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Brown Home Inspections LLC

409 Mamie 
Hattiesburg, MS 
39401
Inspector: Jason Brown

Property Inspection Report

Client(s):  Jeff and Amber Keene
Property address:  69 Canebrake
Hattiesburg, MS
Inspection date:  Thursday, October 11, 2018

This report published on Thursday, October 11, 2018 3:57:38 PM CDT

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:
Concern typeSafetyPoses a risk of injury or death
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 typeMonitorRecommend monitoring in the future
Concern typeCommentFor your information

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 https://www.reporthost.com/glossary.asp

Table of Contents

General Information
Grounds
Exterior / Foundation
Roof / Attic
Garage / Carport
Electric
Plumbing / Fuel Systems
Water Heater
Cooling / Heat Pump
Fireplaces / Stoves / Chimneys
Kitchen
Bathrooms / Laundry / Sinks
Interior Rooms / Areas
Wood Destroying Organism Findings

View summary

General Information
Table of contents
Time started: 9:00 AM
Time finished: 11:00 AM
Inspector: Jason Brown
Client present for discussion at end of inspection: Yes
Weather conditions: Partly cloudy
Temperature: Warm
Ground condition: Dry
Inspection fee: 400.00
Buildings inspected: Single Family Home
Age of building(s): 16 years
Source for building age: Inspector's estimate
Front of building faces: South
Occupied: No
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, water features and related equipment; playground, recreation or leisure equipment; landscape lighting; areas below exterior structures with less than three feet of vertical clearance; irrigation systems; invisible fencing; sea walls, docks and boathouses. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not test or determine the adequacy of drainage systems for grounds, walkways, below-grade stairs and roof downspouts. The inspector does not provide an evaluation of geological conditions and/or site stability, compliance of pool or spa fencing with municipal requirements, or determination that deck, balcony and/or stair membranes are watertight.
Site profile: Level
Condition of driveway: Appeared serviceable
Driveway material: Poured in place concrete
Condition of sidewalks and/or patios: Appeared serviceable
Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete
Condition of deck, patio and/or porch covers: Appeared serviceable
Deck, patio, porch cover material and type: Open
Condition of decks, porches and/or balconies: Appeared serviceable
Condition of guardrails: Appeared serviceable
Deck, porch and/or balcony material: Wood, Masonry
1) Exterior stairs were deteriorated. A qualified person should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

at rear garage entry
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2) Vegetation such as trees, shrubs and/or vines was in contact with or less than one foot from building exteriors. Vegetation can serve as a conduit for wood destroying insects and may retain moisture against the exterior after it rains. Vegetation should be pruned and/or removed as necessary to maintain a one foot clearance between it and building exteriors.
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Exterior / Foundation
Table of contents
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: below-grade foundation walls and footings, or those obscured by vegetation or building components; exterior building surfaces or components obscured by vegetation, stored items or debris. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Some amount of cracking is normal in concrete slabs and foundation walls due to shrinkage and drying. Note that the inspector does not determination the adequacy of sump pumps, seismic reinforcement, nor determine if support posts, columns, beams, joists, studs, trusses, etc. are of adequate size, spanning or spacing.
Condition of wall covering: Appeared serviceable
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Wood, Vinyl, Expanded insulation foam system (EIFS)
3) Rot or water damage was found at one or more sections of fascia/trim. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.
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4) Replace missing screens as needed.
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5) Repair deteriorated siding at rear gable wall and upstairs patio.
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Roof / Attic
Table of contents
Limitations: The following items or areas are not included in this inspection: areas that could not be traversed or viewed clearly due to lack of access; areas and components obscured by insulation; solar roofing components; any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not determination if rafters, trusses, joists, beams, etc. are of adequate size, spanning or spacing. The inspector does not provide an estimate of remaining roof surface life, does not determine that the roof has absolutely no leaks at the time of the inspection, and does not determine that the roof won't leak in the future. Only active leaks and evidence of past leaks observed during the inspection are reported on as part of this inspection. To absolutely determine than no leaks exist, complete access to all roof structure areas must be available during a wide variety of weather conditions, including prolonged heavy rain, high wind from varying directions, heavy accumulations of snow and/or ice, and melting snow and ice.
Condition of roof structure: Appeared serviceable
Roof type: Gable, Hipped
Age of roof surface(s): 13 years
Source for building age: Inspector's estimate
Roof inspection method: Traversed
Roof surface material: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Condition of exposed flashings: Appeared serviceable
Condition of gutters, downspouts and extensions: Appeared serviceable
Gutter and downspout material: Metal
Condition of attic: Appeared serviceable
Attic inspection method: Traversed
Roof structure type: Rafters
Ceiling structure: Ceiling beams
Ceiling insulation material: Fiberglass loose fill, Fiberglass roll or batt
Ceiling insulation depth: 8 inches
Ceiling insulation rating: 20
Roof ventilation: Appears serviceable
6) Some composition shingles were showing granule loss. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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7) Repair and seal attic access door at upstairs guest closet.
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8) Secure loose flashing at east roof/wall junction.

loose nail backing out
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9) Debris had accumulated in one or more gutters. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects since gutters may overflow and cause water to come in contact with the building exterior or make water accumulate around the foundation. Gutters should be cleaned now and as necessary in the future.
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10) Trees were overhanging roof and were within 10 feet of roof vertically. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying organisms since organic debris such as leaves or needles are more likely to accumulate on the roof surface. Accumulated debris may cause water to enter gaps in the roof surface and leak into attic and/or interior spaces. Trees should be pruned so they are at least 10 feet above roof, or don't overhang the roof.
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11) Stains were visible on the roof structure in one or more areas. These areas were dry at the time of the inspection. The stains may be caused by a past leak. Recommend asking the property owner about past leaks. The client should monitor these areas in the future, especially after heavy rains, to determine if active leaks exist. If leaks are found, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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Photo 11-1 over front guest upstairs bedroom
Garage / Carport
Table of contents
Limitations: The inspector does not determine the adequacy of firewall ratings. Requirements for ventilation in garages varies between municipalities.
Type: Attached, Garage
Garage vehicle door type: Sectional
Number of vehicle doors: 1
Condition of automatic opener(s): Required repair, replacement and/or evaluation (see comments below)
Condition of garage floor: Appeared serviceable
Condition of garage interior: Appeared serviceable
12) Evidence of prior water intrusion was found in one or more sections of the garage. For example, water stains at support post bases, efflorescence on the foundation etc. Accumulated water is a conducive condition for wood destroying organisms and should not be present in the garage. The client should review any disclosure statements available and ask the property owner about past accumulation of water in the garage. The garage should be monitored in the future for accumulated water, especially after heavy and/or prolonged periods of rain. If water is found to accumulate, a qualified contractor who specializes in drainage issues should evaluate and repair as necessary. Typical repairs for preventing water from accumulating in garages include:
  • Repairing, installing or improving driveway drains
  • 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
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13) One or more automatic door openers were inoperable. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace opener(s) as necessary.
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14) Minor cracks were found in one or more sections of slab floors.
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15) Improve weather stripping at exterior garage vehicle door and entry door.
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Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: generator systems, surge suppressors, inaccessible or concealed wiring; underground utilities and systems; low voltage lighting or lighting on timers or sensors. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not determine the adequacy of grounding or bonding, does not determine if this system has an adequate capacity for the client's specific needs, nor determine if this system has any reserve capacity for additions or expansion. The inspector does not operate circuit breakers as part of the inspection, install or change light bulbs, nor determine the operability of every wall switch.
Electric service condition: Appeared serviceable
Primary service type: Underground
Service voltage (volts): 120
Service amperage (amps): 200
Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
Condition of main service panel: Appeared serviceable
Condition of sub: Appeared serviceable
Branch circuit wiring type: Non-metallic sheathed
Condition of branch circuit wiring: Serviceable
16) One or more exterior electric receptacles were being used for appliances or systems that are constantly in use, and were not equipped with a "while in use" receptacle covers for wet locations[/url]. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock and fire. "While in use" covers should be installed where necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.google.com/search?q=while+in+use+receptacle+cover
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17) 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.google.com/search?q=old+smoke+alarms
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18) Repair light cover at garage entry.
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19) Replace inoperable bulbs.
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Plumbing / Fuel Systems
Table of contents
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: private wells and sewage disposal systems; main, side and lateral sewer lines; gray water systems; pressure boosting systems; incinerating or composting toilets; fire suppression sprinkler systems; water softeners, conditioners or filtering systems; plumbing components concealed within the foundation or building structure, or in inaccessible areas such as below tubs; underground utilities and systems; overflow drains for tubs and sinks; backflow prevention devices. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not operate water supply or shut-off valves due to the possibility of valves leaking or breaking when operated. The inspector does not test for lead in the water supply, the water pipes or solder, does not determine if plumbing and fuel lines are adequately sized, and does not determining the existence or condition of underground or above-ground fuel tanks.
Condition of service and main line: Appeared serviceable
Water service: Public
Condition of supply lines: Appeared serviceable
Supply pipe material: Copper
Condition of drain pipes: Appeared serviceable
Drain pipe material: Plastic
Water Heater
Table of contents
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: solar water heating systems; circulation systems. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not provide an estimate of remaining life on water heaters, does not determine if water heaters are appropriately sized, or perform any evaluations that require a pilot light to be lit.
Condition of water heater: Near, at or beyond service life
Type: Tank
Estimated age: 16 years (4 units)
Energy source: Electricity
Capacity (in gallons): 40
Manufacturer: Rheem
20) The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8 to 12 years. This water heater appears to be near this age and/or its useful lifespan and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
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Cooling / Heat Pump
Table of contents
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters; thermostat or temperature control accuracy and timed functions; cooling components concealed within the building structure or in inaccessible areas; underground utilities and systems; safety devices and controls (due to automatic operation). Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not provide an estimate of remaining life on cooling system components, does not determine if cooling systems are appropriately sized, and does not test coolant pressure. Condensation pans and drain lines may clog or leak at any time and should be monitored while in operation in the future.
Condition of cooling system and/or heat pump: Appeared serviceable
Type: Split system
Estimated age: 16 years
Approximate tonnage: 9.5 tons
Manufacturer: Trane
Condition of distribution system: Appeared serviceable
Condition of controls: Appeared serviceable
Condition of air filters: Required repair, replacement and/or evaluation (see comments below)
21) Supply air from the air conditioning or heat pump cooling system was not cool enough. It should be 14 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than at the return duct(s), or current room temperature. This may be caused by refrigerant loss, dirty coils, a failing compressor, an over sized fan, or a deficient return air system. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.

Both downstairs units
22) The system's air handler was installed in an attic space, and no auxiliary condensate drain line or drip pan and drain were installed. Primary condensate drain lines often clog. When they do, water can overflow into finished living spaces below and cause damage. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and install an auxiliary drain line and/or an auxiliary condensate drip pan and drain as per standard building practices.

Master and downstairs unit
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23) One or more air filters were located so that they're difficult to access. Recommend relocating filters as necessary to more accessible locations, such as behind return air grills in interior living spaces.
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24) The last service date of this system appeared to be more than one year ago, or the inspector was unable to determine the last service date. The client should 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 one year ago, a qualified contractor should service this system and make repairs if necessary. This servicing should be performed annually in the future.
25) Repair insulation at ducts over master section of attic.
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26) The estimated useful life for most cooling systems and heat pumps is 10 to 15 years. This system appears to be near 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.
27) One or more air filters were dirty. A qualified person should replace filter(s) as necessary. Filters should be checked monthly and maintained as necessary in the future.
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Fireplaces / Stoves / Chimneys
Table of contents
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: coal stoves, gas logs, chimney flues (except where visible). Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not determine the adequacy of drafting or sizing in fireplace and stove flues, nor determine if prefabricated or zero clearance fireplaces are installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. The inspector does not perform any evaluations that require a pilot light to be lit.
28) The gas fireplace at location #A was not fully evaluated because of damaged control unit. As per the Standards of Practice for both the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) the inspector does not operate gas shut off valves or light pilot lights during inspections.
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Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: free-standing or portable appliances such as dishwashers, trash compactors, refrigerators, freezers, ice makers; specialty appliances such as hot water dispensers, water filters and trash compactors; appliance timers, clocks, cook functions, self and/or continuous cleaning operations, thermostat or temperature control accuracy, and lights. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not provide an estimate of the remaining life of appliances, and does not determine the adequacy of operation of appliances such as dishwashers, garbage disposals, trash compactors, ovens, broilers, etc.
Condition of counters: Appeared serviceable
Condition of cabinets: Appeared serviceable
Condition of sinks and related plumbing: Appeared serviceable
Condition of garbage disposal: Appeared serviceable
Condition of dishwasher: Appeared serviceable
Condition of range, cooktop: Required repair, replacement and/or evaluation (see comments below)
Range, cooktop type: Electric
Condition of refrigerator: Appeared serviceable
Condition of built: Appeared serviceable
29) The compactor oven was noisy or vibrating excessively. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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30) The cook top was not functioning properly at inspection. Evaluate and repair/replace as needed.
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31) No exhaust hood or fan was installed over the cook top. Ventilation and/or lighting may be inadequate and moisture may accumulate indoors. Recommend having a qualified contractor install a vented and lighted range hood, with the exhaust fan configured so as to vent outdoors.
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Bathrooms / Laundry / Sinks
Table of contents
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: overflow drains for tubs and sinks; bidets, heated towel racks, saunas, steam generators, clothes washers, clothes dryers. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not determine the adequacy of washing machine drain lines, washing machine catch pan drain lines, or clothes dryer exhaust ducts. The inspector does not operate water supply or shut-off valves for sinks, toilets, bidets, clothes washers, etc. due to the possibility of valves leaking or breaking when operated. The inspector does not determine if shower pans or tub and shower enclosures are water tight, or determine the completeness or operability of any gas piping to laundry appliances.
Location #A: Master
Location #B: Guest
Location #C: Half
Location #D: On Suite
Location #E: Jack and Jill
Condition of counters: Appeared serviceable
Condition of cabinets: Appeared serviceable
Condition of sinks and related plumbing: Appeared serviceable
Condition of toilets: Appeared serviceable
Condition of bathtubs and related plumbing: Appeared serviceable
Condition of shower(s) and related plumbing: Appeared serviceable
Condition of ventilation systems: Appeared serviceable
Condition of laundry facilities: Appeared serviceable
32) Repair chain at guest toilet.
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33) Secure vent at downstairs laundry to prevent sewer gas from collecting in this area.
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Interior Rooms / Areas
Table of contents
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: security, intercom and sound systems; communications wiring; central vacuum systems; elevators and stair lifts; sources of obnoxious odors; cosmetic deficiencies due to normal wear and tear in wall, floor and ceiling surfaces and coverings, or in equipment; deficiencies relating to interior decorating; low voltage and gas lighting systems. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not evaluate any areas or items which require moving stored items, furnishings, debris, equipment, floor coverings, insulation or similar materials. The inspector does not test for asbestos, lead, radon, mold, hazardous waste, urea formaldehyde urethane, or any other toxic substance. Some items such as window operability are tested on a sampled basis. The client should be aware that paint may obscure wall and ceiling defects, floor coverings may obscure floor defects, and furnishings may obscure wall, floor and floor covering defects. If furnishings were present during the inspection, recommend a full evaluation of walls, floors and ceilings that were previously obscured when possible. Determining the cause of odors is not within the scope of this inspection.
Exterior door material: Wood, Glass
Condition of exterior entry doors: Appeared serviceable
Condition of interior doors: Appeared serviceable
Type of windows: Wood
Condition of windows: Appeared serviceable
Wall type or covering: Drywall
Condition of walls: Appeared serviceable
Ceiling type or covering: Drywall
Condition of ceilings: Appeared serviceable
34) Seals between multi-pane glass in some windows appear to have failed based on condensation or stains between the panes of glass. The view through the window may be obscured, and accumulated condensation leaking into wall cavities is a conducive condition for wood destroying organisms. A qualified contractor should evaluate and replace glass where necessary.

The client should be aware that evidence of broken seals may be more or less visible from one day to the next depending on the temperature, humidity, sunlight, etc. Windows or glass doors other than those that the inspector identified may also have failed seals and need glass replaced too.

ie at dinning room
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35) Wood flooring in some areas was stained. This may indicating that the floor has been wet in the past, or that repairs or the installation was substandard. Recommend consulting with the property owner about this. The client should consider having a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or refinish floors as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.woodfloorsonline.com/techtalk/woodwater6.html

ie at front office room
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36) Some sections of flooring had minor deterioration or damage. For example, cracked tile or sun damage. A qualified person should repair as necessary.
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37) Repair window gasket at upstairs rear window.
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38) Stains were found in one or more ceiling areas. However, no elevated levels of moisture were found. The stain(s) may be due to past roof and/or plumbing leaks. Recommend asking the property owner about this, and monitoring the stained area(s) in the future, especially after heavy or prolonged rain. If elevated moisture is found in the future, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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Photo 38-2 at dinning room
Wood Destroying Organism Findings
Table of contents
Limitations: This report only includes findings from accessible and visible areas on the day of the inspection. In addition to the inaccessible areas documented in this report, examples of other inaccessible areas include: sub areas less than 18 inches in height; attic areas less than five feet in height, areas blocked by ducts, pipes or insulation; areas where locks or permanently attached covers prevent access; areas where insulation would be damaged if traversed; areas obscured by vegetation. All inaccessible areas are subject to infestation or damage from wood destroying organisms. The inspector does not move furnishings, stored items, debris, floor or wall coverings, insulation, or other materials as part of the inspection, nor perform destructive testing. Wood destroying organisms may infest, reinfest or become active at anytime. No warranty is provided as part of this inspection.

Please contact Jason Brown if you have any questions regarding this report.