This report published on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 1:05:32 PM MDT
This report is the exclusive property of this inspection company and the client(s) listed in the report title. Use of this report by any unauthorized persons is prohibited.
How to Read this Report
This report is organized by the property's functional areas. Within each functional area, descriptive information is listed first and is shown in bold type. Items of concern follow descriptive information.
Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types:
Safety
Poses a safety hazard
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
Serviceable
Item or component is in serviceable condition
Comment
For your information
Conducive conditions
Conditions conducive for wood destroying insects or organisms (Wood-soil contact, shrubs in contact with siding, roof or plumbing leaks, etc.)
Click here for a glossary of building construction terms.Contact your inspector If there are terms that you do not understand, or visit the glossary of construction terms at https://www.reporthost.com/glossary.asp
Client present for discussion at end of inspection: yes
Weather conditions during inspection: Sunny
Temperature during inspection: Cool, 25 degrees
Inspection fee: 375.00
Buildings inspected: One house
Number of residential units inspected: 1
Age of main building: 14 yrs.
Source for main building age: Property owner
Front of building faces: West
Main entrance faces: West
Occupied: Yes, Furniture or stored items were present
1) Many areas and items at this property were obscured by furniture and/or stored items. This often includes but is not limited to walls, floors, windows, inside and under cabinets, under sinks, on counter tops, in closets, behind window coverings, under rugs or carpets, and under or behind furniture. Areas around the exterior, under the structure, in the garage and in the attic may also be obscured by stored items. The inspector in general does not move personal belongings, furnishings, carpets or appliances. When furnishings, stored items or debris are present, all areas or items that are obscured, concealed or not readily accessible are excluded from the inspection. The client should be aware that when furnishings, stored items or debris are eventually moved, damage or problems that were not noted during the inspection may be found.
Limitations: Unless specifically included in the inspection, the following items and any related equipment, controls, electric systems and/or plumbing systems are excluded from this inspection: detached buildings or structures; fences and gates; retaining walls; underground drainage systems, catch basins or concealed sump pumps; swimming pools and related safety equipment, spas, hot tubs or saunas; whether deck, balcony and/or stair membranes are watertight; trees, landscaping, properties of soil, soil stability, erosion and erosion control; ponds, water features, irrigation or yard sprinkler systems; sport courts, playground, recreation or leisure equipment; areas below the exterior structures with less than 3 feet of vertical clearance; invisible fencing; sea walls, docks and boathouses; retractable awnings. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only.
Site profile: Minor slope
Condition of driveway: Appeared serviceable
Driveway material: Asphalt, Poured in place concrete, Gravel
Condition of sidewalks and/or patios: Appeared serviceable
Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete
Condition of deck, patio and/or porch covers: Appeared serviceable
Deck, patio, porch cover material and type: Covered (Refer to Roof section)
Condition of decks, porches and/or balconies: Appeared serviceable
Condition of stairs, handrails and guardrails: Appeared serviceable
Exterior stair material: Wood
2) Guardrails at one or more locations with drop-offs higher than 30 inches had gaps that were too large. This poses a safety hazard for children (e.g. falling, getting stuck in railing). Guardrails should not have gaps or voids that allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than 4 inches in diameter, or 6 inches in diameter at triangular spaces between stair edges and guardrails. At a minimum, the client should be aware of this hazard. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace guardrails per standard building practices.
Photo 2-1
Photo 2-2
3) 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.
4) The wooden decks would benefit greatly from being re-sealed or stained. There was pealing on one or more of the handrail grids. Water can penetrate the wooden decking and hand railing causing damage. Recommend contacting a qualified painting contractor for further evaluation and reseal if deemed necessary.
Photo 4-1
Photo 4-2
Photo 4-3
Photo 4-4
5) The driveway sloped down towards the garage or house. A drain was installed to prevent water from reaching the garage or house, but it was substandard. Water may accumulate around or inside the garage or house, or under the house as a result. Recommend that a qualified person clear and/or repair drain(s) as necessary.
Limitations: The inspector performs a visual inspection of accessible components or systems at the exterior. Items excluded from this inspection include below-grade foundation walls and footings; foundations, exterior surfaces or components obscured by vegetation, stored items or debris; wall structures obscured by coverings such as siding or trim. Some items such as siding, trim, soffits, vents and windows are often high off the ground, and may be viewed using binoculars from the ground or from a ladder. This may limit a full evaluation. Regarding foundations, some amount of cracking is normal in concrete slabs and foundation walls due to shrinkage and drying. Note that the inspector does not determine the adequacy of seismic reinforcement.
Wall inspection method: Viewed from ground
Condition of wall exterior covering: Appeared serviceable
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Wood fiber product
Condition of foundation and footings: Appeared serviceable
Apparent foundation type: Crawl space
Foundation/stem wall material: Poured in place concrete
Footing material (under foundation stem wall): Not determined (inaccessible or obscured)
7) The wall flashing near the front entry door does not extend up behind the siding. This could allow water to enter in and cause damage. Recommend contacting a qualified siding contractor for further evaluation and repair as deemed necessary.
Photo 7-1
8) Vegetation such as trees, shrubs and/or vines was in contact with or close to the building exterior. Vegetation can serve as a pathway for wood-destroying insects and can retain moisture against the exterior after it rains. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend pruning, moving or removing vegetation as necessary to maintain at least 6 inches of space between it and the building exterior. A 1-foot clearance is better.
Photo 8-1
9) The paint or stain finish in some areas was failing (e.g. peeling, faded, worn, thinning). Siding and trim with a failing finish can be damaged by moisture. Recommend that a qualified contractor prep (e.g. clean, scrape, sand, prime, caulk) and repaint or restain the building exterior where necessary and per standard building practices. Any repairs needed to the siding or trim should be made prior to this.
Photo 9-1
10) Caulk was deteriorated in some areas. For example, around windows. 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
Photo 10-1
11) The foundation was not vented as per modern building practices. Although this could trap moisture in the crawl space area causing fungi/mold and or other moisture causing damage if there is not proper air movement and heat in the crawl space area. The crawl space access was blocked and therefore Not inspected. This is an important area of the house and should be inspected. Most all the foundation was obscured from the inspectors view and not inspected. Recommend that the client obtain permission & access to the crawl space area from the current owner for further inspection & evaluation before any contract deadlines expire.
Limitations: Structural components such as joists and beams, and other components such as piping, wiring and/or ducting that are obscured by under-floor insulation are excluded from this inspection. The inspector does not determine if support posts, columns, beams, joists, studs, trusses, etc. are of adequate size, spanning or spacing.
The inspector does not guarantee or warrant that water will not accumulate in the crawl spaces in the future. Complete access to all crawl space areas during all seasons and during prolonged periods of all types of weather conditions (e.g. heavy rain, melting snow) would be needed to do so.
The inspector attempts to locate all crawl space access points and areas. Access points may be obscured or otherwise hidden by furnishings or stored items. In such cases, the client should ask the property owner where all access points are that are not described in this inspection, and have those areas inspected. Note that crawl space areas should be checked at least annually for water intrusion, plumbing leaks and pest activity.
13) The crawl space was Not inspected, it was inaccessible with a storage rack & rug over the access door located in the pantry room floor. Recommend having this area inspected before any contract deadlines.
Limitations: The following items or areas are not included in this inspection: areas that could not be traversed or viewed clearly due to lack of access; solar roofing components. Any comments made regarding these items are made as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not provide an estimate of remaining life on the roof surface material, nor guarantee that leaks have not occurred in the roof surface, skylights or roof penetrations in the past. Regarding roof leaks, only active leaks, visible evidence of possible sources of leaks, and evidence of past leaks observed during the inspection are reported on as part of this inspection. The inspector does not guarantee or warrant that leaks will not occur in the future. Complete access to all roof and attic spaces during all seasons and during prolonged periods of all types of weather conditions (e.g. high wind and rain, melting snow) would be needed to do so. Occupants should monitor the condition of roofing materials in the future. For older roofs, recommend that a professional inspect the roof surface, flashings, appurtenances, etc. annually and maintain/repair as might be required. If needed, the roofer should enter attic space(s). Regarding the roof drainage system, unless the inspection was conducted during and after prolonged periods of heavy rain, the inspector was unable to determine if gutters, downspouts and extensions perform adequately or are leak-free.
Roof inspection method: Viewed from ground
Condition of roof surface material: Appeared serviceable
Roof surface material: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Roof type: Gable
Condition of exposed flashings: Appeared serviceable
Condition of gutters, downspouts and extensions: Appeared serviceable, Required repair, replacement and/or evaluation (see comments below), Limited evaluation due to little or no rainfall during and prior to the inspection
14) Most of the rain gutter down spouts were damaged and without 5 ft. extensions as recommended. This could allow water in and around the foundation. Recommend contacting a qualified rain gutter contractor for further evaluation and repair as deemed necessary.
Photo 14-1
Photo 14-2 No extension and tilted back toward house. Should be sloped away from house.
Photo 14-3 Crushed in into the ground
Photo 14-4 Missing extention
15) One or more roof flashings were lifting and/or loose. Water leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms and other water damage. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.
Photo 15-1
Photo 15-2
Photo 15-3
16) Significant amounts of debris have accumulated in one or more gutters or downspouts. Gutters can overflow and cause water to come in contact with the building exterior, or water can accumulate around the foundation. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend cleaning gutters and downspouts now and as necessary in the future.
Limitations: The following items or areas are not included in this inspection: areas that could not be traversed or viewed clearly due to lack of access; areas and components obscured by insulation. Any comments made regarding these items are made as a courtesy only. The inspector does not determine the adequacy of the attic ventilation system. Complete access to all roof and attic spaces during all seasons and during prolonged periods of all types of weather conditions (e.g. high/low temperatures, high/low humidity, high wind and rain, melting snow) would be needed to do so. The inspector is not a licensed engineer and does not determine the adequacy of roof structure components such as trusses, rafters or ceiling beams, or their spacing or sizing.
Attic inspection method: Viewed from hatch(es)
Condition of roof structure: Appeared serviceable
Roof structure type: Trusses, Rafters
Ceiling structure: Trusses
Condition of insulation in attic (ceiling, skylight chase, etc.): Appeared serviceable
Ceiling insulation material: Cellulose loose fill
Approximate attic insulation R value (may vary in areas): R-25
Vapor retarder: None visible
Condition of roof ventilation: Appeared serviceable
18) One or more attic access hatches or doors had no weatherstripping, or the weatherstripping was substandard. Weatherstripping should be installed around hatches or doors as necessary to prevent heated interior air from entering the attic. For more information, visit: http://www.reporthost.com/?ATTACC
Attic access is in the ceiling of the upstairs hallway.
Photo 18-1
19) The ceiling insulation installed in the attic was substandard and appeared to have an R rating (R-25) that's significantly less than current standards (R-38). Heating and cooling costs will likely be higher due to poor energy efficiency. Recommend that a qualified insulation contractor be contacted for further evaluation and or install insulation for better energy efficiency and per standard building practices.
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: generator systems, transfer switches, surge suppressors, inaccessible or concealed wiring; underground utilities and systems; low-voltage lighting or lighting on timers or sensors. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not determine the adequacy of grounding or bonding, if this system has an adequate capacity for the client's specific or anticipated needs, or if this system has any reserve capacity for additions or expansion. The inspector does not operate circuit breakers as part of the inspection, and does not install or change light bulbs. The inspector does not evaluate every wall switch or receptacle, but instead tests a representative number of them per various standards of practice. When furnishings, stored items or child-protective caps are present some receptacles are usually inaccessible and are not tested; these are excluded from this inspection. Receptacles that are not of standard 110 volt configuration, including 240-volt dryer receptacles, are not tested and are excluded. The functionality of, power source for and placement of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is not determined as part of this inspection. Upon taking occupancy, proper operating and placement of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be verified and batteries should be changed. These devices have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every 10 years. The inspector attempts to locate and evaluate all main and sub-panels. However, panels are often concealed. If panels are found after the inspection, a qualified electrician should evaluate and repair if necessary. The inspector attempts to determine the overall electrical service size, but such estimates are not guaranteed because the overall capacity may be diminished by lesser-rated components in the system. Any repairs recommended should be made by a licensed electrician.
Electric service condition: Appeared serviceable
Primary service type: Overhead
Number of service conductors: 3
Service voltage (volts): 120-240
Estimated service amperage: 200
Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
Service entrance conductor material: Stranded aluminum
Main disconnect rating (amps): 200
Condition of main service panel: Appeared serviceable
Location of main service panel #A: Garage
Location of main disconnect: Breaker at top of main service panel
Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection present: No
Smoke alarms installed: Yes, but not tested
Carbon monoxide alarms installed: No, recommend install
21) Carbon monoxide alarms were missing from one or more sleeping areas and/or on one or more levels. This is a potential safety hazard. Some states and/or municipalities require CO alarms to be installed in the vicinity of each sleeping area, on each level and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Recommend installing additional carbon monoxide alarms per these standards. For more information, visit: http://www.reporthost.com/?COALRM
22) Serviceable
Photo 22-1 Main service electric panel & disconnect on the north side of the garage.
Photo 22-2 The meter base & a main electrical shut off breaker, located at the base of the telephone pole/service drop.
Photo 22-3 Electric breaker panel located in the garage on the north wall.
Photo 22-4 Breaker panel inspection label with the date & inspectors name attached inside.
Photo 22-5 Main breaker panel with the cover removed.
Photo 22-6 Main service panel & shut off on the north side of the garage
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: private/shared wells and related equipment; private sewage disposal systems; hot tubs or spas; main, side and lateral sewer lines; gray water systems; pressure boosting systems; trap primers; incinerating or composting toilets; fire suppression systems; water softeners, conditioners or filtering systems; plumbing components concealed within the foundation or building structure, or in inaccessible areas such as below tubs; underground utilities and systems; overflow drains for tubs and sinks; backflow prevention devices. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not operate water supply or shut-off valves due to the possibility of valves leaking or breaking when operated. The inspector does not test for lead in the water supply, the water pipes or solder, does not determine if plumbing and fuel lines are adequately sized, and does not determine the existence or condition of underground or above-ground fuel tanks.
Water service: Private well
Location of main water shut-off: Not determined (obscured, inaccessible or none found)
Condition of supply lines: Appeared serviceable
Supply pipe material: Copper
Condition of drain pipes: Appeared serviceable
Drain pipe material: Plastic
Condition of waste lines: Appeared serviceable
Waste pipe material: Plastic
Vent pipe condition: Appeared serviceable
Vent pipe material: Plastic
Sump pump installed: None visible
Visible fuel storage systems: Above ground
Location of main fuel shut-off valve: At propane tank
23) Based on visible components or information provided to the inspector, this property appeared to have a private sewage disposal (septic) system. These are specialty systems and are excluded from this inspection. Comments in this report related to this system are made as a courtesy only and are not meant to be a substitute for a full evaluation by a qualified specialist. Generally, septic tanks should be pumped and inspected every 3 years. Depending on the type of system and municipal regulations, inspection and maintenance may be required more frequently, often annually. Recommend the following:
Consult with the property owner about this system's maintenance and repair history
Review any documentation available for this system
Review inspection and maintenance requirements for this system
That a qualified specialist evaluate, perform maintenance and make repairs if necessary
24) Based on visible equipment or information provided to the inspector, the water supply to this property appeared to be from a private well. Private well water supplies are specialty systems and are excluded from this inspection. Comments in this report related to this system are made as a courtesy only and are not meant to be a substitute for a full evaluation by a qualified specialist. The inspector does not test private well water for contamination or pollutants, determine if the supply and/or flow are adequate, or provide an estimate for remaining life of well pumps, pressure tanks or equipment. Only visible and accessible components are evaluated. Recommend the following:
That a qualified well contractor fully evaluate the well, including a pump/flow test
That the well water be tested per the client's concerns (coliforms, pH, contaminants, etc.)
Research the well's history (how/when constructed, how/when maintained or repaired, past performance, past health issues)
Document the current well capacity and water quality for future reference
25) A water softener system was installed on the premises. These are specialty systems and are excluded from this inspection. Comments in this report related to this system are made as a courtesy only and are not meant to be a substitute for a full evaluation by a qualified specialist. Water softeners typically work by removing unwanted minerals (e.g. calcium, magnesium) from the water supply. They prevent build-up of scale inside water supply pipes, improve lathering while washing, and prevent spots on dishes. Recommend consulting with the property owner about this system to determine its condition, required maintenance, age, expected remaining life, etc. For more information, visit: http://www.reporthost.com/?WTRSFT http://www.reporthost.com/?HRDWTR
Photo 25-1
26) The inspector did not determine the location of the main water shut-off valve, or verify that a readily accessible shut-off valve in the building exists. Recommend consulting with the property owner to determine if a main shut-off valve exists, locating it yourself, or that a qualified plumber find it if necessary. If no readily accessible main shut-off valve is found in the building, then recommend that a qualified plumber install one so the water supply can be quickly turned off in the event of an emergency, such as when a supply pipe bursts.
Limitations: Evaluation of and determining the adequacy or completeness of the following items are not included in this inspection: water recirculation pumps; solar water heating systems; Energy Smart or energy saver controls; catch pan drains. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not provide an estimate of remaining life on water heaters, does not determine if water heaters are appropriately sized, or perform any evaluations that require a pilot light to be lit or a shut-off valve to be operated.
Condition of water heater: Appeared serviceable
Type: Tank
Energy source: Propane
Estimated age: 14 yrs.
Capacity (in gallons): 50
Temperature-pressure relief valve installed: Yes
Location of water heater: Laundry room
Hot water temperature tested: yes 120 degrees
Condition of burners: Appeared serviceable
Condition of venting system: Appeared serviceable
27) The hot water heater was plumbed with rigid copper piping, not flexible hose connections. This could be a safety hazard and or cause damage in case of an earthquake or movement. Recommend contacting a licensed plumber for further evaluation and or replacement of the water lines as per current building standards.
Photo 27-1
28) The water heater's earthquake reinforcement was substandard. For example, struts were used rather than straps, substandard fasteners were used, or they may allow significant movement. This is a potential safety hazard in the event of an earthquake due to the risk of the water heater tipping over, gas lines leaking if gas-fired, or electric wiring being damaged if powered by electricity. Water leaks may also occur. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace existing earthquake reinforcement per standard building practices.
Photo 28-1 The lower earthquake strap fastener was loose and pulling out of the wall.
29) The temperature-pressure relief valve drain line was too short. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of scalding if someone is standing next to the water heater when the valve opens. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair per standard building practices. For example, by extending the drain line to within 6 inches of the floor, or routing it to drain outside. For more information, visit: http://www.reporthost.com/?TPRVALVE
Photo 29-1
30) The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8-12 years. This water heater appeared to be at this age (14 yrs.) or beyond 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 water alarm to help prevent damage if water does leak.
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters; solar, coal or wood-fired heat systems; thermostat or temperature control accuracy and timed functions; heating components concealed within the building structure or in inaccessible areas; underground utilities and systems; safety devices and controls (due to automatic operation). Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not provide an estimate of remaining life on heating or cooling system components, does not determine if heating or cooling systems are appropriately sized, does not test coolant pressure, or perform any evaluations that require a pilot light to be lit, a shut-off valve to be operated, a circuit breaker to be turned "on" or a serviceman's or oil emergency switch to be operated. It is beyond the scope of this inspection to determine if furnace heat exchangers are intact and free of leaks. Condensation pans and drain lines may clog or leak at any time and should be monitored while in operation in the future. Where buildings contain furnishings or stored items, the inspector may not be able to verify that a heat source is present in all "liveable" rooms (e.g. bedrooms, kitchens and living/dining rooms).
General heating system type(s): Forced air, Electric heaters, Gas fireplace or stove
General heating distribution type(s): Ducts and registers
Last service date of primary heat source: 3/2017
Source for last service date of primary heat source: Property owner, Client
Condition of electric heaters (not forced air): Appeared serviceable
Condition of forced air heating/(cooling) system: Appeared serviceable
Forced air heating system fuel type: Propane
Estimated age of forced air furnace: 2 yrs. Home provided info
Location of forced air furnace: Crawl space
Forced air system capacity in BTUs or kilowatts: Unknown Un-inspected
Condition of cooling system and/or heat pump: Appeared serviceable
Cooling system and/or heat pump fuel type: Electric
Location of heat pump or air conditioning unit: northeast
Condition of controls: Appeared serviceable
31) The estimated useful life for most heat pumps and air conditioning condensing units is 10-15 years. This unit appeared to be near this age and/or its useful lifespan and may need replacing or significant repairs at any time. Recommend contacting a qualified HVAC contactor for further evaluation & service of the air conditioning unit and budgeting for a replacement in the future.
Photo 31-1
32) The inspector was unable to determine or verify the age of the furnace or to inspect the furnace do to it being located in the inaccessible crawl space area. The current owner informed the inspector that the forced air furnace was replaced 2 yrs. ago. The average life expectancy for a forced air furnace is 15-20 yrs. The furnace was operated by the wall thermostat and did heat & cycle properly. Recommend attempting to determine and verify the furnace's age (ask property owner or service technician) Also recommend having a qualified HVAC contractor service the furnace now & annually in the future.
33) The crawl space access door was blocked and inaccessible. Was unable to inspect the subfloor structure, ducting and the central forced air heating/cooling system. This is an important area and should be inspected prior to any inspection date deadlines or other deadline agreements.
Refer to photo 8-1 above.
34) A whole house fan was installed. These fans provide cooling for interior spaces by blowing hot interior air up into the attic and out through attic vents, and by drawing cooler air in from the outside through open windows. They are intented to operate only when the outside temperature is cooler than inside. Multiple windows should be opened to equal or exceed 3 times the area of the fan opening. If air conditioning is installed it should not be operated while the whole house fan is operated. These fans do not dehumidify. They may be noisy during operation.
In some cases, additional attic venting is required for whole house fans to allow blown air to exit the attic. Attic vents should be kept clear at all times. Inadequate attic venting may result in attic air blowing through ceiling penetrations such as lights, or down through wall framing. It's beyond the scope of a home inspection to determine if attic venting is adequate. If concernced, review the fan's documentation and/or consult with a qualified contractor.
Be aware of safety issues related to whole house fans. Injury can occur if people come in contact with fan blades or belts. Louvers should always be open and the area above the fan should be unobstructed during operation, otherwise the fan may overheat and pose a fire hazard. Items should never be stored on top of the fan. Negative interior air pressure can cause gas-fired appliances such as water heaters and clothes dryers to backdraft, or cause flame rollout or pilot lights to blow out. Carbon monoxide and/or fire hazards may result. Children should never be allowed to operate whole house fans.
Whole house fans should be shut down during cooler months when not needed. This includes installing an insulated cover over the fan and turning power off to the the fan.
The client should be aware that some routine maintenance is required for whole house fans such as lubrication, and tightening or replacing belts cleaning. Consult with a heating and cooling specialist on this. Note also that motors and other components have a limited lifespan.
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: coal stoves, gas logs, chimney flues (except where visible). Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not determine the adequacy of drafting or sizing in fireplace and stove flues, and also does not determine if prefabricated or zero-clearance fireplaces are installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. The inspector does not perform any evaluations that require a pilot light to be lit, and does not light fires. The inspector provides a basic visual examination of a chimney and any associated wood burning device. The National Fire Protection Association has stated that an in-depth Level 2 chimney inspection should be part of every sale or transfer of property with a wood-burning device. Such an inspection may reveal defects that are not apparent to the home inspector who is a generalist.
Condition of gas-fired fireplaces or stoves: Appeared serviceable
Gas fireplace or stove type: Metal pre-fab fireplace
Gas-fired flue type: Direct vent
35) The only visible gas supply shut-off valve for the fireplace burner was located inside the fireplace's firebox. The valve may be inaccessible in the event of a malfunction or a blaze inside the firebox. This is a potential safety hazard. A shut-off valve should be located outside of the firebox and within 6-10 feet from the fireplace. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices.
Photo 35-1
Photo 35-2
Photo 35-3 This is the propane shut off valve outside located on the back of the house, eastside, near the deck steps.
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: household appliances such as stoves, ovens, cook tops, ranges, warming ovens, griddles, broilers, dishwashers, trash compactors, refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, hot water dispensers and water filters; appliance timers, clocks, cook functions, self and/or continuous cleaning operations, thermostat or temperature control accuracy, and lights. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not provide an estimate of the remaining life of appliances, and does not determine the adequacy of operation of appliances. The inspector does not note appliance manufacturers, models or serial numbers and does not determine if appliances are subject to recalls. Areas and components behind and obscured by appliances are inaccessible and excluded from this inspection.
Condition of cabinets: Appeared serviceable
Condition of sinks and related plumbing: Appeared serviceable
Condition of under-sink food disposal: Appeared serviceable
Condition of dishwasher: Appeared serviceable
Condition of ranges, cooktops and/or ovens: Appeared serviceable
Range, cooktop, oven type: Electric
Type of ventilation: Hood or built into microwave over range or cooktop
Condition of refrigerator: Appeared serviceable
Condition of built-in microwave oven: Appeared serviceable
36) The exhaust fan over the range recirculated the exhaust air back into the kitchen. This may be due to no duct being installed, baffles not being installed, or problems with duct work. This can be a nuisance for odor and grease accumulation. Where a gas-fired range or cook top is installed, carbon monoxide and excessive levels of moisture can accumulate in living spaces. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as deemed necessary so exhaust air is ducted outdoors.
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: overflow drains for tubs and sinks; heated towel racks, saunas, steam generators, clothes washers, clothes dryers. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not determine the adequacy of washing machine drain lines, washing machine catch pan drain lines, or clothes dryer exhaust ducts. The inspector does not operate water supply or shut-off valves for sinks, toilets, bidets, clothes washers, etc. due to the possibility of valves leaking or breaking when operated. The inspector does not determine if shower pans or tub and shower enclosures are water tight, or determine the completeness or operability of any gas piping to laundry appliances.
Location #A: 3/4 bath, first floor
Location #B: Full bath, second floor
Location #C: Full bath, Master bath, second floor
Condition of counters: Appeared serviceable
Condition of cabinets: Appeared serviceable
Condition of flooring: Appeared serviceable
Condition of sinks and related plumbing: Appeared serviceable
Condition of toilets: Appeared serviceable
Condition of bathtubs and related plumbing: Appeared serviceable
Condition of shower(s) and related plumbing: Appeared serviceable
Condition of ventilation systems: Appeared serviceable
Gas supply for laundry equipment present: No
240 volt receptacle for laundry equipment present: Yes
38) The clothes dryer was equipped with a vinyl or mylar, accordion-type, flexible exhaust duct. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission considers these types of ducts to be unsafe, and a fire hazard. They can trap lint and are susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the air flow and cause overheating. Recommend that such ducts be replaced with a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, and by a qualified contractor if necessary. For more information, visit: http://www.reporthost.com/?DRYER
Photo 38-1
39) The jetted tube in the upstairs mst. bath was not operated at the time of the inspection. Recommend filling the tube and cycling before any contact deadlines or talking with the current home owner to get assurance it is operating properly.
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: security, intercom and sound systems; communications wiring; central vacuum systems; elevators and stair lifts; cosmetic deficiencies such as nail-pops, scuff marks, dents, dings, blemishes or issues due to normal wear and tear in wall, floor and ceiling surfaces and coverings, or in equipment; deficiencies relating to interior decorating; low voltage and gas lighting systems. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not evaluate any areas or items which require moving stored items, furnishings, debris, equipment, floor coverings, insulation or similar materials. The inspector does not test for asbestos, lead, radon, mold, hazardous waste, urea formaldehyde urethane, or any other toxic substance. Some items such as window, drawer, cabinet door or closet door operability are tested on a sampled basis. The client should be aware that paint may obscure wall and ceiling defects, floor coverings may obscure floor defects, and furnishings may obscure wall, floor and floor covering defects. If furnishings were present during the inspection, recommend a full evaluation of walls, floors and ceilings that were previously obscured when possible. Determining the cause and/or source of odors is not within the scope of this inspection.
Condition of exterior entry doors: Appeared serviceable
Exterior door material: Metal, Sliding glass
Condition of interior doors: Appeared serviceable
Condition of windows and skylights: Appeared serviceable
Type(s) of windows: Vinyl, Multi-pane, Sliding, Single-hung, Casement
Condition of walls and ceilings: Appeared serviceable
Wall type or covering: Drywall
Ceiling type or covering: Drywall
Condition of flooring: Appeared serviceable
Flooring type or covering: Carpet, Wood or wood products, Tile
Condition of stairs, handrails and guardrails: Appeared serviceable
41) Additional interior pics
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Photo 41-18 There were two skylights upstairs over the garage. There was no sign of leaking or interior damage.
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Scope of the Inspection:
The scope of the inspection is strictly limited as set forth in the Pre-Inspection Agreement. The parties understand and agree BEFORE any inspection takes place that the inspection will be of readily accessible areas of the building to be inspected and is limited to visual observations of apparent conditions existing at the time of the inspection only. Latent and concealed defects and deficiencies, including but not limited to, basement flooring, basement seepage and roof leakage, inaccessible attic spaces do to a verity of reasons, are Excluded from the inspection. The parties agree in advance that the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice, most current edition, shall define the standard duty and the conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the inspection and are incorporated by reference herein. Refer to the signed Pre-Inspection Agreement for further limitations, exclusions and liabilities.
You are encouraged to read the entire report, not just summery sections. The whole and complete report is all pertinent information in the inspection. Please read and carefully consider all the information comprised in the Final Report.
I sincerely hope that the information in this report is useful and helpful to you, in giving a more in depth awareness of the current condition of the property that has just been inspected.
Again, Thank-You for choosing HHI-Hews Home Inspection, its been a pleasure serving you.
