1) One or more hornet, bee or wasp nests were found at the building exterior. These can pose a safety hazard. A qualified person should remove nests or exterminate as necessary.

4) Flashing appeared to be missing from above one or more deck or porch ledger boards, or could not be verified. Missing flashing at this location can cause moisture to accumulate between the ledger boards and the building. Fungal rot may occur in this area and cause the ledger board fasteners to fail. The deck may separate from the building in this event. This is a potential safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified contractor install flashing above ledger boards per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?LB
http://www.reporthost.com/?SD

40) One or more electric receptacles at the kitchen had no visible ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection, or the inspector was unable to determine if GFCI protection was present. If not GFCI-protected, receptacles in wet areas pose a shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and install GFCI protection if necessary and per standard building practices. General guidelines for GFCI-protected receptacles include the following locations:

• Outdoors (since 1973)
• Bathrooms (since 1975)
• Garages (since 1978)
• Kitchens (since 1987)
• Crawl spaces and unfinished basements (since 1990)
• Wet bar sinks (since 1993)
• Laundry and utility sinks (since 2005)

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

41) One or more receptacles were broken or damaged. This is a potential shock or fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician replace such receptacles as necessary.

42) One or more cover plates installed outside were not rated for exterior use. This is a potential shock and fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices.

43) Based on the age of this structure and the appearance of existing smoke alarms, the alarms may have been installed more than 10 years ago. 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:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRMLS

44) Carbon monoxide alarms were missing from one or more sleeping areas. 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

45) One or more "plug-in" type carbon monoxide alarms were found. Because such CO alarms can be easily removed, recommend that the client verify that CO alarms haven't been removed upon taking occupancy. If removed, then recommend installing new CO alarms outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms on each level and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Note that some states and/or municipalities require CO alarms to be installed for new construction and/or for homes being sold. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?COALRM

56) One or more wood stoves appeared to be old and had no visible EPA certification label. Wood stoves not certified by the EPA are typically much less efficient and much more polluting than modern, EPA-certified stoves. Some states, including Oregon, require that wood stoves with no EPA certification be removed when a home is sold. Insurance companies deny coverage because of them. Recommend that a qualified specialist evaluate to determine if the stove is certified, and to determine if it's installed safely. Recommend removing or replacing wood stoves that are not EPA-certified. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?OLDSTOVE

57) The single-wall metal stove pipe appears to pass through a combustible surface, or through a concealed space. Single-wall stove pipe should only be used as a connector to a chimney that is approved for installation through combustible spaces. This is a fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified contractor investigate and repair per standard building practices.

58) One or more wood-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 wood-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

59) One or more chimney flue terminations had no spark screen. Spark screens reduce the chance of embers exiting the flue and causing fires. They also prevent wildlife (e.g. birds, rodents, raccoons) from entering flues. Recommend that a qualified person install spark screens per standard building practices where missing.

60) The wood stove appeared to be too close to combustibles. General guidelines require clearances of at least 48 inches between most wood stoves and surrounding combustible surfaces, or at least 38 inches when approved shielding is present. Many wood stoves have reduced minimum clearances, but it is beyond the scope of this inspection for the inspector to determine such manufacturer-specific information. Recommend reviewing documentation, or that a qualified specialist evaluate, to determine if the wood stove is installed per the manufacturer's specifications. Any repairs or modifications needed should be made by a qualified contractor.

62) The range could tip forward. An anti-tip bracket may not be installed. This is a potential safety hazard since the range can 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. Recommend installing an anti-tip bracket to eliminate this safety hazard. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ATB

72) The sash-side spring mechanisms in one or more windows were broken, loose or disconnected. The window(s) were difficult to operate as a result, and not square in their frames or tracks. Recommend that a qualified contractor or service technician repair as necessary so windows open and close easily, and stay open without support.