Home Inspection Helen Ct Parker CO

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 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.

Gutters were full of debris or granules in areas and need to be cleaned. The debris in gutters can clog drainage, or be a sign gutters are sloped improperly – Either of which may cause problems by overflowing to introduce excessive amounts of moisture to the soil beneath the foundation. Excessive moisture in soil supporting the foundation can affect its ability to support the weight of the structure above and may cause foundation damage from soil movement.

Debris in gutters can also conceal rust, deterioration or leaks that are not visible until cleaned.

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

The attic access hatch was not properly insulated. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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.

Minor cracking was visible on the driveway in areas. Monitoring is the minimum recommendation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

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 concrete driveway was significantly cracked.  Cracks of 1/4″ or greater separation are typically indicating settlement, heaving, or structural problems. These types of cracks may present a tripping hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.

The driveway has dropped or settled in areas, causing a steep or uneven step. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The exterior of garage door has one or more damaged panels. A qualified contractor should inspect and repair as necessary and according to current standards.

The siding and/or trim was damaged in areas of the exterior.

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.

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

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

The eaves had gaps which may allow insects to enter the attic.

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

The locking hardware was damaged or not installed properly and the door wasn’t able to be locked. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

One or more exterior fixtures were loose and not mounted securely. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

The exterior electrical outlet was missing an in-use weatherproof covering. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

Window Well(s) lacked covers and may represent a danger to small children and may trap pests. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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.

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.

The walkway(s) have a negative slope and drains towards the home in areas. This condition is prone to water penetration into the home structure. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

A trip hazard was present on the walkway(s) in areas.  This condition is a safety concern. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

Consideration should be given to trimming or even removing any 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.

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.

The exterior deck floor and/or other components were missing paint. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

A stairway of more than 3 steps or drop of over 30″ was missing a handrail.

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.

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

An outlet or switch box in the garage was missing a faceplate cover. This may be a shock hazard. Recommend a qualified contractor install the missing piece.

A stairway of more than 3 steps is missing a handrail. This condition may be a safety hazard if not corrected.

Correction and further evaluation is recommended.

The exterior barn wall was damaged in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

A light fixture in the exterior of the barn was loose.

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

One or more exterior outlets at the barn had an open neutral and/or missing GFCI protection. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

One or more ceiling fans wobbled when operated. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

One or more windows were missing a window screen.

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

The ceiling showed wet staining indicating moisture intrusion did or does still exist.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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.

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.

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

The food waste disposer had exposed or improper wiring.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The food waste disposer was not working at the time of inspection.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The oven was not working at the time of inspection.  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 bathroom exhaust fan did not work.  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 was 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.

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

The sink drain stop was missing, damaged or did not operate properly.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

There was no hot water at either sink in this bathroom. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

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

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

A shower supply arm was loose. 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 floor covering was not sealed at the edges and may allow moisture intrusion.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

An electrical outlet had a missing faceplate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection was provided for the bathroom electrical outlets. Although GFCI protection of bathroom circuits may not have been required at the time of 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 bathroom 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.

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 shower/tub control lever or knob did not have a lever stop at the off position and continually spins.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The tub spout should be sealed at the wall to prevent moisture intrusion in to the wall component. A qualified contractor should evaluate then repair or replace as advised.

An electrical outlet had a missing faceplate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The toilet showed signs of possible previous leaking at the floor.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The property contained a pit for a sump pump, but no pump was installed. The water level in the sump pit at the time of the inspection was higher than what is considered acceptable. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

A sump pump system protects the property from water intrusion by discharging rising groundwater or by routing surface drainage via the property perimeter drain to the pit, from where it is discharged by the pump to the exterior of the property or to a waste pipe or storm drain. Sump pumps require periodic maintenance to ensure that they work when they’re needed and should be tested on an annual basis to ensure they are in working order. The pumps can be tested by lifting the float, but to avoid potential shock/electrocution hazard testing should be performed using a tool which will not conduct electricity. Pumps have a filter that should be cleaned during routine maintenance.

The gas-fired water heater single wall exhaust flue had an improper clearance from combustible materials. This type of single wall vent requires a 6″ inch minimum clearance. This condition is a potential fire hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The TPR Valve at the water heating equipment was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The water heater burn chamber had rust/corrosion visible. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The electrical feeder wire was missing conduit. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

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.

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 too.

Recommend a qualified contractor verify the breakers and accuracy of any existing labeling as necessary.

The hot and neutral service entrance conductors appeared to be cut or altered to fit. A qualified electrical contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

The B-Vent (double wall) exhaust flue had improper clearance from combustible materials. This type of vent requires a 1-inch minimum clearance from combustibles. This condition is a potential fire hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The HVAC system air filter was very dirty or clogged. 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 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.

The heating system did fire and appeared to be in serviceable condition at the time of the inspection. However, the appearance of the flames during operation indicated that gas combustion was not correct. Cleaning, servicing and/or certification of the HVAC system by a qualified contractor is recommended and repaired or replaced as necessary.

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.

There were water stains or water damaged areas in the crawlspace at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Insulation installed in the basement had paper or foil backing facing the wrong direction. Thermal insulation should always be installed with the paper or foil backing toward the source of heat. Reversal (backing on the cold side) may result in problems from the formation of excessive condensation. Excessive condensation may cause damage to property materials from decay or result in the development of microbial growth which can cause health problems in some people. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

One or more light fixtures in basement were not installed properly at time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair a replace as needed.