. This is a sign of water intrusion. No significant repairs appear to be needed, but gaps should be sealed with caulk to prevent water damage. Exterior surfaces should be maintained with paint, stain or finish as necessary.
| Attic | Return to table of contents |
Suggest replacing pull down stairs. Stairs installed appear to be at life's end and unstable.
 Photo 3 |
One or more areas of the roof structure were wet or had elevated levels of moisture at the time of the inspection. There appears to be an active leak in the roof or structure exterior. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
The attic exhaust fan was inoperable during the inspection. Recommend consulting with the property owner(s) as to how it operates and/or having a qualified contractor evaluate and repair if necessary.
Ventilation is substandard in the attic. Inadequate attic ventilation may result in high attic and roof surface temperatures, reduce the life of the roof covering materials and increase cooling costs. High levels of moisture are also likely, and can be a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms. Standard building practices require one square foot of vent area for 150 to 200 square feet of attic space. Vents should be evenly distributed between soffits, ridges and at corners to promote air circulation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and install vents as per standard building practices.
Ceiling insulation is uneven in some areas. This is likely due to someone having walked on or through the insulation. Recommend installing additional insulation where necessary to restore the original R rating.
Pull-down stairs are installed for the attic access. No insulation is installed above the stairs and no weatherstripping is installed around the hatch perimeter. To reduce air leakage, recommend installing weatherstripping and an insulated hatch cover. An example of one can be seen at http://www.batticdoor.com/| Electric service | Return to table of contents |
The connections in this panel are questionable and require futher evaluation. The majority of the wires are frayed and need replacing. Suggest futher evaluation from lic. electrical profesional.
 Photo 12 |
| Water heater | Return to table of contents |
Scorch marks are visible on the water heater cabinet above the combustion chamber opening. This may be a sign of improper venting, an improperly positioned burner, or other problems. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair if necessary.
Temperature-pressure relief valve drain line is 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. A qualified plumber should extend the drain line to 6 inches from the floor, or route it so as to drain outside.
 Photo 16 |
The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8 to 12 years. This water heater appears to be at this age or older and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
Corrosion was found in one or more areas on the water heater, and water stains were found below. The water heater may be failing. A qualified plumbing contractor should evaluate and replace water heater if necessary.
The temperature-pressure relief valve is leaking. A qualified plumbing contractor should replace this valve.
| Heating and cooling | Return to table of contents |
What appears to be asbestos is visible on some ductwork. It is significantly deteriorated in some areas, and if it is asbestos, it may pose a health hazard and require abatement. Recommend having this material tested at a qualified lab. If the material is found to contain asbestos, recommend consulting with a qualified asbestos abatement contractor or industrial hygienist. For information on asbestos hazards in the home, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/453.html
The estimated useful life for most forced air furnaces is 15 to 20 years. This furnace appears to be approaching this age and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
 Photo 14 |
 Photo 15 |
| Plumbing and laundry | Return to table of contents |
The clothes dryer exhaust duct is too long, or has too many bends. This may reduce the air flow through the duct, resulting in overheating, reduced efficiency and/or difficulty in cleaning the duct. Standard building practices limit clothes dryer exhaust ducts to 25 feet, and less when bends are present (2.5 feet for each 45-degree bend and 5 feet for each 90-degree bend). A qualified contractor should evaluate and modify the exhaust duct as per standard building practices.
The clothes dryer is equipped with a vinyl or foil, accordion-type, flexible exhaust duct. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission considers these types of ducts to be unsafe, and a fire hazard. These types of ducts can trap lint and are susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the air flow. This duct should be replaced with a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, and by a qualified contractor if necessary. Most clothes dryer manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. For more information on dryer safety issues, see http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5022.html
The clothes dryer exhaust duct is kinked, crushed and/or damaged. Air flow is restricted as a result. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire. The exhaust duct should be replaced or repaired, and by a qualified contractor if necessary. For more information, visit: Photo 6 |
 Photo 20 |
| Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys | Return to table of contents |
One or more chimney flues do not have a screened cover installed. Screened covers prevent the following:| Basement | Return to table of contents |
Cover plate(s) are missing from 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 installed where missing.
Evidence of prior water intrusion was found in one or more sections of the basement. For example, water stains and/or efflorescence on the foundation or floor, water stains at bases of support posts, etc. Accumulated water is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms and should not be present in the basement. The client(s) should review any disclosure statements available and ask the property owner(s) 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 the basement include: Photo 13 |
| Kitchen | Return to table of contents |
No "air gap" is installed for the dishwasher drain line. Air gaps are a device meant to prevent water from the sink drain or food disposal from entering the dishwasher. These are required in some municipalities for new construction and when remodeling. The client(s) should consult with a qualified contractor to determine if an air gap should be installed.
Water was found beneath the dishwasher, indicating a possible active leak. A qualified plumber or appliance technician should evaluate and repair as necessary.
 Photo 10 |
The dishwasher is excessively noisy. A qualified appliance technician should evaluate and repair as necessary, or the dishwasher should be replaced.
One or more faucets leak or drip when turned off. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
 Photo 21 |
One or more filters are missing from the range hood exhaust system. Filters should be replaced as necessary.
The sink sprayer at the kitchen sink is inoperable or defective. It should be replaced, and by a qualified plumber if necessary.
One or more kitchen appliances appear to be near, at, or beyond their intended service life of 10 to 15 years. Recommend budgeting for replacements as necessary.
The refrigerator ice maker is in the "off" position. The inspector was unable to evaluate this component.
| Bathrooms | Return to table of contents |
One or more open ground, three-pronged grounding type receptacles were found. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
One or more electric receptacles have reverse-polarity wiring, where the hot and neutral wires are reversed. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
One or more electric receptacles are broken or damaged. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire and shock. A qualified electrician should replace them as necessary.
One or more sink drains have an active leak. For example, at pipe fittings and/or junctions between pipe and sink. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
 Photo 4 |
Countertops are damaged and/or deteriorated in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace countertops as necessary.
One or more bathrooms with a shower do not have an exhaust fan installed. Moisture accumulation will occur and may damage the structure. Even if the bathroom has a window that opens, it likely does not provide adequate ventilation, especially during cold weather when the window is closed. A qualified contractor should install exhaust fans as per standard building practices where missing in bathrooms with showers.
One or more sink stopper mechanisms are missing, or need adjustment or repair. Stopper mechanisms should be installed where missing and/or repairs should be made so sink stoppers open and close easily.
Water stains and/or minor water damage was found in the shelving or cabinet components below the sink. The client(s) should evaluate and consider having repairs made.
| Interior rooms | Return to table of contents |
The light fixture at one or more sets of stairs with living spaces at both ends is controlled by a single switch at one end. This is a safety hazard due to inadequate lighting. The light should be controlled by three-way switches at the top and bottom of the stairs so it can be easily operated on both floors. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
Extension cords are being used as permanent wiring in one or more areas. They should only be used for portable equipment on a temporary basis. Using extension cords as permanent wiring poses a fire and shock hazard, and is an indication that wiring is inadequate and should be updated. Extension cords may be undersized. Connections may not be secure, resulting in power fluctuations, damage to equipment, and sparks that could start a fire. Extension cords should be removed as necessary, or a qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, install additional circuits and/or electric receptacles.
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.
No smoke alarms are visible. This is a safety hazard. A qualified electrician should install smoke alarms as per standard building practices (functioning one exists in hallways leading to bedrooms, and in each bedroom, etc.). For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html
One or more ceiling fans wobbles excessively during operation. This is a potential safety hazard and may be caused by one or more of the following:
One or more windows that were built to open, will not open, or open only minimally due to their being painted shut, damaged and/or deteriorated in some way. Repairs should be made as necessary, and by a qualified contractor if necessary so windows open fully, and open and close easily.
Minor cracks were found in ceilings in one or more areas. They do not appear to be a structural concern, but the client(s) may wish to repair these for aesthetic reasons.
