1) The asphalt driveway surface had cracks and was developing alligator cracking too. This can allow water penetration causing further damage. The asphalt driveway would benefit from resealing. Recommend that a qualified asphalt contractor be contacted to reseal the driveway. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?RAD

6) The masonry (brick or stone) veneer or mortar had minor cracking. Where cracks or openings are exposed, water can enter the wall structure causing mold, fungal growth and structural damage. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. For example, by repointing mortar or replacing broken or missing masonry.

7) Many of logs were split and/or cracked. Although this is common in log homes, water or vermin can penetrate the logs easily and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified log building contractor properly caulk and seal the cracks and splits as deemed necessary.

8) One or more minor cracks (1/8 inch or less) were found in the foundation. These didn't appear to be a structural concern, but recommend sealing them to prevent water infiltration and monitor them in the future. Numerous products exist to seal such cracks including hydraulic cement, non-shrinking grout, resilient caulks and epoxy sealants.

9) Trim at the base of the front cover columns was damaged. Recommend a qualified person repair as necessary.

10) There was one or more missing eave vent covers. This can allow insects or vermin into the eave areas. Recommend a qualified person replace covers.

11) 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.

14) Guardrails at one or more locations with drop-offs higher than 30 inches were missing. This poses a fall hazard. Guardrails should be installed where walking surfaces are more than 30 inches above the surrounding grade or surfaces below. Recommend that a qualified contractor install guardrails where missing and per standard building practices.

15) One or more handrails had no returns installed, where ends of handrails turn and connect to adjacent walls so objects or clothing will not catch on the open ends. This is a safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified person install returns per standard building practices.

17) The roof surface appeared to be near the end of its service life and will likely need replacing in the near future even if repairs are made now. Recommend discussing replacement options with a qualified roofing contractor, and budgeting for a replacement roof surface in the near future. The client may also wish to consider having a qualified contractor attempt to issue a "5 year roof certificate."

18) Composition shingles were installed on a slope with less than 3/12 (3 inches rise for every 12 inches run). Such low-slope shingle installations are prone to leaks due to the slow rate at which water runs off the shingles. Roof decking can also be prone to sagging, and the roof structure may have a reduced load capacity for snow. Most shingle manufacturers won't warranty shingles if installed on a roof with a slope less than 3/12. Consult with a qualified roofing contractor regarding this and monitor these roof area(s) and interior spaces below for leaks in the future. Ideally, or if leaks occur, recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices. Such repairs may involve installing a new roof surface approved for low slopes.

19) Many composition shingles were worn, cracked, broken, missing, damaged and/or had major granular loss. This is a sign that the roof shingles may be at or beyond their life expectancy. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. As, stated above, recommend that a qualified roofing contractor further evaluate and repair as necessary.

20) Loose roof sheathing and uneven roof surfaces in some areas under the shingles. Water leaks can occur because of this. Recommend contacting a qualified roofing or building contractor to repair as necessary.

21) Nail heads were exposed at one or more shingles. Water leaks can occur because of this. Recommend applying an approved sealant over exposed nail heads now and as necessary in the future to prevent leaks.

22) 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.

25) One or more roof logs were cut, damaged or modified. The roof structure may have been weakened as a result. Logs shouldn't be cut or modified by builders or homeowners. Repairs may involve restoring the logs or properly installing rafters to their original condition or configuration. Recommend that a licensed structural engineer evaluate and prescribe repairs as necessary. A qualified contractor should perform repairs per the engineer's specifications.

28) The door between the garage and the house did not appear to be fire resistant, or the inspector was unable to verify that it was via a label. This is a potential safety hazard. House to garage doors, to prevent fire and fumes from spreading from the garage into interior living space, should be constructed of fire-resistant materials. Doors, generally considered to be suitable for the purpose, are solid core wood, steel, honeycomb steel or a door that has been factory labeled as fire rated. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace or repair the door and, at that time, make any other corrections that might be required to provide suitable fire resistance between the garage and the dwelling per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?AGFR

29) One or more gaps were found in the attached garage walls or ceilings. Current standard building practices call for wooden-framed ceilings and walls that divide the house and garage to provide limited fire-resistance rating to prevent the spread of fire from the garage to the house. Recommend that a qualified person repair per standard building practices. For example, by patching openings or holes, firestopping holes or gaps with fire-resistant caulking, and/or installing fire-resistant wall covering (e.g. Type X drywall). For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?AGFR

30) The post & beam in the garage was toe nailed together only, it was missing an approved attachment/connection bracket. If the ground were to shake or a vehicle were to strike the post, it could easily be dislodged, weakening the support beam above. Recommend a qualified person install an approved connection bracket.

32) Non-metallic sheathed wiring was installed at several locations in the basement area, and was subject to damage such as on easily accessible wall or ceiling surfaces. The insulation can be damaged by objects coming in contact with it, resulting in exposed, energized wires. Also, copper conductors can break after being repeatedly moved or bent. This is a potential shock or fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices. For example, by installing protective conduit or re-routing wires through walls or ceilings.

33) One or more receptacles were installed directly above electric baseboard heaters. This was a common practice in the past, but insulation on appliance cords in contact with the heater(s) can be damaged by heaters. This is a shock and fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician make repairs or modifications as necessary. For example, by converting receptacles to junction boxes, moving receptacles and/or moving baseboard heaters.

34) One or more smoke alarms were missing, damaged, or missing components. Smoke alarms should be replaced as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRM

35) Smoke alarms were missing from one or more bedrooms. Smoke alarms should be installed as necessary so a functioning alarm exists in each hallway leading to bedrooms, in each bedroom, on each level and in any attached garage. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRM

36) One or more electric receptacles appeared to have no power. Recommend asking the property owner about this. Switches may need to be operated or GFCI/AFCI protection may need to be reset to make some receptacles energized. If necessary, recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair.

37) One or more globes or covers for light fixtures were missing or damaged. Recommend replacing as necessary to avoid exposed bulbs. With closet lighting or where flammable stored objects are near light fixtures, missing or broken covers can be a fire hazard.

42) 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

For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SEPTIC

48) The water heater did not have earthquake straps or struts installed. This is a potential safety hazard in the event of an earthquake due to the risk of the water heater tipping over, gas lines breaking if it's gas-fired, or electric wiring being damaged if powered by electricity. Leaks can also occur in water-supply pipes. Recommend that a qualified person install earthquake straps or struts as necessary and per standard building practices.

49) Wiring for the water heater's power supply was exposed and subject to damage. Standard building practices call for non-metallic sheathed wiring to be protected with BX armored conduit to prevent damage. This is a potential safety hazard for shock. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices.

51) The last service date of the gas forced air furnace appeared to be approx. 1 year ago. Recommend that a qualified HVAC contractor inspect, clean, and service this system, and make repairs if necessary. For safety reasons, and because this system is fueled by gas or oil, this servicing should be performed annually in the future. Any needed repairs noted in this report should be brought to the attention of the HVAC contractor when it's serviced. For more information visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ANFURINSP

52) An electronic air filter was installed. For home buyers, recommend checking filters upon taking occupancy. Check filters monthly in the future. Guidelines vary depending on the manufacturer, but when the filters are dirty, the following steps should normally be performed:

• Turn off filter and wait 30 seconds before pulling off cover
• Note direction arrow on cells is oriented and positions of pre-filters and cells
• Remove cells and pre-filters
• Clean pre-filters with a vacuum cleaner and brush attachment
• Wash cells in a dishwasher, in a tub or with a garden hose
• Be careful not to break ionizing wires or bend collector plates
• Use only soaps that are safe for aluminum (e.g. dishwasher soap)
• When using a dishwasher, support cells with 4 glasses, and don't use the drying cycle
• When using a bathtub, soak cells for 15-20 minutes and then agitate them
• Let cells air-dry
• Reinstall cells and filters in the correct position and orientation and turn filter back on

Note that how often filters need cleaning depends on how the system is configured (e.g. always on versus "auto"), and on environmental factors (e.g. pets, smoking, frequency of house cleaning, number of occupants, the season). For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?EAFM

55) One or more solid fuel-burning fireplaces or stoves were found at the property. When such devices are used, they should be professionally inspected and cleaned annually to prevent creosote build-up and to determine if repairs are needed. The National Fire Protection Association states that a "Level 2" chimney inspection should be performed with every sale or transfer of property with a wood-burning device. Recommend consulting with the property owner about recent and past servicing and repairs to all wood-burning devices and chimneys or flues at this property. Recommend that a qualified specialist evaluate all solid fuel-burning devices and chimneys, and clean and repair as necessary. Note that if a wood stove insert is installed, it may need to be removed for such an evaluation. For more information, search for "chimney inspection" at:
http://www.reporthost.com/?CSIA

56) Screws were missing from one or more single-wall metal stove pipe joints. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of the pipe coming apart. Three screws should be installed at each joint, at the flue collar and at chimney ends. Recommend that a qualified person repair per standard building practices.

57) One or more masonry chimney crowns were cracked, missing and/or deteriorated. Crowns are meant to keep water off of the chimney structure and prevent damage from freeze-thaw cycles. Chimney crowns are commonly constructed by mounding concrete or mortar on the top chimney surface, however this is substandard. A properly constructed chimney crown should:

• Be constructed using either precast concrete slabs, cast-in-place steel reinforced concrete, solid stone, or metal
• Be sloped down from the flue a minimum of 3 inches of fall per foot of run
• Extend a minimum of 2 1/2 inches beyond the face of the chimney on all sides
• Not directly contact the flue liner (if installed), with the gap filled with flexible caulk
• Have flashing installed between the bottom of the crown and the top of the brick chimney

Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace crowns as necessary, and per standard building practices.

58) Firebricks lining the wood stove were cracked, broken or missing. Recommend that a qualified person replace firebricks as necessary.

60) 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 necessary so exhaust air is ducted outdoors.

61) Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found between countertops and backsplashes. Water may penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by installing caulk.

64) The hot and/or cold water supply flow for the sink at location(s) #A was low.. Recommend that a qualified plumber evaluate and repair as necessary.

65) The hot and/or cold water supply flow for the bathtub at location(s) #A was low. Recommend that a qualified plumber evaluate and repair as necessary.

66) Caulk was missing around the base of the bathtub spout, or there was a gap behind it, at location(s) #A. Water may enter the wall structure behind the bathtub. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary to eliminate the gap. For example, by installing or replacing caulk if the gap is small enough. For larger gaps, a shorter spout nipple or an escutcheon plate can be installed.

67) Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found between the shower enclosure and the walls at location(s) #A and B. Water can penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person re-caulk or install caulking as necessary.

68) Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found between countertops and backsplashes at location(s) #A & #B. Water can penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by installing or replacing caulk.

71) Guardrails at one or more locations with drop-offs higher than 30 inches were missing. This poses a fall hazard. Guardrails should be installed where walking surfaces are more than 30 inches above the surrounding grade or surfaces below. Recommend that a qualified contractor install guardrails where missing and per standard building practices.

72) 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.

73) One or more handrails had no returns installed, where ends of handrails turn and connect to adjacent walls so objects or clothing will not catch on the open ends. This is a safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified person install returns per standard building practices.

74) Squeaking or creaking noises occur when walking on one or more sections of flooring. This is usually caused by substandard construction practices where the sub-floor decking is not adequately fastened to the framing below. For example, not enough glue was used and/or nails were used rather than screws. In most cases, this is only an annoyance rather than a structural problem. Various solutions such as Squeeeeek No More and Counter Snap fasteners exist to correct this. Repairs to eliminate the squeaks or creaks may be more or less difficult depending on the floor covering and the access to the underside of the sub-floor. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SQUEAK

75) Tile, stone and/or grout in the flooring in one or more areas had loose or cracked tiles. If in a wet area, water can damage the sub-floor. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.

76) One or more interior doors were missing. Recommend that a qualified person replace or repair doors as necessary.

Note; there was a door stored in the basement area.

77) Some interior door hardware (hinges) were inoperable and/or wouldn't latch. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.