2 – Roof
2.2.1 – Roof Covering
Roof Covering 1
Roof Covering 2
Roof Covering 3
MINOR DAMAGE/EROSION
SOME AREAS

The roof covering material had minor damage or erosion in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

2.4.1 – Flashing
Flashing 1
RIDGE FLASHING EXPOSED NAILS

The ridge shingles, 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.

2.5.1 – Plumbing Vent Pipes
VENT PIPE DAMAGED

Vent pipe Disconnected,poorly secured or damaged. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

2.6.1 – Flue Gas Vent Pipes
Flue Gas Vent Pipes 1
Flue Gas Vent Pipes 2
CORRODED

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.

2.7.1 – Masonry Chimney
Masonry Chimney 1
DAMAGE – MORTAR CROWN

The mortar crown was damaged, cracked or deteriorated at the time of inspection. This condition could allow moisture to penetrate the chimney. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

 3 – Attic, Insulation and Ventilation
3.2.1 – Attic Structural Components
Attic Structural Components 1
ROOF DECKING DAMAGED/ALTERED

The roof decking had been damaged or altered. This can affect the overall structural integrity of the roof, and cause the roof to sag or fail in that area.

Trusses are specifically engineered and designed to support the roof and loads placed on it, such as snow. The individual components of a truss — webs, connectors, gusset plates, straps, clips, and fasteners — and all trusses in a roof are designed to perform together as a system. Recommend further evaluation by a licensed roofing contractor and/or structural engineer to determine the effect of the damage or alterations, and options for any necessary repairs.

3.2.2 – Attic Structural Components
Attic Structural Components 1
SIGNS OF REPAIRS

Visible signs of repairs were noted in the roof structure/decking. Recommend asking current homeowners for more information. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified professional if repairs appear to be poorly done or failing in the future.

3.3.1 – Attic Moisture Intrusion
Attic Moisture Intrusion 1
WATER INTRUSION – STRUCTURE

Visible signs of water intrusion in the attic are present on rafters, trusses, or roof decking. Water intrusion can lead to more costly repairs and increase damage if not corrected. The extent of intrusion or how often it occurs could not be determined. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

3.4.1 – Insulation in Attic
NOT UNIFORM

The insulation is not uniform: thicker in areas, thinner in areas, or possibly missing in some areas.

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

3.4.2 – Insulation in Attic
Insulation in Attic 1
PAPER FACING WRONG WAY
ONE OR MORE AREAS

The insulation was improperly installed with paper backing/vapor barrier facing wrong way. This condition can trap moisture and create condensation, which may bring along more significant hazards such as accelerated wood rot, or mold.

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

 4 – Exterior
4.2.1 – Driveways
Driveways 1
HEAVING AND/OR SETTLING

The driveway showed signs of heaving and/or settling in areas. Heaving is often caused by soil that has expanded in volume due to increased moisture content, or by wet soil which has expanded as it became frozen. Settlement is when the soil below a concrete slab is loose, or it can no longer support the weight causing it to sink or crack. This condition could potentially cause a trip hazard.

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

4.4.1 – Wall-Covering, Flashing & Trim
Wall-Covering, Flashing & Trim 1
CRACKING AND MOVEMENT

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.

4.4.2 – Wall-Covering, Flashing & Trim
Wall-Covering, Flashing & Trim 2
Wall-Covering, Flashing & Trim 3
Wall-Covering, Flashing & Trim 4
TUCK POINTING NEEDED

A common maintenance task for brick masonry is the repair of mortar joints. The longevity of mortar joints will vary with the exposure conditions and the mortar materials used, but a life span of more than 25 years is typical. The longevity of brick, however, may well exceed 100 years. Consequently, occasional repair of the mortar joints is expected over the life of the brick masonry. It is our observation that the most common reason for repointing brick masonry is to improve water penetration resistance. Repointing deteriorated mortar joints is one of the most effective and permanent ways of decreasing water entry into brickwork. This is because the most common means of water entry into a brick masonry wall is through de-bonded, cracked or deteriorated mortar joints. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair all areas as necessary.

4.5.1 – Eaves, Soffits & Fascia
Eaves, Soffits & Fascia 1
DAMAGE – SOFFIT

The soffit was damaged in one or more areas.

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

4.6.1 – Exterior Doors
Exterior Doors 1
RUBS FRAME
FRONT

An entry door rubs at the door frame when closing. This may mean the door or frame is out of square or that hinges may not be installed properly.

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

4.11.1 – Walkways
Walkways 1
HEAVING AND/OR SETTLING

The walkway(s) showed signs of heaving and/or settling in areas. Heaving is often caused by soil that has expanded in volume due to increased moisture content, or by wet soil which has expanded as it became frozen. Settlement is when the soil below a concrete slab is loose or it can no longer support the weight causing it to sink or crack.

  • This causes cracks in the concrete.
  • This creates trip hazards that could result in injury.

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

4.11.2 – Walkways
Walkways 2
Walkways 3
NOT SEALED PROPERLY

A walkway was not properly sealed against a foundation wall and may allow excess moisture to enter. Recommend a qualified contractor and repair or replace as needed.

4.12.1 – Vegetation, Grading & Drainage
Vegetation, Grading & Drainage 1
Vegetation, Grading & Drainage 2
DENSE VEGETATION

Dense vegetation was present around the house in areas.  This condition limited and restricted my visual inspection.  Dense vegetation and landscaping up against or near the house foundation and exterior walls may be prone to water penetration and insect infestation. Trimming, pruning and some landscaping is recommended by a qualified contractor

4.12.2 – Vegetation, Grading & Drainage
Vegetation, Grading & Drainage 3
Vegetation, Grading & Drainage 4
Vegetation, Grading & Drainage 5
LARGE TREES FOUNDATION
CLOSE TO FOUNDATION AND ROOF

Consideration should be given to trimming or even removing large tree(s) located close to the structure. We suggest consultation with a tree specialist. Evaluating trees lies beyond the scope of the general property inspection.

Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

4.12.3 – Vegetation, Grading & Drainage
Vegetation, Grading & Drainage 6
NEGATIVE GRADING

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.

4.17.1 – Exterior Foundation Wall
Exterior Foundation Wall 1
Exterior Foundation Wall 2
Exterior Foundation Wall 3
SHIFTING

The house showed signs of shifting on the foundation. Further analysis by a licensed structural engineer is recommended.

4.18.1 – Exterior Vents
Exterior Vents 1
VENT FLAP STUCK OPEN

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 contractor should evaluate and clean, repair, or replace as necessary.

4.21.1 – Roof Drainage – Downspouts & Extensions
Roof Drainage - Downspouts & Extensions 1
EXTENSIONS DENTED/DAMAGED

Downspout extensions were dented or damaged in some areas at the time of inspection. This condition can cause a blockage and potential build up of moisture intrusion into the soil next to the foundation walls. This in turn can potentially cause hydro-static pressure against the foundation walls and create adverse results. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified contractor to repair or replace.

 5 – Attached Garage
5.2.1 – Occupant Door
Occupant Door 1
NOT SELF CLOSING

The door between the garage and the living space failed to close by itself. Modern safety requirements require that the door between the home interior and the garage be self-closing for safety reasons related to fire hazard and toxic fumes. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

5.2.2 – Occupant Door
Occupant Door 2
OPENS OVER STEP

The door swings over the top step of the stairway when opened.  This can lead to a fall and is considered a safety hazard.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

5.3.1 – Ceiling, Walls & Firewalls
Ceiling, Walls & Firewalls 1
FIREWALL BREAK – ATTIC ACCESS

An attic access panel in the ceiling of the garage was not properly trimmed or sealed and is considered a break in the firewall between the garage and habitable areas.

Should the interior attic span across the entire structure, the attic access should be installed according to current fire rating standards. Alternatively, there may be a wall to separate the garage and the house or attic space. This wall must be covered with at least 1/2-inch thick (and preferably 5/8-inch thick Type X) gypsum board or equivalent applied to the garage side.

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

5.3.2 – Ceiling, Walls & Firewalls
Ceiling, Walls & Firewalls 2
FIREWALL BREAK – CEILING

An opening was in the drywall or gypsum board ceiling of the garage.

The ceiling to separate the garage and the living areas, or shared attic space with living areas, should be fire-rated. This ceiling must be covered with at least 1/2-inch thick (and preferably 5/8-inch thick Type X) gypsum board or equivalent applied to the garage side.

Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair and seal all openings as necessary.

5.3.3 – Ceiling, Walls & Firewalls
Ceiling, Walls & Firewalls 3
SIGNS OF REPAIRS

Walls and/or ceilings had signs of repairs at the time of inspection. Recommend asking current home owners for more information. Should repairs appear to be poorly done, we recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate further for any further repairs.

5.5.1 – Vehicle Door
Vehicle Door 1
NOT SEALED AT FLOOR

The garage door was missing weather stripping or did not evenly seal at the floor or sides of the door. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make adjustments, repair, or replace as necessary.

5.7.1 – Electrical Outlets & Fixtures
Electrical Outlets & Fixtures 1
Electrical Outlets & Fixtures 2
NO GFCI PROTECTION

The garage had one or more outlets without GFCI (or ground fault circuit interrupter) protection.

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. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

5.7.2 – Electrical Outlets & Fixtures
Electrical Outlets & Fixtures 3
MISSING – BULB

A light fixture was missing a bulb at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate the fixture for any necessary repairs and replace bulb as needed.

 6 – Interior, Doors, Windows
6.2.1 – Ceilings & Walls
Ceilings & Walls 1
SIGNS OF REPAIR-WALLS

The interior walls have signs of repairs. Recommend asking the current homeowner for more information. Recommend further evaluation from a qualified contractor should the repairs be excessive or of visibly poor quality.

6.3.1 – Floors
Floors 1
FLOOR SQUEAKS

The floor squeaks when stepped on.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

6.3.2 – Floors
Floors 2
WEAR AND TEAR

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.

6.4.1 – Doors
NOT LATCHING SECURELY

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.

6.5.1 – Windows
Windows 1
NO EGRESS
COMMON AREA

At the time of the inspection, the property did not have emergency escape and rescue openings which met generally-accepted current standards. Egress opening requirements:

For safety reasons, all sleeping room and basements greater than 200 square feet and new properties should meet the generally-accepted current standards for emergency escape and rescue openings, which include the following requirements:

1. Sill height shall not exceed 44 inches above the floor.

2. Minimum net clear opening shall be 5.7 square feet; exception – grade level windows

may have a minimum clear opening of 5 square feet.

3. Minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches.

4. Minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches.

6.7.1 – Electrical Fixtures & Switches
Electrical Fixtures & Switches 1
FAN MISSING REMOTE

The ceiling fan did not respond to any wall switches. The fixture may be wired to be controlled by a remote but there was not remote available at the time of inspection.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

 8 – Laundry
8.4.1 – Exhaust Fan
NO VENT NO WINDOW

The laundry room did not have an exhaust fan or an openable window. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

8.6.1 – Cabinets & Counters
Cabinets & Counters 1
COUNTER-CHIPPED/DAMAGED

The counter top was chipped or damaged.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

 9 – Bathroom
9.2.1 – Doors
Doors 1
MISSING – HANDLE/KNOB

The door was missing a handle or knob.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

9.5.1 – Floors
Floors 1
CRACKED/DAMAGED TILE

The tile floor was cracked/damaged.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

9.10.1 – Drain Waste and Vent System
Drain Waste and Vent System 1
CLOGGED/SLOW – TUB/SHOWER DRAIN

The tub/shower drain line was clogged or drains slowly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

 10 – Bathroom 2
10.2.1 – Doors
Doors 1
Doors 2
PEELING PAINT

The door had areas of peeling paint.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

10.9.1 – Cabinets & Counters
Cabinets & Counters 1
CAULKING – BACK SPLASH

The counter top needs caulking with silicone along the back splash.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

10.13.1 – Toilets
Toilets 1
LOOSE AT THE FLOOR

The toilet was loose at the floor. This condition typically is caused by loose bolts or nuts and/or missing floor seals. 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.

10.14.1 – Tub, Shower Area
Tub, Shower Area 1
Tub, Shower Area 2
DETERIORATED – CAULKING/GROUT

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

 11 – Bathroom 3
11.4.1 – Ceilings & Walls
Ceilings & Walls 1
Ceilings & Walls 2
DETERIORATED CRACKING GROUT

Deteriorated crack in grout . Recommend qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

 12 – Bathroom 4
12.2.1 – Doors
Doors 1
DOOR OPENS INTO TOILET

Door opens into toilet Which may cause damage to the toilet or the toilet plumbing connections. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

12.3.1 – Exhaust Fan
WEAK

The bathroom exhaust fan was weak. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

12.9.1 – Cabinets & Counters
Cabinets & Counters 1
CAULKING – BACK SPLASH

The counter top needs caulking with silicone along the back splash.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

 13 – Plumbing
13.4.1 – Water Pressure
Water Pressure 1
HIGH WATER PRESSURE

The property water supply pressure  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 is likely to cause leaks.

A qualified contractor should install a pressure regulator or evaluate and repair or replace one as necessary.

 14 – Electrical
14.2.1 – Distribution Panels
Distribution Panels 1
MISSING – MANUFACTURERS LABEL

The manufacturer’s label was missing, partial, or illegible at 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.

 16 – Heating
16.12.1 – Heating System Ignition & Operation
Heating System Ignition & Operation 1
DIRTY

The heating system did fire and appeared to be in serviceable condition at the time of the inspection. However, the interior of the cabinet was dirty. Cleaning, servicing and/or certification of the HVAC system by a qualified contractor is recommended and repaired or replaced as necessary.

 17 – Cooling
17.2.1 – AC Refrigerant Lines
AC Refrigerant Lines 1
GAP AROUND LINE AT WALL

The air-conditioner refrigerant suction line (large, insulated) exterior wall penetration should be sealed to prevent moisture and insect intrusion. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary.

17.3.1 – AC Compressor
AC Compressor 1
AIR FLOW RESTRICTED

Air flow to the air-conditioner condenser coils was restricted by vegetation, dirt, or debris. The unit should be cleaned and anything restricting air flow in or around the air conditioner should be removed in order to maintain cooling system efficiency and avoid problems from overheating of the compressor.

17.3.2 – AC Compressor
AC Compressor 2
AC Compressor 3
UNIT IS NOT LEVEL

The exterior compressor unit was not level. Over time, this may result in noisy fan operation, damage to the fan bearings and a shortened fan lifespan, or it may result in movement of the compressor housing which can cause leaks in refrigerant lines resulting in expensive service. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

17.6.1 – Cooling System Operation
Cooling System Operation 1
Cooling System Operation 2
DID NOT PRODUCE COOLED AIR

The cooling system turned on but did not operate as expected by producing adequate conditioned cooled air. An ambient air test was performed to determine if the difference in temperatures of the supply and return air was between 14 degrees and 22 degrees. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary.

 18 – Structural Crawlspace
18.6.1 – Insulation
Insulation 1
NOT SECURED LOOSE
FROM HVAC DUCTING

The crawl space insulation is not properly secured and loose in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.