1) Repair/Replace, Comment -  The water service wasn't turned on during the inspection. As a result, plumbing supply, drain and waste lines, fixtures, and some appliances such as water heaters weren't fully evaluated.

8) Safety, Repair/Replace -  Handrail(s) at some stairs are ungraspable and are a safety hazard. Handrails should be sized and shaped so your hand can encircle them. A qualified contractor should make repairs or modifications as necessary. For example, replacing existing handrails or installing additional handrails.

11) Major Defect, Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  Settled/deteriorated elevated porch slab. An elevated slab showed indications of deterioration and /or improper support evident by the cracks and bowing downward. Recommend evaluation and repairs as needed.

12) Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  Moderate cracking and / or bowing in was found in the foundation. This may be a structural concern, and an indication that settlement is ongoing. The client(s) should consider hiring qualified contractors and/or engineers as necessary for further evaluation of all areas of the foundation. Such contractors may include:

• Foundation repair contractors who may prescribe repairs, and will give cost estimates for prescribed repairs
• Masonry contractors who repair and/or replace brick veneer
• Geotechnical engineers who attempt to determine if settlement is ongoing, and what the cause of the settlement is
• Structural engineers who determine if repairs are necessary, and prescribe those repairs

13) Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  Sidewalks and/or patios have significant cracks and/or deterioration in areas. Recommend evaluation and repair or replace sidewalk and/or patio sections as necessary.

14) Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  Exterior trim was deteriorated/damaged in area(s). Recommend repair as needed and caulking of areas where moisture can get behind trim sections.

Inspector is not able to determine condition of underlying material.

15) Repair/Replace -  The perimeter grading sloped towards the structure in areas and was too flat in other areas. This is a common find. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms. Wet soil may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. Recommend grading soil so it slopes down and away from the structure. The grade should drop at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet. Correct any negative slope of brick/concrete areas as well to direct water away from structure. https://homeinspectionsinohio.com/negative-grading/

Where the site does not allow for the necessary fall away from the structure, drains or swales could be used.

16) Repair/Replace -  Perimeter pavement/bricked area sloped towards structure in area(s). This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms. Recommend having repairs made as necessary so all perimeter areas slope down and away from the structure.

Article explaining slab jacking https://homeinspectionsinohio.com/understanding-slab-jacking-a-cost-effective-solution-for-sunken-concrete/

17) Repair/Replace -  At least one downspout was dented, damaged and/or crushed. This can restrict the water flow and result in clogging and overflowing gutters. Water may accumulate around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms, and may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. Damaged downspouts should be repaired or replaced as necessary.

18) Repair/Replace -  OSB (orientated strand board) or plywood was used as an exterior covering or was exposed to the elements. This is not a suitable material for exterior use due to delamination issues resulting form exterior weather. Recommend replacing or covering with suitable materials.

26) Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  Countertops are loose or damaged/deteriorated in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace countertops as necessary.

27) Repair/Replace -  Shelving or other components are missing from one or more cabinets. Missing shelving and/or components should be replaced, and by a handyman if needed.

32) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  In the main panel some overcurrent protection devices were "double tapped", where 2 or more wires are clamped in a terminal that was designed for only one wire. This is a safety hazard since the bolt or screw may tighten securely against one wire, but leave others loose. Arcing, sparks and fires may result. An electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. Possible correction may include installation of a larger panel especially if all available spaces for breakers are already taken.

33) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  This property has "knob and tube" wiring, which was commonly installed prior to 1950. It is ungrounded, and considered unsafe by today's standards. Over time, the wire's insulation may become brittle and fall apart or wear thin, resulting in exposed conductors and a risk of shock and/or fire. This wiring is also easily damaged by covering it with insulation (a common practice), and incorrectly tapping new wiring into it.

Some energized knob and tube wiring was found during the inspection. It is not within the scope of this inspection to determine what percentage of this property's wiring is of the knob and tube type, or to determine what percentage of the knob and tube wiring is energized vs. abandoned. A qualified electrician should evaluate this wiring and make repairs or replace wiring as necessary.

Note that some insurance companies may be unwilling to offer homeowner's insurance for properties with knob and tube wiring. Recommend that the client(s) consult with their insurance carrier regarding this.

https://homeinspectionsinohio.com/knob-and-tube-wiring-explained

34) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  Multiple open ground, three-pronged electric receptacles were found. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. Recommend consulting with a qualified electrical contractor to determine alternatives to grounding the branch circuits in specific areas, and for bringing the receptacles into compliance with current safety standards. Some possibilities:

(1) Establishing a grounding connection for the circuits (rewiring is at times not practical)
(2) Installation of ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection at the branch circuits and affixing warning labels to the receptacles.
(3) Replacing the improperly installed grounding-type receptacles with a 2-prong type receptacle.

Three prong receptacles without an equipment ground that are protected by a GFCI should be labeled as such and any receptacle downstream of the GFCI as well. A qualified electrician should always provide additional information to you and complete the repairs that involve wiring.

Locations were identified with blue dot(s) with "OG"

Grounding type receptacles began being required in residential structures during the 1960s. Based on the age of this structure an acceptable repair may be to simply replace the ungrounded 3-pronged receptacles with 2-pronged receptacles. However the following appliances require grounding type receptacles:
Computer hardware
Refrigerators
Freezers
Air conditioners
Clothes washers
Clothes dryers
Dishwashers
Kitchen food waste disposers
Information technology equipment
Sump pumps
Electrical aquarium equipment
Hand-held motor-operated tools
Stationary and fixed motor-operated tools
Light industrial motor-operated tools
Hedge clippers
Lawn mowers

This list is not exhaustive. Grounded circuits and receptacles should be installed in locations where such appliances will be used.

35) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  Sections of wiring that were not terminated was found. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, cutting the wire to length and terminating the wire with wire nuts in a securely anchored, covered, properly sized junction box.

36) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  Wire splices were exposed due to not being contained in a covered junction box or in a box that had no cover. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock and fire. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, install securely mounted junction boxes and/or cover plates where needed to contain wiring splices.

37) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  One light fixture(s) was/were loose or installed in a substandard way. Recommend repairs as necessary so light fixtures are securely mounted.

47) Major Defect, Repair/Replace -  The furnace and air conditioner condenser was missing. Recommend replacing.

116 a/c and furnace
118 a/c

48) Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  The furnace did not respond when its controls were operated. This system was not fully evaluated. The client(s) should consult with the property owner(s) as to how it operates and have a qualified heating and cooling contractor evaluate and make repairs if necessary.

118

49) Repair/Replace -  One air supply duct(s) was broken or disconnected. Increased moisture levels in unconditioned spaces and higher energy costs may result. Recommend repairs as necessary.

64) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  The masonry chimney's terracotta flue tiles were cracked, damaged or had gaps between sections. This is a fire hazard since these cracks can become much wider when the flue tiles are hot. Recommend having a qualified chimney service contractor evaluate and make repairs as necessary. Because of this damage, also recommend that the chimney service contractor perform a Level 2 inspection as per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines.

65) Safety, Repair/Replace -  Chimney flue(s) did not have a screened cover installed. Screened covers prevent the following:

• Fire hazard from wood fire sparks and embers exiting flues
• Wildlife (birds, rodents, raccoons, etc.) entering flues
• Rainwater entering flues and mixing with combustion deposits, creating caustic chemicals which can corrode flues
• Rainwater entering flues and causing damage to terracotta flue tiles from freeze-thaw cycles

Recommend installing screened cover(s) where missing. Screens should have holes 1/4 inch or larger.

66) Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  The masonry chimney crown was cracked/had gaps and should be evaluated and repaired. The crown is meant to keep water off of the chimney structure. The chimney can be damaged by wet masonry going through freeze-thaw cycles. A properly constructed chimney crown should:

• Be constructed using either pre-cast concrete slabs, cast-in-place steel reinforced concrete, solid stone, or metal
• Be sloped down from the flue
• Overhang the edges by 2 inches
• Not directly contact the flue liner (if installed), and this gap should be filled with flexible caulk

74) Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Monitor -  Evidence of prior water intrusion was found in at least one section of the basement. For example, water stains and/or efflorescence on the foundation or floor, water stains at bases of support posts, etc. Accumulated water is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms and should not be present in the basement. The client(s) should review any disclosure statements available and ask the property owner(s) about past accumulation of water in the basement. The inspector is unable to determine how much water may enter in the future. The basement 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 the basement include:

• 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

Ideally, water should not enter the basement, but if water must be controlled after it enters the basement, then typical repairs include installing sump pump(s) or interior perimeter drains.

75) Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Comment -  Organic growth /mold like substance observed. Unable to determine type of growth without lab testing. Recommend evaluation/ testing.

76) Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  Areas of elevated moisture levels or wet areas were found in section(s) of the basement. Accumulated water is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms and though common, should not be present in the basement. Finished walls, fixtures, etc restrict observations. Recommend evaluation and repair as necessary. Typical repairs for preventing water from accumulating in the basement include:

• 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

Ideally, water should not enter the basement, but if water must be controlled after it enters the basement, then typical repairs include installing sump pump(s) or interior perimeter drains.

77) Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  Area of damaged subflooring observed. Recommend evaluation of moisture intrusion and repair of damaged sections.

82) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  This structure was built prior to 1979 and may contain lead paint. Laws were enacted in 1978 in the US preventing the use of lead paint in residential structures. Lead is a known safety hazard, especially to children but also to adults. Numerous areas of the paint found in and around this structure are in poor condition (peeling, flaking, etc.). Recommend consulting with a qualified industrial hygenist to determine the safest and most cost-effective action to take regarding the paint. Testing and/or abatement may be necessary.

83) Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Comment -  Organic growth /mold like substance observed. Unable to determine type of growth without lab testing. Recommend evaluation/ testing.

84) Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  Stains/bubbling and/or elevated levels of moisture were found in one ceiling area(s). The stain(s) appear to be due to plumbing leaks. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.

Areas were: 118 dinning room

85) Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  Wood flooring in one area(s) was worn, damaged and/or cupping. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and refinish wood flooring as necessary.

86) Repair/Replace -  The exterior entrance door was damaged and/or deteriorated and should be repaired or replaced.

Side door

98) Repair/Replace, Evaluate -  Shingles were damaged, deteriorated and/or missing in area(s). Recommend evaluation by a roofer and replacement of any shingles in need to help prevent leaks.