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Curtis Home Inspection

Website: http://www.reporthost.com/curtishome
Email: inspection101@hotmail.com
Phone: (706) 897-1018
121 Notla Mountain Retreat 
Blairsville GA 30512
Inspector: Stanley Tyler

  

Summary

Summary
Client(s):  Your Name Here
Property address:  Let Me Help You Understand Your Home
Inspection date:  Thursday, September 09, 2010

This report published on Monday, January 13, 2014 1:10:10 PM EST

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.

Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types:
Concern typeSafetyPoses a safety hazard
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


General Information
1 - Structures built prior to the mid 1980s may contain lead and/or asbestos. Lead is commonly found in paint and in some plumbing components. The EPA does not recognize newer coats of paint as encapsulating older coats of lead-based paint. Asbestos is commonly found in various building materials such as insulation, siding, and/or floor and ceiling tiles. Laws were passed in 1978 to prohibit usage of lead and asbestos, but stocks of materials containing these substances remained in use for a number of years thereafter. Both lead and asbestos are known health hazards. Evaluating for the presence of lead and/or asbestos is beyond the scope of this inspection. Any mention of these materials in this report is made as a courtesy only, and meant to refer the client to a specialist. Consult with specialists as necessary, such as industrial hygienists, professional labs and/or abatement specialists for this type of evaluation. For information on lead, asbestos and other hazardous materials in homes, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?EPA
http://www.reporthost.com/?CPSC
http://www.reporthost.com/?CDC
Grounds
4 - Cracks, holes, settlement, heaving and/or deterioration resulting in trip hazards were found in the driveway. For safety reasons, recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.
5 - One or more gates was not installed and need repair.
Exterior and Foundation
6 - Fungal rot was found at one or more sections of siding or trim, window sills. Conducive conditions for rot should be corrected (e.g. wood-soil contact, reverse perimeter slope). Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.
7 - This property was clad with composition wood-fiber siding. Various manufacturers (e.g. Louisiana Pacific, Weyerhaeuser and Masonite) have produced this type of siding, which is made from oriented strand board (OSB) or "hardboard." It is prone to deteriorate and/or fail prematurely due to moisture penetration, especially when the paint coating is substandard or has not been maintained. Failure is typically visible in the form of swelling, cracking, buckling, wafer pops, delamination and fungal growth.

Some areas of siding on this structure showed symptoms described above and need replacement and/or maintenance. Some manufacturers (e.g. Louisiana Pacific) recommend a repair process for this siding where affected areas are sealed with Permanizer Plus, a flexible primer made by Pittsburgh Paint, followed by two coats of 100% acrylic latex paint. This sealant must be applied to the bottom edges using a brush. The face of the siding can be sprayed. The Permanizer Plus sealer isn't required for edges that aren't swollen, cracked or deteriorated, but the acrylic latex should still be brushed on these edges.

Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and replace siding as necessary, and/or seal and repaint as necessary. Repairs should be made per the siding and/or sealant manufacturer's installation instructions, and per standard building practices.

For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?PERMPLUS
http://www.reporthost.com/?COMPSDNG
8 - One or more holes or gaps were found in siding or trim. Vermin, insects or water may enter the structure. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.
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, deteriorated, substandard in some areas. For example, around windows, around doors. 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
Roof
11 - One or more chimneys were wider than 2 feet and no cricket was installed above. A cricket is a peaked saddle behind the chimney that diverts water around the sides of the chimney. Without a cricket, debris such as leaves, needles or moss is likely to accumulate above the chimney, and can cause leaks. At a minimum, monitor this area and its flashings for accumulated debris, and clean debris as necessary. Recommend that a qualified contractor install a cricket per standard building practices.
12 - The siding on one or more exterior walls was in contact with or too close to roof surfaces below. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. There should be a gap of 1 1/2 to 2 inches between a roof surface and siding above. The gap is meant to prevent water from wicking up into the bottom edge of the siding and causing fugal rot, or damaging the siding. There may also be inadequate space for additional layers of roofing materials in the future. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices. For example, by trimming the siding.
13 - One or more gutters had a substandard slope so that significant amounts of water accumulate in them rather than draining through the downspouts. This can cause gutters to overflow, especially when debris such as leaves or needles has accumulated in them. Rainwater can come in contact with the building exterior or accumulate around the foundation as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by correcting the slope in gutters or installing additional downspouts and extensions.
14 - Extensions such as splash blocks or drain pipes for one or more downspouts were missing, damaged. Water can accumulate around the building foundation or inside crawl spaces or basements as a result. Recommend that a qualified person install, replace or repair extensions as necessary so rainwater drains away from the structure.
15 - Significant amounts of debris have accumulated in one or more gutters or downspouts. Gutters can overflow and cause water to come in contact with the building exterior, or water can accumulate around the foundation. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend cleaning gutters and downspouts now and as necessary in the future.
Attic and Roof Structure
17 - The pull-down attic stairs were not insulated. Typically, such stairs that are not insulated also do not have any weatherstripping installed. Recommend that a qualified person install insulation and weatherstripping per standard building practices for better energy efficiency. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?INSATTSTRS
18 - Very little ceiling insulation was installed in the attic (less than 1/2"deep). Recommend that a qualified contractor install insulation for better energy efficiency and per standard building practices (typically with an R rating of R-38).
19 - The ceiling insulation installed in the attic was substandard and appeared to have an R rating that's significantly less than current standards (R-38). Heating and cooling costs will likely be higher due to poor energy efficiency. Recommend that a qualified contractor install insulation for better energy efficiency and per standard building practices.
20 - One or more exhaust fans in the attic had no duct to route the exhaust air outside. As a result, conditioned air will enter the attic when the fan is operated. This can result in excessive moisture in the attic. Recommend that a qualified contractor install ducting per standard building practices. Typically, this includes a duct with R-4 rated insulation permanently attached to a vent hood or cap installed on the roof or at an exterior wall.
21 - One or more attic access hatches or doors were not insulated, or had substandard insulation. Weatherstripping was also missing or substandard. Recommend installing weatherstripping and insulation per current standards at hatches or doors for better energy efficiency. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ATTACC
22 - The ceiling insulation in one or more areas of the attic was missing. 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).
Garage or Carport
25 - One or more springs were broken on garage vehicle door(s). This is a safety hazard since the door(s) can fall shut when opened. A qualified contractor should repair as necessary.
26 - The pull-down attic stairs installed in the attached garage ceiling had no visible fire-resistance rating. Current standard building practices call for wooden-framed ceilings that divide the house and garage to have a fire-resistance rating. Installing pull-down attic stairs intended for interior spaces compromises the ceiling's fire resistance. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary to restore the ceiling's fire resistance. For example, by modifying, replacing or removing the stairs. Note that commercially made, fire resistance-rated stairs are available. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?FIREATTSTR
27 - One or more garage vehicle doors were damaged or deteriorated. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace door(s) as necessary.
28 - One or more garage vehicle doors were difficult or unable to open or close. Vehicle doors should open and close smoothly and easily. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary. This may require lubrication or repair to hardware such as rollers or brackets.
Electric
30 - Substandard wiring was found at the attic. For example, loose wiring, loose boxes. This is a safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair as necessary and per standard building practices.
31 - One or more electric receptacles (outlets) at the kitchen, bathroom(s) had no visible ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection, or the inspector was unable to determine if GFCI protection was present. If not GFCI-protected, receptacles in wet areas pose a shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and install GFCI protection if necessary and per standard building practices. General guidelines for GFCI-protected receptacles include the following locations:For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?GFCI
32 - No arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers were installed for bedroom circuits. These are relatively new devices, and reduce the risk of fire by protecting against overheated or arcing receptacles (outlets) or light fixtures. Consult with a qualified electrician about upgrading circuits to AFCI protection per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?AFCI
33 - One or more modern, 3-slot electric receptacles (outlets) were found with an open ground. This is a shock hazard when appliances that require a ground are used with these receptacles. Examples of such appliances include computers and related hardware, refrigerators, freezers, portable air conditioners, clothes washers, aquarium pumps, and electrically operated gardening tools. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary so all receptacles are grounded per standard building practices.
34 - Smoke alarms were missing from one or more bedrooms. Additional smoke alarms should be installed as necessary so a functioning alarm exists in each hallway leading to bedrooms, in each bedroom, on each level and in any attached garage. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRM
35 - One or more cover plates for switches, receptacles (outlets) or junction boxes were missing or broken. These plates are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from occurring due to exposed wires. Recommend that a qualified person install cover plates where necessary.
36 - No carbon monoxide alarms were visible. This is a potential safety hazard. Some states and/or municipalities require CO alarms to be installed for new construction and/or for homes being sold. Recommend installing approved CO alarms outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms on each level and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?COALRM
37 - Branch circuit wiring installed in buildings built prior to the mid 1980s is typically rated for a maximum temperature of only 60 degrees Celsius. This includes non-metallic sheathed (Romex) wiring, and both BX and AC metal-clad flexible wiring. Knob and tube wiring, typically installed in homes built prior to 1950, may be rated for even lower maximum temperatures. Newer electric fixtures including lighting and fans typically require wiring rated for 90 degrees Celsius. Connecting newer fixtures to older, 60-degree-rated wiring is a potential fire hazard. Repairs for such conditions may involve replacing the last few feet of wiring to newer fixtures with new 90-degree-rated wire, and installing a junction box to join the old and new wiring.

It is beyond the scope of this inspection to determine if such incompatible components are installed, or to determine the extent to which they're installed. Based on the age of this building, the client should be aware of this safety hazard, both for existing fixtures and when planning to upgrade with newer fixtures. Consult with a qualified electrician for repairs as necessary.
38 - The legend for circuit breakers or fuses in panel(s) #A was missing, incomplete, illegible or confusing. This is a potential shock or fire hazard in the event of an emergency when power needs to be turned off. Recommend correcting the legend so it's accurate, complete and legible. Evaluation by a qualified electrician may be necessary.
Plumbing / Fuel Systems
41 - One or more hose bibs (outside faucets) were missing backflow prevention devices. These devices reduce the likelihood of gray water entering the potable water supply. Recommend installing backflow prevention devices on all hose bibs where missing. They are available at most home improvement stores and are easily installed. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?BKFLOW
42 - Copper water supply pipes were installed. Copper pipes installed prior to the late 1980s may be joined with solder that contains lead, which is a known health hazard especially for children. Laws were passed in 1985 prohibiting the use of lead in solder, but prior to that solder normally contained approximately 50% lead. The client should be aware of this, especially if children will be using this water supply system. Note that the inspector does not test for toxic materials such as lead. The client should consider having a qualified lab test for lead, and if necessary take steps to reduce or remove lead from the water supply. Various solutions include:For more information visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?LEADDW
http://www.reporthost.com/?LEAD
43 - Water pressure was below 40 pounds per square inch (PSI), but the flow appeared to be adequate. 40-80 PSI is considered the normal range for water pressure in a home. The inspector performed a "functional flow test" during the inspection, where multiple fixtures were run simultaneously and checked for significantly decreased flow. For example, the shower flow did not decrease significantly when the toilet was flushed. However, this is not a guarantee that the client will find the pressure and flow to be adequate. If the client does find the flow to be inadequate, they should have a qualified plumber evaluate and repair as necessary. Installing a pressure-boosting system is one possible solution. For information on these systems, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?LPRESSURE
44 - One or more hose bib (outside faucets) handles were broken. Recommend that a qualified person replace handles or make repairs as necessary.
45 - One or more hose bibs (outside faucets) were not the "frost-free" design, and are more likely to freeze during cold weather than frost-free hose bibs. Recommend that a qualified plumber upgrade these with frost-free hose bibs to prevent freezing, pipes bursting, flooding and possible water damage.
46 - Based on visible components or information provided to the inspector, this property appeared to have a private sewage disposal (septic) system. These are specialty systems and are excluded from this inspection. Comments in this report related to this system are made as a courtesy only and are not meant to be a substitute for a full evaluation by a qualified specialist. Generally, septic tanks should be pumped and inspected every 3 years. Depending on the type of system and municipal regulations, inspection and maintenance may be required more frequently, often annually. Recommend the following:For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SEPTIC
Water Heater
48 - The hot water temperature was greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of scalding. The thermostat should be adjusted so the water temperature doesn't exceed 120 degrees. If the water heater is powered by electricity, a qualified person should perform the adjustment, since covers that expose energized equipment normally need to be removed. For more information on scalding dangers, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SCALD
49 - Significant corrosion or rust was found at the water heater supply line . This can indicate past leaks, or that leaks are likely to occur in the future. Recommend that a qualified plumber evaluate and replace components or make repairs as necessary.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC)
51 - HVAC disconnect outside at compressor unit appears to be inoperable(no fuse)

The retrofitted disconnect in attic has a piece of copper pipe in place of fuse and one fuse holder is empty
This is a safety/fire hazard and should be fixed immediatly
Recommend a licensed HVAC tech repair
52 - One or more heating or cooling air supply registers had a weak air flow, or no apparent flow. This may result in an inadequate air supply. Recommend asking the property owner about this. Adjustable damper(s) in ducts may exist and be reducing the flow. If dampers exist, then they should be opened to attempt to improve the air flow. If the property owner is unaware of such dampers, or if adjusting dampers does not improve the air flow, then recommend that a qualified HVAC contractor evaluate and repair or make modifications as necessary.
53 - The last service date of the forced air electric furnace appeared to be more than 2 years 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 2 years ago, a qualified HVAC contractor should inspect, clean, and service this system, and make repairs if necessary. This servicing should be performed every few years in the future. Any needed repairs noted in this report should be brought to the attention of the contractor when it's serviced.
54 - Insulation on the heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit's refrigerant lines was deteriorated or missing in some areas. This may result in reduced efficiency and increased energy costs. Recommend that a qualified person replace or install insulation as necessary.
55 - The cooling fins at the heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit were damaged. Energy efficiency can be reduced as a result. Recommend that a qualified person repair fins as necessary.
56 - The cooling fins at the heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit were dirty. Energy efficiency can be reduced as a result. Recommend that a qualified person clean fins as necessary.
Fireplaces, Stoves, Chimneys and Flues
58 - One or more wood-burning fireplaces or stoves were found at the property. When such devices are used, they should be professionally inspected and cleaned annually to prevent creosote build-up and to determine if repairs are needed. The National Fire Protection Association states that a "Level 2" chimney inspection should be performed with every sale or transfer of property with a wood-burning device. Recommend consulting with the property owner about recent and past servicing and repairs to all wood-burning devices and chimneys or flues at this property. Recommend that a qualified specialist evaluate all wood-burning devices and chimneys, and clean and repair as necessary. Note that if a wood stove insert is installed, it may need to be removed for such an evaluation. For more information, search for "chimney inspection" at:
http://www.reporthost.com/?CSIA
59 - Chimney piping in attic had no enclosure.
This is hazard recommend a licensed chimney/fireplace tech evaluate and recommend repairs
Kitchen
60 - The dishwasher soap dispenser was inoperable, damaged. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

will not latch shut
Bathrooms, Laundry and Sinks
64 - The clothes dryer was equipped with a vinyl or mylar, accordion-type, flexible exhaust duct. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission considers these types of ducts to be unsafe, and a fire hazard. They can trap lint and are susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the air flow and cause overheating. Recommend that such ducts be replaced with a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, and by a qualified contractor if necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?DRYER
65 - The clothes dryer exhaust duct was kinked, crushed or damaged. Air flow will be restricted as a result and the clothes dryer may overheat. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire. Recommend that a qualified person replace or repair the duct as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?DRYER
66 - The toilet at location(s) #B was loose where it attached to the floor. Leaks can occur. Flooring, the sub-floor or areas below may get damaged. Sewer gases can enter living spaces. Recommend that a qualified contractor remove the toilet(s) for further evaluation and repair if necessary. A new wax ring should be installed and toilet(s) should be securely anchored to the floor to prevent movement and leaking.
67 - The bathroom with a shower or bathtub at location(s) #A didn't have an exhaust fan installed. Moisture can accumulate and result in mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Even if the bathroom has a window that opens, it may not provide adequate ventilation, especially during cold weather when windows are closed or when wind blows air into the bathroom. Recommend that a qualified contractor install exhaust fans per standard building practices where missing in bathrooms with showers or bathtubs.
68 - The clothes dryer exhaust duct was substandard in one or more places. Clothes dryers produce large amounts of moisture which should not enter structure interiors. Moisture can accumulate and result in mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Recommend that a qualified person make permanent repairs as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?DRYER
Interior, Doors and Windows
69 - Condensation or staining was visible between multi-pane glass in many windows. This usually indicates that the seal between the panes of glass has failed or that the desiccant material that absorbs moisture is saturated. As a result, the view through the window may be obscured, the window's R-value will be reduced, and accumulated condensation may leak into the wall structure below. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair windows as necessary. Usually, this means replacing the glass in window frames.

Be aware that evidence of failed seals or desiccant may be more or less visible depending on the temperature, humidity, sunlight, etc. Windows or glass-paneled doors other than those that the inspector identified may also have failed seals and need glass replaced. It is beyond the scope of this inspection to identify every window with failed seals or desiccant.
70 - Glass in one or more windows was cracked, broken and/or missing. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace glass where necessary.

master bedroom
71 - 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