The roof covering is bulged or bubbled in some areas, which may make it more susceptible to damage.
Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The exterior of the garage door has one or more damaged panels. A qualified contractor should inspect and repair as necessary and according to current standards.
Siding showed cracking and or damage in one or more places. Recommend monitoring, and if the problem exacerbates, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The exterior wall covering is beginning to deteriorate or has deteriorated.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The distance between the bottom of wood components and the ground surface (or grade) was not sufficient. In locations that have little or no snow, the distance should be no less than 8 inches. In locations with significant lasting snow, the bottom of wood elements should be no less than 8 inches above the average snow depth.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
Peeling paint was present in areas.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Gaps at intersections of the siding, trim, and door and window openings, as well as any other holes in the siding, should be sealed with an appropriate sealant to prevent water penetration into the wall system. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An exterior light fixture or light was missing its cover. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary according to current standards.
A window frame, still, shutter, and/or trim was missing or damaged paint. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
There were signs of moderate cracking on the walkway(s) in areas. Cracks that progress to a separation of 1/4″ and more would be an indication of settlement, heaving, or structural problems. Cracks may present a tripping hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
Consideration should be given to trimming or even removing the large tree(s) located close to the structure. We suggest a consultation with a tree specialist. Evaluating trees lies beyond the scope of the general property inspection.
Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The property had areas of neutral or negative drainage, which will route runoff from precipitation to the foundation. Excessive moisture content in soil supporting the foundation can cause foundation and other structural damage from undermining, heaving, or settling, depending on soil composition, moisture content and other conditions. The ground around the property should slope away from all sides, ideally 6 inches for the first 10 feet from the house foundation perimeter. Downspouts, surface gutters, and drains should also be directing water away from the foundation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary according to current standards.
The tree limbs that are in contact with the roof or hanging near the roof should be trimmed. Evaluating trees lies beyond the scope of the general property inspection.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
One or more vent covers were damaged. A damaged vent assembly can allow entry of water, air, or rodents into vent ducts or homes. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The dryer vent had a flap that was stuck open. The clothes dryer vent may be clogged which is a potential fire hazard. This may also allow rodents or insects to enter the interior. Recommend qualified contractors should evaluate and clean, repair, or replace as necessary.
A wood support post or wood portion of the deck was in direct contact with the ground/dirt. The wood should be pressure treated and ideally be: placed in a metal bracket and/or cement casing, and have clearance from the ground level. Wood in direct contact with dirt will wick up ground moisture and deteriorate at an accelerated rate if routine maintenance is not kept.
Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Cracked or split boards were present on the deck. This condition is a structural defect and potential safety hazard.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The exterior deck floor and/or other components were peeling paint. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The guard/handrail was loose and should be secured. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
One or more downspout extensions were not properly positioned. Extensions should be properly attached with a proper slope to guide run-off 5 feet away from the foundation structure.
Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
One or more downspout extensions were too short. Recommend installing 6-8ft long (or greater as needed) extensions to divert rainwater runoff away from the property.
Daylight through the garage door
The property had ceiling materials that may contain asbestos. Ceiling tiles or popcorn textures were manufactured or installed using asbestos as late as the early 90s.
In the past, asbestos fibers were added during production to strengthen and increase durability. Materials that contain asbestos, when intact and in good condition, are generally considered non-friable and not hazardous. Heat, water, weathering, or aging can weaken asbestos materials to the point where it is considered friable. Friable material includes any material containing more than 1 percent asbestos that can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder with hand pressure. This includes previously non-friable material which has been damaged to the extent that it may be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure and can also be made friable during its removal. Friable materials can release asbestos fibers into the air. Once in the air, asbestos fibers present a health hazard to people who inhale those fibers.
There was cracking around some windows on the interior (where the window meets the wall). A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The ceiling and/or walls showed various signs of minor defects at numerous locations including all or some of the following: damage, cracks, holes, previous repairs, and/or improper repairs. A representative number of pictures were taken to provide an example. Should any of these issues appear excessive we recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace items as necessary.
Minor cracking was visible on the interior walls. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Moderate cracking was visible on the interior ceilings. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There were “nail pops” visible on the interior ceilings. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The carpet was loose or baggy and may need to be restretched. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The tile floor was cracked/damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The tile floor had missing or damaged grout. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The floors showed signs of minor damage and wear, particularly in high-traffic areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The door surface was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The door revealed daylight in areas when latched which may indicate missing or damaged weatherstripping. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An interior door rubs on the flooring when opening or closing. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Windows installed in the home appeared to be worn or aged. This apparent condition can mean the windows are deteriorated or difficult to operate, and can also mean they are not consistent with current efficiency standards. They were possibly original and were either at or near their serviceable lifespan. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified contractor and budgeting for potential future replacement.
At the interior stairs, the width of the steps is too narrow (less than 36″). A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
At the interior stairs, the steps had treads that were shallower (front to back) than acceptable standards. The treads were less than 10″ deep. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
One or more steps were at an uneven height with the rest of the steps. This may be a trip hazard that results in injury if not corrected. Each step should have a maximum of 7 3/4 inches of rising and not mismatched by more than 3/4 of an inch. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The smoke detector was missing. A qualified person should replace them as needed. The existing smoke detectors were tested if present, but they are only noted as to presence and operation as of the date of inspection. Smoke detectors may work today but not work when you need them to work. This is why it is important for you to test them on a regular basis, monthly at least. Smoke detectors are recommended by the U.S. Product Safety Commission to be installed inside each bedroom and adjoining hallway and on each living level of the property and basement level.
I observed a defect in the stove.
The wood stove fireplace was dirty at the time of inspection. Recommend cleaning from a qualified contractor.
The wood stove fireplace was dirty at the time of inspection. Recommend cleaning from a qualified contractor.
An electrical outlet was loose in the wall. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The sink faucet was loose. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The dishwasher drain line was not properly installed and was lacking either an air gap or a high loop. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An interior door did not latch properly. This may be that it was not shimmed properly at the jamb (too wide) or the strike plate was not in the correct position.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The laundry room did not have an exhaust fan or an openable window. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.
The walls showed signs of minor damage and wear. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The floors showed signs of minor damage and wear – particularly in high-traffic areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An outlet did not provide Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection. Although GFCI protection of circuits may not have been required at the time in which this home was built, safe building practices have improved with the passage of time and building standards have changed to reflect current understanding. The inspector recommends updating the existing electrical circuits to include GFCI protection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The water supply valve/hose was corroded at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The garage occupant door to the exterior had missing or damaged weatherstripping. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary
Garage walk-through the door has a broken glass panel.
Garage walls/ceilings showed signs of moisture intrusion. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and find the source of moisture to prevent further damage and/or mold.
The concrete floor in the garage was cracked.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
The garage door paneling was dented, corroded, or damaged and should be further evaluated by a qualified contractor to repair or replace it as needed.
A defect was noted at a light fixture in the garage. Not installed properly.
Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
A window had a sash that was difficult to slide or operate to get opened/closed. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Windows installed in the home appeared to be worn or aged. This apparent condition can mean the windows are deteriorated or difficult to operate, and can also mean they are not consistent with current efficiency standards. They were possibly original and were either at or near their serviceable lifespan. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified contractor and budgeting for potential future replacement.
The countertop needs caulking with silicone along the backsplash. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The drain stop did not work or did not hold water in the sink. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The sink was cracked or damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A shower supply arm was loose in the wall. This will cause caulking/sealant to deteriorate at an accelerated rate and may allow water to enter the wall. Over time, this could potentially put added stress on the plumbing connections and develop a leak. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace it as necessary.
The toilet was loose on the floor. This condition typically is caused by loose bolts or nuts and/or missing floor seals. The loose toilet can result in leaks, water damage, and mold, as well as damage to the toilet, water supply lines, bolts, and drainage pipes. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Tiles on the wall in the bath/shower area had missing or damaged grout. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The door had a damaged or missing doorstop. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The tile floor was cracked/damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Flexible drain lines can clog, leak or fail. Flex lines design includes multiple folds in which moisture may become trapped and mold may grow. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The sink drain pipe was leaking at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The tub/shower area had deteriorated or missing sealant (caulking or grout) at the corners and/or floor. Sealant is needed at wall corners inside the shower, corners from tub to wall, and along the floor perimeter. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A clamp, connector, or bushing component at the electrical panel was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The circuit labels were missing, partial, or illegible at the electrical distribution panel. The circuit labels provide information describing the locations each individual circuit breaker provides power to.
Recommend a qualified contractor to verify the breakers and accuracy of any existing labeling as necessary.
The manufacturer’s label was missing, partial, or illegible on the electrical service panel. The manufacturer’s label typically provides information describing the main panel such as the name of the panel manufacturer, the panel model number, the panel amperage rating, limitations related to the environment in which the panel was designed to be installed, and grounding/bonding information for that particular model. The Inspector was unable to confirm the existence of proper conditions when confirmation would require information taken from this missing label.
The panel cover won’t stay open without a prop. This is a potential safety hazard for working on the panel.
The water temperature was below the suggested range of 120-130 degrees. Recommend adjusting the water heater thermostat first. If water does not reach the acceptable range then a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace it as necessary.
The cooling system condenser cabinet was inaccessible. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary prior to your inspection objection deadline.
Poor installation of concrete floors. Hump
There were minor to moderate cracks in the basement foundation wall. These cracks should be sealed to prevent moisture intrusion and monitored for further movement. Further analysis by a licensed structural engineer is recommended. Axium recommends our premier partner – Level Engineering. They can be contacted at 720-706-8540 or online at www.axiuminspections.com/structural-engineer.
Efflorescence (white powdery substance) on the wall indicates moisture is in contact with the concrete or masonry. This does not necessarily indicate that intrusion will occur. I recommend checking the gutters and the downspout drain lines for proper operation. Also, waterproofing paint could be applied to the interior side of the wall if necessary. Efflorescence is found on many properties without water intrusion occurring inside the property. But, it should alert you to the possibility that future steps may be needed. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
Sludge is a sticky concoction of soap scum, grease, hair, food particles, and even dissolved minerals in the water. Once a layer of sludge forms, more sludge tends to accumulate in that segment of the pipe, increasingly narrowing the size of the pipe until only a small channel allows free flow of water.
We recommend consulting a qualified drain cleaning contractor within a year to have the line cleaned and reinspected.
An offset means that one section of a sewer pipe does not line up with the next, creating a gap or reduction in the effective opening of the pipe. Most of the time, an environmental change is usually at fault for an offset pipe. Settlement in the surrounding earth or root growth can cause the two sections of piping to shift independently. Occasionally, the problem is due to poor installation, but this is rare.
A minor offset is small and does not appear to be blocking the flow of waste. No action is required at this time. We recommend having the line reinspected every three to five years to monitor the condition. If the offset gets larger, and specifically if it is near the bottom edge of the pipe, then repair will likely be needed. If you have concerns, consult a qualified sewer line repair or replacement contractor to evaluate if further action is required.
The line appears due to routine cleaning maintenance. We recommend it be cleaned by a qualified drain cleaning contractor within the next 3 months. If this is part of a real estate transaction consult with your real estate agent to ensure this happens prior to the inspection objection deadline.