2 – Roof
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.
The inspector observed stains on the shingles in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The drip edge flashing along the rake/eave was missing in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
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 was thoroughly textured and painted shut. An attempt was made to use a razor to separate the hatch, however it was not successful. Excessive force, significant cutting, and possible damage may result to the paint and drywall texture in an effort to open this hatch. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate the attic space once access is provided.
The insulation is thinner than current thermal resistance (R-value) standards.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
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.
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.
Siding showed cracking and or damage in one or more places. Recommend monitoring, and if the problem exacerbates, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The exterior siding was missing flashing in areas. Appropriate flashing is required above doors and windows, as well as any vent or horizontal break in the siding. This condition could result in moisture intrusion into the house.
Recommend 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.
Gaps at intersections of the siding, trim, and door and window openings, as well as any other holes in the siding, should be sealed with an appropriate sealant to prevent water penetration into the wall system. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The siding/trim had a swollen appearance due to moisture intrusion.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The eaves had gaps at the edges between soffit panels or roof sheathing which allows insects to enter the attic.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
Components of the eaves, facia, and/or soffit was warped, swollen, or had peeling paint which are signs of water damage. The materials will eventually begin to rot if left untreated or cause has not been corrected.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The paint was peeling or cracking in one or more areas of the eaves.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
An entry door had areas of peeling paint. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
One or more window screens were damaged or deteriorated.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
Minor cracking was visible on the walkway(s) in areas. Monitoring is the minimum recommendation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
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.
Signs of repairs were present in the walkway(s) in areas. Recommend asking current homeowner for more information, and if repairs appear to be of poor quality it is recommended to have a qualified contractor evaluate further for any additional repairs necessary.
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
The exterior foundation wall had settlement crack(s.) 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.
Peeling paint was present in areas.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
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.
The garage door panelling was dented, corroded, or damaged and should be further evaluated by a qualified contractor to repair or replace as needed.
The garage door was hard to lift or the spring(s) did not support the weight of the door when tested.
Recommend a qualified contractor 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.
Minor cracking was visible on the interior walls. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The drywall in some areas revealed the tape and nail bed. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
The door swings open or closed by itself. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A door in the interior has 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.
An electrical outlet had a loose or damaged faceplate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The light fixture was missing cover/glass. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There were “nail pops” visible on the interior ceilings. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
The cabinet floor was damaged. This may be from excessive leaking pipes, condensation, or even leaking cleaners stored in cabinet over the years.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The counter top was swollen and beginning to blister. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The sink sprayer was leaking. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The dishwasher was loose and not properly secured to the counter top or cabinets. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The vent hood light was not working at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The drywall wall, ceiling, and/or trim was 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, finishing components. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The counter top was loose and not fastened securely. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wood cabinetry had a finish that was worn or peeling. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The tub/shower drain line was clogged or drains slowly. 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Sealant was damage deteriorated around the window. Recommend a qualified contractor repair or replace as necessary.
The counter top needs caulking with silicone around the sink. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The cabinet floor was damaged. This may be from excessive leaking pipes, condensation, or even leaking cleaners stored in cabinet over the years.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Some caulking in the tub shower area was loose, old, or poorly done. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and re-caulk as needed.
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.
The cabinet floor was damaged. This may be from excessive leaking pipes, condensation, or even leaking cleaners stored in cabinet over the years.
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.
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.
The counter top needs caulking with silicone along the back splash. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The property had a sump pump. The sump pump did not respond to the controls. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary.
This system protects the property from water intrusion by discharging rising groundwater or seepage from surface runoff 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 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 gas supply line lacked a sediment or drip leg. This condition could allow small particles in the gas supply to enter the mechanical. 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.
Based on the age of the cooling system it is recommended that it be cleaned and serviced and certified (if possible) by an HVAC professional.
The air-conditioner refrigerant suction line (large, insulated) has damaged or missing insulation in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary.
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.
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.
The gas supply line lacked a sediment or drip leg. This condition could allow small particles in the gas supply to enter the mechanical. A qualified contractor should evaluate then repair or replace as advised.
The concrete floor in the basement was cracked in areas. These cracks appear to be common cracks indicating regular settlement or heaving, but not necessarily structural problems. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate to make further recommendations 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.