The vent flashing, used to protect areas of the roof from moisture intrusion, had exposed/inadequately sealed nails. 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.
The attic access hatch was not properly insulated. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Signs of previous water penetration or intrusion into the attic. Watermarks or stains were observed. Recommend asking the seller if there are any recent incidents that have been documented or mitigated.
Further evaluation is recommended.
The insulation is not uniform: thicker in areas, thinner in areas, or possibly missing in some areas.
Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The splice/Junction box was missing a cover plate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The dryer vent duct terminated in the attic and did not vent to the exterior of the property. This may cause major moisture and mold issues and is also a fire hazard. All mechanical exhaust fans must terminate outside.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
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.
Large trees near the house have branches that overhang the property. Falling branches due to conditions such as wood decay, high winds, or heavy snow loads may cause injury, death, or damage. Significant weakening of large branches by conditions such as core decay may not be visible by persons without special training. Consider having these trees evaluated by a qualified arborist. 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 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.
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.
The carpet was stained in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There appeared to be some damage to the interior flooring in areas. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The door was missing. 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 door had missing or damaged floor guides. 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 wired to a light fixture and is not separate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The ceiling fan had a missing or damaged chain. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Carbon monoxide detectors were not installed within a specified distance of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes. The inspector recommends the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate locations. Colorado House bill 1091 became effective on July 1, 2009, which requires Carbon Monoxide detectors to be installed in most properties that has a fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage.
There are no carbon monoxide detectors on the lower or upper levels.
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 visible areas of the firebox and chimney flue were dirty at the time of the inspection. Most of the chimney flue was inaccessible and was not inspected. Dirty flues are potential fire hazards and should be cleaned by a professional. Recommend having the chimney evaluated by a C.S.I. (Chimney Safety Institute) -qualified chimney sweep.
The oven had excess grease or was dirty at the time of inspection. Excess grease may be a fire hazard. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and clean as needed.
The microwave light was not working. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There was no ventilation (exhaust fan or openable window) In the laundry area. Normally an exhaust fan or an openable window is needed for proper ventilation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The interior walls showed evidence that moisture was entering from behind possibly including damage and deterioration. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An electrical outlet was wired to a light fixture and is not separate. 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 drain pipe at the sink had an “S” trap. Water filling the downstream vertical portion of the “S” trap will cause siphoning and loss of trap seals. Trap seals must be maintained to prevent sewer gases from entering the dwelling. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The bathtub was cracked or damged. 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 bathroom exhaust fan did not work. 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.
A plumbing fixtures control handle was loose at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The toilet was missing the shutoff valve at the water supply line. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A saddle valve was present in the plumbing at the time of inspection. They are prone to leak over time as the rubber seal will eventually deteriorate and they clog up as calcium deposits build up at the small opening. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and replace it with a permanent valve as needed.
The electrical panel cabinet was not secured to the wall properly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There was no shut-off valve installed on the water heater supply line. This means to replace the water heater the water would need to be turned off to the whole house. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The temperature pressure relief valve was missing a pipe at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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 as necessary.
Based on the age of the heating system it is recommended that it be cleaned and serviced and certified (if possible) by an HVAC professional.
Due to the year of manufacture, the heating system is assumed to be near the end of its expected service life. Regular maintenance and monitoring of its condition are recommended. Budgeting for repairs and future replacement is recommended. A qualified contractor should evaluate to clean, service/repair/replace as necessary, and certify the unit if possible. InterNACHI’s Standard Estimate Life Expectancy Chart for Homes
Air supply ducts were not sealed. Ideally, all ducts are sealed with mastic in order to be more energy-efficient. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
The HVAC system air filter was missing. This condition reflects a lack of regular maintenance of the HVAC system. 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 heating and cooling 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 blower motor and/or wheel appeared to be dirty at the time of inspection. Blower fan motors and fan wheels are subjected to constant dirt, dust, and lint and can become overly dirty when not cleaned on a regular basis and even faster if the air filters are not changed regularly.
A qualified contractor should evaluate, clean, and service as necessary, and certify the unit is in good working order.
The heating system did not respond to the demanding heat or did not function properly at the time of the inspection. No shut-off switches were activated aside from the safety shut-off switch that is designed to kill power when the blower cabinet cover is removed. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The crawlspace vapor barrier was damaged in some areas, which compromises its effectiveness in reducing moisture and/or radon levels. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
The crawl space insulation was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There were no passive vents installed for the crawlspace at the time of inspection. If a crawlspace is not a conditioned air space, it is recommended to have passive vents in order to maintain satisfactory heat and humidity levels.
Damaged or exposed wiring was discovered. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The light fixture in the crawlspace was not working. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.