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Habitation Investigation

http://www.homeinspectionsinohio.com
(614) 413-0075 · (937) 205-4758
Inspector: Jim Troth
License # OHI.2019004409
Expiration 08/07/2022
Title picture

Summary

Client(s):  Suzie Client
Property address:  Sample Report
Columbus, OH
Inspection date:  Wednesday, June 8, 2022

This report published on Thursday, June 9, 2022 1:19:36 PM EDT

This is a summary of a home inspection performed on the property. It is recommended that the entire report be read.



Exterior and Foundation
6) Safety, Repair/Replace - Gaps larger than four inches were found in guardrails. This is a safety hazard, especially for small children. Recommend repairs/ modifications as necessary so gaps in guardrails do not exceed four inches. For example, installing additional balusters or railing components.

Guardrails were loose and/or wobbly in areas. This is a safety hazard. Recommend evaluation and repairs as necessary, such as installing new fasteners or hardware, installing additional fasteners and/or installing additional railing components as necessary so they are securely attached.
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10) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The foundation was an older stone foundation and had some moderate sized cracks or deterioration was observed. Mortar is deteriorated and should be repaired to prevent further deterioration where needed. Recommend having a qualified mason evaluate and repair as necessary. This will likely require repointing the mortar.
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11) 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. http://www.homeinspectionsinohio.com/blog/post/negative-grading

Where the site does not allow for the necessary fall away from the structure, drains or swales could be used.
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Attic/Roof
22) Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Comment - Nesting materials were found in the attic, no activity was observed. Ask seller about past animal entry and monitor. Consider also having the materials removed. The client(s) should also consult with a qualified, licensed pest control operator for evaluation and eliminating the creatures. Be aware the critters do roam about and may not be visible in all areas and that rodent inspections are out of the scope for home inspectors. Mention is done out of courtesy and does not mean a rodent inspection was in any way performed.

Article on the commonness of mice/critters in homes, https://homeinspectionsinohio.com/i-think-theres-a-squirrel-in-my-attic-what-do-i-do/
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23) Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Conducive conditions - One area(s) of the roof structure was wet or had elevated levels of moisture at the time of the inspection. This indicated an active leak in the roof or structure exterior. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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24) Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Conducive conditions - Ventilation was substandard in the attic. Inadequate attic ventilation may result in high attic and roof surface temperatures, reduce the life of the roof covering materials and increase cooling costs. High levels of moisture are also likely, and can be a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms. Standard building practices require one square foot of vent area for 150 to 200 square feet of attic space. Vents should be evenly distributed between soffits, ridges and at corners to promote air circulation. Recommend correction/improvement.
25) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Several shingles were damaged, deteriorated and/or missing. Recommend evaluation by a roofer and replacement of any shingles in need to help prevent leaks.
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26) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Two roofing tiles were chipped and/or cracked. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate the roof and replace any tiles as needed to help prevent leaks.
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27) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One roofing tile was/were chipped and/or cracked or missing A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate the roof and replace any tiles as needed to help prevent leaks.
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28) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Gaps were found in one roof surface seam. These may result in leaks. Recommend evaluation and repair/sealing as necessary.

Over Side 1 Kitchen
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Electric service and Branch Wiring
40) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One open ground, three-pronged grounding type receptacle(s) were found. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. An electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.

Identified with blue dot(s) with "OG"

Grounding type receptacles were first required in residential structures during the 1960s. Based on the age of this structure and/or the absence of 2-pronged receptacles, repairs should be made by correcting wiring circuits as necessary so all receptacles are grounded as per standard building practices. Replacement of three-pronged receptacles with 2-pronged receptacles is not an acceptable solution.1 RR DR
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41) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One electric receptacle had reverse-polarity wiring, where the hot and neutral wires are reversed. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. An electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.

identified with blue dot(s) with "H&N"
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42) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Loose/damaged conductors were found in the main service panel had bare ends and were not connected to circuit breakers or fuses. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire if the bare conductors come into contact with other components in the panel. An electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, removing wires that aren't terminated or installing wire nuts.

Side 1
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43) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Neutral and equipment ground conductors were combined at the sub-panel. This should only occur in the main service panel, and is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. Neutral conductors should be attached to a "floating" neutral bar not bonded to the panel, while grounding conductors should be attached to a separate grounding bar bonded to the sub panel. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary.

Side 1
Side 2
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44) 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

Side 2
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45) Safety, Repair/Replace - One electric receptacle(s) was loose. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire and shock. A qualified electrician should replace them as necessary.
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51) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One light fixture was damaged and/or deteriorated. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair or replace light fixtures where necessary.

location:
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Heating and cooling
55) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - What appears to be asbestos was visible on some ductwork. It was significantly deteriorated in some areas, and if it is asbestos, it may pose a health hazard and require abatement. Recommend having this material tested at a qualified lab. If the material is found to contain asbestos, recommend consulting with a qualified asbestos abatement contractor or industrial hygenist. For information on asbestos hazards in the home, visit https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/home/asbestos-home

Blog post regarding asbestos https://homeinspectionsinohio.com/about-asbestos/

Side 1
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Plumbing, Toilets, Water Heater
64) Safety, Repair/Replace - Exhaust pipe is deteriorated and/or had gaps and should be repaired/replaced to help prevent CO entering the home.

Side 2
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67) Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Conducive conditions - Stains were found on sections of drain and/or waste pipes. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair if necessary.
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68) Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Conducive conditions - Corrosion was found on the water heater. The water heater may be failing. A qualified plumbing contractor should evaluate and replace or repair water heater if necessary.

Side 2
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69) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Pin holes and/or corrosion were visible on one area(s) of copper water supply pipes. Leaks may result because of this. Recommend evaluate and replace water supply components as necessary.

Was not actively leaking at time of inspection.

Side 2
Side 1, hall bath
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70) Repair/Replace, Conducive conditions - The bathroom with a shower did not have an exhaust fan installed. Moisture accumulation will occur and may damage the structure. Even if the bathroom has a window that opens, it likely does not provide adequate ventilation, especially during cold weather when the window is closed. A qualified contractor should install exhaust fans as per standard building practices where missing in bathrooms with showers. Missing inbox right and left unit

Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys
92) 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.
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93) 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.
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94) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The masonry chimney's mortar was deteriorated/had gaps and should be repaired to prevent further, significant deterioration. Recommend having a qualified chimney service contractor or mason evaluate chimney and repair as necessary. This will likely require repointing the mortar.

What is tuckpointing? https://homeinspectionsinohio.com/what-is-tuckpointing
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Interior rooms
112) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One door swung outward over stairs without a landing area in front of the door. This a safety hazard, specifically in the case of someone tripping or falling when standing on the stairs and opening the door while someone else walks through the door as it is opened. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, installing a door that opens in the other direction (away from the stairs). Both right and left you
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113) Safety, Repair/Replace - Handrails at the stairs were loose. Recommend making repairs as necessary. For example, installing new fasteners and/or hardware so handrails are securely attached.

Side 2
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114) Safety, Repair/Replace - Entry doors had deadbolts installed with no handle, and require a key to open them from both sides. This can be a safety hazard in the event of a fire when the key is not available. The door cannot be used as an exit then, causing entrapment. Key-only deadbolts should be replaced with deadbolts that have a handle on the inside on entry doors in rooms with no other adequate egress nearby.
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116) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Rot / deterioration observed at one window. Recommend evaluation and repair/replacement as needed.
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117) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Floors in area(s) were not level. Significant repairs may be needed to make floors level, such as repairs to the foundation or piers. A contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.

Side 1
Side 2
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118) Repair/Replace - Lock mechanisms on one window(s) was missing and/or damaged so that they are inoperable. Repairs should be made by a qualified contractor or service technician so that windows lock and unlock easily.

Marked with a blue dot
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Basement
135) Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Conducive conditions - 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.
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Sewer Line Scope
139) Major Defect, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - There was a damaged section line observed. We recommend further evaluation of all lines and repairs of all damaged areas.
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140) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The camera was unable to proceed beyond approximately 63 feet. This may be due to tightness of turns, friction, offsets, or debris. We were unable to safely proceed. Recommend having the line cleared/cleaned and further evaluated and repairs as needed prior to closing.