1) One or more deck or porch beams were not positively secured to the support posts below. Deck or porch beams are commonly connected to support posts by "toenailing," which is inadequate. Decks and porches are subject to movement under live loads and require a positive connection between their support posts and beams. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices. For example, by installing metal plates, plywood gussets or dimensional lumber to connect posts and beams.

2) One or more large tree stumps were close to the building exterior. Wood-destroying insects such as carpenter ants nest in such stumps and are more likely to infest the building as a result. Recommend that large tree stumps within a few feet of the building be removed by a qualified tree service contractor.

4) Some sections of siding and/or trim were deteriorated. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install siding or trim as necessary.

5) Trees were in contact with or were close to the building at one or more locations. Damage to the building can occur, especially during high winds, or may have already occurred (see other comments in this report). Recommend that a qualified tree service contractor or certified arborist remove trees as necessary to prevent damage to the building exterior.

6) Significant amounts of debris such as leaves, needles, seeds, etc. have accumulated on the roof surface. Water may not flow easily off the roof, and can enter gaps in the roof surface. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend cleaning debris from the roof surface now and as necessary in the future.

7) The ceiling insulation in one or more areas of the attic was compacted or uneven. Heating and cooling costs may be higher due to reduced energy efficiency. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install insulation as necessary and per standard building practices (typically R-38).

Insulation is uneven near the attic access.

9) One or more electric receptacles (outlets) had reverse-polarity wiring, where the hot and neutral wires were reversed. This is a shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?RPR

10) One or more bushings were missing from where wires enter holes in panel(s) #A. This is a potential safety hazard because the wiring insulation can be cut or abraded on the metal edge of the hole(s). Recommend that a qualified electrician install bushings where missing.

11) One or more hose bibs (outside faucets) appeared to be inoperable. No water flowed from the bib(s) when turned on. This may be due to a shut-off valve being turned off. Note that the inspector does not operate shut-off valves. Recommend consulting with the property owner about inoperable hose bibs, and if necessary have a qualified plumber make repairs.

12) Insulation for one or more water supply pipes in the exterior was missing. Recommend replacing or installing insulation on pipes per standard building practices to prevent them from freezing during cold weather, and for better energy efficiency with hot water supply pipes.

13) 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

14) No water shut-off valve was visible for the water heater. A shut-off valve allows the water supply to be turned off when the water heater needs repair or replacement, while allowing the remainder of the plumbing system to be operable (e.g. toilets, sinks). Recommend that a qualified plumber install a local shut-off valve per standard building practices.

15) The last service date of the forced air electric furnace appeared to be within the last 2 years based on information provided to the inspector or labeling on the equipment. If this is true, then routine servicing is not needed at this point. However a qualified HVAC contractor should inspect, clean, and service this system, and make repairs if necessary every few years in the future.

16) The sink at location(s) #A drained slowly. Recommend clearing drain and/or having a qualified plumber repair if necessary.

17) One or more exterior doors had double-cylinder deadbolts installed, where a key is required to open them from both sides. This can be a safety hazard in the event of an emergency because egress can be obstructed or delayed. Recommend replacing double-cylinder deadbolts with single-cylinder deadbolts where a handle is installed on the interior side.

18) The handles on one or more sliding glass doors were loose. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.