Visual Property Inspection
1 Brookline Ave
East Hanover, NJ 07936-1601
East Hanover, NJ 07936-1601
Inspector: Dale Hendrickson
Inspector's email: dalehendrickson@hotmail.com
Inspector's phone: (201) 404-9918
NJ Home Inspector License Number: 24GI00087500
NJ DEP Radon Measurement Technician Number: MET11485
NJ DEP Radon Measurement Technician Number: MET11485
Summary
| Client(s): | John Doe |
| Property address: | 123 Any Avenue Montclair, NJ 07043-1122 |
| Inspection date: | Monday, May 16, 2016 |
This report published on Friday, January 4, 2019 7:46:50 PM EST
This report is the exclusive property of the Inspection Company and the client(s) listed in the report title. Use of this report by any unauthorized persons is prohibited.
This inspection was performed to provide you with a general overview of all the major systems and components based upon their condition at the time of inspection. The report is intended to cover only such portions of the premises and equipment therein as may be evaluated visually.
While due care was/is exercised in the performance of these services, the company and its inspector(s) makes no representations or guarantees with respect to latent or unobserved defects which may exist or surface in the future. The inspection report is not an insurance policy against future repair or replacement expense.
 | Safety | Poses a risk of injury |
 | Major Defect | Correction likely involves a significant expense |
 | Repair/Replace | Recommend repairing or replacing |
 | Repair/Maintain | Recommend repair and/or maintenance |
 | Maintain | Recommend ongoing maintenance |
 | Evaluate | Recommend evaluation by a specialist |
 | Monitor | Recommend monitoring in the future |
 | Summary Item | Item or component will appear on the summary page of the report |
 | Comment | For your information |
General Information
2) The following additions, renovations and/or installations were noted. Obtain all permits and final approvals by the local building department officials from the present owner for the following:
Electrical service and panel.
Built-in pool and equipment.
HVAC units (2 systems).
Renovations.
The following additions, renovations and/or installations were noted. Obtain all permits and final approvals by the local building department officials from the present owner for the following:Electrical service and panel.
Built-in pool and equipment.
HVAC units (2 systems).
Renovations.
Grounds
13) Inground pool and equipment installed. Recommend full evaluation of all components by a qualified pool/spa contractor for integrity and functionality.
Inground pool and equipment installed. Recommend full evaluation of all components by a qualified pool/spa contractor for integrity and functionality.
Exterior / Foundation
16) Major cracks (more than 3/4 inch wide) and or leaning were found in the foundation on the northeast side of the building. These appear to be a structural concern, and may indicate that settlement is ongoing. The client are strongly advised to hire qualified contractors and/or engineers as necessary for further evaluation. Such contractors may include:
Major cracks (more than 3/4 inch wide) and or leaning were found in the foundation on the northeast side of the building. These appear to be a structural concern, and may indicate that settlement is ongoing. The client are strongly advised to hire qualified contractors and/or engineers as necessary for further evaluation. 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
17) Minor cracks or deterioration were found in one or more sections of brick veneer. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, such as repointing mortar to prevent water intrusion and further deterioration in the future.
Minor cracks or deterioration were found in one or more sections of brick veneer. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, such as repointing mortar to prevent water intrusion and further deterioration in the future.
Roof / Attic
20) Roof repairs were needed because many slate tiles were cracked, broken, loose and/or deteriorated. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified contractor should fully evaluate and repair as necessary.
Roof repairs were needed because many slate tiles were cracked, broken, loose and/or deteriorated. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified contractor should fully evaluate and repair as necessary.
Garage / Carport
21) The interior of the garage has been finished. There are water pipes in the walls. Recommend further evaluation for purpose, integrity and functionality of the plumbing. One supply valve is in the closed position.
The interior of the garage has been finished. There are water pipes in the walls. Recommend further evaluation for purpose, integrity and functionality of the plumbing. One supply valve is in the closed position.
Electric
22) One or more overcurrent protection devices (circuit breakers or fuses) in panel #D were "double tapped", where 2 or more wires were clamped in a terminal 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. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary.
One or more overcurrent protection devices (circuit breakers or fuses) in panel #D were "double tapped", where 2 or more wires were clamped in a terminal 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. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary.
23) Neutral wires were doubled or bundled together on the neutral bus bar in panel #A. 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.
Neutral wires were doubled or bundled together on the neutral bus bar in panel #A. 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.
24) Neutral and equipment ground conductors were combined at sub-panel # E. 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.
Neutral and equipment ground conductors were combined at sub-panel # E. 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.
25) Two-pronged electric receptacles rather than three-pronged, grounded receptacles were installed in some areas. 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:
Basement - Bathroom - Southeast unit.
Basement - East section south side - Southwest unit (cover missing).
Master bedroom - Northwest unit.
2nd floor South bedroom - Northwest unit.
3rd floor Southwest bedroom - Southwest unit.
This list is not exhaustive. A qualified electrician should evaluate and install grounded receptacles as per the client's needs and standard building practices.
Two-pronged electric receptacles rather than three-pronged, grounded receptacles were installed in some areas. 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
Basement - Bathroom - Southeast unit.
Basement - East section south side - Southwest unit (cover missing).
Master bedroom - Northwest unit.
2nd floor South bedroom - Northwest unit.
3rd floor Southwest bedroom - Southwest unit.
This list is not exhaustive. A qualified electrician should evaluate and install grounded receptacles as per the client's needs and standard building practices.
26) Some open ground, three-pronged grounding type receptacles were found. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
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.
Basement - South section - Southeast double duplex; Southeast ceiling units.
Southwest Family room - Southwest right unit; Southwest left unit.
Some open ground, three-pronged grounding type receptacles were found. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. 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.
Basement - South section - Southeast double duplex; Southeast ceiling units.
Southwest Family room - Southwest right unit; Southwest left unit.
27) One or more electric receptacles at the kitchen and/or garage had no visible ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. Recommend having a qualified electrician evaluate to determine if GFCI protection exists, and if not, repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.mikeholt.com/documents/nec/pdf/GFCI_requirement_page2.pdf
One or more electric receptacles at the kitchen and/or garage had no visible ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. Recommend having a qualified electrician evaluate to determine if GFCI protection exists, and if not, repair as necessary. For more information, visit:http://www.mikeholt.com/documents/nec/pdf/GFCI_requirement_page2.pdf
Plumbing / Fuel Systems
36) The main water service pipe material was galvanized steel. Based on the age of the building or apparent age of the pipe, and the low-flow condition of the water supply system, this service pipe may have significant interior corrosion and need replacing. Replacing the service pipe may significantly increase flow to the water supply pipes. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
The main water service pipe material was galvanized steel. Based on the age of the building or apparent age of the pipe, and the low-flow condition of the water supply system, this service pipe may have significant interior corrosion and need replacing. Replacing the service pipe may significantly increase flow to the water supply pipes. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
37) Evidence of one or more possible abandoned underground oil tanks was found (metal supply lines, etc.). The client should determine if underground oil tank(s) exist on this property, and if tank(s) have been removed or legally decommissioned.
If the tank(s) haven't been decommissioned or removed, then the client may be liable for decommission and/or cleanup of contaminated soil in the future. Recommend the following:
Evidence of one or more possible abandoned underground oil tanks was found (metal supply lines, etc.). The client should determine if underground oil tank(s) exist on this property, and if tank(s) have been removed or legally decommissioned. If the tank(s) haven't been decommissioned or removed, then the client may be liable for decommission and/or cleanup of contaminated soil in the future. Recommend the following:
- Have any non-decommissioned, abandoned underground oil tanks legally decommissioned or removed as necessary.
- Have the soil tested for oil contamination.
- Have contaminated soil removed as necessary.
41) The client should be aware that they are responsible for repairs to the side sewer line, and usually for the publicly owned lateral line. Recommend having a qualified plumber inspect the waste lines using a video scope device to determine if they need repair or replacement. Note that repairs are often expensive due to the need for excavation.
The client should be aware that they are responsible for repairs to the side sewer line, and usually for the publicly owned lateral line. Recommend having a qualified plumber inspect the waste lines using a video scope device to determine if they need repair or replacement. Note that repairs are often expensive due to the need for excavation.
42) An landscape irrigation system is installed. Damaged components noted. Recommend full evaluation of the system for integrity and functionality by a qualified irrigation specialist. The system must be purged of water in the fall before freezing conditions exist to prevent damage to the components.
An landscape irrigation system is installed. Damaged components noted. Recommend full evaluation of the system for integrity and functionality by a qualified irrigation specialist. The system must be purged of water in the fall before freezing conditions exist to prevent damage to the components.
Water Heater
43) No temperature-pressure relief valve was installed on the water heater tank. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of explosion. A qualified plumber should install a temperature-pressure relief valve and drain line as per standard building practices.
No temperature-pressure relief valve was installed on the water heater tank. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of explosion. A qualified plumber should install a temperature-pressure relief valve and drain line as per standard building practices.
47) The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8 to 12 years. This water heater appears to be beyond this age and/or its useful lifespan and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8 to 12 years. This water heater appears to be beyond this age and/or its useful lifespan and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
Heating
49) Hydronic zone was installed. This system was disconnected. Further evaluate for purpose.
Hydronic zone was installed. This system was disconnected. Further evaluate for purpose.
Fireplaces / Stoves / Chimneys
60) No metal liner was installed in the masonry chimney at location #B, and one or more gas appliances use the chimney for a flue. Standard building practices require that a metal liner be installed in masonry chimneys used to vent gas appliances such as furnaces and water heaters. The purpose of the metal liner is to ensure a correct draft, and to prevent damage to the masonry flue from corrosive exhaust deposits and moisture in the exhaust gases. A qualified chimney service contractor should evaluate and install a metal liner as necessary. For more information search for "gas liner" at:
http://www.csia.org/
No metal liner was installed in the masonry chimney at location #B, and one or more gas appliances use the chimney for a flue. Standard building practices require that a metal liner be installed in masonry chimneys used to vent gas appliances such as furnaces and water heaters. The purpose of the metal liner is to ensure a correct draft, and to prevent damage to the masonry flue from corrosive exhaust deposits and moisture in the exhaust gases. A qualified chimney service contractor should evaluate and install a metal liner as necessary. For more information search for "gas liner" at:http://www.csia.org/
63) Recommend NFPA 211 (Level II Internal Chimney Inspection). Recommend evaluation by qualified licensed chimney specialist with optical equipment to verify integrity and functionality of flue liner and chimney system. Interior flue liner not completely accessible for visual inspection.
Recommend NFPA 211 (Level II Internal Chimney Inspection). Recommend evaluation by qualified licensed chimney specialist with optical equipment to verify integrity and functionality of flue liner and chimney system. Interior flue liner not completely accessible for visual inspection.
Kitchen
64) The garbage disposal was significantly corroded. A qualified plumber or contractor should evaluate and repair or replace the food disposal as necessary.
The garbage disposal was significantly corroded. A qualified plumber or contractor should evaluate and repair or replace the food disposal as necessary.
65) 1 cooktop burner was inoperable. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary.
1 cooktop burner was inoperable. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary.
Bathrooms / Laundry / Sinks
67) Leaking or dripping was found at the sink spout at location #F. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
#F - The spout on the utility sink faucet was corroded and leaking from the left side.
Leaking or dripping was found at the sink spout at location #F. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.#F - The spout on the utility sink faucet was corroded and leaking from the left side.
69) Moderate damage was found at the sink at location #D. The client(s) should consider replacing sinks as necessary.
#D - Left sink bowl cracked.
Moderate damage was found at the sink at location #D. The client(s) should consider replacing sinks as necessary.#D - Left sink bowl cracked.
Interior Rooms / Areas
77) Some windows that were built to open wouldn't open. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary:
1st floor:
Kitchen - Southwest right casement; Northeast left casement.
Living room - Northwest left bank right casement; Northwest right bank right casement.
Family room - Northwest left bank left casement; Northwest right bank right casement; Northwest right bank left casement; Southeast left bank right casement; Southeast left bank center casement; Southeast right bank left casement; Southeast right bank right casement.
2nd floor:
South bedroom - Southeast left casement; Southeast right casement.
West bedroom - Southwest right casement.
Some windows that were built to open wouldn't open. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary:1st floor:
Kitchen - Southwest right casement; Northeast left casement.
Living room - Northwest left bank right casement; Northwest right bank right casement.
Family room - Northwest left bank left casement; Northwest right bank right casement; Northwest right bank left casement; Southeast left bank right casement; Southeast left bank center casement; Southeast right bank left casement; Southeast right bank right casement.
2nd floor:
South bedroom - Southeast left casement; Southeast right casement.
West bedroom - Southwest right casement.
78) Seals between multi-pane glass in some windows appear to have failed based on condensation or stains between the panes of glass. The view through the window may be obscured, and accumulated condensation leaking into wall cavities is a conducive condition for wood destroying organisms. A qualified contractor should evaluate and replace glass where necessary.
The client should be aware that evidence of broken seals may be more or less visible from one day to the next depending on the temperature, humidity, sunlight, etc. Windows or glass doors other than those that the inspector identified may also have failed seals and need glass replaced too.
Kitchen - Southeast right unit fogged.
Seals between multi-pane glass in some windows appear to have failed based on condensation or stains between the panes of glass. The view through the window may be obscured, and accumulated condensation leaking into wall cavities is a conducive condition for wood destroying organisms. A qualified contractor should evaluate and replace glass where necessary.The client should be aware that evidence of broken seals may be more or less visible from one day to the next depending on the temperature, humidity, sunlight, etc. Windows or glass doors other than those that the inspector identified may also have failed seals and need glass replaced too.
Kitchen - Southeast right unit fogged.
80) Glass in one or more windows was cracked, broken and/or missing. A qualified contractor should replace glass where necessary:
Kitchen - Southwest left casement (2 panes).
Northeast Powder room - Northeast left casement.
Family room - Southeast left bank center casement.
2nd floor Northwest bathroom - Northwest stained glass casement.
2nd floor South bedroom - Southeast left casement; Southeast right casement; Southeast right storm window; Southwest right casement.
Upper staircase - Southeast storm window.
Glass in one or more windows was cracked, broken and/or missing. A qualified contractor should replace glass where necessary:Kitchen - Southwest left casement (2 panes).
Northeast Powder room - Northeast left casement.
Family room - Southeast left bank center casement.
2nd floor Northwest bathroom - Northwest stained glass casement.
2nd floor South bedroom - Southeast left casement; Southeast right casement; Southeast right storm window; Southwest right casement.
Upper staircase - Southeast storm window.
81) Some window screens were damaged. A qualified person should repair or replace as necessary:
2nd floor Master bathroom - Northeast screen frame damaged.
3rd floor Northeast bathroom - Northeast screen frame damaged.
Some window screens were damaged. A qualified person should repair or replace as necessary:2nd floor Master bathroom - Northeast screen frame damaged.
3rd floor Northeast bathroom - Northeast screen frame damaged.