| Property Inspection Report | |
| Client(s): | Mr. Norris Clark |
| Property address: | 110 Little Hill Drive Stamford Ct. |
| Inspection date: | 02/24/2010 |
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.
| Safety | Poses a risk of injury or death |
| Major Defect | Correction likely involves a significant expense |
| 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 |
Click here for a glossary of building construction terms.
Contact your inspector if there are terms that you do not understand, or visit the glossary of construction terms at http://www.reporthost.com/glossary.asp| General information | Return to table of contents |
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 hygienists, 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:
Many wall, floor and/or ceiling surfaces were obscured by large amounts of furniture and/or stored items. Many areas couldn't be evaluated.
| Exterior | Return to table of contents |
One or more large trees on the property may be likely to fall on the structure, and are a potential safety hazard. Recommend consulting with a qualified arborist to determine if tree(s) need to be removed and/or pruned.
One or more retaining walls higher than three feet exist on this property and guardrails or barriers are missing or inadequate. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of falling. At a minimum, the client(s) should be aware of this hazard, especially when children are present. Ideally a qualified contractor should install adequate guardrails or make modifications to existing barriers as necessary above retaining walls higher than 3 feet to eliminate fall hazards. Dense shrubbery or vegetation may be acceptable as a barrier, but only when mature enough to be effective.
One or more outside faucets are missing backflow prevention devices. These devices reduce the likelihood of polluted or contaminated water entering the potable water supply. This condition can occur when an outside faucet is left in the "on" position with a hose connected and the sprayer head turned off. When pressure in the system fluctuates, water can be drawn back into the water supply pipes from the house. If a chemical sprayer is being used with the hose, those chemicals can enter the water supply pipes.
REAR YARD LANDSCAPE STAIRS ARE BUILT FROM LOOSE STONE AND ARE A TRIP HAZARD
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.
Rot was found in one or more areas on soffit boards. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, replacing all rotten wood.
One or more large trees are very close the foundation. Tree roots can cause significant structural damage to foundations. Recommend having a qualified tree service contractor or arborist remove trees as necessary to prevent damage to the structure's foundation.
Siding is incomplete or missing in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should install siding where missing to prevent water and vermin intrusion.
Vegetation such as trees, shrubs and/or vines are in contact with or less than one foot from the structure's exterior. Vegetation can serve as a conduit for wood destroying insects and may retain moisture against the exterior after it rains. Vegetation should be pruned and/or removed as necessary to maintain a one foot clearance between it and the structure's exterior.
Trees and/or shrubs are in contact with or are close to the roof edge(s) in one or more areas. Damage to the roof may result, especially during high winds. Vegetation can also act as a conduit for wood destroying insects. Vegetation should be pruned back and/or removed as necessary to prevent damage and infestation by wood destroying insects.
The exterior finish in some areas is failing. A qualified contractor should prep (pressure wash, scrape, sand, prime caulk, etc.) and repaint or restain areas as needed and as per standard building practices.
| Roof | Return to table of contents |
THIS NEWLY INSTALLED ROOF APPEARS TO BE UNFINISHED OR NOT PROPERLY TRIMMED ON BOTH GABLE ENDS. THIS IS CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL SERVICE WIRING TO BE IN CONTACT WITH ROOFING MATERIAL
The roof structure below the surface is "skip sheathed" where batten boards rather than sheets of plywood support the roof surface. Installing a composition fiberglass or asphalt roof in the future will require the additional expense of installing sheathing, such as plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) over the batten boards.
One or more "rubber boot" flashings are lifting at the base or are improperly installed so that water or vermin intrusion may occur. A qualified contractor should make repairs as necessary, such as permanently fastening down the lifted edge(s), or reinstalling flashings.
Trees are overhanging roof and are within 10 feet of roof vertically. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms since organic debris such as leaves or needles are more likely to accumulate on the roof surface. Accumulated debris may cause water to enter gaps in the roof surface and leak into attic and/or interior spaces. Trees should be pruned so they are at least 10 feet above roof, or don't overhang the roof.
Trees and/or shrubs are in contact with or are close to the roof edge(s) in one or more areas. Damage to the roof may result, especially during high winds. Vegetation can also act as a conduit for wood destroying insects. Vegetation should be pruned back and/or removed as necessary to prevent damage and infestation by wood destroying insects.
RECCOMEND CLIENT SECURE ROOF WARRENTY FROM INSTALLER BEFORE PURCHASE
| Garage | Return to table of contents |
Extension cords are being used as permanent wiring in one or more areas. They should only be used for portable equipment on a temporary basis. Using extension cords as permanent wiring poses a fire and shock hazard, and is an indication that wiring is inadequate and should be updated. Extension cords may be undersized. Connections may not be secure, resulting in power fluctuations, damage to equipment, and sparks that could start a fire. Extension cords should be removed as necessary, or a qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, install additional circuits and/or electric receptacles.
Flexible lamp or appliance cord is being used for permanent wiring in one or more areas. This wiring is not intended to be used as permanent wiring, and poses a safety hazard of shock and fire. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
The garage-house door isn't equipped with an automatic closing device such as sprung hinges. This door should close and latch automatically to prevent vehicle fumes from entering living spaces and/or to slow the spread of fire from the garage to living spaces. A qualified contractor should install automatic closing device(s) as necessary, and as per standard building practices, so this door closes and latches automatically.
Water stains are visible on the vehicle door. This is a sign of water intrusion. No significant repairs appear to be needed, but gaps should be sealed with caulk to prevent water damage. Exterior surfaces should be maintained with paint, stain or finish as necessary.
ADVISE CLIENT TO WITNESS GARAGE DOOR OPERATION BY HOMEOWNER.. DOORS WERE UNACCESIBLE AT TIME OF INSPECTION
Most areas inside the garage, including the perimeter, areas in the center, and one or more vehicle doors were obscured by stored items and/or debris and couldn't be fully evaluated.
| Attic | Return to table of contents |
Extension cords are being used as permanent wiring in one or more areas. They should only be used for portable equipment on a temporary basis. Using extension cords as permanent wiring poses a fire and shock hazard, and is an indication that wiring is inadequate and should be updated. Extension cords may be undersized. Connections may not be secure, resulting in power fluctuations, damage to equipment, and sparks that could start a fire. Extension cords should be removed as necessary, or a qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, install additional circuits and/or electric receptacles.
ATTIC ACCESS DOOR AND STAIRS ARE BUILT IN A SUB - STANDARD WAY. STAIRS ARE A HAZARD DUE TO NON - CONFORMING RISER HEIGHT ECT..
ATTIC DOOR DID NOT CLOSE CORRECTLY AND WAS MISSING DOOR KNOB
No weatherstrip is installed around the attic access hatch. Weatherstrip should be installed around the hatch to prevent heated interior air from entering attic.
Some attic areas were inaccessible due to lack of permanently installed walkways, the possibility of damage to insulation, low height and/or stored items. These areas are excluded from this inspection.
A PORTION OF ATTIC IS FINISHED AND BEING USED AS A STUDIO. THIS PORTION IS UNHEATED AND WITHOUT PROPER ELECTRICAL DEVICES OR SMOKE DETECTION AND THEREFORE CONSIDERED NON HABITAL SPACE, AND ONLY FINISHED STORAGE.
| Electric service | Return to table of contents |
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.
The inspector didn't remove the main service panel cover due to the equipment being energized. This is a severe safety hazard due to the risk of shock. The panel wasn't fully evaluated. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
The service drop wires are less than three feet above one or more sections of roof with a slope of 3/12 (three inches vertical for every 12 inches horizontal) or more. This is a safety hazard for shock since people on the roof may come into contact with the service drop wires. The utility company and/or a qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary.
The service drop wires are less than 18 inches above one or more roof ridges. This is a safety hazard for shock since the wiring may be damaged if it comes in contact with the roof ridge, for example during high winds. People walking on the roof may also come into contact with the service drop wires. The utility company and/or a qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary.
The main service panel uses older style, Edison base fuses. This type of fuse allows anyone to install incorrectly rated fuses, possibly resulting in damage to wiring. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate this panel and the wiring to determine if damage has occurred, and repair or replace components and/or wiring as necessary.
| Water heater | Return to table of contents |
| Heating and cooling | Return to table of contents |
A NO LONGER IN SERVICE 275 GALLON OIL TANK STILL EXISTS IN THE BASEMENT. RECCOMEND HAVING TANK PROPERLY REMOVED .
| Plumbing and laundry | Return to table of contents |
Copper water supply pipes in homes built prior to 1986 may be joined with solder that contains lead. Lead is a known health hazard, especially for children. Laws were passed in 1985 prohibiting the use of lead in solder, but prior to that solder normally contained about 50 percent lead. The client(s) should be aware of this, especially if children will be living in this structure. Evaluating for the presence of lead in this structure is not included in this inspection. The client(s) should consider having a qualified lab test for lead, and if necessary take steps to reduce or remove lead from the water supply. Various solutions such as these may be advised:| Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys | Return to table of contents |
A significant amount of creosote (1/8 inch or more) is visible in the fireplace flue. A qualified chimney service contractor should inspect, clean, and repair if necessary now and annually in the future.
One or more chimney flue openings do not have a screen installed. Screens prevent the following:
One or more chimney flues do not have a rainproof cover installed. They prevent the following:
INSPECTOR UNABLE TO DETERMINE PROPER CHIMNEY / FLUE LINING MATERIAL DUE TO ECCESSIVE SOOT AND VISABILITY. RECCOMEND CHIMNEY / FLUE BE EVALUATED BY LISCENSED CHIMNEY CONTRACTOR
Significant amounts of ashes, wood and/or debris are in the fireplace. The inspector was unable to fully evaluate it.
All solid fuel burning appliances (woodstoves and fireplaces, etc.) should be inspected annually by a qualified chimney service contractor, cleaned and repaired as necessary.
| Basement | Return to table of contents |
Extension cords are being used as permanent wiring in one or more areas. They should only be used for portable equipment on a temporary basis. Using extension cords as permanent wiring poses a fire and shock hazard, and is an indication that wiring is inadequate and should be updated. Extension cords may be undersized. Connections may not be secure, resulting in power fluctuations, damage to equipment, and sparks that could start a fire. Extension cords should be removed as necessary, or a qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, install additional circuits and/or electric receptacles.
Flexible lamp or appliance cord is being used for permanent wiring in one or more areas. This wiring is not intended to be used as permanent wiring, and poses a safety hazard of shock and fire. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
Stairs are unsafe due to a non-standard configuration, such as too-high riser heights and/or too-narrow tread depths. Standard building practices call for riser heights not to exceed eight inches and tread depths to be at least nine inches but preferably 11 inches. Riser heights should not vary more than 3/8 inch on a flight of stairs. At a minimum, the client(s) should be aware of this hazard, especially when guests who are not familiar with the stairs are present. Ideally a qualified contractor should repair or replace stairs so they conform to standard building practices.| Kitchen | Return to table of contents |
One or more ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) electric receptacles did not trip when tested with the inspector's test instrument. These devices should trip when tested with a test instrument in addition to tripping via the test buttons on the receptacles. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary.
One or more electric receptacles that serve countertop surfaces within six feet of a sink 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 evaluate to determine if GFCI protection exists, and if not, repairs should be made so that all receptacles that serve countertop surfaces within six feet of sinks have GFCI protection. For example, install GFCI receptacles or circuit breaker(s) as needed.
One or more faucet handles are loose or missing and should be repaired or replaced as necessary.
One or more cabinets and/or drawers are damaged and/or deteriorated. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace cabinets and/or components as necessary.
Wood flooring in one or more areas is worn, damaged and/or cupping. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and refinish wood flooring as necessary.
One or more sink drains use flexible drain pipe. This type of drain pipe is more likely to clog than smooth wall pipe. Recommend having a qualified plumber replace this pipe with standard plumbing components (smooth wall pipe) to prevent clogged drains.
WOOD TRIM IS UNFINISHED AROUND KITCHEN WINDOWS AND BASEBOARDS
GAS STOVE / RANGE WAS DIRTY AND IN NEED OF CLEANING
NO DISHWASHER INSTALLED
| Bathrooms | Return to table of contents |
One or more electric receptacles that serve countertop surfaces within six feet of a sink 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 evaluate to determine if GFCI protection exists, and if not, repairs should be made so that all receptacles that serve countertop surfaces within six feet of sinks have GFCI protection. For example, install GFCI receptacles or circuit breaker(s) as needed.
HALL BATH SHOWER VALVE IS THREE HANDLE TYPE AND THERFORE HAS NO ANTI - SCALD OR PRESSURE BALANCING DEVICES. THIS POSES A SAFETY HAZARD ESPECIALLY FOR SMALL CHILDREN.
HALF BATH LIGHT HAD TO BE OPERATED BY PULL CHAIN WITHIN LIGHT FIXTURE ABOVE SINK.
Tile and/or grout around one or more bathtubs is damaged or deteriorated. For example, deteriorated or missing grout, cracked, missing or loose tiles, etc. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair tile and/or grout as necessary.
Tile, stone and/or grout flooring is damaged and/or deteriorated in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, replacing broken tiles and deteriorated grout, and resealing grout.
HALL BATHROOM TUB DRAIN STOPPER MECHANISM DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. WATER DID NOT DRAIN WITHOUT ASSISTANCE.
One or more bathrooms with a shower do not have an exhaust fan installed. Moisture accumulation will occur and may damage the structure. Even if the bathroom has a window that opens, it likely does not provide adequate ventilation, especially during cold weather when the window is closed. A qualified contractor should install exhaust fans as per standard building practices where missing in bathrooms with showers.
One or more sink stopper mechanisms are missing, or need adjustment or repair. Stopper mechanisms should be installed where missing and/or repairs should be made so sink stoppers open and close easily.
One or more sinks are clogged or drain slowly. Drain(s) should be cleared as necessary, and by a qualified plumber if necessary.
One or more bathtub drains are clogged or drain slowly. Drain(s) should be cleared as necessary, and by a qualified plumber if necessary.
HALF BATH DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH / LOCK PROPERLY.
NEITHER BATH HAD ELECTRICAL OUTLETS IN WALL ADJACENT TO LAV. SINKS. ONLY DEVICES WERE IN COMBINATION WITH ABOVE LIGHTING
| Interior rooms | Return to table of contents |
Relatively few electric receptacles are installed in one or more interior rooms. This can result in "octopus" wiring with extension cords, which is a fire hazard. A qualified electrician should evaluate and install additional receptacles as necessary and as per standard building practices.
Two-pronged electric receptacles rather than three-pronged, grounded receptacles are installed in one or more interior rooms. They are considered to be unsafe by today's standards and limit the ability to use appliances that require a ground in these rooms. Examples of appliances that require grounded receptacles include:
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:
The light fixture in one or more long hallways is controlled by a single switch at one end. This is a safety hazard due to inadequate lighting. The light should be controlled by three-way switches near each end of the hallway so it can be easily operated at both ends. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
No smoke alarms are visible. This is a safety hazard. A qualified electrician should install smoke alarms as per standard building practices (functioning one exists in hallways leading to bedrooms, and in each bedroom, etc.). For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html
One or more electric receptacles are broken or damaged. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire and shock. A qualified electrician should replace them as necessary.
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.
One or more bedroom windows have inadequate egress in the event of a fire due to their being too high from the floor, having too small of an opening, and/or being unable to open. Bedroom windows should be easy to open, stay open by themselves, and have:
One or more entry doors have deadbolts installed with no handle, and require a key to open them from both sides. This can be a safety hazard in the event of a fire when the key is not available. The door cannot be used as an exit then, causing entrapment. Key-only deadbolts should be replaced with deadbolts that have a handle on the inside on entry doors in rooms with no other adequate egress nearby.
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.
The sash spring mechanism(s) in one or more windows are broken or loose. A qualified contractor or service technician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary so the window(s) operate as intended (open easily, stay open without support, close easily, etc.).
Screen(s) in one or more windows are missing. The client(s) should ask the property owner(s) about this. Screens are often removed for window cleaning and they may be stored somewhere. If not, then recommend installing screens where missing.
Wood flooring in one or more areas is worn, damaged and/or cupping. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and refinish wood flooring as necessary.
One or more windows that were built to open, will not open, or open only minimally due to their being painted shut, damaged and/or deteriorated in some way. Repairs should be made as necessary, and by a qualified contractor if necessary so windows open fully, and open and close easily.
Lock mechanisms on one or more windows are missing and/or damaged so that they are inoperable. Repairs should be made by a qualified contractor or service technician so that windows lock and unlock easily.
Glass in one or more windows is broken. A qualified contractor should replace glass where necessary.
Screen(s) in one or more windows are torn or have holes in them. Screens should be replaced where necessary.
One or more locksets are loose and should be tightened, repaired and or replaced as necessary.
One or more exterior entrance doors are damaged and/or deteriorated and should be repaired or replaced by a qualified contractor.
Trim is missing in one or more areas. Recommend having a qualified contractor install trim where missing.