1) Structures built prior to the mid 1980s may contain lead and/or asbestos. Lead is commonly found in paint and in some plumbing components. The EPA does not recognize newer coats of paint as encapsulating older coats of lead-based paint. Asbestos is commonly found in various building materials such as insulation, siding, and/or floor and ceiling tiles. Laws were passed in 1978 to prohibit usage of lead and asbestos, but stocks of materials containing these substances remained in use for a number of years thereafter. Both lead and asbestos are known health hazards. Evaluating for the presence of lead and/or asbestos is beyond the scope of this inspection. Any mention of these materials in this report is made as a courtesy only, and meant to refer the client to a specialist. Consult with specialists as necessary, such as industrial hygienists, professional labs and/or abatement specialists for this type of evaluation. For information on lead, asbestos and other hazardous materials in homes, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?EPA
https://www.reporthost.com/?CPSC
https://www.reporthost.com/?CDC

4) Risers for stairs at one or more locations were higher than 7 3/4 inches and posed a fall or trip hazard. Risers should be 7 3/4 inches or shorter. At a minimum, be aware of this hazard, especially when guests who are not familiar with the stairs are present. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices.

5) The risers for stairs at one or more locations varied in height and pose a fall or trip hazard. Risers within the same flight of stairs should vary by no more than 3/8 inch. At a minimum, be aware of this hazard, especially when guests who are not familiar with the stairs are present. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices.

6) Cracks, holes, settlement, heaving and/or deterioration resulting in trip hazards were found in the sidewalks or patios. For safety reasons, recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary to eliminate trip hazards.

7) Handrails at one or more flights of stairs were loose, wobbly and/or damaged. This is a safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

8) Significant rot, deterioration, leaning and/or bowing were found in one or more timber retaining walls. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace sections as necessary. Note that some retaining walls, based on their height or size, may require evaluation by a structural engineer.

9) Significant cracks, deterioration, leaning and/or bowing were found in one or more retaining walls. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace sections as necessary. Note that some retaining walls, based on their height or size, may require evaluation by a structural engineer.

10) Soil was in contact with or close to wooden stairs at one or more locations. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Soil should be graded and/or removed so no wood-soil contact is present, if possible. Otherwise, installing products such as borate-based Impel rods may help to prevent infestation and damage. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?IMPEL

11) One or more fences were damaged or deteriorated and need repair.

12) Cracks, holes, settlement, heaving and/or deterioration were found in sidewalks and/or patios. Recommend that qualified contractor repair as necessary.

13) The gravel driveway was in poor condition. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by filling holes, grading and spreading new gravel.

14) Some sections of siding and/or trim were damaged, substandard and/or rotten. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install siding or trim as necessary.

15) Moderate cracks (1/8 inch - 3/4 inch) and/or leaning were found in the foundation. This may be a structural concern or an indication that settlement is ongoing. The client 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 such repairs
• Masonry contractors who repair and/or replace brick veneer
• Geotechnical engineers who attempt to determine if settlement is ongoing, and the cause of the settlement
• 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, resilient caulks and epoxy sealants.

16) Some nail heads at the composition wood siding were protruding from the wood, or had been nailed in so as to break the surface of the siding, and caulk was missing. Most manufacturers of composition wood siding specify that nail heads should be flush with the surface, and that the surface of the siding should not be broken. If broken, then caulk should be applied to the nail heads to prevent water penetration and subsequent deterioration of the siding. Recommend that a qualified person repair per the siding manufacturer's specifications.

17) One or more holes or gaps were found in siding or trim. Vermin, insects or water may enter the structure. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

18) The paint or stain finish over much of the entire structure 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 entire building exterior per standard building practices. Any repairs needed to the siding or trim should be made prior to this.

19) Caulk was deteriorated and/or substandard in some areas. For example, at siding-trim junctions. 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?CAULK

20) No under-floor insulation was installed in the crawl space. Recommend that a qualified person install insulation for better energy efficiency and per standard building practices. Typically this is R-19 rated fiberglass batt with the attached facing installed against the warm (floor) side.

21) The screens for one or more crawl space vents were missing. Vermin or pets can enter the crawl space and nest, die and/or leave feces and urine. Vermin often damage under-floor insulation too. Recommend that a qualified person install or replace screens where necessary using 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch wire mesh.

22) Some composition shingles were lifting. 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.

23) No roof drainage system was installed. Rainwater may come in contact with the building exterior or accumulate around the building foundation as a result. This can be a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor install roof drainage components where missing per standard building practices.

24) Gutters were missing over one or more entrances. People entering and exiting the building are likely to get wet during periods of rain as a result. Most buildings benefit from having a complete drainage system installed, but at a minimum, recommend installing gutters over entrances.

25) One or more roof flashings were missing. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

28) The pull-down attic stairs were not insulated. Typically, such stairs that are not insulated also do not have any weatherstripping installed. Recommend that a qualified person install insulation and weatherstripping per standard building practices for better energy efficiency. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?INSATTSTRS

29) The ceiling insulation in one or more areas of the attic was compacted or uneven and/or substandard. 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).

30) One or more attic or roof vent screens were missing, deteriorated or substandard. Recommend that a qualified person replace or repair screens as necessary to prevent birds or vermin from entering the attic.

31) One or more ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices protecting receptacles at the bathroom(s) wouldn't trip when tested. This is a potential shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair as necessary.

32) One or more electric receptacles at the kitchen and/or laundry area 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?GFCI

33) One or more electric receptacles at the bedroom(s), kitchen, dining room and/or living room had no visible arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection, or the inspector was unable to determine if AFCI protection was present. This is a potential safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and install AFCI protection if necessary and per standard building practices. General guidelines for AFCI-protected receptacles include the following locations:

• Bedrooms (since 1999)
• Kitchens, laundry areas, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens and recreation rooms, sunrooms, closets and hallways (since 2014)

For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?AFCI

34) 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.

35) One or more electric receptacles and/or the boxes in which they were installed were loose and/or not securely anchored. Wire conductors can be damaged due to repeated movement and/or tension on wires, or insulation can be damaged. This is a shock and fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary.

36) One or more electric receptacles were incorrectly wired with "false grounds" where the receptacle's ground screw is connected to the neutral or white wire in the circuit. Such receptacles may appear to be grounded when they aren't. This is a shock hazard, and can damage equipment plugged into such receptacles. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?FLSGRND

37) One or more modern, 3-slot electric receptacles were found with an open ground. This is a shock hazard when appliances that require a ground are used with these receptacles. Examples of such appliances include computers and related hardware, refrigerators, freezers, portable air conditioners, clothes washers, aquarium pumps, and electrically operated gardening tools. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary so all receptacles are grounded per standard building practices.

38) One or more electric receptacles had reverse-polarity wiring, where the hot and neutral wires were reversed. This is a shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?RPR

39) One or more wall-mounted exterior light fixtures had no caulk installed above the back plate. Water can enter the space behind the back plate and contact wiring. This is a potential shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified person apply caulk above and around the back plate per standard building practices. A gap should be left at the bottom of the plate so that condensation can drain out.

40) No permanently installed carbon monoxide alarms were found. This is a potential safety hazard. Some states and/or municipalities require CO alarms to be installed for new construction and/or for homes being sold. Recommend installing approved 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. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?COALRM

41) One or more light fixtures were controlled by a metal pull chain. This is a safety hazard for shock. Recommend that strings or isolating links be installed to prevent shock.

42) For home buyers, batteries in all the smoke alarms should be replaced after taking occupancy. Batteries should be replaced annually in the future. "Chirping" noises emitted from smoke alarms typically indicate that batteries need replacing. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRM

43) Few receptacles were installed in one or more areas by modern standards. This can result in "octopus" wiring with extension cords, which is a fire hazard. Consult with a qualified electrician about upgrading circuits with additional receptacles per standard building practices.

44) One or more electric receptacles appeared to have no power. Recommend asking the property owner about this. Switches may need to be operated or GFCI/AFCI protection may need to be reset to make some receptacles energized. If necessary, recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair.

45) The legend for circuit breakers or fuses in panel(s) #A was missing, incomplete, illegible or confusing. This is a potential shock or fire hazard in the event of an emergency when power needs to be turned off. Recommend correcting the legend so it's accurate, complete and legible. Evaluation by a qualified electrician may be necessary.

47) One or more hose bibs were missing backflow prevention devices. These devices reduce the likelihood of gray water entering the potable water supply. Recommend installing backflow prevention devices on all hose bibs where missing. They are available at most home improvement stores and are easily installed. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?BKFLOW

48) One or more hose bib handles were loose. Recommend that a qualified person replace handles or make repairs as necessary.

51) Insulation on the heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit's refrigerant lines was deteriorated or missing in some areas. This may result in reduced efficiency and increased energy costs. Recommend that a qualified person replace or install insulation as necessary.

52) The pad for the heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit was not level and/or substandard or missing. This unit requires adequate support. The compressor may be damaged if this unit is tilted 10 degrees or more. Also, the pad should elevate the unit above the soil to prevent corrosion. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

53) Vegetation such as trees, shrubs and/or vines were too close to the heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit. There should be at least 12 inches of clearance on all sides and at least 4-6 feet above. Inadequate clearance around and above can result in reduced efficiency, increased energy costs and/or damage to equipment. Recommend pruning and/or removing vegetation as necessary.

56) The ignitor was slow to light one or more cooktop burners. Recommend that a qualified person evaluate and repair as necessary.

57) Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found Counter and the wall. Water may penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by installing caulk.

58) One or more cabinet drawers were difficult to open or close. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

59) Ribbed, flexible drain pipe was used at the sink. This type of drain pipe accumulates debris more easily than smooth wall pipe and is more likely to clog. Recommend that a qualified plumber replace flexible piping with standard plumbing components (smooth wall pipe) to prevent clogged drains.

60) Recommend cleaning and sealing the grout at countertops now and in the future as necessary to prevent staining and to improve waterproofing.

68) The bathroom with a shower or bathtub at location(s) #A didn't have an exhaust fan installed. Moisture can accumulate and result in mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Even if the bathroom has a window that opens, it may not provide adequate ventilation, especially during cold weather when windows are closed or when wind blows air into the bathroom. Recommend that a qualified contractor install exhaust fans per standard building practices where missing in bathrooms with showers or bathtubs.

69) One or more bathtub faucet handles at location(s) #A were loose. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace handles as necessary.

70) No catch pan or drain was installed at the clothes washing machine location, and a finished space was located below. Catch pans and drains prevent water damage to finished interior spaces below if or when the washing machine leaks, overflows or is drained. If concerned, consult with a qualified contractor about installing a catch pan. Note that installing a drain line for a catch pan routed to the outdoors may not be feasible. As an alternative, a water alarm can be installed in the catch pan. For more information visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?WTRALRM

71) Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found between the bathtub and the floor at location(s) #A. Water may penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person re-caulk or install caulking as necessary.

72) Caulk around the base of the toilet at location(s) #A was missing, substandard and/or deteriorated. Modern standards require caulk to be installed around the entire toilet base where it meets the floor for sanitary reasons. Without it, soiled water can soak into flooring and sub-floor materials if the toilet overflows. Condensation from the toilet can also soak into the flooring. Recommend that a qualified person caulk around toilet bases per standard building practices.

73) The bathtub drain stopper mechanism at location(s) #A was missing. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.

78) All windows that were designed to open and close were stuck shut and/or difficult to open and close. Recommend that a qualified person repair windows as necessary so they open and close easily

79) One or more walls had substandard repairs. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

80) One or more interior doors were sticking in the door jamb and were difficult to operate. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by trimming doors.
Master bed
Sunroom

81) Lock mechanisms on one or more windows were inoperable. This can pose a security risk. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

83) Evidence of active infestation of horntail wasps and/or wood wasps was found at location(s) #Front porch in the form of with . 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.