The galvanized base flashing used at a vent to protect areas of the roof from moisture intrusion is not sealed properly or has deteriorated in areas. A qualified roofing contractor should inspect and repair as necessary.

The valley flashing/shingles is not sealed.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The plumbing vent did not extend far enough above the roof. A plumbing vent should extend a minimum of 6″ above the snow line, which is considered approximately 10″.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

One or more combustion appliance exhaust flue(s) extended more than 5 feet above the roof. Consider installation of support braces or guy wires to protect the flue from damage by strong winds.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/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 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 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.

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 siding and/or trim in areas were missing paint.

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

The door frame appears to be damaged. This is possibly from excessive force such as ramming the door when locked, or from heavy usage. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The screen door was damaged or deteriorated at the time of inspection.

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

A screen door was missing at the time of inspection.

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

The walkway(s) 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 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.

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 are recommended by a qualified contractor

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 lawn sprinkler system appeared to be damaged and/or leaking at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary according to current standards.

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

The downspout (s) are loose. 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. When moisture is introduced to the foundation it could also cause possible mold growth. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The downspout (s) need to have extensions reconnected. 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. When moisture is introduced to the foundation it could also cause possible mold growth. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The carpet was stained in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The door had a damaged or missing doorstop.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

An electrical outlet was wired incorrectly with an open neutral. This could create an electrical shock hazard. This could create an electrical shock hazard. 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 the 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 supply register supplied no detectable heat at the time of inspection.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

There appeared to be some damage to the interior flooring in areas. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

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.

A dyer vent connection was installed in the laundry area. The dryer vent was kinked and/or damaged at the back of the dryer.  The inspector recommends repairing or replacing the dryer vent to prevent restricting dryer exhaust air flow, the restriction of which can result in lint accumulation or vent blockage which can cause the dryer to overheat; a potential fire hazard and a condition that will shorten the dryers life span. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Gutters are necessary to properly collect rainwater from the roof, control it, divert it, and discharge that water away from the house and its foundation.

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

The detached garage was missing a downspout.  This can cause major moisture intrusion into the house and foundation, which could cause settlement of the structure.

Recommend a qualified contractor to install downspouts where needed.  The downspout discharge needs to be extended away from the foundation too.

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 the soil. Inadequate clearance may result in moisture intrusion of the structure.

Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary 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 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 in a garage, 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 door had a damaged or missing doorstop.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Carpeting was used as a floor covering material in the tub, shower, and/or toilet areas. The carpet is bound to get wet from steam/vapor from the shower, splashing, and water dripping off a body. Carpet tends to act as a sponge and soak up the moisture, which gives mildew and molds an opportunity to grow and spread. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and replace the floor covering materials as needed.

Caulking at the bathroom counter area was a poor installation, or had areas in poor condition and needs a touch-up. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed

The toilet was loose on the floor. This condition typically is caused by loose bolts or nuts and/or missing floor seals. The loose toilet can result in leaks, water damage, and mold, as well as damage to the toilet, water supply lines, bolts, and drainage pipes. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Sharp screws/fasteners we used at the electrical panel cover. This could be potentially hazardous if the screws puncture a live electrical wire. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

There was no shut-off valve installed on the water heater supply line. This means to replace the water heater the water would need to be turned off to the whole house. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The flue pipe was sealed improperly at the time of the inspection. Flue pipe connections should be sealed by 3 or more screws as most tapes (or tape adhesives) are not able to resist prolonged exposure to high heat.

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

The water temperature was higher than the acceptable range of 120-130 degrees. We recommend adjusting the water heater thermostat.

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.

No soil cover was installed at the time of the inspection. Soil covers help reduce humidity levels in crawlspaces by limiting moisture evaporation into the air from the soil. Reducing humidity levels can help reduce the chances of mold growth and deterioration of structural components. A qualified contractor should evaluate and install a soil cover as necessary.

Areas of the crawlspace were visibly wet or soft/squishy under the vapor barrier. The ground showed signs of moisture intrusion. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.