This report published on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 1:17:34 PM EST
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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
Maintain
Recommend ongoing maintenance
Evaluate
Recommend evaluation by a specialist
Serviceable
Item or component is in serviceable condition
Comment
For your information
Grounds
1) Ledger boards for one or more decks, balconies or porches appeared to be attached with nails only. This method of attachment is substandard and may result in such structures separating from the main building. This is a potential safety hazard. Modern standards call for ledger boards to be installed with 1/2 inch lag screws or bolts into solid backing, and brackets such as Simpson Strong Tie DTT2 brackets and threaded rod, connecting interior and exterior joists. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices. For more information, visit: https://www.reporthost.com/?LB https://www.reporthost.com/?SD
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2) Deck posts properly installed in cement footings.
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3) Wheelchair ramp installed as well as paver walkway.
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4) Several retaining walls show signs of moss growth. This can easily be power washed to remove the growth.
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Exterior and Foundation
5) Some sections of siding and/or trim were missing and/or damaged. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install siding or trim as necessary.
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6) Flashing at one or more locations was corroded. Leaks can occur as a result. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install flashing as necessary, and per standard building practices.
This was found on both sides of the garage. This is usually caused by using pressure treated wood touching the bare metal.
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7) One or more minor cracks (1/8 inch or less) were found in the foundation. These didn't appear to be a structural concern, but recommend sealing them to prevent water infiltration and monitor them in the future. Numerous products exist to seal such cracks including hydraulic cement, non-shrinking grout, resilient caulks and epoxy sealants.
8) The paint or stain finish in some areas was failing (e.g. peeling, faded, worn, thinning). Siding and trim with a failing finish can be damaged by moisture. Recommend that a qualified contractor prep (e.g. clean, scrape, sand, prime, caulk) and repaint or restain the building exterior where necessary and per standard building practices. Any repairs needed to the siding or trim should be made prior to this.
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Basement
9) No issues with the basement entrance.
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10) Some areas were not evaluated due to lack of access from stored items. These areas are excluded from the inspection.
Roof
11) Some composition shingles were missing and/or 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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12) Moss was growing on the roof. As a result, shingles can lift or be damaged. Leaks can result and/or the roof surface can fail prematurely. Efforts should be made to kill the moss during its growing season (wet months). Typically, zinc or phosphate-based chemicals are used for this and must be applied periodically. For information on various moss treatment products and their pros and cons, visit: https://www.reporthost.com/?MOSS
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13) Gutters are full with leaves. Recommend having the leaves removed to allow proper water flow to the downspouts.
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14) Downspout should be extended so water doesn't run down the steps.
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15) Outside of the moss and the missing ridge vent shingles, no other issues were discovered.
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Attic and Roof Structure
16) One or more gable end vents were damaged or significantly deteriorated. This can result in bird, vermin and/or water intrusion. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace gable end vents as necessary. A screen was installed to prevent access from birds.
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17) 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).
Compacted insulation is expected from a home which is about 60 years old.
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Garage or Carport
19) Some floor areas were obscured by stored items and couldn't be fully evaluated.
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Electric
20) Panel(s) #A were rust. This is a potential shock and fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair as necessary.
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21) One or more electric receptacles at the 1/2 bath and/or full bath 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)
22) 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.
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23) One or more smoke alarms were missing, damaged, or missing components. Smoke alarms should be replaced as necessary. For more information, visit: https://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRM
24) 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: https://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRMLS
25) One or more receptacles have been painted, and slots were clogged with paint. Recommend that a qualified electrician replace such receptacles as necessary.
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26) One or more globes or covers for light fixtures were missing or damaged. Recommend replacing as necessary to avoid exposed bulbs. With closet lighting or where flammable stored objects are near light fixtures, missing or broken covers can be a fire hazard.
29) Recommend having an electrician to look at the corrosion on several brewakers to see if they may need to be replaced.
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Plumbing / Fuel Systems
30) 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
35) Several of the baseboard covers are loose. Recommend snapping them back on.
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36) The outdoor air temperature was below 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the inspection. Air conditioning systems can be damaged if operated during such low temperatures. Because of this, the inspector was unable to operate and fully evaluate the cooling system.
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37) Ductless unit label is worn. Unable to find model and serial #.
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38) Boiler tested and found to be working properly. All zones were checked. Serial number indicates that the boiler was manufactured in 1992. The boiler is 32 years. The life expectancy for a cast iron boiler is at least 30 years.
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Fireplaces, Stoves, Chimneys and Flues
39) One or more masonry chimney crowns were worn and/or cracked. Crowns are meant to keep water off of the chimney structure and prevent damage from freeze-thaw cycles. Chimney crowns are commonly constructed by mounding concrete or mortar on the top chimney surface, however this is substandard. A properly constructed chimney crown should:
Be constructed using either precast concrete slabs, cast-in-place steel reinforced concrete, solid stone, or metal
Be sloped down from the flue a minimum of 3 inches of fall per foot of run
Extend a minimum of 2 1/2 inches beyond the face of the chimney on all sides
Not directly contact the flue liner (if installed), with the gap filled with flexible caulk
Have flashing installed between the bottom of the crown and the top of the brick chimney
Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace crowns as necessary, and per standard building practices.
41) Recommend moving firewood away from the side of the home. This will attract unwanted insects that can damage the exterior of the home.
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Kitchen
42) The exhaust fan over the range recirculated the exhaust air back into the kitchen. This may be due to no duct being installed, baffles not being installed, or problems with duct work. This can be a nuisance for odor and grease accumulation. Where a gas-fired range or cook top is installed, carbon monoxide and excessive levels of moisture can accumulate in living spaces. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary so exhaust air is ducted outdoors.
Bathrooms, Laundry and Sinks
43) One or more handles controlling water flow to the shower at location(s) #B were loose. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace handles as necessary.
The handle flange is loose, Water can get in between the handle and wall. Recommend sealing the ring to the wall.
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44) The sink drain stopper mechanism at location(s) #A was inoperable. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.
Stopper is not operating in the 1/2 bathroom
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45) The bathtub drain stopper mechanism at location(s) #B and D was missing and/or inoperable. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.
46) Master bathroom is in the process of being redone.
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Interior, Doors and Windows
47) 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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48) One or more windows that were designed to open and close were difficult to close. Recommend that a qualified person repair windows as necessary so they open and close easily.
Window seems to be out of track. This is the left window by the kitchen table.
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49) One or more ceilings were damaged. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.