2) Guardrails at one or more locations with drop-offs higher than 30 inches were loose, and pose a fall hazard. Recommend that a qualified person repair guardrails as necessary.

3) Fungal rot was found in decking boards, support posts and/or Trim at one or more decks or porches. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

4) Fungal rot and/or insect damage was found in support posts and/or Trim at one or more structures covering decks, patios and/or porches. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

6) 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 rot resistant pressure-treated lumber. Since even pressure-treated materials can eventually decay, plan to periodically check the condition of any wood that is in contact with earth. Note that damage from fungal rot and/or insects may be discovered when soil is removed, and further repairs and wood replacement may be necessary.

7) "Honeycombing" was found in one or more sections of the concrete foundation. This occurs when aggregate and sand in the concrete mixture bunches into clusters and fails to mix with the cement paste. This can be caused because the concrete mix was too stiff, by inadequate consolidation (insufficient use of a mechanical concrete vibrator) and/or pouring the concrete from too high of an elevation. In many cases honeycombing is only a cosmetic issue, but it does make concrete susceptible to water infiltration. Where honeycombing is accessible, recommend that a qualified person fill voids with an approved material such as hydraulic cement or non-shrinking grout.

When honeycombing is visible, it may also exist in hidden areas. Honeycombing can result in mold growth in absorbent flooring materials (e.g. carpeting and mortar joints), and can cause rigid flooring materials to warp and buckle.

8) 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.

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.

do to these areas staying shaded and the moist air, some mildew like staining appears. Recommend treating/cleaning with mildew inhibitor and repaint with mildew resistant paint.

15) Minor cracks were found in the concrete slab floor. These are common and appeared to be only a cosmetic issue.

17) One or more electric receptacles at the kitchen, dining room, living room, den, hallway(s) and/or laundry area had no visible arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection, or the inspector was unable to determine if AFCI protection was present. This is a potential safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and install AFCI protection if necessary and per standard building practices. General guidelines for AFCI-protected receptacles include the following locations:

• Bedrooms (since 1999)
• Kitchens, laundry areas, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens and recreation rooms, sunrooms, closets and hallways (since 2014)

For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?AFCI

AFCI in box are for bedrooms only. box meets afci requirments at time of construction

18) Extension cords were being used as permanent wiring at one or more locations. They should only be used for portable equipment on a temporary basis. Consult Sellers disclosure on the purpose for this unusual use. Using extension cords as permanent wiring is a potential fire and shock hazard, and indicates that wiring is inadequate and needs updating. Extension cords may be undersized. Connections may not be secure resulting in power fluctuations, damage to equipment, overheating and sparks that could start a fire. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices and eliminate extension cords for permanently installed equipment.

21) The water heater's earthquake reinforcement was substandard. For example, struts were used rather than straps, substandard fasteners were used, or they may allow significant movement. This is a potential safety hazard in the event of an earthquake due to the risk of the water heater tipping over, gas lines leaking if gas-fired, or electric wiring being damaged if powered by electricity. Water leaks may also occur. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace existing earthquake reinforcement per standard building practices. Typically 2 straps are required, the upper being located 1/3 of the way down from the top, and the lower being 1/3 of the way up from the bottom. If the water heater isn't located against a wall, blocking should be installed between it and the wall so the straps can be adequately tightened.

22) The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8-12 years. This water heater appeared to be beyond this age and/or its useful lifespan and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future, or considering replacement now before any leaks occur. The client should be aware that significant flooding can occur if the water heater fails. If not replaced now, consider having a qualified person install a catch pan and drain or a water alarm to help prevent damage if water does leak.

24) 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. Ask the property owner when it was last serviced. 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?ANFURINSP

25) The furnace heating system was not fully evaluated because the access panel was taped shut . Recommend that a full evaluation be made by a qualified person when conditions have been corrected so the system is operable. Note that the inspector does not operate shut-off valves, pilot lights or circuit breakers, or any controls other than normal controls (thermostat).

Panel was taped shut

27) The glass front on the gas fireplace had a hazy film. This is typically a mineral residue left from water vapor as the gas burns. It may be possible to clean this fogging by removing the glass from the fireplace and using a gas appliance ceramic glass cleaner, available through gas fireplace and stove distributors and installers. Ammonia-based products, such as common glass cleaners, should not be used since they can cause damage or etching to the glass, or make the haze permanent. It may be possible for a homeowner to remove the glass for cleaning, if the instructions for the fireplace are available and if the homeowner is experienced in such repairs. Consult with a qualified specialist for more information, or to have them do the cleaning.