Summary

2) Environmental testing is not included as a part of this home inspection but I did see what appeared to be areas of mold in the attic and/or basement. Source of moisture needs to be eliminated and the area(s) cleaned or repaired. The client may wish to have further evaluation or testing performed. Go to www.EPA.gov/mold for more info.. It is beyond the scope of this inspection to identify what substance or organism this staining is. However such staining is normally caused by excessively moist conditions, which in turn can be caused by plumbing or building envelope leaks and/or substandard ventilation. These conducive conditions should be corrected before making any attempts to remove or correct the staining.

3) Hand rails at exterior missing, recommend adding for safety. Contact appropriate contractor for repair or correction.

4) Gate at pool should be lockable and self-closing with a secure latch. Recommend correction for safety. Gates need to swing and open away from pool area. Go to https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/pools-and-spas for more info. Recommend pool contractor evaluate pool and grounds for safety.

5) Driveway damaged, looks like it will need replacement. Contact driveway contractor for evaluation, replace or repair as suggested.

6) Bedroom veranda is starting to go soft, recommend carpenter evaluate and replace as needed.

Noted deteriorated or rotting wood at door(s), soffits/fascias and/or rear porch that will need repair or replacement. Contact carpenter for evaluation and repair.

7) Noted deterioration to the path and/or patio that will need repair. Contact appropriate contractor for correction.

8) Noted damage or deterioration to the fence and / or gate that needs repair.

21) Evaluation of the pool and any related equipment is not a part of the home inspection. Highly recommend separate inspection of the pool, surrounding area, fencing, gates, and all associated equipment by pool contractor for safety. Also recommend reviewing service records.

23) Noted cracks, efflorescence, damaged crowns, missing brick, or other defects in the chimneys. Contact chimney contractor or mason for further evaluation, make all repairs as needed.

24) Recommend you talk to the roofing company that recently installed the wood roof, find out if there is a warranty on the roof materials and installation and if that warranty is transferable to you as the new owners.

Noted the following defects on the roof. Make sure a permit was issued by Town of Weston for the work:
*Wood shingles are butted tightly together in areas
*”Exposure” on shingles may be greater than manufacturer recommendations in areas (I believe 5.5 inches is called for).
*Nails exposed at flashing
*Some towns require rake trim installed on wood roofs, recommend checking with the Weston Building Department.
*When the roof was replaced the original copper flashing was kept. Normally we replace this when we replace the roof.

Repair as needed.

29) The garage-house door poses a fire risk because it's not of solid-core construction (doggie door cut into door). Recommend having a qualified contractor replace this door with a fire-rated door.

Garage-house door isn't auto-closing. Recommend installing hinges with springs or an automatic door closing device so door closes and latches automatically to prevent vehicle fumes or fire from entering building.

30) The left, center and/or right garage vehicle door(s) will not "auto-reverse", or requires too much force to reverse. The door should reverse relatively easily when closing and when it strikes something. This is a safety hazard, especially for small children. Recommend having a qualified garage door contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.

41) Ground Fault Circuit interrupt (GFCI) electrical outlets not functioning at rear exterior and/or tennis court, needs to be repaired for safety. These outlets provide a measure of shock protection in wet or damp areas. Outlet(s) may be broken, circuit breaker may be off, or outlet(s) may be controlled by a switch in an area not seen that has been turned off. Recommend further evaluation, have electrician make any repairs as needed.

42) Noted open gaps inside the subpanel cover on the second floor that should be closed off for safety.

45) Noted electrical equipment relating to a generator. Recommend electrician evaluate before use. Do not operate unless properly installed safety equipment (like a transfer switch) is in place and it has been evaluated by an electrician for safety.

Generators normally need servicing on a yearly basis (oil change, battery charging). Ask sellers for verification that this has been done in the past. Have the generator serviced as needed.

Generator shows “OVER SPEED” red light indicator, repair as needed.

No date code found on generator but it is rusting and appears to be original to the build of the house. Replace as needed.

46) Hot water heater appears to be at the end of its lifespan, recommend you replace it. Contact licensed plumber or heating contractor for replacement.

55) Water treatment / filter system(s) older, budget for replacement now. Unit(s) could fail at any time.

57) Real estate listing states that this home is supplied with water from a private well. The State of Connecticut recommends having your well water tested for bacteria, metals, minerals, fluoride, lead, arsenic, voc's, uranium, and radon by a qualified lab. Contact local health department for advice on any other contaminants that you may want to test for. Go to https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/environmental_health/private_wells/Publications/01301724aPWTestingShortVSpdf.pdf?la=en for more info.

Recommend having septic system inspected by a septic contractor. Have it pumped as needed.

58) Unable to determine age of the well pump(s).

59) Any house that uses well water should have the water tested before purchase and on a yearly basis. Any filtering or water treatment equipment needs to be monitored and maintained - water softeners will run out of salt causing water to become hard, carbon filters will wear out and may cause radon in water levels to climb, sediment filters will clog causing water pressure to drop, etc.

It is always recommended to contact your local well or water treatment contractor for an evaluation of your system. Many times their contact info is already posted on the well equipment. This way you can set up a service or maintenance schedule that will keep your equipment running smoothly, add or order any filters as needed, and have the system explained to you so you are familiar with its operation (for example, softeners have a backwash timer that will need to be set in order for the system to operate efficiently).

Unfortunately it has been customary for well and treatment companies not to label most tanks and filters. Their use or function may or may not be apparent to the inspector. Any equipment that is not labeled or marked should be by the local contractor, with its function and periodic maintenance explained at this time.

66) The estimated useful life for air conditioning cooling compressors / condensers averages 10-15 years depending on the manufacturer of the unit, placement of the unit at the exterior (exposure to sun and limited air flow can make it work harder), and frequency or lack of maintenance. Four units appear to have exceeded this age. Replace as needed.

67) The estimated useful life for cooling evaporator units is 12 to 15 years and varies due to many factors (maintenance, environment [moist crawl space or an attic with bad ventilation will shorten life span], manufacturer, etc.) At least four units appear to be at this age or older. Monitor for any problems, repair or replace as needed.

68) The estimate life span for most furnaces is 12 to 15 years. Three units appear to have exceeded this age and may need replacing at any time.

74) Creosote is visible at the family room and dining room fireplaces. Recommend cleaning, inspection and repairs if necessary by a qualified chimney service contractor.

86) Counter-balances (holds windows in place) on some windows (kitchen dining area) are not working and need repair for safety. When raised windows could slide down unexpectedly, causing injury.

87) The wine refrigerator in the Butler’s pantry was not operational at the time of inspection.

90) Security system noted in home, it was not tested and is not part of this inspection report. Contact the alarm company before moving in to test the system (especially smoke and carbon monoxide detectors), repair as needed. Have any codes changed the day you move in.

Any smoke / carbon monoxide detectors in the home were not tested, they may be hooked into the alarm system for the house. Have the alarm company test (and repair if needed) any and all detectors BEFORE sleeping in the house.

When you move in make sure that....
There is a smoke detector in each bedroom.
There is a smoke detector in every hallway.
There is at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor.