Commercial Inspection Report Punjab Plaza |
Client(s): |
Surjit Singh |
Property address: |
3505 Central Avenue Ceres CA |
Inspection date: |
Thursday, August 09, 2007 |
This report published on 8/13/2007 5:13:21 PM PDT
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THIS AGREEMENT made this 9th day of August , 2007
By and between:
Building Industry Consulting & Inspection Services, Los Banos Ca 93635 (Hereinafter “INSPECTOR”) and the
undersigned: Surjit SIngh and Punjab Plaza, and or Surjit Singh DBA Punjab Plaza(hereinafter “CLIENT”), collectively referred to herein as “the parties.”
The Parties Understand and Voluntarily Agree as follows:
1. INSPECTOR agrees to perform a visual inspection of the home/building and to provide CLIENT with a written inspection report identifying the defects that INSPECTOR both observed and deemed material. INSPECTOR may offer comments as a courtesy, but these comments will not comprise the bargained-for report. The report is only supplementary to the seller’s disclosure.
2. Unless otherwise inconsistent with this Agreement or not possible, INSPECTOR agrees to perform the inspection in accordance to the current Standards of Practice of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors posted at http://www.nachi.org/sop.htm. CLIENT understands that these standards contain certain limitations, exceptions, and exclusions.
3. The inspection and report are performed and prepared for the use of CLIENT, who gives INSPECTOR permission to discuss observations with real estate agents, owners, repairpersons, and other interested parties. INSPECTOR accepts no responsibility for use or misinterpretation by third parties. INSPECTOR’S inspection of the property and the accompanying report are in no way intended to be a guarantee or warranty, express or implied, regarding the future use, operability, habitability or suitability of the home/building or its components. Any and all warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are expressly excluded by this Agreement.
4. INSPECTOR assumes no liability for the cost of repair or replacement of unreported defects or deficiencies either current or arising in the future. CLIENT acknowledges that the liability of INSPECTOR, its agents, employees, for claims or damages, costs of defense or suit, attorney’s fees and expenses and payments arising out of or related to the INSPECTOR’S negligence or breach of any obligation under this Agreement, including errors and omissions in the inspection or the report, shall be limited to liquidated damages in an amount equal to the fee paid to the INSPECTOR, and this liability shall be exclusive. CLIENT waives any claim for consequential, exemplary, special or incidental damages or for the loss of the use of the home/building even if the CLIENT has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The parties acknowledge that the liquidated damages are not intended as a penalty but are intended (i) to reflect the fact that actual damages may be difficult and impractical to ascertain; (ii) to allocate risk among the INSPECTOR and CLIENT; and (iii) to enable the INSPECTOR to perform the inspection at the stated fee.
5. INSPECTOR does not perform engineering, architectural, plumbing, or any other job function requiring an occupational license in the jurisdiction where the inspection is taking place, unless the inspector holds a valid occupational license, in which case he/she may inform the CLIENT that he/she is so licensed, and is therefore qualified to go beyond this basic home inspection, and for additional fee, perform additional inspections beyond those within the scope of the basic home inspection. Any agreement for such additional inspections shall be in a separate writing or noted here: Purpose of this inspection is for the potential construction defencies related to the Roofing, and Stucco applications. This is an opinion based on visual inspection on site and documented with pictures.
6. In the event of a claim against INSPECTOR, CLIENT agrees to supply INSPECTOR with the following: (1) Written notification of adverse conditions within 14 days of discovery, and (2) Access to the premises. Failure to comply with the above conditions will release INSPECTOR and its agents from any and all obligations or liability of any kind.
7. The parties agree that any litigation arising out of this Agreement shall be filed only with the NACHI Alternate Debt Resolution Service through the Certification company in which the INSPECTOR belongs NACHI (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors) In the event that CLIENT fails to prove any adverse claims against INSPECTOR, CLIENT agrees to pay all costs, expenses and fees of INSPECTOR in defending said claims. INITIAL_________
8. If any court declares any provision of this Agreement invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties. All prior communications are merged into this Agreement, and there are no terms or conditions other than those set forth herein. No statement or promise of INSPECTOR or its agents shall be binding unless reduced to writing and signed by INSPECTOR. No change or modification shall be enforceable against any party unless such change or modification is in writing and signed by the parties. This Agreement shall be binding upon and enforceable by the parties and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assignees. CLIENT shall have no cause of action against INSPECTOR after one year from the date of the inspection.
9. Payment of the fee to INSPECTOR (less any deposit noted above) is due upon completion of the on-site inspection. The CLIENT agrees to pay all legal and time expenses incurred in collecting due payments, including attorney’s fees, if any. If CLIENT is a corporation, LLC, or similar entity, the person signing this Agreement on behalf of such entity does personally guaranty payment of the fee by the entity.
CLIENT HAS CAREFULLY READ THE FOREGOING, AGREES TO IT, AND ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT.
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.
How to Read this Report
This report is organized by the property's functional areas. Within each functional area, descriptive information is listed first and is shown in bold type. Items of concern follow descriptive information.
Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types: | 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 |
 | Maintain | Recommend ongoing maintenance |
 | Evaluate | Recommend evaluation by a specialist |
 | Monitor | Recommend monitoring in the future |
 | 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.asp
Table of Contents
General information
Exterior
Interior rooms
Roof
Report number: 2007
Structures inspected: 3505 Central Avenue, Ceres, CA
Approximately 22,000 square foot Strip Mall Exterior, Roof, and related issues in the interior.
Type of building: Commercial Strip Mall
Age of building: Approx 3 years
Property owner's name: Surjit Singh
Time started: Week of July 9th, 2007
Time finished: Week of August 6th, 2007
Inspection Fee: 750.00
Payment method: Check
Present during inspection: Property owner(s), Tenant(s)
Occupied: Yes Approx 75%
Weather conditions: Clear
Temperature: Warm, Hot
Ground condition: Dry
Main entrance faces: East
Foundation type: Slab on grade
The following items are excluded from this inspection: Parking Lot, and its Lighting
1)


This building is still under the direction of the builder, with unresolved construction issues related to the Stucco, and Roof leaks.
A construction defect may include any problem that reduces the value of a home, condominium, or building. Construction defects can be the result of design error by the architect, a manufacturing flaw, defective materials, improper use or installation of materials, lack of adherence to the blueprint by the contractor, or any combination thereof.
Common types of construction defects include: structural defects resulting in cracks or collapse; defective or faulty electrical wiring and/or lighting; defective or faulty plumbing; inadequate or faulty drainage systems; inadequate or faulty ventilation, cooling or heating systems; inadequate insulation or sound proofing; and inadequate fire protection/suppression systems. Additionally, dry rot, wood rot, mold, fungus, or termite or vermin infestation may also be the result of a construction defect. A construction defect may also include damage caused by land movement or earth settlement.
Determination of whether a problem constitutes a construction defect involves various factors, including: 1) the buyer’s "reasonable expectation", 2) the builders compliance or noncompliance with applicable building codes and construction standards, 3) whether the construction was performed in a workmanlike manner, 4) whether building materials and products used were suitable for their intended purposes, 5) whether or not the plans of architect and/or engineers were followed
2)
Many wall, floor and/or ceiling surfaces were obscured by large amounts of store fixtures and/or stored items. Many areas couldn't be evaluated. It is the intent of this inspection to address the Roof, Stucco Exterior, and water intrusion to the interior business's. This report is for informational purposes only and is backed by my 30 years in the building industry, and the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors ( NACHI ) . It is reccommended all repairs be done by licensed professionals in each specific field of concern. This report is only valid after being read, understood, and signed by acquiring party, as well paid in full.
Footing material: Poured in place concrete
Foundation material: Poured in place concrete
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame, Steel frame, Concrete block
Wall covering: StuccoApplied over poured in place concrete wall structure ( Tilt up )
Driveway material: Asphalt
Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete
Exterior door material: Solid core steel, Glass panel
3)



Cracks, deterioration and/or damage were found in one or more areas of the stucco siding. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs and/or replace stucco siding as necessary. Note pictures 9 through 19. This is a major issue as the remedy is to prep, re coat and paint with a elastic based stucco paint to to a uniform color. Defective Stucco and Siding: Stucco defects include stucco that is too thin, stucco that allows water intrusion, and stucco that is prone to cracking or staining. Due to improper installation or absence of adherent primer applied to concrete.
Cost estimate:
$
25,000
4)

One or more gutters, and downspouts are missing. 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, and may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. A qualified contractor should install gutters and downspouts where missing. Also, extensions such as splashblocks or tie-ins to underground drain lines should be installed as necessary to carry rain water away from the house. Pictures 43 and 44. Note thes roof drains flow on to the exsisting sidewalk entrances to stores. These roof drains should terminate out on to the asphalt parking lot, after running through the wall and under the sidewalk.
Cost estimate:
$
15,000
See photo 43
5)



The exterior finish in some areas is failing. A qualified contractor should prep ( scrape, prime caulk, etc.) and re stucco ,repaint areas as needed and as per standard building practices. This is evident at access panels under overhangs throughout the entire walkway in front of business's Stucco a Masonry or Concrete Wall
To apply stucco to an existing brick, block or concrete wall, first brush a concrete bonding agent onto the wall, then allow it to dry completely. After the bonding agent has been allowed to dry, the stucco can be applied directly to the wall. The application of the stucco should begin with a scratch coat, a 1/4 to 1/2 inch layer of mortar which is applied directly to the structure and allowed to slightly harden. After the mortar has hardened slightly, it should be scratched to a depth of 1/8" and allowed to harden for between 36 and 48 hours, periodically misting the surface to keep it moist.
After the curing period has passed, a finish coat can be applied. The finish coat will be between 1/8" to 1/4" thick. The finish coat can be finished to the desired texture, then allowed to cure for another 36 to 48 hours, with periodic misting to keep the surface moist.
Pictures: 41, 42, 44
Cost estimate:
$
55,000
6)

One or more areas of the grounds around the structure have significantly soggy soil, standing water or indications of accumulated water at times (sediment, dead grass, etc.). Recommend consulting with a qualified contractor who specializes in drainage, to determine if or what repairs are needed to provide adequate drainage. Possible repairs may involve grading soil, or installing, repairing and/or replacing underground drains.
Cost estimate:
$
10,000
7)
One or more downspouts are missing. 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, and may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. A qualified contractor should install downspout(s) where missing. Also recommend installing extensions such as splashblocks or tie-ins to underground drain lines as necessary to carry rainwater away from the building
8)
Gaps exist at one or more openings around the exterior, such as those where outside faucets, refrigerant lines, and/or gas supply pipes penetrate the exterior. Gaps should be sealed as necessary to prevent moisture intrusion and entry by vermin. Caulked and or repaired by qualified contractor.
Cost estimate:
$
2,000
9)

Minor cracks and/or deterioration were found in one or more retaining walls. Recommend repairing cracks with mortar, elastomeric sealant, or other suitable material to prevent water intrusion and further deterioration. The client(s) should monitor such walls in the future for continued deterioration (cracking, leaning, bowing, etc.). Repairs and/or replacement by a qualified contractor may be necessary in the future.
10)
One or more sections of foundation and/or exterior walls are excluded from this inspection due to lack of access from vegetation, debris and/or stored items.
11)
Some sections of retaining walls are excluded from this inspection due to lack of access from vegetation, debris and/or stored items.
12)
Minor cracks were found in the driveway. However they don't appear to be a structural concern and no trip hazards were found. No immediate action is recommended, but the client(s) may wish to have repairs made or have cracked sections replaced for aesthetic reasons.
13)

An insufficient number of smoke alarms are installed. Additional smoke alarms should be installed as necessary so a functioning one exists in each business as prescribed by Federal, State, County, and city law. For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html
Cost estimate:
$
1,500
14)

Water staining through out the entire structure is evident. The possible cause is from the roof. The likely hood of this problem continueing could begin a formation of Toxic Mold and Wood Rot: Wood rot is a fungal growth in the wood's structure. It occurs when wood is exposed to moisture for long periods of time. It usually occurs in poorly ventilated, enclosed spaces. If left unchecked the rot can completely deteriorate the wood, affecting the structural integrity of the structure.
Toxic mold is the term used to describe a variety of fungal growths that are harmful to people. Toxic mold may affect people in a variety of ways, depending in the type of mold and amount of exposure. Symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, wheezing, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, fever, headaches, dizziness, watery eyes and runny nose. Small children, elderly persons, people suffering from asthma, and persons with weakened immune systems, may suffer serious adverse effects. Like wood rot, toxic molds thrive in damp, enclosed areas. Wood rot and toxic mold growth may be the result of construction defects that cause water leakage into the building.
Cost estimate:
$
25,000 to 50,000
15)

Stains and elevated levels of moisture were found in one or more ceiling areas. The stain(s) appear to be due to roof leaks. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary. Pictures 50, 52, 53, 54, 55
See photo 53
16)
The weatherstrip around one or more exterior entry doors is missing and/or deteriorated. Weatherstrip should be installed where missing and/or replaced where deteriorated, and by a qualified contractor if necessary.
17)
One or more exterior doors are damaged and/or deteriorated, do to not being painted and installed with the manufacture prime coat.
See photo 20
Roof inspection method: Traversed
Roof type: Flat
Roof covering: Torch down, Built up tar and felt, Rolled
Estimated age of roof: Three Years
Gutter & downspout material: Aluminum, Galvanized steel
Roof ventilation: Adequate
18)


Defective Roofs: A roofing system usually combines several elements such as the framing, wood decking, felt underlay, and exterior roofing material (e.g. tiles, shingles, wood shake). Roofing defects include broken or loose roof tiles or shingles, improperly lapped or misaligned tiles or shingles, inadequate felt underlay coverage, torn or deteriorated felt underlay, or improper or inadequate nails/fasteners. The most common result of a defective roof is water intrusion which can result in water damage in other areas of the building as well as create unhealthy fungus and mold. When to Repair or Replace?Many congregations try to extend the life of a flat roof by continually repairing the surface. This decision may ultimately cost more in the long run due to increased staff attention and damage caused to interiors and structural systems. According to the NRCA/ARMA Manual, roof replacement is recommended when the roof has exceeded its expected service life and shows evidence of advanced deterioration: insulation is wet, deteriorated, or poorly attached; or numerous leaks of a serious nature have developed in the roof membrane. Replacement, rather than recovering the old roof with a new membrane, is also necessary when the existing roof membrane is not a suitable substrate for a new roof covering, or two or more roof coverings already exist.
Cost estimate:
$
80,000
19)

One or more sections of roof flashing are deteriorated and/or rusted. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and replace flashing where necessary.
20)

ASPHALT ROLLED ROOFING: http://www.homebuyeradvocates.com/Roofing.html
Asphalt rolled roofing is made of the same material as asphalt shingles. It typically comes in rolls that are 18 or 36 inches wide.
Rolled roofing is usually installed on sloped or flat roofs. It can also be found in roof valleys. The material is considered to be of low quality with a life expectancy of 5 to 15 years. Warping and buckling due to expansion of the material is a common problem. The granular coating tends to break down quickly in the wrinkled areas resulting is localized wear and deterioration.
· Periodically inspect rolled roofing for granular deterioration.
· If installed in roof valleys, check for cracking, tearing, and deterioration.
· Be sure all overlaps, edges, and surface nails stay well sealed.
SINGLE PLY MEMBRANE: Single ply membrane roofing is usually modified bitumen asphalt, plastic, or rubber. The roofing can be torched, tarred, glued, or mechanically fastened with strips or buttons. The life expectancy of this material has not yet been time tested. It has been installed in the U.S. since the early eighties. Some manufacturers provide a ten year warranty and claim thirty year life expectancies.
Most of the problems associated with this material has been with installation and not the products themselves.
A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
21)

Evidence of standing water was found on the flat roof. It should evaporate within 48 hours after it rains. If standing water remains after 48 hours, then the roof installation is likely substandard. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair if necessary to prevent prolonged standing water.
22)

Gaps were found in one or more roof surface seams. These may result in leaks. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
23)

Gaps in the roof surface were found at one or more roof penetrations. These may result in leaks. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
24)

Gaps at one or more roof surface seams and at one or more roof penetrations were found. These may result in leaks. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
25)

One or more roof surface sections slope down towards exterior walls. Debris such as leaves or needles are more likely to accumulate in this area than rest of the roof. Leaks may occur as a result. Recommend monitoring such areas for accumulated debris in the future and cleaning as necessary.
26)
Debris such as leaves, needles, seeds, etc. have accumulated on the roof. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms since water may not flow easily off the roof, and may enter gaps in the roof surface. Leaks may occur as a result. Debris should be cleaned from the roof now and as necessary in the future.
27)
The coating on the flat roof has deteriorated and may result in a shortened service life. A qualified roofing contractor should apply a new roof coating now and as necessary in the future. Typically this is done every four to five years.

Photo 1
Sinage of the Plaza
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Photo 2
Parking lot view
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Photo 3
Plaza exterior view
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Photo 4
Plaza Exterior view
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Photo 5
Parking Lot
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Photo 6
Business on site in Parking lot detached from project.
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Photo 7
Rear of building, showing sound block wall and exterior stucco over concrete substrate.
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Photo 8
Rear of building
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Photo 9
Close up of loose stucco.
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Photo 10
Loose and or peeling stucco.
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Photo 11
Srucco that is peeling or is flaking off.
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Photo 12
Water staing perhaps from intrusion behind stucco.
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Photo 13
Rear of building.
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Photo 14
Patch of stucco seam.
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Photo 15
Close up of stucco peeling and or flaking off.
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Photo 16
Larger picture of stucco peel, and or flaking off.
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Photo 17
Rear exterior, and walkway.
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Photo 18
Note the gap between the stucco and the poured in place concrete tilt up wall. The stucco will come off in large sections.
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Photo 19
Unpainted exterior door
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Photo 20
Unpainted exterior door notice the air gaps and lack of weatherstripping
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Photo 21
Roof
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Photo 22
Roof
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Photo 23
Roof where 17 plus HVAC Units are in place.
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Photo 24
Roof Drain that flows on to side walk in front of business entrance.
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Photo 25
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Photo 26
Roof area slope to downslope.
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Photo 27
HVAC unit on roof
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Photo 28
HVAC Unit with drain line.
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Photo 29
Evidence of pooled water next to roof drain at exterior wall front of building.
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Photo 30
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Photo 31
Venting through roof.
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Photo 32
Venting through roof.
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Photo 33
36" rooled roofing with granuals, applied with mastic.
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Photo 34
HVAC's note the water build up from condensation lines that terminate on to roof!
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Photo 35
Warter staining from pooling and or HVAC system condensation drain not routed off the roof.
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Photo 36
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Photo 37
Warter staining from pooling and or HVAC system condensation drain not routed off the roof
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Photo 38
Area of water intrusion note the staining.
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Photo 39
Public utilities ( Gas )
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Photo 40
Through ceiling crawl space note the gaps and or missimg stucco
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Photo 41
Note water staining between hatch and exterior wall.
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Photo 42
Waterstaing showing through stucco on cantaliver over sidewalk in front of business's
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Photo 43
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Photo 44
Stucco cracking evident throughout front of complex.
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Photo 45
Water stain at the hose spichot. evidence of a leak.
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Photo 46
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Photo 47
Large area of water stain due in part to roof leaks.
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Photo 48
Repair of stucco below water spichot, staing from water leak apperant.
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Photo 49
Interior water intrusing stain at roof line to exterior wall.
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Photo 50
Exterior water stain at point of exterior wall.
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Photo 51
Water intrusion area; panel removed to inspect water stain on wood framing.
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Photo 52
Interior Water stain. Evidence of roof leaks.
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Photo 53
Interior water stain. Evidence of Roof leak.
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Photo 54
Water stain with calicum build up at light fixture over walkway of store fronts.
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Photo 55
Air Gap is noted between windows and doors throughout complex.
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["QUALITY INFORMATION = QUALITY DECISIONS"]