Home Inspection W 74th Ave Arvada CO

The roof covering material had an “alligatored” look.   A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

The roof covering material was damaged/deteriorated in some areas.  A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

A plumbing vent did not extend far enough above the roof. A plumbing vent should extend a minimum of 10″.  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 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.

Gutters were bent and/or damaged at the time of the inspection.

This condition may cause problems by introducing excessive amounts of moisture to the soil beneath the foundation. Excessive moisture in the soil supporting the foundation can affect its ability to support the weight of the structure above and may cause foundation damage from soil movement. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

Your wire was running across the attic access hatch at the time of inspection. This Is an access restriction and is a potential electrical hazard. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and reposition the electrical wire as needed.

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

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

The concrete driveway 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.

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.

The driveway surface was spalling in areas. This condition will continue to degrade if not corrected. A qualified contractor should 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.

The exterior wall covering is beginning to deteriorate or has deteriorated.

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

The siding/trim had a swollen appearance due to moisture intrusion.

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

The exterior door rubs the floor.

The inspector observed improperly terminated and/or exposed wiring in some areas of the property. Exposed wiring can be considered a safety issue till corrected.

No Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection was provided for the exterior electrical outlets. Although GFCI protection of exterior circuits may not have been required at the time in which this property was built, modern building and safety standards now require them. This is a reflection of the current understanding of the potential hazards. The inspector recommends updating the existing exterior electrical circuits to include GFCI protection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and implement according to current standards.

The walkway(s) were deteriorated or were eroded in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The exterior foundation wall had cracks at the corner. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace 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.

The exterior foundation wall had a horizontal crack(s). Horizontal cracking can be a result of excessive hydrostatic pressure in the soil. 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.

The foundation had vertical cracks in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary before your inspection objection deadline.

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.

The downspout (s) are missing the proper 6 ft. extensions. This condition may cause problems by introducing excessive amounts of moisture to the soil beneath the foundation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The inspector was unable to verify that the door was fire rated. This may be considered a fire safety hazard. The door between the garage and the house should be a solid wood door at least 1-3/8 inches thick, a solid or honeycomb-core steel door at least 1-3/8 inches thick, or a 20-minute fire-rated door. This means that should a fire occur in the garage, the occupant door does not afford protection until firemen arrive. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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

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.

The garage door was missing a safety release.

The manual release handle of the garage door should be colored red so that it can be seen easily. The handle should be at a proper height where it’s easily reachable and not so low that it could be in contact with the top of a vehicle.

Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and replace the safety release as necessary.

The automatic reverse sensors are missing.

These are a safety feature to prevent injury and should be installed no more than 6 inches away from the floor.

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.

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 walls showed signs of minor damage and wear.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The window appeared to have a broken seal that has been compromised.  Condensation and/or cloudiness between the two panes of glass were observed.  This will have a negative impact on energy efficiency.  Also, because there is moisture between the panes with no ventilation, mold can eventually develop.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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.

No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection was provided for kitchen electrical outlets. Although GFCI protection of kitchen circuits may not have been required at the time in which this property was built, as general knowledge of safe building practices has improved with the passage of time building standards have changed to reflect current understanding. The inspector recommends updating the existing kitchen electrical circuits to provide GFCI protection. This can be achieved by:

1. Replacing the current standard outlets with GFCI outlets.

2.  Replacing the first circuit outlet located closest to the main electrical service panel with the GFCI outlet

3.  Replacing the breaker currently protecting the electrical circuit that contains these outlets with the GFCI breaker.

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.

A transition piece was missing between two sections of flooring.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The sink drain pipe was rusted.  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.

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 water supply valves and supply lines at the bathtub fixture in the bathroom were installed improperly with a reversed configuration. Current standards for installation produce hot water when the valve is turned to the left and cold water when the valve is turned to the right. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Indications of water intrusion, rust, and corrosion inside the electrical panel cabinet. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The main electrical distribution panel was manufactured by Sylvania. Sylvania electrical equipment is considered obsolete, due to a design flaw in which the circuit breaker’s connection to the bus bar becomes loose, causing arcing and subsequent overheating. Long-term exposure to this heat can cause the breaker to fuse to the bus bar, making it impossible to remove. Even worse, it can cause the breaker’s contacts to fuse together, thus preventing the breaker from tripping even in an overcurrent situation, thereby causing a potential fire hazard. A qualified electrical contractor should inspect and repair or replace as necessary.

The water heater was at or beyond its warranty and/or expected life expectancy.

The water heater age was determined by the photo included in this report. According to the U.S. Department of energy, these major appliances are intended to run for between 8 and 12 years. Be advised that every water heater will age differently relative to the following life span factors: water quality, mineral buildup, frequency of flushing, the volume of water utilized, size of the tank, brand, and quality of water heater. Although it was operating at the time of the inspection, the inspector can not determine the remaining life of the water heater.

The piping to the water heater is missing flex tubing to prevent the piping from breaking in case the concrete floor heaves or settles.

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 water heater was at or beyond its warranty and/or expected life expectancy.

The water heater age was determined by the photo included in this report. According to the U.S. Department of energy, these major appliances are intended to run for between 8 and 12 years. Be advised that every water heater will age differently relative to the following life span factors: water quality, mineral buildup, frequency of flushing, the volume of water utilized, size of the tank, brand, and quality of water heater. Although it was operating at the time of the inspection, the inspector can not determine the remaining life of the water heater.

The piping to the water heater is missing flex tubing to prevent the piping from breaking in case the concrete floor heaves or settles.

The gas supply line lacked a flex hose to allow for movement of the concrete slab. A qualified contractor should evaluate then repair or replace as advised.

A proper workspace platform of 30 inches by 36 inches is required in front of the cabinet. A stable pathway no less than 22 inches by 30 inches is required leading from access to the platform. An outlet and a light are required to be installed for maintenance and service personnel to work. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate 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.

Outlet box was missing a cover plate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.