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.
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 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.
One or more plumbing vents had a rubber boot flange that was damaged. This condition could allow moisture to penetrate the roof component. 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 was covered with a white paint. White paint is typically a result of moisture intrusion and mold remediation. We recommend asking the current seller for more information.
The insulation had been walked on or had stored items compressing it, which reduces the R-value.
Recommend a qualified contractor 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 siding/trim has lifted nails and needs tightened.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
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.
An exterior electrical outlet was loose in the wall. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
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.
A window frame, still, shutter, and/or trim was had missing or damaged paint. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
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 lawn sprinkler system supply valves appeared to be corroded and/or leaking at time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary 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 garage, the occupant door does not afford protection until firemen arrive. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
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 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 garage door did not automatically reverse to upright position after a non-contact auto-reverse test. This is a safety defect.
The photo-electric reverse sensors are installed too high from the garage floor surface.
The vertical distance between the photo-eye beam and the floor should be no more than 6 inches.
The photo-electric reverse sensors are installed too high from the garage floor surface.
The vertical distance between the photo-eye beam and the floor should be no more than 6 inches.
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.
The floor had a noticeable hump or rise. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The sliding/folding door would fall off the track when operated. 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.
The window had a crank handle that was damaged or not working properly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The window had a sash that was unable to be opened without excessive force, possibly from being painted or nailed shut. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
One or more electrical outlet(s) were wired incorrectly with the hot and neutral wires being reversed. While the outlet still provides power to electronic equipment, a shock hazard has been created as there is still electricity running through the hot wire when the switch is off. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary according to current standards.
At the interior stairs, the handrail hand horizontal railings. This creates a climbing risk for children. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected. 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.
Caulking or sealant is deteriorated, missing, or in need of repair in one or more areas of the bar counter area. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection was provided for bar electrical outlets. Although GFCI protection of kitchen 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 GFC I breaker.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The food waste disposer was missing the wiring connector (clamp and bushing). A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The dishwasher drain line came out from a low location and did not discharge into a higher drain pipe. Dishwasher drain lines require a “high loop” in the line in order to drain properly. A “high loop” may have been hidden behind the appliance itself. The high loop in the drain hose is to keep water from settling in the hose to prevent any odors from backing up into the dishwasher. Food or debris may become stuck in the line and smell or mold if not corrected. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The door swings open or closed by itself. 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.
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 bathtub drain stop was damaged, missing or did not operate properly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There was not an exhaust fan in the bathroom. An exhaust fan or an openable window is needed for proper ventilation.
Some bathroom designs may require installing an exhaust fan in addition to an openable window to achieve proper ventilation.
Should proper ventilation rely solely on an openable window, the window may need to be opened during adverse weather conditions for the ventilation to happen. Using an exhaust fan is the recommended alternative.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The water supply valves and supply lines at the shower 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.
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 sub pump was not sealed at the time of the inspection. The dwelling has a radon mitigation system. The inspector recommends that it be sealed to prevent radon gas from entering the occupied area.
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 grounding rod is not flush with or below grade level. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The expansion tank was not properly secured. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Flames were not entirely burning a blue color. Orange and yellow flames may be an indicator the fuel-air mixture is not right and gas may not be burning as efficiently as possible. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate to adjust, repair, or replace fuel-burning components as necessary.
The water temperature was higher than the acceptable range of 120-130 degrees. We recommend adjusting the water heater thermostat.
18 – Cooling
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.