Hensley Home Check, LLC
24 Vesta Sue Court
Jonesborough TN 37659-5704
Inspector: Michael Hensley
State of Tennessee #1378
Summary
| Client(s): | Mr. and Mrs. Homeowner |
| Property address: | Anytown, USA |
| Inspection date: | Friday, September 01, 2017 |
This report published on Sunday, November 26, 2017 5:51:21 PM EST
The following is a summary of my findings during this inspection. Though this property had many features in excellent condition and of high quality, home inspections by nature are meant to focus on areas of concern. These are items I feel are worthy of attention, investigation, or improvement. Some conditions require a skilled specialist, and others can be easily handled by a homeowner. Please keep in mind that all homes, regardless of their age, have some number of defects. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions or concerns after reading the full report.
Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types:
 | Safety | Poses a safety hazard |
 | Repair/Replace | Recommend repairing or replacing |
 | Repair/Maintain | Recommend repair and/or maintenance |
 | Minor Defect | Correction likely involves only a minor expense |
 | Maintain | Recommend ongoing maintenance |
 | Evaluate | Recommend evaluation by a specialist |
 | Comment | For your information |
Grounds
1
- Handrails at one or more flights of stairs were missing. This is a potential fall hazard. Handrails should be installed at stairs with four or more risers or where stairs are greater than 30 inches high. Recommend that a qualified contractor install handrails where missing and per standard building practices.
- Handrails at one or more flights of stairs were missing. This is a potential fall hazard. Handrails should be installed at stairs with four or more risers or where stairs are greater than 30 inches high. Recommend that a qualified contractor install handrails where missing and per standard building practices.
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2
- 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.
- 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.
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3
- Guardrails at one or more locations with drop-offs higher than 30 inches were loose, and pose a fall hazard. Recommend that a qualified person repair guardrails as necessary.
- Guardrails at one or more locations with drop-offs higher than 30 inches were loose, and pose a fall hazard. Recommend that a qualified person repair guardrails as necessary.
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4
- The horizontal railings have been known to entice children use them as a ladder. Although functional and of sound structure be aware of this hazard.
- The horizontal railings have been known to entice children use them as a ladder. Although functional and of sound structure be aware of this hazard.
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5
- Some areas around the exterior of the home have holes present. Recommend filling in the holes as needed.
- Some areas around the exterior of the home have holes present. Recommend filling in the holes as needed.
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Exterior and Foundation
6
- Caulk was missing in some areas. For example, at wall penetrations. 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
- Caulk was missing in some areas. For example, at wall penetrations. 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 6-1 |
Basement
7
- Some of the nuts on the anchor bolts in the Mechanical Room were not fully tightend. Recommend a contractor evaluate and repair if needed.
- Some of the nuts on the anchor bolts in the Mechanical Room were not fully tightend. Recommend a contractor evaluate and repair if needed.
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Roof
8
- Some composition shingles were damaged. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. For example, by replacing shingles.
- Some composition shingles were damaged. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. For example, by replacing shingles.
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9
- One or more gutters had a substandard slope so that significant amounts of water accumulate in them rather than draining through the downspouts. This can cause gutters to overflow, especially when debris such as leaves or needles has accumulated in them. Rainwater can come in contact with the building exterior or accumulate around the foundation as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by correcting the slope in gutters or installing additional downspouts and extensions.
- One or more gutters had a substandard slope so that significant amounts of water accumulate in them rather than draining through the downspouts. This can cause gutters to overflow, especially when debris such as leaves or needles has accumulated in them. Rainwater can come in contact with the building exterior or accumulate around the foundation as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by correcting the slope in gutters or installing additional downspouts and extensions.
 Photo 9-1 |
10
- 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.
- 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.
 Photo 10-1 |
Electric
14
- One or more circuit breakers in panel(s) #A, B and C were "double tapped," where two or more wires were installed in the breaker's lug. Most breakers are designed for only one wire to be connected. This is a safety hazard since the lug bolt can tighten securely against one wire but leave other(s) loose. Arcing, sparks and fires can result. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?DBLTAP
- One or more circuit breakers in panel(s) #A, B and C were "double tapped," where two or more wires were installed in the breaker's lug. Most breakers are designed for only one wire to be connected. This is a safety hazard since the lug bolt can tighten securely against one wire but leave other(s) loose. Arcing, sparks and fires can result. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary. For more information, visit:http://www.reporthost.com/?DBLTAP
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15
- One or more knockouts were missing from panel(s) #A. Holes in panels are a potential fire hazard if a malfunction ever occurs inside the panel. Rodents can also enter panels through holes. Recommend that a qualified person install knockout covers where missing and per standard building practices.
- One or more knockouts were missing from panel(s) #A. Holes in panels are a potential fire hazard if a malfunction ever occurs inside the panel. Rodents can also enter panels through holes. Recommend that a qualified person install knockout covers where missing and per standard building practices.
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16
- One or more cover plates for receptacles were missing or broken. These plates are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from occurring due to exposed wires. Recommend that a qualified person install cover plates where necessary.
- One or more cover plates for receptacles were missing or broken. These plates are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from occurring due to exposed wires. Recommend that a qualified person install cover plates where necessary.
 Photo 16-1 |
17
- The functionality of, power source for and placement of smoke alarms is not determined as part of this inspection. Smoke alarms should be installed in each bedroom, in hallways leading to bedrooms, on each level and in attached garages. They have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every 10 years. Batteries in smoke alarms should be changed when taking occupancy and annually in the future. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed near sleeping areas and on each level in homes with a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRM
http://www.reporthost.com/?COALRM
- The functionality of, power source for and placement of smoke alarms is not determined as part of this inspection. Smoke alarms should be installed in each bedroom, in hallways leading to bedrooms, on each level and in attached garages. They have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every 10 years. Batteries in smoke alarms should be changed when taking occupancy and annually in the future. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed near sleeping areas and on each level in homes with a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage. For more information, visit:http://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRM
http://www.reporthost.com/?COALRM
18
- Some light fixtures had inoperable bulbs installed at the time of inspection. Recommend replacing the bulbs and have a electrician evaluate and repair if needed.
- Some light fixtures had inoperable bulbs installed at the time of inspection. Recommend replacing the bulbs and have a electrician evaluate and repair if needed.
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19
- One or more light fixtures were inoperable (didn't turn on when nearby switches were operated). Recommend further evaluation by replacing bulbs and/or consulting with the property owner. If replacing bulbs doesn't work and/or no other switch(es) can be found, then recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair or replace light fixtures as necessary.
- One or more light fixtures were inoperable (didn't turn on when nearby switches were operated). Recommend further evaluation by replacing bulbs and/or consulting with the property owner. If replacing bulbs doesn't work and/or no other switch(es) can be found, then recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair or replace light fixtures as necessary.
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Plumbing / Fuel Systems
22
- 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
- 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 22-1 |
Water Heater
24
- The water heater on the left side had some dry staining present at the time of inspection. Recommend verifying with the owner about the staining and repair if needed.
- The water heater on the left side had some dry staining present at the time of inspection. Recommend verifying with the owner about the staining and repair if needed.
 Photo 24-1 |
Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC)
26
- What appeared to be a condensate drain line was sweating and had stained the concrete floor at some point. Recommend a Heat and Air contractor evaluate and repair as needed.
- What appeared to be a condensate drain line was sweating and had stained the concrete floor at some point. Recommend a Heat and Air contractor evaluate and repair as needed.
 Photo 26-1 |
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27
- The inspector was unable to locate an air filter for the heat and air unit. Recommend verifying with the owner about the location of the air filter.
- The inspector was unable to locate an air filter for the heat and air unit. Recommend verifying with the owner about the location of the air filter.
Kitchen
30
- Cabinet hardware such as hydraulic cylinders were loose, missing, or broken. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.
- Cabinet hardware such as hydraulic cylinders were loose, missing, or broken. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.
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31
- The sink sprayer was malfunctioning. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.
- The sink sprayer was malfunctioning. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.
 Photo 31-1 |
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Bathrooms, Laundry and Sinks
33
- The toilet at location(s) #B was loose where it attached to the floor. Leaks can occur. Flooring, the sub-floor or areas below may get damaged. Sewer gases can enter living spaces. Recommend that a qualified contractor remove the toilet(s) for further evaluation and repair if necessary. A new wax ring should be installed and toilet(s) should be securely anchored to the floor to prevent movement and leaking.
- The toilet at location(s) #B was loose where it attached to the floor. Leaks can occur. Flooring, the sub-floor or areas below may get damaged. Sewer gases can enter living spaces. Recommend that a qualified contractor remove the toilet(s) for further evaluation and repair if necessary. A new wax ring should be installed and toilet(s) should be securely anchored to the floor to prevent movement and leaking.
 Photo 33-1 |
34
- The sink at location(s) #A and B drained slowly. Recommend clearing drain and/or having a qualified plumber repair if necessary.
- The sink at location(s) #A and B drained slowly. Recommend clearing drain and/or having a qualified plumber repair if necessary.
 Photo 34-1 |
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35
- Tile and/or grout in the shower enclosure at location(s) #D were deteriorated (cracked grout). Water can damage the wall structure as a result. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.
- Tile and/or grout in the shower enclosure at location(s) #D were deteriorated (cracked grout). Water can damage the wall structure as a result. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.
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36
- The hand held shower head was leaking at the hose attachment point. Recommend repair as needed.
- The hand held shower head was leaking at the hose attachment point. Recommend repair as needed.
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Interior, Doors and Windows
37
- One or more interior doors wouldn't latch or were difficult to latch. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by adjusting latch plates or locksets.
- One or more interior doors wouldn't latch or were difficult to latch. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by adjusting latch plates or locksets.
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38
- Nail pops and/or blemishes were found in walls and/or ceilings in one or more areas. Cracks and nail pops are common, are often caused by lumber shrinkage or minor settlement, and can be more or less noticeable depending on changes in humidity. They did not appear to be a structural concern, but the client may wish to repair these for aesthetic reasons. For recurring cracks, consider using an elastic crack covering product:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ECC
- Nail pops and/or blemishes were found in walls and/or ceilings in one or more areas. Cracks and nail pops are common, are often caused by lumber shrinkage or minor settlement, and can be more or less noticeable depending on changes in humidity. They did not appear to be a structural concern, but the client may wish to repair these for aesthetic reasons. For recurring cracks, consider using an elastic crack covering product:http://www.reporthost.com/?ECC
 Photo 38-1 |
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39
- Some of the ceiling tile in the security closet were damaged. Recommend repair as needed.
- Some of the ceiling tile in the security closet were damaged. Recommend repair as needed.
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Wood Destroying Organism Findings
40
- Evidence of past infestation of carpenter bees was found at location(s) #A in the form of galleries in wood with repaired areas. Recommend the following:
- Evidence of past infestation of carpenter bees was found at location(s) #A in the form of galleries in wood with repaired areas. Recommend the following:- Correct any conducive conditions for wood-destroying organisms mentioned in this report.
- Consult with the property owner about any history of infestation.
- Have a state-licensed pest control operator evaluate further and treat as necessary.
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41
- Evidence of past infestation of unspecified wood-destroying organism was found at location(s) #B in the form of holes in trim with visible trim damage. Recommend the following:
- Evidence of past infestation of unspecified wood-destroying organism was found at location(s) #B in the form of holes in trim with visible trim damage. Recommend the following:- Correct any conducive conditions for wood-destroying organisms mentioned in this report.
- Consult with the property owner about any history of infestation.
- Have a state-licensed pest control operator evaluate further and treat as necessary.
 Photo 41-1 Located on the side of the garage leading to the kitchen exterior door.
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