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 and repair or replace as necessary.
The combustion exhaust flue was dented/damaged at the time of the inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The combustion exhaust flue was loose/leaning at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
The insulation is thinner than current thermal resistance (R-value) standards. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The exterior of the garage door trim has peeling paint in some areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Siding showed cracking and or damage in one or more places. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There were penetrations in areas of the siding at the time of inspection. Recommend applying appropriate sealant to these areas to prevent potential moisture or pest intrusion. A qualified contractor should further evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The exterior wall covering is beginning to deteriorate or has deteriorated in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Exterior walls of the property appeared to be covered with a synthetic stucco product called Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). EIFS has installation requirements, different from hard coat stucco, which have been widely misunderstood. Many structures with EIFS exterior wall coverings have had EIFS applied by installers who were not qualified, and defective installations are common. Many EIFS-clad houses have revealed moisture-related problems, such as deteriorated wood framing and pest infestation. Testing of this cladding requires a specialty inspection and is beyond the scope of this inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The exterior siding was missing flashing in areas at the left side of the home. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Peeling paint was present in areas of the exterior. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
One or more window screens were damaged or deteriorated at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
Window well(s) were rusted or corroded in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There were signs of significant cracking on the walkway(s) in areas. Cracks that with a separation of 1/4″ and more would be an indication of settlement, heaving, or structural problems. These 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.
The rear patio has 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.
The walkway(s) surface was pitted in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Signs of repairs were present on the front 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 top of the foundation wall had inadequate clearance from grade. The top of the foundation wall should be a minimum of six inches above soil and two inches above a walking surface. Inadequate clearance may result in moisture intrusion of the structure. A qualified contractor should 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.
Large trees near the house have branches which overhang the property. Falling branches due to conditions such as wood decay, high winds or heavy snow loads may cause injury, death or damage. Significant weakening of large branches by conditions such as core decay may not be visible by persons without special training. Consider having these trees evaluated by a qualified arborist. Evaluating trees lies beyond the scope of the general property inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Vegetation growing on siding should be removed and kept away from eaves, woodwork, doors, chimneys, or other building components. They hold moisture against the wall, hide rot and other problems and are conducive conditions for termites, carpenter ants, etc. The growth does not allow full inspection of the siding and can hide potential defects underneath. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The outside water faucet at the left side of the home drips at the knob when turned on. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The foundation had minor vertical cracks in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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 garage door paneling showed signs of daylight in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There were “nail pops” visible on the interior ceilings in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The carpet was stained in areas throughout the property. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An interior door did not latch properly in the primary bedroom. 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.
Carbon monoxide detectors were not installed within a specified distance of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes. The inspector recommends installation of carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate locations. Colorado House bill 1091 became effective on July 1, 2009 that requires Carbon Monoxide detectors to be installed in most properties that has a fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Some of the smoke detectors appeared to be old and beyond their expected life. A qualified person should repair or replace as needed. The existing smoke detectors were tested if present, but they are only noted as to presence and operation as of date of inspection. Smoke detectors may work today but not work when you need them to work. This is why it is important for you to test them on a regular basis, monthly at least. Smoke detectors are recommended by the U.S. Product Safety Commission to be installed inside each bedroom and adjoining hallway and on each living level of the property and basement level.
The drain at the bar sink was leaking at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) Protection was not provided for all kitchen electrical outlets. Although GFCI protection of kitchen outlets may not have been required at the time in which this property was built, as general knowledge of say fielding practices has improved with the passage of time building standards have changed to reflect current understanding. 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 in the primary bathroom. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The left hand sink was cracked or damaged in the primary bathroom. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The tub/shower area had deteriorated or missing sealant (caulking or grout) where the shower wall rests on the tub and/or at the inside corners. 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 in the primary bathroom. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The bathroom exhaust fan was very dirty and possibly clogged in the hall bathroom. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The counter top needs caulking with silicone along the back splash in the hall bathroom. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A control valve at the sink was leaking during operation at the time of inspection in the hall bathroom. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The counter top needs caulking with silicone along the back splash basement bathroom. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Caulking in the shower/tub area was deteriorated at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The door was missing at the laundry room. 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 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 to. Recommend a qualified contractor verify the breakers and accuracy of any existing labeling as necessary.
The expansion tank was not properly secured or mounted to walls or ceilings. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Gas leakage was detected at exposed gas piping connection. The gas supply piping included a shutoff valve in the vicinity of the heater for service personnel and emergency use. The valve was not operated as part of the inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The water heating equipment was dented/damaged in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Due to the year of manufacture (1996), the heating system is assumed to be near the end of its expected service life. Regular maintenance and monitoring of its condition is recommended. Budgeting for repairs and future replacement is recommended. A qualified contractor should evaluate to clean, service/repair/replace as necessary, and certify the unit if possible. InterNACHI’s Standard Estimate Life Expectancy Chart for Homes
The heating system cabinet was corroded, rusted or dirty/damaged in some areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Due to the year of manufacture (1996), the cooling system is assumed to be near the end of its expected service life. Regular maintenance and monitoring of its condition is recommended. Budgeting for repairs and future replacement is recommended. A qualified contractor should evaluate to clean, service/repair/replace as necessary, and certify the unit if possible. InterNACHI’s Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes
There was damage to the air-conditioner condenser coil fins. This limits the ability to dissipate heat. Further damage to the coil fins should be avoided in order to maintain cooling system efficiency and avoid problems from overheating of the compressor. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
There were minor to moderate cracks in the basement foundation wall. These cracks should be sealed to prevent moisture intrusion and monitored for further movement. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Insulation installed in the basement had paper or foil backing facing the wrong direction in areas. 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.