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.epa.gov
http://www.cpsc.gov
http://www.cdc.gov

2)  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.epa.gov
http://www.cpsc.gov
http://www.cdc.gov

3)  The residential dwelling unit appears to be part of a complex that is managed and maintained by a "Home Owners" or "Condo" association. This inspection is limited to a visual evaluation of the systems and components that are located within the dwelling unit inspected. The current condition of "Common Elements" are excluded from this inspection. Such elements include, but are not limited to:

• The building site condition, structural stability, drainage systems and insulation
• All exterior surfaces, materials and structure
• All roof surfaces, materials and structure
• All attic spaces
• The building foundation, floor substructure and all spaces below, such as basements and/or crawl spaces
• All stairs, landings, porches, hallways, walks and balconies, elevators, utility metering, parking stalls/ports
• All decks, patios, pools, spas, recreational areas/equipment
• All common areas on the property

Any comments regarding these items in this report have been made as a courtesy only. Consult with the Home Owner's or Condo Association regarding these items.

4)  The residential dwelling unit appears to be part of a complex that is managed and maintained by a "Home Owners" or "Condo" association. This inspection is limited to a visual evaluation of the systems and components that are located within the dwelling unit inspected. The current condition of "Common Elements" are excluded from this inspection. Such elements include, but are not limited to:

• The building site condition, structural stability, drainage systems and insulation
• All exterior surfaces, materials and structure
• All roof surfaces, materials and structure
• All attic spaces
• The building foundation, floor substructure and all spaces below, such as basements and/or crawl spaces
• All stairs, landings, porches, hallways, walks and balconies, elevators, utility metering, parking stalls/ports
• All decks, patios, pools, spas, recreational areas/equipment
• All common areas on the property

Any comments regarding these items in this report have been made as a courtesy only. Consult with the Home Owner's or Condo Association regarding these items.

7)  One or more electric receptacles (outlets) at the kitchen 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:

• Outdoors (since 1973)
• Bathrooms (since 1975)
• Garages (since 1978)
• Kitchens (since 1987)
• Crawl spaces and unfinished basements (since 1990)
• Wet bar sinks (since 1993)
• Laundry and utility sinks (since 2005)

For more information, visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/099.pdf

8)  One or more electric receptacles (outlets) at the kitchen 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:

• Outdoors (since 1973)
• Bathrooms (since 1975)
• Garages (since 1978)
• Kitchens (since 1987)
• Crawl spaces and unfinished basements (since 1990)
• Wet bar sinks (since 1993)
• Laundry and utility sinks (since 2005)

For more information, visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/099.pdf

9)  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.google.com/search?q=arc+fault+circuit+interrupter

10)  One or more smoke alarms were missing, damaged, or missing components. Smoke alarms should be replaced as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html

11)  Smoke alarms were missing from bedrooms. Additional smoke alarms should be installed as necessary so a functioning detector exists in each hallway leading to bedrooms, in each bedroom, on each level and in any attached garage. For more information, visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html

12)  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.google.com/search?q=arc+fault+circuit+interrupter

13)  One or more smoke alarms were missing, damaged, or missing components. Smoke alarms should be replaced as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html

14)  Smoke alarms were missing from bedrooms. Additional smoke alarms should be installed as necessary so a functioning detector exists in each hallway leading to bedrooms, in each bedroom, on each level and in any attached garage. For more information, visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html

15)  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.

16)  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.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05017.html

17)  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.

18)  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.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05017.html

19)  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.

20)  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.

21)  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:

• Flush water taps or faucets. Do not drink water that has been sitting in the plumbing lines for more than 6 hours
• Install appropriate filters at points of use
• Use only cold water for cooking and drinking, as hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water
• Use bottled or distilled water
• Treat well water to make it less corrosive
• Have a qualified plumber replace supply pipes and/or plumbing components as necessary

For more information visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5056.html
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead

22)  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:

• Flush water taps or faucets. Do not drink water that has been sitting in the plumbing lines for more than 6 hours
• Install appropriate filters at points of use
• Use only cold water for cooking and drinking, as hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water
• Use bottled or distilled water
• Treat well water to make it less corrosive
• Have a qualified plumber replace supply pipes and/or plumbing components as necessary

For more information visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5056.html
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead

25)  One or more sections of the temperature-pressure relief valve drain line were sloped upwards. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of explosion. Water and/or minerals can accumulate in the drain line after periodic discharges and impair the operation of the valve. Also, mineral deposits from accumulated water can accumulate on the valve and impair its operation. A qualified plumber should repair per standard building practices, and so the drain line doesn't slope upwards. For more information, visit: https://www.reporthost.com/_docs/TPvalve.pdf

26)  One or more flexible connectors were used for the temperature-pressure relief valve drain line. Flex connectors can be bent or kinked so as to restrict the flow of the drain line and impair the operation of the valve. They typically are not rated for the temperature and pressure of water being discharged (potentially 150 psi and 210 degrees F). Flex connectors used this way pose a potential safety hazard for explosion. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair per standard building practices. For example, by installing a drain line made of rigid copper or CPVC plastic pipe.

27)  One or more sections of the temperature-pressure relief valve drain line were sloped upwards. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of explosion. Water and/or minerals can accumulate in the drain line after periodic discharges and impair the operation of the valve. Also, mineral deposits from accumulated water can accumulate on the valve and impair its operation. A qualified plumber should repair per standard building practices, and so the drain line doesn't slope upwards. For more information, visit: https://www.reporthost.com/_docs/TPvalve.pdf

28)  One or more flexible connectors were used for the temperature-pressure relief valve drain line. Flex connectors can be bent or kinked so as to restrict the flow of the drain line and impair the operation of the valve. They typically are not rated for the temperature and pressure of water being discharged (potentially 150 psi and 210 degrees F). Flex connectors used this way pose a potential safety hazard for explosion. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair per standard building practices. For example, by installing a drain line made of rigid copper or CPVC plastic pipe.

33)  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.csia.org/

34)  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.csia.org/

35)  The range could tip forward. An anti-tip bracket may not be installed. This is a potential safety hazard since the range can tip forward when weight is applied to the open door, such as when a small child climbs on it or if heavy objects are dropped on it. Anti-tip brackets have been sold with all free-standing ranges since 1985. Recommend installing an anti-tip bracket to eliminate this safety hazard. For more information, visit:
http://www.google.com/search?q=range+anti-tip+bracket

36)  The range could tip forward. An anti-tip bracket may not be installed. This is a potential safety hazard since the range can tip forward when weight is applied to the open door, such as when a small child climbs on it or if heavy objects are dropped on it. Anti-tip brackets have been sold with all free-standing ranges since 1985. Recommend installing an anti-tip bracket to eliminate this safety hazard. For more information, visit:
http://www.google.com/search?q=range+anti-tip+bracket

37)  No high loop or air gap was visible for the dishwasher drain. A high loop is created by routing the drain line up to the bottom surface of the counter top above and securely fastening it to that surface. An air gap is a device that makes the drain line non-continuous. Both of these prevent waste-water backflow from entering the dishwasher, and possibly flooding out of the dishwasher if/when a siphon occurs. Some newer dishwashers have these devices built in. The client should try to determine if these devices are built in to this brand and model of dishwasher (e.g. review installation instructions). If not, or if this cannot be determined, then recommend that a qualified contractor install a high loop and air gap per standard building practices.

38)  An exhaust hood was installed over the cook top or range, but the fan recirculated the exhaust air back into the kitchen. This may be due to no duct being installed, baffles at the front of the hood not being installed, or a problem with the duct. This can be a nuisance for odor and grease accumulation. Where a gas-fired range or cook top is installed, carbon monoxide and excessive levels of moisture can accumulate in living spaces. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary so exhaust air is ducted outdoors.

39)  No high loop or air gap was visible for the dishwasher drain. A high loop is created by routing the drain line up to the bottom surface of the counter top above and securely fastening it to that surface. An air gap is a device that makes the drain line non-continuous. Both of these prevent waste-water backflow from entering the dishwasher, and possibly flooding out of the dishwasher if/when a siphon occurs. Some newer dishwashers have these devices built in. The client should try to determine if these devices are built in to this brand and model of dishwasher (e.g. review installation instructions). If not, or if this cannot be determined, then recommend that a qualified contractor install a high loop and air gap per standard building practices.

40)  An exhaust hood was installed over the cook top or range, but the fan recirculated the exhaust air back into the kitchen. This may be due to no duct being installed, baffles at the front of the hood not being installed, or a problem with the duct. This can be a nuisance for odor and grease accumulation. Where a gas-fired range or cook top is installed, carbon monoxide and excessive levels of moisture can accumulate in living spaces. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary so exhaust air is ducted outdoors.

43)  A clothes washer was installed over a finished space and had no catch pan and drain installed. Catch pans and drains prevent water damage to finished interior spaces below if or when the washing machine leaks, overflows or is drained. Consult with the homeowner or condo association to determine who is responsible for water damage if the washing machine leaks, overflows, or if spills occur when it's drained. Recommend that a qualified contractor install both a catch pan and drain per standard building practices.

44)  A clothes washer was installed over a finished space and had no catch pan and drain installed. Catch pans and drains prevent water damage to finished interior spaces below if or when the washing machine leaks, overflows or is drained. Consult with the homeowner or condo association to determine who is responsible for water damage if the washing machine leaks, overflows, or if spills occur when it's drained. Recommend that a qualified contractor install both a catch pan and drain per standard building practices.

45)  The laundry room didn't have an exhaust fan installed. Moisture can accumulate and result in mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Recommend that a qualified contractor install an exhaust fan per standard building practices.

46)  The sink drain pipe at location(s) #A used an S-trap rather than a P-trap, or no P-trap was visible. Siphons and sudden flows of water in S-Traps can drain all the water out of the trap, leaving it dry. Sewer gases can then enter living areas. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair per standard building practices.

47)  The laundry room didn't have an exhaust fan installed. Moisture can accumulate and result in mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Recommend that a qualified contractor install an exhaust fan per standard building practices.

48)  The sink drain pipe at location(s) #A used an S-trap rather than a P-trap, or no P-trap was visible. Siphons and sudden flows of water in S-Traps can drain all the water out of the trap, leaving it dry. Sewer gases can then enter living areas. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair per standard building practices.

54)  Some ceilings in this structure had ceiling texture possibly installed prior to the mid-1980s. This material may contain asbestos, which is a known health hazard. Laws were passed in the United States in 1978 prohibiting use of asbestos in residential structures, but stocks of existing materials were used for some time thereafter. The client may wish to have this ceiling material tested by a qualified lab to determine if it does contain asbestos.

In most cases, when the material is intact and in good condition, keeping it encapsulated with paint and not disturbing it may reduce or effectively eliminate the health hazard. If the client wishes to remove the material, or plans to disturb it through remodeling, they should have it tested by a qualified lab and/or consult with a qualified industrial hygienist or asbestos abatement specialist. For more information, visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/453.html

55)  Some ceilings in this structure had ceiling texture possibly installed prior to the mid-1980s. This material may contain asbestos, which is a known health hazard. Laws were passed in the United States in 1978 prohibiting use of asbestos in residential structures, but stocks of existing materials were used for some time thereafter. The client may wish to have this ceiling material tested by a qualified lab to determine if it does contain asbestos.

In most cases, when the material is intact and in good condition, keeping it encapsulated with paint and not disturbing it may reduce or effectively eliminate the health hazard. If the client wishes to remove the material, or plans to disturb it through remodeling, they should have it tested by a qualified lab and/or consult with a qualified industrial hygienist or asbestos abatement specialist. For more information, visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/453.html

56)  One or more interior doors were missing. Recommend that a qualified person replace or repair doors as necessary.

57)  One or more interior doors were missing. Recommend that a qualified person replace or repair doors as necessary.