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Homestead Inspections LLc

http://www.homesteadinspectionsllc.com
jefmerit@sbcglobal.net
(773) 457-4542
Homestead Inspections LLc 
2846 N Narragansett Ave 
Chicago Il 60634
Inspector: Jeff Merritt
State of Il # 450-0000756

SAMPLE INSPECTION REPORT

Client(s):  Jeff Merritt
Property address:  1234 your street
Your town , IL
Inspection date:  Friday, July 15, 2011

This report published on Thursday, October 11, 2018 6:47:02 PM CDT

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.

Table of Contents

General information
Exterior
Roof
Garage
Attic
Electric service
Water heater
Heating and cooling
Plumbing and laundry
Chimneys
Crawl space
Basement
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Interior rooms

View summary

General information
Table of contents
Report number: 071511-02
Structures inspected: House & Garage
Type of building: Single family
Present during inspection: Client(s), Realtor(s)
Occupied: No
Weather conditions: Clear
Temperature: Warm
Ground condition: Dry
Front of structure faces: South
Main entrance faces: South
Foundation type: Unfinished basement
1) Safety, Repair/Replace - This property has one or more fuel burning appliances, and no carbon monoxide alarms are visible. This is a safety hazard. Recommend installing one or more carbon monoxide alarms as necessary and as per the manufacturer's instructions. For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05017.html
2) Safety, Comment - Structures built prior to 1979 may contain lead-based paint and/or asbestos in various building materials such as insulation, siding, and/or floor and ceiling tiles. Both lead and asbestos are known health hazards. Evaluating for the presence of lead and/or asbestos is not included in this inspection. The client(s) should consult with specialists as necessary, such as industrial hygenists, professional labs and/or abatement contractors for this type of evaluation. For information on lead, asbestos and other hazardous materials in homes, visit these websites:
3) Comment - The water service wasn't turned on during the inspection. As a result, plumbing supply, drain and waste lines, fixtures, and some appliances such as water heaters weren't fully evaluated.
Foundation material: Brick
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Wood clapboard
Driveway material: Asphalt
Exterior door material: Solid core wood
4) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Guardrails are missing from one or more sections of decks or elevated surfaces with high drop-offs. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of falling. Standard building practices require guardrails to be installed at drop-offs higher than 30 inches, but in some cases it is advised to install them at shorter drop-offs. A qualified contractor should evaluate and install guardrails as necessary and as per standard building practices.
5) Safety, Repair/Replace - Flashing is missing from above one or more deck ledger boards. This can cause moisture to accumulate between the ledger board(s) and the structure. Rot may result in this area and cause the ledger board fasteners to fail. The deck may separate from the structure in this event and poses a significant safety hazard. A qualified contractor should install flashing above ledger board(s) where necessary. For more information on installing deck ledger boards visit: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/decks/deck_4.htm

And for more information on building safe decks in general, visit: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/exteriors/article/0,16417,212625,00.html
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6) Safety, Repair/Replace - One or more flights of stairs with more than two risers have no handrail installed. This is a safety hazard. A qualified contractor should install graspable handrails that your hand can completely encircle at stairs where missing, and as per standard building practices.
7) Safety, Minor Defect - Cover plate(s) are broken at one or more electric boxes, such as for receptacles, switches and/or junction boxes. They are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from exposed wires. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire and shock. Cover plates should be replaced where necessary.
8) Major Defect, Repair/Replace - Perimeter pavement slopes towards structure in one or more 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. Recommend having a qualified contractor make repairs as necessary so perimeter pavement slopes down and away from the structure.
9) Major Defect, Maintain - The exterior finish over the entire structure is failing. A qualified painting contractor should prep (pressure wash, scrape, sand, prime caulk, etc.) and repaint or restain the entire structure as per standard building practices.
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10) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Sidewalks and/or patios have significant cracks and/or deterioration in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace sidewalk and/or patio sections as necessary.
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11) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more areas of the grounds around the structure have significantly soggy soil, standing water or indications of accumulated water at times (sediment, dead grass, etc.). Recommend consulting with a qualified contractor who specializes in drainage, to determine if or what repairs are needed to provide adequate drainage. Possible repairs may involve grading soil, or installing, repairing and/or replacing underground drains.
12) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Siding is damaged and/or deteriorated in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs and/or replace siding as necessary to prevent water and vermin intrusion.
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13) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Moderate cracks and/or deterioration found in one or more sections of brick veneer. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, such as repointing mortar, replacing bricks and/or sections of veneer.
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14) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more electric receptacles appear to have no power. Recommend asking the property owner(s) about this. Switches may need to be operated to make some receptacles energized. If necessary, a qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
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15) Repair/Replace - The perimeter grading slopes towards the structure in one or more areas. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist.. 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 with a slope of at least 5% (10% or better is optimal) for at least 6 feet.
16) Repair/Replace - One or more downspouts have no extensions, or have extensions that are ineffective. 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, and may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. Repairs should be made as necessary, such as installing or repositioning splash blocks, or installing and/or repairing tie-ins to underground drain lines, so rain water is carried at least several feet away from the structure to soil that slopes down and away from the structure.
17) Repair/Replace - The basement retaining wall is damaged and needs replacing.
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18) Repair/Replace - Rotted wood at rear deck area
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19) Repair/Maintain, Evaluate - One or more moderate cracks (1/8 inch to 3/4 inch) were found in the foundation. These may be a structural concern, or an indication that settlement is ongoing. The client(s) should consider hiring 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

  • At a minimum, recommend sealing cracks to prevent water infiltration. Numerous products exist to seal such cracks including:
  • Hydraulic cement. Requires chiseling a channel in the crack to apply. See http://www.quickrete.com/catalog/HydraulicWater-StopCement.html for an example.
  • Resilient caulks (easy to apply). See http://www.quickrete.com/catalog/GrayConcreteRepair.html for an example.
  • Epoxy sealants (both a waterproof and structural repair). See http://www.mountaingrout.com/ for examples of these products.
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20) Maintain - Recommend resealing asphalt driveway.
21) Maintain - Recommend cleaning deck(s) and railing(s) and treating with a preservative claiming to waterproof, block ultraviolet light, and stop mildew. Consumer Reports recommends these products:
  • Cabot Decking Stain and PTW Stain
  • Olympic Water Repellent Deck Stain
  • Thompson's House and Deck Stain
  • Wolman PTW Deck Stain
  • Akzo Sikkens Cetol DEK
  • Benjamin Moore Moorwood Clear Wood Finish
  • DAP Woodlife Premium
  • Olympic Natural Look Protector Plus
22) Comment - The substructure of the deck is excluded from the inspection due to limited access because of the low height.
23) Comment - One or more downspouts terminate above roof surfaces rather than being routed to gutters below or to the ground level. This is very common, but it can reduce the life of roof surface materials below due to large amounts of water frequently flowing over the roof surface. Granules typically are washed off of composition shingles as a result, and leaks may occur. Recommend considering having a qualified contractor install extensions as necessary so downspouts don't terminate above roof surfaces.
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Roof inspection method: Traversed
Roof type: Cross gable
Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Gutter & downspout material: Aluminum
Roof ventilation: Inadequate
24) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more sections of flashing at the base of the chimney are deteriorated and/or substandard. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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25) Repair/Replace - The siding on one or more exterior walls above lower roof sections is in contact with or has less than a one inch gap between it and the roof surface below. A gap of at least one inch is recommended so water isn't wicked up into the siding from the shingles below, and also to provide room for additional layers of roofing materials when the current roof surface fails. Recommend having a qualified contractor make repairs as necessary, such as trimming siding, so at least a one inch gap exists between the siding and the roofing below where necessary.
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26) Repair/Replace - The metal roof over bump out is rusted, flashing at wall is in poor condition. repair is needed, (active leak)
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27) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more garage electric receptacles appear to have no ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should install GFCI receptacles or circuit breaker(s) as needed.
28) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Some wiring is loose, unsupported, or inadequately supported. Standard building practices require non-metallic sheathed wiring to be trimmed to length, attached to runners or to solid backing with fasteners at intervals of 4-1/2 ft. or less. Fasteners should be installed within 12 inches of all enclosures. A qualified, licensed electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, trim wire to length and/or install staples as needed.
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29) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Evidence of "light to moderate" rodent infestation was found in one or more areas. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines this as less than 20 feces per square foot. Rodent infestation may be a safety hazard due to the risk of contracting Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). HPS is a rare (only 20-50 cases per year in the United states) but deadly (40% mortality rate) disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. For example, from sweeping up rodent droppings.

Recommend following guidelines in the CDC's Clean Up, Trap Up, Seal Up article for eradicating rodents, cleaning up their waste and nesting materials, and preventing future infestations. While Hanta virus is believed to survive less than one week in droppings and urine, specific precautions should be taken during clean up. The client(s) may wish to consult with a qualified, licensed pest control operator for eliminating the infestation. A qualified licensed abatement contractor or industrial hygenist could be contacted for clean up. If the infestation was minimal, clean up of rodent waste and nesting materials in non-living spaces (crawl spaces and attics) may not be necessary, or may be performed for aesthetic reasons only (odor and appearance).
30) - No power to garage, door and opener could not be inspected.
Inspection method: Partially traversed
Roof structure type: Rafters
Insulation material: Mineral wool loose fill
31) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Some wiring is loose, unsupported, or inadequately supported. Standard building practices require non-metallic sheathed wiring to be trimmed to length, attached to runners or to solid backing with fasteners at intervals of 4-1/2 ft. or less. Fasteners should be installed within 12 inches of all enclosures. A qualified, licensed electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, trim wire to length and/or install staples as needed.
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32) Repair/Replace - The ceiling insulation's R rating is significantly less than what's recommended for this area. Recommend having a qualified contractor install additional insulation as per standard building practices for better energy efficiency.
33) Repair/Replace - Ceiling insulation is uneven in some areas. This is likely due to someone having walked on or through the insulation. Recommend installing additional insulation where necessary to restore the original R rating.
34) Repair/Replace - Duct work for heating systems is damaged and needs replacement.
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35) Maintain - Attic area needs to be cleaned out.
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36) Evaluate, Monitor - Stains were visible on the roof structure in one or more areas. These areas were dry at the time of the inspection. The stains may be caused by a past leak. Recommend asking the property owner(s) about past leaks. The client(s) should monitor these areas in the future, especially after heavy rains, to determine if active leaks exist. If leaks are found, a qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
Electric service
Table of contents
Primary service type: Overhead
Primary service overload protection type: Fuses
Service amperage (amps): 100
Service voltage (volts): 120/240
Location of main disconnect: Pull block type fuse
Service entrance conductor material: Aluminum
System ground: Cold water supply pipes
Main disconnect rating (amps): 100
Branch circuit wiring type: (BX) Armor clad, Knob and tube, Copper
Solid strand aluminum branch circuit wiring present: Can't verify
Smoke detectors present: Yes
37) Safety, Major Defect, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The main service panel uses older style, screw-in fuses. This type of fuse allows anyone to install incorrectly rated fuses, possibly resulting in damage to wiring. Based on the age and/or appearance of the panel(s) using fuses, and/or deterioration of the panels or components inside, recommend having a qualified electrician replace this panel with a modern panel and circuit breakers. If the panel isn't replaced, then a qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
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38) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The service entrance wire insulation is frayed and/or deteriorated in one or more areas. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs or replace wires as necessary.
39) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more overcurrent protection devices (circuit breakers or fuses) are "double tapped", where 2 or more wires are 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.
40) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more clamps that secure the electric service's grounding electrode conductor(s) to the grounding rod(s) appear to be missing. Grounding may be inadequate as a result and may be a safety hazard for shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary.
41) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - This property has "knob and tube" wiring, which was commonly installed prior to 1950. It is ungrounded, and considered unsafe by today's standards. Over time, the wire's insulation may become brittle and fall apart or wear thin, resulting in exposed conductors and a risk of shock and/or fire. This wiring is also easily damaged by covering it with insulation (a common practice), and incorrectly tapping new wiring into it.

Some energized knob and tube wiring was found during the inspection. It is not within the scope of this inspection to determine what percentage of this property's wiring is of the knob and tube type, or to determine what percentage of the knob and tube wiring is energized vs. abandoned. A qualified electrician should evaluate this wiring and make repairs or replace wiring as necessary.

Note that some insurance companies may be unwilling to offer homeowner's insurance for properties with knob and tube wiring. Recommend that the client(s) consult with their insurance carrier regarding this.
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42) Major Defect, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The electric service to this property appears to be rated at substantially less than 200 amps, and may be inadequate for the client(s) needs. Recommend consulting with a qualified electrician about upgrading to a 200 amp service.
43) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The legend for overcurrent protection devices (breakers or fuses) in the main service panel is missing, unreadable or incomplete. Recommend installing, updating or correcting the legend as necessary so it's accurate. Evaluation by a qualified electrician may be necessary.
Water heater
Table of contents
Estimated age: 2007
Type: Tank
Energy source: Natural gas
Capacity (in gallons): 50
44) Safety, Repair/Replace - The vent flue pipe is loose and needs repair.
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Heating and cooling
Table of contents
Estimated age: Boiler unknown Forced air 2003
Primary heating system energy source: Natural gas
Primary heat system type: Forced air, Hot water
Primary A/C energy source: N/A
Primary Air conditioning type: N/A
Distribution system: Sheet metal ducts, Metal pipe
Manufacturer: RheemWise
45) Major Defect, Repair/Replace - The boiler is in poor condition, and will need replacement, damage from piping being stolen.
46) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The furnace did not respond when its controls were operated. This system was not fully evaluated. The client(s) should consult with the property owner(s) as to how it operates and have a qualified heating and cooling contractor evaluate and make repairs if necessary.
47) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The boiler did not respond when its controls were operated. This system was not fully evaluated. The client(s) should consult with the property owner(s) as to how it operates and have a qualified heating contractor evaluate and make repairs if necessary.
Plumbing and laundry
Table of contents
Location of main water shut-off valve: Basement
Location of main water meter: Basement
Location of main fuel shut-off: Gas meter
Water service: Public
Service pipe material: Galvanized steel
Supply pipe material: Copper, Galvanized steel
Vent pipe material: Galvanized steel
48) Safety, Repair/Replace - The clothes dryer is equipped with a vinyl or foil, accordion-type, flexible exhaust duct. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission considers these types of ducts to be unsafe, and a fire hazard. These types of ducts can trap lint and are susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the air flow. This duct should be replaced with a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, and by a qualified contractor if necessary. Most clothes dryer manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. For more information on dryer safety issues, see http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5022.html
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49) Major Defect, Repair/Replace - Some or most of the plumbing drain system is missing.
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50) - The main water supply systemis missing, and will need replacement.
Chimney type: MasonryPVC for heater
51) Comment - Fireplace is for decoration only, not operational
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Crawl space
Table of contents
Inspection method: Viewed from hatch
Insulation material underneath floor above: None visible
Pier or support post material: Bearing wall
Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
Vapor barrier present: No
52) Repair/Replace - No vapor barrier is installed. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms due to the likelihood of water evaporating into the structure from the soil. A qualified contractor should install a vapor barrier. Standard building practices require the following:
  • The soil below the vapor barrier should be smooth and free from sharp objects.
  • Seams should overlap a minimum of 12 inches.
  • The vapor barrier should lap up onto the foundation side walls.

  • Better building practices require that:
  • Seams and protrusions should be sealed with a pressure sensitive tape.
  • The vapor barrier should be caulked and attached tightly to the foundation side walls. For example, with furring strips and masonry nails.
Pier or support post material: Wood
Beam material: Solid wood
Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
53) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more joists are damaged due to non-standard or substandard notching and/or hole boring. Standard building practices specify the following limitations for notching and boring joists:
  • Notches should not be cut in the middle third of any joist
  • Notches should not be deeper than 1/6 of the joist depth
  • Notches should not be deeper than 1/4 of the joist depth at joist ends
  • Bored holes should not be closer than 2 inches to the edges of the joist
  • Bored holes should not be wider than 1/3 of the joist depth

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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54) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more electric receptacles and/or the boxes they are installed in are loose and/or not securely anchored. Wire conductors may be damaged due to repeated movement and/or tension on wires, or insulation may be damaged. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock and fire. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary.
55) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Some wiring is loose, unsupported, or inadequately supported. Standard building practices require non-metallic sheathed wiring to be trimmed to length, attached to runners or to solid backing with fasteners at intervals of 4-1/2 ft. or less. Fasteners should be installed within 12 inches of all enclosures. A qualified, licensed electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, trim wire to length and/or install staples as needed.
56) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Evidence of "light to moderate" rodent infestation was found in one or more areas. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines this as less than 20 feces per square foot. Rodent infestation may be a safety hazard due to the risk of contracting Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). HPS is a rare (only 20-50 cases per year in the United states) but deadly (40% mortality rate) disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. For example, from sweeping up rodent droppings.

Recommend following guidelines in the CDC's Clean Up, Trap Up, Seal Up article for eradicating rodents, cleaning up their waste and nesting materials, and preventing future infestations. While Hanta virus is believed to survive less than one week in droppings and urine, specific precautions should be taken during clean up. The client(s) may wish to consult with a qualified, licensed pest control operator for eliminating the infestation. A qualified licensed abatement contractor or industrial hygenist could be contacted for clean up. If the infestation was minimal, clean up of rodent waste and nesting materials in non-living spaces (crawl spaces and attics) may not be necessary, or may be performed for aesthetic reasons only (odor and appearance).
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57) Safety, Repair/Replace - One or more flights of stairs with more than two risers have no handrail installed. This is a safety hazard. A qualified contractor should install graspable handrails that your hand can completely encircle at stairs where missing, and as per standard building practices.
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58) Safety, Repair/Replace - Gaps larger than four inches were found in one or more guardrails. This is a safety hazard, especially for small children. A qualified contractor should make modifications as necessary so gaps in guardrails do not exceed four inches. For example, installing additional balusters or railing components.
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59) Safety, Minor Defect - Cover plate(s) are missing from one or more electric boxes, such as for receptacles, switches and/or junction boxes. They are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from exposed wires. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire and shock. Cover plates should be installed where missing.
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60) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Standing water and/or wet areas were found in one or more sections of the basement. Accumulated water is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms and should not be present in the basement. 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.
61) Repair/Replace - The exterior entrance door is damaged and/or deteriorated and should be repaired or replaced by a qualified contractor.
62) Safety, Repair/Replace - The range can tip forward, and no anti-tip bracket appears to be installed. This is a safety hazard since the range may tip forward when weight is applied to the open door, such as when a small child climbs on it, or if heavy objects are dropped on it. Anti-tip brackets have been sold with all free standing ranges since 1985. An anti-tip bracket should be installed to eliminate this safety hazard. For more information, visit http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/remodeling/article/0,1797,HGTV_3659_2017492,00.html
63) Safety, Repair/Replace - The gas valve for stove is located under the stove, this is a safety item, gas valve are to be accessible to operate
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64) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The water supply to the dishwasher appears to be inoperable. The shut-off valve may be turned off. The inspector was unable to fully evaluate the dishwasher and its drain system. The client(s) should ask the property owner(s) about this, and if necessary, a qualified plumber or appliance technician should evaluate and repair.
65) Repair/Replace - The bracket that attaches the dishwasher to the underside of the countertop is loose, missing or installed in a substandard way. Repairs should be made as necessary, such as installing or reinstalling the bracket, and by a qualified contractor if necessary.
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66) Repair/Replace - The metal ceiling in the kitchen area is water damaged from bathroom over kitchen, ceiling will have to be removed and replaced.
67) Repair/Replace - The wood flooring in the kitchen and dining room area are in poor condition and will need replacement
68) Comment - One or more kitchen appliances appear to be near, at, or beyond their intended service life of 10 to 15 years. Recommend budgeting for replacements as necessary.
69) Comment - No upper kitchen cabinets are installed.
70) Comment - The bathrooms had no power or water, and were not fully evaluated. The bathrooms are in fair to good condition with repairs needed to fixtures.
Interior rooms
Table of contents
71) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Few electric receptacles and two-pronged receptacles rather than three-pronged, grounded receptacles are installed in one or more interior rooms. This can result in "octopus" wiring with extension cords. Two-prong receptacles are considered unsafe by today's standards, and limit the ability to use appliances that require a ground in these rooms. This is a safety hazard for both fire and shock. 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 electrician should evaluate and install additional receptacles and grounded receptacles as per the client(s)' needs and standard building practices.
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72) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - This structure was built prior to 1979 and may contain lead paint. Laws were enacted in 1978 in the US preventing the use of lead paint in residential structures. Lead is a known safety hazard, especially to children but also to adults. Numerous areas of the paint found in and around this structure are in poor condition (peeling, flaking, etc.). Recommend consulting with a qualified industrial hygenist to determine the safest and most cost-effective action to take regarding the paint. Testing and/or abatement may be necessary. Also recommend following precautions as described in the following links to Consumer Products Safety Commission website articles regarding possible lead paint.

What You Should Know About Lead Based Paint in Your Home: Safety Alert - CPSC Document #5054

CPSC Warns About Hazards of "Do lt Yourself" Removal of Lead Based Paint: Safety Alert - CPSC Document #5055
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73) Safety, Repair/Replace - Based on the age of this structure and the appearance of existing smoke alarms, the alarms may be older than 10 years old. According to National Fire Protection Association, aging smoke alarms don't operate as efficiently and often are the source for nuisance alarms. Older smoke alarms are estimated to have a 30% probability of failure within the first 10 years. Newer smoke alarms do better, but should be replaced after 10 years. Unless you know that the smoke alarms are new, replacing them when moving into a new residence is also recommended by NFPA. For more information, visit this article: NFPA urges replacing home smoke alarms after 10 years.
74) Safety, Repair/Replace - Lamp holders or light fixtures with fully or partially exposed bulbs are installed in one or more closets. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire. Flammable stored items may come into contact with hot bulbs, and hot fragments from broken bulbs may fall on combustible materials. Standard building practices require closet lighting to use fluorescent light fixtures, or to use fully enclosed incandescent fixtures. Installing a compact fluorescent lamp in a lamp holder is not an acceptable practice. A qualified electrician should replace closet lights as necessary and as per standard building practices.
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75) Safety, Repair/Replace - One or more windows extend to within 18 inches of the floor and do not appear to be made of tempered glass. If the glass is not tempered, then this is a potential safety hazard. Typically a label is etched into the corner of tempered glass panes to indicate that they are tempered. The inspector was unable to find such labels. Recommend consulting with the property owner(s) and/or have a glass specialist evaluate to determine if glass is tempered and make repairs as necessary. If it cannot be determined that the glass is tempered, then a qualified contractor should either replace glass as necessary with tempered glass and as per standard building practices, or install protective devices as necessary, such as wooden bars.
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76) Safety, Minor Defect - Cover plate(s) are missing from one or more electric boxes, such as for receptacles, switches and/or junction boxes. They are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from exposed wires. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire and shock. Cover plates should be installed where missing.
77) Major Defect, Repair/Replace - The windows are screwed shut and could not be fully evaluated, they are older and need replacement.
78) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The doorbell appears to be inoperable. Recommend having a qualified electrician evaluate and repair as necessary.
79) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Stains and elevated levels of moisture were found in one or more ceiling areas. The stain(s) appear to be due to roof leaks. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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80) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Wood flooring in one or more areas is worn, damaged and/or cupping. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and refinish or replace wood flooring as necessary.
81) Repair/Replace - The exterior entrance door is damaged and/or deteriorated and should be repaired or replaced by a qualified contractor.
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82) Repair/Replace - One or more sliding glass doors are damaged and/or deteriorated. A qualified contractor should replace door(s) as necessary.
83) Monitor - Stains were found in one or more ceiling areas. However, no elevated levels of moisture were found. The stain(s) may be due to past roof and/or plumbing leaks. Recommend asking the property owner(s) about this, and monitoring the stained area(s) in the future, especially after heavy or prolonged rain. If elevated moisture is found in the future, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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Homestead Inspections llc
IL Lic # 450.0000756
773-457-4542
http://www.homesteadinspectionsllc.com