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Habitation Investigation LLC

http://www.homeinspectionsinohio.com
(614) 413-0075
Inspector: Jim Troth

Summary

Client(s):  Sample report of older duplex
Property address:  xxxx and xxxx Sample St
Columbus, Ohio
Inspection date:  Friday, September 1, 2017

This report published on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 7:18:05 PM EDT

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



General information
1) Repair/Replace, Comment - Electricity was not available during the inspection (service turned off or not fully installed, main disconnect tripped, etc.). As a result, branch circuit wiring, fixtures such as lights and fans, switches, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices, arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) devices, and some appliances such as water heaters, forced air furnaces, heat pump or air conditioning units, and kitchen appliances weren't fully evaluated.

Unit xxx 2nd and 3rd floors had no power due to the breaker being off because of the fire.

Exterior and Foundation
5) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Sidewalks and/or patios have significant cracks and/or deterioration in all area(s). Recommend evaluation and repair or replace sidewalk and/or patio sections as necessary.
6) Repair/Replace, Conducive conditions - The perimeter grading sloped towards the structure in areas. 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.
7) Repair/Replace - Observed damaged foundation blocks. Recommend repair/replacement to help ensure proper foundation support.


Basement of xxx

Attic/Roof
15) Safety, Repair/Replace - Fire wall between units was missing/not installed. Recommend closing off to prevent the spread of fire if that were to ever occur.
16) Repair/Replace, Conducive conditions - One exhaust fan had no duct and terminated in the attic. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms due to increased moisture levels in the attic from the exhaust air. A contractor should install ducts and vent caps as necessary and as per standard building practices so exhaust air is vented outside. Better building practices call for R8 rated insulation on these ducts.


Bathroom exhaust for unit xxx
17) Repair/Replace - The ceiling insulation's R rating was less than what's recommended for this area (R30). Recommend having a qualified contractor install additional insulation as per standard building practices for better energy efficiency.
18) Repair/Replace - Ceiling insulation was missing in some areas. Recommend installing insulation where missing for better energy efficiency.

Electric service and Branch Wiring
24) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Neutral wires were doubled or bundled together on the neutral bus bar. This is unsafe due to the need to turn off multiple circuit breakers to work on any of the circuits using these wires. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary.


Unit xxx
25) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - 6 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.
26) 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.

One above kitchen counter
27) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One section of wiring that was 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.


Basement of xxx
28) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Two-pronged electric receptacles rather than three-pronged, grounded receptacles are installed in interior rooms. They are commonly found in older homes (pre mid 60's). They are considered to be unsafe by today's standards and limit the ability to use appliances that require a ground in these rooms. Examples of appliances that require grounded receptacles include:
  • 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. A qualified electrian should evaluate and install grounded receptacles as per the client(s)' needs and standard building practices.
29) Safety, Repair/Replace - One bushing was/were missing from where wires enter holes in the main service panel. This is a safety hazard since the wiring insulation can be cut or abraded on the metal edge of the hole(s). A qualified electrician should install bushings where missing.


Unit xxx

Heating and cooling
36) 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 http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/453.html


Unit xxx
Unit xxx
38) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more air ducts were rusted,damaged or deteriorated. A contractor should evaluate and make permanent repairs as necessary to help ensure proper air movement.

Plumbing, Toilets, Water Heater
45) Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Conducive conditions - One active leak was found in drain and/or waste pipes or fittings. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.


Unit xxx near main waste line
46) 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.

Unit xxx

Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys
59) 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.
61) 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.

Basement
63) 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.
66) Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Monitor, Conducive conditions - 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 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.


Both units
67) Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Monitor - Area(s) of damaged band board was observed. The area was currently dry. Recommend evaluation and repair of damaged section(s).

Inspector is unable to determine condition of any underlying materials.

Ask present owner details as to the past water intrusion and if if had been repaired. At minimum monitor.


Unit xxx
68) Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Comment - Organic growth /mold like substance observed. Unable to determine type of growth without lab testing. Recommend evaluation/ testing.
69) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Area of the kitchens had damaged subflooring and/or band board. Recommend evaluation of moisture intrusion and repair of damaged sections.
70) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Termite damage observed. Recommend evaluation and repairs as needed.

Back of home in unit xxx

Interior rooms
74) Repair/Replace, Evaluate, Comment - Fire damage in 2nd floor bedroom was localized on the area of the receptacle. No structurally significant damage was observed. Both windows in this room were broken

According to tenant, a restoration company has been contacted and will be repairing damaged area and wiring, as well as cleaning and painting other rooms and carpet. Recommend verifying with the seller.
75) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The sash spring mechanism in one window(s) was/were broken or loose. A qualified contractor or service technician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary so the window(s) operate as intended (open easily, stay open without support, close easily, etc.).

Unit 767 2nd floor bedroom on the back side of the home. Window on back of home.
76) Repair/Replace - Damaged ceiling/wall areas observed. Though not a structural concern recommend repairs for aesthetic reasons and for energy efficiency.
Areas:


Unit xxx
77) Repair/Replace - Two or more interior doors were damaged and/or deteriorated and should be repaired or replaced.

Unit xxx