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http://www.absoluteinspector.com
ahis@northstate.net
(336) 906-1402
PO Box 464 
Trinity NC 27370-0464
Inspector: Randy Beck
North Carolina License #2114

Summary

Client(s):  John Doe
Property address:  100 Best St.
Yourtown, NC
Inspection date:  Wednesday, January 1, 2020

This report published on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 1:44:16 PM EDT

"This summary page is not the entire report. The complete report may include additional information of
interest or concern to you. It is strongly recommended that you promptly read the complete report. For information regarding
the negotiability of any item in this report under the real estate purchase contract, contact your North Carolina real estate
agent or an attorney."

Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types:
Concern typeSafetyPoses a risk of injury or death
Concern typeMajor DefectCorrection likely involves a significant expense
Concern typeRepair/ReplaceRecommend repairing or replacing
Concern typeRepair/MaintainRecommend repair and/or maintenance
Concern typeMinor DefectCorrection likely involves only a minor expense
Concern typeMaintainRecommend ongoing maintenance
Concern typeEvaluateRecommend evaluation by a specialist
Concern typeCommentFor your information


General Information
1) Structures built prior to the mid 1980s may contain lead and/or asbestos. Lead is commonly found in paint and in some plumbing components. The EPA does not recognize newer coats of paint as encapsulating older coats of lead-based paint. Asbestos is commonly found in various building materials such as insulation, siding, and/or floor and ceiling tiles. Laws were passed in 1978 to prohibit usage of lead and asbestos, but stocks of materials containing these substances remained in use for a number of years thereafter. Both lead and asbestos are known health hazards. Evaluating for the presence of lead and/or asbestos is beyond the scope of this inspection. Any mention of these materials in this report is made as a courtesy only, and meant to refer the client to a specialist. Consult with specialists as necessary, such as industrial hygienists, professional labs and/or abatement specialists for this type of evaluation. For information on lead, asbestos and other hazardous materials in homes, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?EPA
http://www.reporthost.com/?CPSC
http://www.reporthost.com/?CDC

Kitchen
2) Countertops and/or backsplashes were damaged or deteriorated. Recommend repairing or replacing as necessary.
3) The trash compactor was inoperable. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or remove the compactor as necessary.
4) Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found around the sink. Water may penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by installing caulk.

Bathrooms, Laundry and Sinks
5) The clothes dryer was equipped with a vinyl or mylar, accordion-type, flexible exhaust duct. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission considers these types of ducts to be unsafe, and a fire hazard. They can trap lint and are susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the air flow and cause overheating. Recommend that such ducts be replaced with a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, and by a qualified contractor if necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?DRYER
6) The toilet at location(s) #F was loose where it attached to the floor. Leaks can occur. Flooring, the sub-floor or areas below may get damaged. Sewer gases can enter living spaces. Recommend that a qualified contractor remove the toilet(s) for further evaluation and repair if necessary. A new wax ring should be installed and toilet(s) should be securely anchored to the floor to prevent movement and leaking.
7) Water damage was found in shelving or cabinet components below one or more sinks at location(s) #A. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary after any plumbing leaks have been repaired. If moisture is present then concealed areas should be dried thoroughly.

(minor damage)
8) The half bath sink drain has damage or corrosion and may leak as a result. Recommend having a qualified contractor repair as necessary.
9) One or more bathtub faucet trim parts at location(s) #F were loose. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace handles as necessary.
10) The bathroom with a shower or bathtub at location(s) #B, C, D and F didn't have an exhaust fan installed. Moisture can accumulate and result in mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Even if the bathroom has a window that opens, it may not provide adequate ventilation, especially during cold weather when windows are closed or when wind blows air into the bathroom. Recommend that a qualified contractor install exhaust fans per standard building practices where missing in bathrooms with showers or bathtubs.

(some of the bathrooms have windows but they are stuck shut)
11) Tile, stone and/or grout in the flooring at location(s) #C was deteriorated (e.g. loose or cracked tiles, missing grout) or substandard. Water can damage the sub-floor as a result. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.
12) One or more sink drains were leaking at location(s) #E. A qualified person should repair as necessary.

(left sink drain)
13) The sink drain stopper mechanism at location(s) #A, B, D and F was inoperable. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.
14) Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found between the bathtub and the floor at location(s) #F. Water may penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person re-caulk or install caulking as necessary.
15) Tile and/or grout in the shower enclosure at location(s) #E were deteriorated (e.g. loose or cracked tiles, missing grout) or substandard. Water can damage the wall structure as a result. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.
16) The shower head is leaking at the shower stem connection. As a result water is wasted and may spray water on the drywall and result in water damage. Recommend having a qualified contractor make repairs as necessary.

(location # F)

Interior, Doors and Windows
19) This structure was built prior to the mid-1980s and may contain lead paint. Laws were enacted in 1978 in the U.S. preventing the use of lead in residential structures, but stocks of materials were used for a number of years thereafter. Lead is a known safety hazard, especially to children but also to adults. Numerous areas of the paint found in and around this structure were in poor condition (peeling, flaking, etc.). Consult with a qualified lead abatement specialist or industrial hygienist to determine the safest and most cost-effective action to take regarding the paint. Testing and/or abatement may be necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?LEAD
http://www.reporthost.com/?LEADPAINT
20) Wood flooring in one or more areas was crowning and/or buckling. This may indicate that the floor has been exposed to water or that the flooring was not allowed to equalize in moisture content before being installed. Consult with the property owner and/or have a qualified specialist evaluate. It's likely that affected areas of the wood flooring will need to be refinished to obtain a flat surface. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?WDFLRPRB

(den, formal living room)
21) One or more exterior doors were difficult to open or close. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

(rear entrance to the wet bar, rear entrances to the formal living room)
22) One or more windows that were designed to open and close were stuck shut. Recommend that a qualified person repair windows as necessary so they open and close easily.

(most all windows)
23) Glass in one or more windows was cracked, broken and/or missing. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace glass where necessary.

(kitchen, master bedroom)
24) One or more interior doors wouldn't latch or were difficult to latch. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by adjusting latch plates or locksets.

(coat closet, master bathroom)
25) One or more interior doors were sticking in the door jamb and were difficult to operate. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by trimming doors.

(dining room, closet in bedroom over the garage, built-in closet doors in dining room, and back guest bedroom on the east end)
26) Wood flooring in one or more areas was significantly worn, deteriorated or damaged. Recommend that a qualified contractor refinish wood flooring as necessary.
27) Tile, stone and/or grout in the flooring in one or more areas was deteriorated (e.g. loose or cracked tiles, missing grout) or substandard. If in a wet area, water can damage the sub-floor. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.

(in front of the dishwasher in the kitchen)
28) Flooring transition strips are damaged or deteriorated in one or more areas. Recommend having a qualified contractor make repairs as necessary.

(foyer to the den)
29) Minor cracks, nail pops and/or blemishes were found in walls and/or ceilings in one or more areas. Cracks and nail pops are common, are often caused by lumber shrinkage or minor settlement, and can be more or less noticeable depending on changes in humidity. They did not appear to be a structural concern, but the client may wish to repair these for aesthetic reasons. For recurring cracks, consider using an elastic crack covering product:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ECC

(powder room)
30) Carpeting in one or more areas was significantly stained or soiled. Recommend having carpeting professionally cleaned as necessary.

(east end stairwell)

Fireplaces, Stoves, Chimneys and Flues
33) The gas fireplace or stove was not fully evaluated because the pilot light was off. The inspector only operates normal controls (e.g. on/off switch or thermostat) and does not light pilot lights or operate gas shut-off valves. Recommend that the client review all documentation for such gas appliances and familiarize themselves with the lighting procedure. If necessary, a qualified specialist should assist in lighting such appliances, and make any needed repairs.

Attic and Roof Structure
34) The pull-down attic stairs had loose, missing or otherwise substandard hardware such as bolts, screws, hinges or brackets. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.
35) The pull-down attic stairs were not insulated. Typically, such stairs that are not insulated also do not have any weatherstripping installed. Recommend that a qualified person install insulation and weatherstripping per standard building practices for better energy efficiency. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?INSATTSTRS
36) One or more vertical supports for the roof structure were bent or bowed so that they are weakened. This may significantly weaken the roof structure. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.
37) The ceiling insulation installed in the attic was substandard and appeared to have an R rating that's significantly less than current standards (R-38). Heating and cooling costs will likely be higher due to poor energy efficiency. Recommend that a qualified contractor install insulation for better energy efficiency and per standard building practices.
38) The roof structure was substandard when compared with current building standards. For example, collar ties were missing. This may result in the roof structure spreading or sagging. Collar ties are typically installed on every third rafter set. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair if necessary.

(the size of the rafter members may be sufficient so that collar ties are not required)

Garage or Carport
39) The auto-reverse mechanism on one or more automatic openers for garage vehicle doors was inoperable. This is a potential safety hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary. For more information on garage door safety issues, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?NRGD

Basement
40) Standing water was found in one or more sections of the basement. Accumulated water is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms and should not be present in the basement. A qualified contractor who specializes in drainage issues should evaluate and repair as necessary. Typical repairs for preventing water from accumulating in basements include:
  • Repairing, installing or improving rain run-off systems (gutters, downspouts and extensions or drain lines)
  • Improving perimeter grading
  • Repairing, installing or improving underground footing and/or curtain drains
Ideally, water should not enter basements, but if water must be controlled after it enters the basement, then typical repairs include installing a sump pump.
41) Fungal rot was found at one or more sill plates and/or joists. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

(back wall adjacent to the damaged back porch)
42) One or more exterior doors were difficult to open or close. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

(basement on the west side)
43) Glass in one or more windows was cracked, broken and/or missing. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace glass where necessary.

(basement on the east side)

Electric
44) One or more electric receptacles (outlets) at the kitchen, bathroom(s), 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. 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
45) Neutral and equipment ground wires were bonded (connected) at sub-panel(s) # C. This should only occur in the main service panel, not sub-panels, and is a shock hazard. Neutral wires should be attached to a "floating" neutral bar not bonded to the panel, and grounding wires should be attached to a separate grounding bar bonded to the sub-panel. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SUBGRND
46) Bare wire ends, or wires with a substandard termination, were found at one or more locations. This is a potential shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary. For example, by cutting wires to length and terminating with wire nuts in a permanently mounted, covered junction box.
47) Wire splices were exposed and were not contained in a covered junction box. This is a potential shock or fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices. For example, by installing permanently mounted junction boxes with cover plates where needed to contain wiring splices.

(basement)
48) One or more cover plates for switches, receptacles (outlets) 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.


(basement and attic)
49) Based on the age of this structure and the appearance of existing smoke alarms, the alarms may have been installed more than 10 years ago. According to National Fire Protection Association, aging smoke alarms don't operate as efficiently and often are the source for nuisance alarms. Older smoke alarms are estimated to have a 30% probability of failure within the first 10 years. Newer smoke alarms do better, but should be replaced after 10 years. Unless you know that the smoke alarms are new, replacing them when moving into a new residence is also recommended by NFPA. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRMLS
50) 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
51) One or more exterior receptacle (outlet) covers were broken. This is a potential shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified person replace covers where necessary.
52) One or more 4-way light switches were inoperable, so the light didn't turn on and off correctly from three switches. This may be a safety hazard due to inadequate lighting. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary.

(hall light switch on second floor)
53) One or more light fixture components were loose or damaged. Recommend repairing or replacing as necessary.

(hall lighting)

Grounds
54) Risers for stairs at one or more locations were higher than 8 1/4 inches and posed a fall or trip hazard. Risers should be 8 1/4 inches or shorter. At a minimum, be aware of this hazard, especially when guests who are not familiar with the stairs are present. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices.
55) Sidewalk(s) and/or patios were undermined in one or more areas, where soil has eroded out from beneath the sidewalk/patio. Significant damage has occurred, where one or more sidewalk and/or patio sections need replacing. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace or repair sections as necessary.
56) Masonry steps or porch walls have deteriorated significantly. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace steps as necessary.
57) Cracks, holes, settlement, heaving and/or deterioration were found in the driveway. Recommend that qualified contractor repair as necessary.
58) One or more significantly-sized trees were leaning. Heavy wind or rains could cause the tree to fall. Recommend that such trees be removed by a qualified tree service contractor or certified arborist.

Exterior and Foundation
59) Fungal rot was found at one or more sections of siding or trim. Conducive conditions for rot should be corrected (e.g. wood-soil contact, reverse perimeter slope). Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.
60) One or more window sills had negative slope so that rain water cannot drain off of the sill. Conducive conditions for rot should be corrected. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

(windows on the second floor at the back of the home)
61) Soil was in contact with or less than 6 inches from siding, trim or structural wood. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend grading or removing soil as necessary to maintain a 6-inch clearance. If not possible, then recommend replacing untreated wood with pressure-treated wood. Installation of borate-based products such as Impel rods can also reduce the likelihood of rot or infestation if soil cannot be removed. Note that damage from fungal rot and/or insects may be found when soil is removed, and repairs may be necessary.
62) Vegetation such as trees, shrubs and/or vines was in contact with or close to the building exterior. Vegetation 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 pruning, moving or removing vegetation as necessary to maintain at least 6 inches of space between it and the building exterior. A 1-foot clearance is better.
63) The paint or stain finish in some areas was failing (e.g. peeling, faded, worn, thinning). Siding and trim with a failing finish can be damaged by moisture.Recommend that a qualified contractor prep (e.g. clean, scrape, sand, prime, caulk) and repaint or restain the building exterior where necessary and per standard building practices. Any repairs needed to the siding or trim should be made prior to this.

Crawl Space
64) No vapor barrier was installed in the crawl space. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms due to the likelihood of water evaporating from the soil below up into the structure. A 6 mil black plastic sheet should be placed over all exposed soil with seams overlapped to 24 inches, and not in contact with any wood structural components. The sheeting should be held in place with bricks or stones, not wood. Recommend that a qualified contractor install a vapor barrier per standard building practices.

Roof
66) Some slate roof tiles were broken, missing and/or loose. Leaks may occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person replace tiles or make repairs as necessary.

Plumbing / Fuel Systems
68) Copper water supply pipes were installed. Copper pipes installed prior to the late 1980s may be joined with solder that contains lead, which 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 approximately 50% lead. The client should be aware of this, especially if children will be using this water supply system. Note that the inspector does not test for toxic materials such as lead. The client 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 include:
  • Flush water taps or faucets. Do not drink water that has been sitting in the plumbing lines for more than 6 hours
  • Install appropriate filters at points of use
  • Use only cold water for cooking and drinking, as 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 plumber replace supply pipes and/or plumbing components as necessary
For more information visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?LEADDW
http://www.reporthost.com/?LEAD
69) The inspector did not determine the location of the main water shut-off valve, or verify that a readily accessible shut-off valve in the building exists. Recommend consulting with the property owner to determine if a main shut-off valve exists, locating it yourself, or that a qualified plumber find it if necessary. If no readily accessible main shut-off valve is found in the building, then recommend that a qualified plumber install one so the water supply can be quickly turned off in the event of an emergency, such as when a supply pipe bursts.

Water Heater
70) The hot water temperature was greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of scalding. The thermostat should be adjusted so the water temperature doesn't exceed 120 degrees. If the water heater is powered by electricity, a qualified person should perform the adjustment, since covers that expose energized equipment normally need to be removed. For more information on scalding dangers, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SCALD
71) The expansion tank was corroded and leaking. Recommend having a qualified contractor replace the expansion tank.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition 1st Floor
73) The estimated useful life for most heat pumps and air conditioning condensing units is 10-15 years. This unit appeared to be beyond this age and/or its useful lifespan and may need replacing or significant repairs at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
74) Corrosion or rust was found in one or more distribution supply pipes and/or fittings. This can indicate past leaks, or that leaks are likely to occur in the future. Recommend that a qualified heating contractor or plumber evaluate and repair as necessary.
75) 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.
76) Vegetation such as trees, shrubs and/or vines were too close to the heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit. There should be at least 12 inches of clearance on all sides and at least 4-6 feet above. Inadequate clearance around and above can result in reduced efficiency, increased energy costs and/or damage to equipment. Recommend pruning and/or removing vegetation as necessary.
77) Recommend that a full evaluation be made by a qualified person when the temperatures are colder. Note that the inspector does not operate shut-off valves, pilot lights or circuit breakers, or any controls other than normal controls (thermostat).

Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition 2nd Floor
78) The overflow catch pan for the air handler in the attic has standing water in the pan. Water from the drain line should exit through the primary drain line and the catch pan is intended to catch water in the event the primary line is clogged. Water standing in the catch pan will cause rust and early deterioration and leaking from the pan into the finished spaces of the home. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
79) 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.