2) Damage was found in sidewalk. Recommend that qualified contractor repair as necessary.

3) The soil or grading was flat and/or sloped down towards building perimeters in one or more areas. This can result in water accumulating around building foundations or underneath buildings. It can be a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend grading soil so it slopes down and away from buildings with a slope of at least 1 inch per horizontal foot for at least 6 feet out from buildings.

4) Minor deterioration (e.g. cracks, holes, settlement, heaving) was found in sidewalks or patios. The client may wish to have repairs made for cosmetic reasons and to help prevent further deterioration.

6) One crack observed that client disclosed had moisture present in the past. This crack was observed on both the interior and exterior of the home. Recommend evaluation and sealing by a qualified contractor.

7) One or more minor cracks (1/8 inch or less) were found in the foundation. These didn't appear to be a structural concern, but recommend sealing them to prevent water infiltration and monitor them in the future. Numerous products exist to seal such cracks including hydraulic cement, non-shrinking grout, resilient caulks and epoxy sealants.

8) Window well covers were missing for below grade or partially below grade windows. Consider installing to prevent buildup of debris and to help direct water away from the foundation.

9) 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.

10) Caulk was missing and/or deteriorated in some areas. For example, at wall penetrations. Recommend that a qualified person renew or install caulk as necessary. Where gaps are wider than 1/4 inch, an appropriate material other than caulk should be used. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?CAULK

12) One or more joists were cracked or damaged. Recommend repair.

13) Basement stairs were not secure. Recommend improving.

14) Minor cracks observed in the concrete floor. These are common in basements and do not appear to present a structural concern. However, the client may wish to seal these cracks to prevent soil gases from entering the home, especially if radon is a concern.

18) Scraped or damaged shingles were observed. The useful life of the roof covering may be reduced by such damage. Recommend evaluation and repair of any damaged shingles as necessary by a qualified roofer.

19) The ceiling insulation in one or more areas of the attic was compacted or uneven. Heating and cooling costs may be higher due to reduced energy efficiency. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install insulation as necessary and per standard building practices (typically R-38).

20) Gusset/truss plate was loose. Recommend securing.

23) One or more holes were found in the attached garage walls or ceilings. Current standard building practices call for wooden-framed ceilings and walls that divide the house and garage to provide limited fire-resistance rating to prevent the spread of fire from the garage to the house. Recommend that a qualified person repair per standard building practices. For example, by patching openings or holes, firestopping holes or gaps with fire-resistant caulking, and/or installing fire-resistant wall covering (e.g. Type X drywall). For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?AGFR

Significant energy will also be lost as a result of the gap at the foundation/basement

24) Moisture intrusion observed in the garage. This can be the result of poor site drainage, downspout/gutter issues, or holes/gaps on the exterior. Recommend evaluation and repairs as needed.

25) Smoke alarm was missing in one bedroom and the wire was damaged. Recommend repair and replacing.

26) Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found between countertops and backsplashes. Water can penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by installing or replacing caulk.

Location:

2nd floor hall bath

28) Wiring for the water heater's power supply was exposed and subject to damage. Standard building practices call for non-metallic sheathed wiring to be protected with BX armored conduit to prevent damage. This is a potential safety hazard for shock. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices.

31) 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. 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

32) Areas of the home had significantly different temperatures at time of inspection. The HVAC system may require balancing. Recommend consulting with a qualified technician to determine the most effective way of balancing temperatures throughout the home.

33) Recommend that home buyers replace or clean HVAC filters upon taking occupancy depending on the type of filters installed. Regardless of the type, recommend checking filters monthly in the future and replacing or cleaning them as necessary. How frequently they need replacing or cleaning depends on the type and quality of the filter, how the system is configured (e.g. always on vs. "Auto"), and on environmental factors (e.g. pets, smoking, frequency of house cleaning, number of occupants, the season).

37) Counter(s) were loose in area(s). Recommend securing to prevent damage or injury.

38) One or more doors were missing from interior spaces. Recommend replacing.

Coat closet

39) Thermal scans indicated anomalies that appear to be the result of missing, uneven, or out of place insulation. Recommend improving insulation for greater energy efficiency.

Location: loft

40) Squeaking or creaking noises occur when walking on one or more sections of flooring. This is usually caused by substandard construction practices where the sub-floor decking is not adequately fastened to the framing below. For example, not enough glue was used and/or nails were used rather than screws. In most cases, this is only an annoyance rather than a structural problem. Various solutions such as Squeeeeek No More and Counter Snap fasteners exist to correct this. Repairs to eliminate the squeaks or creaks may be more or less difficult depending on the floor covering and the access to the underside of the sub-floor. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SQUEAK

2nd floor landing

41) Window lock(s) were not aligned well. This can prevent the window from being tightly sealed when closed, in addition to posing a security risk if located on the first floor or over an accessible deck. Recommend adjustments as needed to ensure that the locks can be properly operated to seal the window and prevent energy loss.

Loft right window

42) Floor covering was deteriorated in area(s). Recommend repair for aesthetic purposes and to help protect the subfloor.

2nd floor hall bath

43) Tack strip could be felt at the edges of carpeting. Recommend evaluation and improvements by a qualified flooring contractor.

44) 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

Loft, master bedroom closet, master bathroom x4, stairway, living room x3, 1st floor bedroom

45) Paint was incomplete, blemished, damaged, or otherwise substandard in areas. Recommend improving for aesthetic purposes.

Owner bedroom door, owner bedroom

46) Cracks existed around the windows. Consider sealing with caulking.