1) Microbial growths were found at one or more locations in Deck. It is beyond the scope of this inspection to identify what substance or organism this staining is. However such staining is normally caused by excessively moist conditions, which in turn can be caused by plumbing or building envelope leaks and/or substandard ventilation. These conducive conditions should be corrected before making any attempts to remove or correct the staining. Normally affected materials such as drywall are removed, enclosed affected spaces are allowed to dry thoroughly, a mildewcide may be applied, and only then is drywall reinstalled. For evaluation and possible mitigation, consult with a qualified industrial hygienist or mold/moisture mitigation specialist. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?MOLDCDC
http://www.reporthost.com/?MOLDEPA

Microbial growth was found on back wooden deck.

2) The water service was not turned on during the inspection. The inspector operates only "normal" controls such as faucets, and does not operate shut-off valves to the water meter or house. As a result, plumbing supply, drain waste and vent lines, traps, pumps, fixtures, and some appliances such as water heaters weren't fully evaluated. The water pressure was not determined. Recommend that a qualified person make a full evaluation of the plumbing system after the water supply is turned back on. Areas below the house should be evaluated after plumbing has been operated to check for leaks. Any problems that are found after this evaluation should be repaired by a qualified plumber.

3) Fungal rot was found in decking boards, joists and/or beams 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 was found in support posts, beams and/or lattice boards 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.

5) Wooden deck or porch surfaces and/or railings were overdue for normal maintenance. Recommend that a qualified person clean and preserve as necessary. Where decks have been coated with a finish such as opaque stains or paint, it may be too difficult to strip the finish and apply anything but paint or opaque stain. Where transparent stain or penetrating oil has been applied in the past, recommend that a penetrating oil be used. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?PENOIL
http://www.reporthost.com/?DKMAIN

6) Minor deterioration (e.g. cracks, holes, settlement, heaving) was found in the driveway, but no trip hazards were found. The client may wish to have repairs made for cosmetic reasons.

7) Minor deterioration (e.g. cracks, holes, settlement, heaving) was found in sidewalks or patios, but no trip hazards were found. The client may wish to have repairs made for cosmetic reasons.

8)  Back deck needs maintenance

9) Caulk was in some areas. For example, 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

windows on front of home needs repair

10) Handrails at one or more flights of stairs were loose and/or wobbly. This is a safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

11) The step(s) installed below the door between the garage and the house were . This is a fall or trip hazard. A qualified person should repair as necessary.

According to code, the height of those stairs entering the home require a handrail

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

13) This home was winterized. Typically this means the following:

• The water supply has been turned off at the meter or main shut-off valve
• The water supply to fixtures such as sinks, toilets, tubs and showers have been turned off at local shut-off valves
• Sink drain traps and toilet bowls have been filled with anti-freeze
• The water and power or fuel supplies to the water heater have been turned off

"De-winterizing" a home is not part of a home inspection. The inspector does not operate shut-off valves, meter valves, circuit breakers, or light pilot lights. This significantly limits the ability of the inspector to evaluate various systems and components such as plumbing fixtures, supply/drain/waste/vent lines and the water heater. They are excluded from this inspection. Recommend when the home has been completely de-winterized that a qualified person fully evaluate them.

14) The water supply to some plumbing system fixtures and/or appliances appeared to be shut off during the inspection and these were not fully evaluated. They are excluded from the inspection.

Water was turned off during the time of the Inspection, but still no evidence of past leaks or water damage

15) A sump pump was installed in the basement. These are specialty systems and only a limited evaluation was performed as part of this inspection. The inspector does not determine the adequacy of sump pumps and their associated drainage systems. The presence of a sump pump may indicate that water routinely accumulates below or inside the structure. Recommend asking the property owner how often the sump pump operates and for how long at different times of the year. The client should be aware that the service life of most sump pumps is 5-7 years, and that the pump may need replacing soon depending on its age and how often it operates.

16) The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8-12 years. This water heater appeared to be 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.

The water heater seemed fine, but everything has a shelf life. And the estimated time for a water heater is 8-12years. This water heater was built 2012

17)  Water was turned off during the time of the Inspection, but still no evidence of past leaks or water damage throughout any of the bathroom sinks, bathtubs, shower heads, toilets, walls or ceilings

18) Squeaking or creaking noises occur when walking on one or more sections of flooring. This is usually caused by substandard construction practices where the sub-floor decking is not adequately fastened to the framing below. For example, not enough glue was used and/or nails were used rather than screws. In most cases, this is only an annoyance rather than a structural problem. Various solutions such as Squeeeeek No More and Counter Snap fasteners exist to correct this. Repairs to eliminate the squeaks or creaks may be more or less difficult depending on the floor covering and the access to the underside of the sub-floor. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SQUEAK

19)  Floors in the master bedroom had pop ups in the carpet and a couple of dead spots in the floor making it a bit squeaky

20) Evidence of active and/or past infestation of drywood termites was found at location(s) # in the form of with . Recommend the following:

• Correct any conducive conditions for wood-destroying organisms mentioned in this report.
• Consult with the property owner about any history of infestation.
• Have a state-licensed pest control operator evaluate further and treat as necessary.

21)  Termite wood decay and Holes in wooden structures along the windows in the garage and also the room to the right of main entrance front door.
Didn’t see any evidence of termites on the back wooden deck, but without treatment, that is a main spot for termites