Home Inspection Rutgers St Westminster CO

Some of the shingles appeared to be de-granulated in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

One or more combustion exhaust flue(s) showed signs of rust/corrosion.  A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

One or more combustion appliance exhaust flue(s) did not extend far enough above the roof. To ensure proper and safe operation, exhaust flues should extend at least 3 feet above the roof, and 2 feet above any portion of the roof within 10 feet (measured horizontally).  A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

The insulation is thinner than current thermal resistance (R-value) standards.

Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

Cracking from apparent wall movement was present in the siding at the time of inspection.

Monitoring the walls of the house is needed. Most materials including masonry can deform elastically over long periods of time to accommodate small amounts of movement, large movements normally cause cracking.

Cracking can result from a variety of problems:

• Differential settlement of the foundation
• Drying shrinkage
• Expansion and contraction due to ambient thermal and moisture variations
• Improper support over openings
• The effects of freeze-thaw cycles
• The corrosion of iron and steel wall reinforcement
• Differential movement between building materials; expansion of salts
• The bulging or leaning of walls.

Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

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.

An exterior door is weathered or deteriorated. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The walkway(s) had surface spalling in areas. This condition will continue to degrade if not corrected. A qualified contractor should 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 exterior foundation wall had signs of repair. Recommend inquiring with the current sellers for more information. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified contractor if the quality of work is poor.

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 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.

Improper spacing was noted between balusters, spindles and rails. This is a safety hazard, especially for small children.

Guards may not allow the passage of a sphere 4 inches in diameter.

Correction and further evaluation are recommended.

The garage ceiling showed signs of current or past moisture intrusion. Moisture intrusion is visibly noted by the presence of water stains or efflorescence but can not tell whether the issue is active without further water testing.

Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate, and if active, make repairs as necessary to prevent further damage and/or mold.

Garage walls showed signs of current or past moisture intrusion. Moisture intrusion is visibly noted by the presence of water stains or efflorescence but can not tell whether the issue is active without further water testing.

Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate, and if active, make repairs as necessary to prevent further damage and/or mold.

The concrete floor in the garage was moderately cracked. 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.

One or more garage electrical outlets were not grounded and did not trip when tested. A GFCI requires a ground wire to route electricity when tripped. GFCI protection is required for all 15- and 20-amp receptacles, including outlets for refrigerators, sprinkler systems, garage door openers, and washing machines – some items may not be protected on purpose due to the potential for them to go unnoticed and cause damage when tripped. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The drywall was cut out for an access hole.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Minor cracking was visible on the interior walls.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The drywall wall, ceiling, and/or trim were not finished properly. This may be one or more of the following: loose sections, missing pieces, missing caulking and/or paint, or poor application of any of the wall, ceiling, or finishing components.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The property had tiles that may contain asbestos. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. Flooring, including sheet vinyl, vinyl, or asphalt floor tiles and any associated paper-like backing, mastic, adhesive, or glue, may contain asbestos. In the past, asbestos fibers were added during the production of flooring materials to strengthen the flooring and increase its durability. Flooring that contains asbestos, when intact and in good condition, is generally considered non-friable and is not hazardous. Heat, water, weathering, or aging can weaken flooring 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.

The carpet was stained in areas. 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 door surface was damaged.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Some windows had damaged or missing screens.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

An electrical outlet was loose in the wall. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

One or more electrical outlets were not grounded. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The inspector observed many two-prong outlets throughout the property. These are outdated outlets that should be upgraded to three-prong outlets with proper grounds. A qualified contractor should evaluate and then repair or replace as advised.

The light fixture did not operate when the switch was turned on. Try replacing the bulb first. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

At the interior stairs, the handrail had a railing end that did not return to the wall or post.  A fall could occur if something (purse, backpack, etc.) caught the end of the railing when descending. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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.

The base cabinet was damaged.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

A dyer vent connection was installed in the laundry area. The dryer vent was kinked and/or damaged at the back of the dryer.  The inspector recommends repairing or replacing the dryer vent to prevent restricting dryer exhaust air flow, the restriction of which can result in lint accumulation or vent blockage which can cause the dryer to overheat; a potential fire hazard and a condition that will shorten the dryers life span. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The countertop needs caulking with silicone along the backsplash.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The sink drain line was clogged or drains slowly. 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.

Caulking in the shower/tub area deteriorated at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The ceilings showed evidence that moisture was entering from behind possibly including damage and deterioration.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Evidence of a possible mold-like substance was observed bath or shower area.  We did not inspect, test, or determine if this growth is or is not a health hazard. The underlying cause is moisture. It is recommended to consult a mold inspector or mold remediation specialist to determine if further action is needed. Further analysis by a mold remediation specialist is recommended. Axium recommends our premier partner – Mold Removal Express. They can be contacted at 720-464-1555 or online at www.axiuminspections.com/mold-removal-express.

Some caulking in the tub shower area was loose, old, or poorly done. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and re-caulk as needed.

The main water supply line material is considered what enters the home from the city or well.

Excessive surface corrosion was present at the time of inspection. Corrosion or rust will lead to a leak or pipe burst if not corrected. There could be leaks not visible, or within the ground.

Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

The property water supply pressure is measured at the exterior faucet or laundry appliance hose bib. Property water supply pressure exceeded the 80 pounds per square inch (PSI) limit considered the maximum allowable by generally accepted current standards. Excessively high water pressure can stress connections in the plumbing system and appliances are likely to cause leaks.

A qualified contractor should install a pressure regulator or evaluate and repair or replace one 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 HVAC supply and return ducts were dirty at the time of the inspection and in need of cleaning. Recommend having all the HVAC supply and return ducts cleaned by a qualified contractor.

The HVAC system air filter was dirty. Clogged filters can restrict airflow and increase internal temperatures. A clean air filter will help increase the efficiency and prolong the life expectancy of the system. Due to the damage that can be caused by dirty or clogged coils, recommend replacing the filter, as well as cleaning, servicing, and evaluating the HVAC system by a qualified HVAC professional and repair or replace as necessary.

The concrete floor in the basement was moderately cracked indicating settlement, heaving, or structural problems. Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.

Axium recommends our premier partner – Level Engineering. They can be contacted at 720-706-8540 or online at www.axiuminspections.com/structural-engineer.

Basement walls were not constructed using a method that will allow for soil movement. This method is usually termed “floating” the walls and involves leaving a gap at the bottom of the wall so that vertical movement (heaving) of the concrete slab basement floor will not be transmitted to the rest of the property structure. Colorado has areas with expansive soils. Expansive soils are soils that increase to many times their original volume in response to increases in soil moisture content, creating forces that can easily damage property structural components such as foundations, floor slabs, flat work, and interior and exterior wall coverings. Consider consulting with a qualified contractor before the expiration of your Inspection Objection Deadline to discuss options and costs for correction and/ or stabilization.

The visible areas of the basement showed signs of possible previous moisture intrusion and/or deterioration. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. Not properly installed shower walls

Evidence of a possible mold-like substance was observed.  We did not inspect, test, or determine if this growth is or is not a health hazard. The underlying cause is moisture. It is recommended to consult a mold inspector or mold remediation specialist to determine if further action is needed. Further analysis by a mold remediation specialist is recommended. Axium recommends our premier partner – Mold Removal Express. They can be contacted at 720-464-1555 or online at www.axiuminspections.com/mold-removal-express.

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 the 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.