Home Inspection Report
123 Realtor Way, Atlanta, GA
Inspection Date:
05.03.2010
Prepared For:
Sarah Smith
Prepared By:
D.R.'s Inspection Service
5020 Amber Way NW
Acworth, GA 30102
404.957.1892
1.866.810.2802
Fax
[email protected]
Report Number:
05.120.85
Inspector:
Demetrius R. Stevens
Table Of Contents
REPORT OVERVIEW
4
STRUCTURE
10
ROOFING
12
EXTERIOR
14
ELECTRICAL
17
HEATING
22
COOLING / HEAT PUMPS
25
INSULATION / VENTILATION
26
PLUMBING
29
INTERIOR
35
APPLIANCES
39
Report Overview
THE HOUSE IN PERSPECTIVE
This is a we ll-built home but it needs many repairs. While the repa irs reco mmended in this report are co mmon for a ho me of this age and type, the amount of repairs are nu merous.
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS REPORT
For your convenience, the following conventions have been used in this report.
Major Concer n: a system or co mponent which is considered significantly deficient or is unsafe. Significant deficiencies need to be corrected and, except for some safety items, are lik ely to involve significant expense. Safety Issue: denotes a condition that is unsafe and in need of prompt attention.
Re pair:denotes a system or component which is missing or which needs corrective action to assure proper and reliable function.
Improve: denotes improvements which are recommended but not required.
Monitor : denotes a system or component needing further investigation and/or monitoring in order to determine if repairs are necessary.
Deferre d Cost: denotes items that have reached or are reaching their normal life expectancy or show indications that they may require repair or replacement anytime during the next five (5) years.
Please note that those observations listed under “Discretionary Improvements” are not essential repa irs, but represent logical long term improve ments.
IMPROVEMENT RECOMMENDATION HIGHLIGHTS / SUMMARY
The following is a synopsis of the potentially significant improve ments that should be budgeted for over the short term. Other significant imp rovements, outside the scope of this inspection, may a lso be necessary. Please refe r to the body of this report for further details on these and other recommendations.
MAJOR CONCERN Lot Drainage
Possible Major Concern, Monitor: The driveway appears to slope towards the house. This condition can cause water entry in the building. Unfortunately, it is difficult to imp rove this situation without resurfacing the driveway adjacent to the foundation or by adding a special intercept drain system at the garage entry.
Electrical
Major Concer n: Inspection of the electrical system revealed the need for nu me rous repairs. These should be high priority for safety reasons. Unsafe electrical conditions represent a shock hazard. A licensed electric ian should be consulted to undertake the repairs reco mmended below.
SAFETY ISSUES Pest
Safety Concern, Re pair: Evidence of wasp nests were observed in the attic of the bonus room and there is risk of additional hidden nests. If the property has not already been treated, a licensed pest control specialist should be engaged to treat the property.
REPAIR ITEMS Exterior Walls
Re pair: Blocked weep holes (openings in the mortar joints, typically found at foundation level) in the bric k veneer wall structure should be cleared to reduce the risk of water and/or frost damage.
Gutters & Downspouts
Re pair: Da maged or loose gutters should be repaired or replaced as necessary to avoid spilling roof runoff a round the building – a potential source of water entry or water da mage.
Re pair: Loose or da maged downspouts should be repaired promptly.
Exterior Walls
Re pair: The siding should be caulked where boards meet up to preserve the building.
Doors
Re pair: Loca lized ev idence of deterioration was visible at rea r door fra me. Repa irs should be undertaken in when painting.
Deck
Re pair: Wood/soil contact at the deck posts should be corrected at next repair.
Service / Entrance
Re pair: The service conduit should be better secured to the exterior of the home .
Main Panel
Re pair: Circu its within the ma in distribution panel that are doubled up (refe rred to as “double taps”) should be separated. Each c ircuit should be served by a separate fuse or breaker.
Re pair: One of the wires to the lin king (sometimes re ferred to as bridging) 20 a mp breake r is missing a nd should be provided wherever two fuses or breakers serve the same circuit, assuming that the outlet is a 240 volt outlet. This ensures that the circuit will p rovide the needed 240 volts to the appliance.
Di stribution Wiring
Re pair: The light is inoperative. If the bulbs are not blown, the c ircuit should be repaired.
Re pair: Light fixture wiring at the front of the house should be properly terminated in a junction bo x if it will not be utilized at this time.
Re pair: The rear basement light cover needs to be secured to fixture.
Switch
Re pair: M issing switch cover plates should be replaced to avoid a shock hazard near water heater.
Outlets
Re pair: An outlet at the front of the house is loose. It should be properly secured to the exterior wa ll.
Re pair: A ground fault c ircu it interrupter (GFCI) outlet in the basement is inoperative. This circuit should be repaired.
Re pair: An outlet in the basement is inoperative. This outlet and circuit should be investigated.
Furnace
Re pair: The heating system requires service. Th is should be a regular maintenance ite m to assure safe, reliable heat.
Furnace
Re pair: M issing insulation on refrigerant lines should be repaired. (See attic photos)
Combustion / Exhaust
Re pair: The e xhaust cover inside attic furnace shows evidence of corrosion. This condition should be evaluated by a qualified licensed heating technician to assure reliable operation.
Central Air Conditioning
Re pair: The outdoor unit of the air conditioning system (le ft unit) is out of level. This should be improved.
Attic / Roof
Re pair: Exhaust vent pipe leading fro m the the master bathroom should be vented to the building e xterior.
Re pair: Exhaust vent pipe leading fro m the the master bathroom is da maged. Replace ment is recommended.
Water Heater
Monitor : Water heaters have a typical life e xpectancy of 7 to 12 years. The e xisting unit is approaching this age range. One cannot predict with certainty when replace ment will become necessary.
Fixtures
Re pair: The hose bib is leaky on the rear o f the home.
Re pair: It is recommended that an anti-siphon device be added to the hose bib(s).
Re pair: There was very low hot water supply line pressure to faucets.
Re pair: The shower head diverter in the basement bathroom is in poor condition.
Re pair: The tub faucet in the basement bathroom was labeled incorrectly. Hot should always be on the left and cold should be on the right.
Re pair: The sink in the powder roo m is not secured to wall.
Re pair: The sink in the powder roo m is not connected to waste line.
Re pair: The faucet(s) in the kitchen are leaking.
Supply Plumbing
Re pair: A supply valve handle at the water heater is stiff / da maged. This may be reason why the hot water pressure is so low in the ho me.
Re pair: The supply piping is leaking at laundry sink.
Kitchen Cabinets
Re pair: The kitchen cabinets over the stove are missing middle trim.
Bathroom Cabinets
Re pair: Loose or da maged cabinet handles in the bathroom should be rep aired.
Doors
Re pair: Doors should be trimmed or adjusted as necessary to work properly.
Re pair: Da maged or non-functional door hardwa re should be improved.
Re pair: The dishwasher water supply is very low.
Fireplaces
Re pair: The fireplace ch imney should be inspected and cleaned prior to operation.
IMPROV EMENT ITEMS Furnace
Improve: The dirty air filter should be replaced. ( Size 16x25x1)
Central Air Conditioning
Improve: Both outdoor units of the air conditioning system require c leaning.
Attic / Roof
Improve: The attic access hatch should be better insulated.
Doors/Window s
Improve: Weather-stripping imp rovement around door(s) is reco mmended.
Improve: So me of the windows would not shut.
Fixtures
Improve: Crac ked, deterio rated and/or missing kitchen sink area caulk should be replaced. During the inspection a leak was detected.
Improve: The 2nd floor hall tub faucet handle is loose.
Windows
Improve: The window in the fa mily roo m is open at the top. Improve ment should be undertaken.
ITEMS TO MONITOR Wood Boring Insects
Monitor : Condit ions that are attractive to wood boring insects should be avoided since they can damage the property. These conditions include the storage of wood in damp environments, wood/soil contact around the perimeter o f the ho me (decking, sid ing, etc.), da mp soils, lea ky roofs, and unventilated spaces (roofs, garages, crawl spaces, etc.).
Garage
Monitor : The garage floor slab has typical cracks usually the result of shrinkage and/or settling of the slab. Crac ks more than 1/8” high could present a trip hazard.
Central Air Conditioning
Monitor : The fins of the outdoor portion of the air conditioning system were observed to be damaged. This condition can reduce the efficiency of the system.
Water Heater
Monitor : Water heaters have a typical life e xpectancy of 7 to 12 years. The e xisting unit is approaching this age range. One cannot predict with certainty when replace ment will become necessary.
Fixtures
Monitor : The bathtub in the basement bathroom was observed to drain slowly, suggesting that an obstruction may e xist.
Monitor : The toilet seat in the basement bathroom was missing at the time of the inspection.
Monitor : The sink in the basement bathroom is missing.
Wall / Ceiling Finishe s
Monitor : Water staining was noted in the dining room.
Monitor : Signs of mildew were observed around the basement of the tub trim.
Monitor : Signs of mildew were observed in the basement closet
Monitor , Re pair: Water da mage was noted on the basement wa ll and base board.
Basement Leakage
Monitor : No evidence of mo isture penetration was visible in the basement at the time of the inspection. It should be understood that it is impossible to predict whether moisture penetration will pose a problem in the future. The vast
act to collect roof water and drain the water at least five (5) feet fro m the foundation or into a functional storm sewer. Downspouts that are clogged or broken below grade level, or that discharge too close to the foundation are the most common source of basement lea kage. Please refer to the Roofing and Exte rior sections of the report for more informat ion.
In the event that basement lea kage proble ms are e xpe rienced, lot and roof drainage improve ments should be undertaken as a first step. Please beware of contractors who reco mmend e xpensive solutions. Excavation, da mp-proofing and/or the installation of dra inage tiles should be a last resort. In some cases, however, it is necessary. Your p lans for using the basement may a lso influence the approach taken to curing any dampness that is experienced .
Windows
Monitor : It may be desirable to replace window screens where missing. The owner should be consulted regarding any screens that may be in storage.
Monitor : The window(s) are painted shut in the basement. Improve ment can be undertaken as desired.
DEFERRED COST ITEMS Garage
It would be wise to install a smo ke detector in the garage.
Attic / Roof
THE SCOPE OF THE INSPECTION
All co mponents designated for inspection in the ASHI Standards of Practice are inspected, except as may be noted in the “Limitations of Inspection” sections within this report.
It is the goal of the inspection to put a home buyer in a better position to ma ke a buying decision. Not all improve ments will be identified during this inspection. Une xpected repairs should still be anticipated. The inspection should not be consider ed a guarantee or warranty of any kind.
This inspection is visual only. A representative sample of building co mponents are viewed in areas that are accessible at the time of the inspection. No destructive testing or dismantling of build ing components is performed.
Please refe r to the pre-inspection contract for a full e xp lanation of the scope of the inspection.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Dry weather conditions prevailed at the time of the inspection.
RECENT WEATHER CONDITIONS
Structure
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE
Foundation: Basement Configurat ion
Floor Structure: Wood Joist (Not Visib le top level)
Wall Structure: Wood Frame Wood Fra me, Brick Veneer
Ceiling Structure: Joist (Not Visib le 1st level)
Roof Structure: Rafters Plywood Sheathing
STRUCTURE OBSERVATIONS
Posi tive Attribute s
The construction of the home is high quality. The materials and workmanship, where visible, are abo ve average. The inspection did not discover evidence of substantial structural move ment.
General Comments
No ma jor defects were observed in the accessible structural components of the house. Typical minor flaws were detected in the structural components of the building.
RECOMMENDATIONS / OBS ERVATIONS Exterior Walls
Re pair: Blocked weep holes (openings in the mortar joints, typically found at foundation level) in the bric k veneer wall structure should be cleared to reduce the risk of water and/or fro st damage.
Wood Boring Insects
Monitor : Condit ions that are attractive to wood boring insects should be avoided since they can damage the property. These conditions include the storage of wood in damp environments, wood/soil contact around the pe rimeter of the ho me (decking, sid ing, etc.), da mp soils, lea ky roofs, and unventilated spaces (roofs, garages, crawl spaces, etc.).
LIMITATIONS OF STRUCTURE INSPECTION
As we have discussed and as described in your inspection contract, this is a visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the follo wing conditions:
Structural co mponents concealed behind finished surfaces could not be inspected.
Only a representative sampling of visib le structural co mponents were inspected.
Furniture and/or storage restricted access to some structural components.
Engineering or arch itectural services such as calculation of structural capacities, adequacy, or integrity are not part of a home inspection.
Roofing
DESCRIPTION OF ROOFING
Roof Covering: Asphalt Shingle
Roof Fla shings: Metal
Chimneys: Metal below siding
Roof Drainage System: Downspouts discharge above & below g rade
Skylights: None
Method of Inspection: Vie wed with binoculars
ROOFING OBSERVATIONS
Posi tive Attribute sThe roof coverings are to be in generally good condition. Roof flashing details appear to be in good order. The chimneys do not show signs of significant deteriorat ion.
General Comments
In all, the roof coverings show evidence of normal wea r and tear for a ho me of this age.
RECOMMENDATIONS / OBS ERVATIONS Gutters & Downspouts
Re pair: Da maged or loose gutters should be repaired or replaced as necessary to avoid spilling roof runoff a round the building – a potential source of water entry or water da mage.
LIMITATIONS OF ROOFING INSPECTION
As we have discussed and as described in your inspection contract, this is a visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the follo wing conditions:
Not the entire underside of the roof sheathing is inspected for evidence of leaks.
Ev idence of prior lea ks may be disguised by interior finishes.
Estimates of re ma ining roof life are appro ximat ions only and do not preclude the possibility of lea kage. Lea kage can develop at any time and may depend on rain intensity, wind direction, ice buildup, and other factors.
Antennae, chimney/flue interiors which a re not readily accessible are not inspected and could require re pair.
Roof inspection may be limited by access, condition, weather, or other safety concerns.
Portions of the roof were vie wed fro m the ground using binoculars. So me sections of the roof could not be viewed. Please also refer to the pre-inspection contract for a detailed e xp lanation of the scope of this inspection.
Exterior
DESCRIPTION OF EXTERIOR
Wall Covering: Bric k Ha rdboard
Eave s, Soffits, And Fa scias: Wood
Exterior Doors: Metal
Window/Door Frames and Trim: Wood
Entry Driveways: Concrete
Entry Walkways And Patios: Concrete
Porche s, Decks, Steps, Railings: Treated Wood on the deck
Overhead Garage Door(s): Wood Automatic Opener Installed
Surface Drainage: Graded Towa rds House at the front
Fencing: Chain Lin k
EXTERIOR OBSERVATIONS
Posi tive Attribute sThe house has all bric k constructed exterior wa lls. The e xte rior siding that has been installed on the house is relatively low ma intenance. The decking appears to be constructed fro m pressure treated wood. The garage appears to be fully insulated. The garage complete ly finished.
General Comments
The e xterio r of the ho me shows normal wea r and tear for a ho me o f th is age.
RECOMMENDATIONS / OBS ERVATIONS Lot Drainage
Possible Major Concern, Monitor: The driveway appears to slope towards the house. This condition can cause water entry in the building. Unfortunately, it is difficult to imp rove this situation without resurfacing the driveway adjacent to the foundation or by adding a special intercept drain system at the garage entry.
Exterior Walls
Doors
Re pair: Loca lized ev idence of deterioration was visible at rea r door fra me. Repa irs should be undertaken in when painting.
Garage
Monitor : The garage floor slab has typical cracks usually the result of shrinkage and/or settling of the slab. Crac ks more than 1/8” high could present a trip hazard.
Deck
It would be wise to install a smo ke detector in the garage.
LIMITATIONS OF EXTERIOR INSPECTION
As we have discussed and as described in your inspection contract, this is a visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the follo wing conditions:
A representative sample of e xterior co mponents was inspected rather than every occurrence of components.
The inspection does not include an assessment of geological, geotechnical, or hydrological conditions, or environmental hazards.
Screening, shutters, awnings, or simila r seasonal accessories, fences, recreational facilities, outbuildings, seawalls, brea k-walls, docks, erosion control and earth stabilizat ion measures are not inspected unless specifically agreed -upon and documented in this report.
Electrical
DESCRIPTION OF ELECTRICAL
Size of Electrical Service: 120/ 240 Volt Ma in Se rvice - Se rvice Size : 200 A mp
Service Drop: Overhead
Service Entrance Conductors: Alu minu m
Service Equipment &
Main Disconnects: Main Serv ice Rating 200 A mps Brea kers Located: Ne xt to meter
Service Grounding: Copper
Sub-Panel(s): Located: ne xt to mete r
Service Panel &
Overcurrent Protection: Located: Basement
Di stribution Wiring: Copper
Wiring Method: Armored Cable "BX" Non-Metallic Cable " Ro me x"
Switches & Receptacles: Grounded and Ungrounded
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters: Bathroom(s) Whirlpool Exterior Ga rage Kitchen
ARC Fault Circuit Interrupters: Electrical Panel
Smoke Detectors: Present
ELECTRICAL OBSERVATIONS
Posi tive Attribute sThe size of the electrical service is suffic ient for typica l single fa mily needs. A ll 3-prong outlets that were tested were appropriately grounded. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices have been provided in some areas of the home. These devices are e xtre me ly valuable, as they offer an e xtra leve l of shock protection. All GFCI ’s that were tested responded properly. A ll visible wiring within the home is copper. This is a good quality electrica l conductor.
General Comments
Major Concer n: Inspection of the electrical system revealed the need for nu me rous repairs. These should b e high priority for safety reasons. Unsafe electrical conditions represent a shock hazard. A licensed electric ian should be consulted to
undertake the repairs reco mmended below.
RECOMMENDATIONS / OBS ERVATIONS Service / Entrance
Re pair: Circu its within the main distribution panel that are doubled up (referred to as “double taps”) should be
separated. Each c ircuit should be served by a separate fuse or breaker.
Re pair: One of the wires to the lin king (sometimes re ferred to as bridging) 20 a mp breake r is missing and should be provided wherever two fuses or breakers serve the same circuit , assuming that the outlet is a 240 volt outlet. This ensures that the circuit will p rovide the needed 240 volts to the appliance.
Di stribution Wiring
Lights
Re pair: The light is inoperative. If the bulbs are not blown, the c ircuit sh ould be repaired.
Re pair: Light fixture wiring at the front of the house should be properly terminated in a junction bo x if it will not be utilized at this time.
Re pair: The rear basement light cover needs to be secured to fixture.
Switch
Re pair: M issing switch cover plates should be replaced to avoid a shock hazard near water heater.
Outlets
Re pair: An outlet at the front of the house is loose. It should be properly secured to the exterior wa ll.
Re pair: Severa l outlets in the basement are inoperative. Th is outlet and circuit should be investigated.
LIMITATIONS OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTION
As we have discussed and as described in your inspection contract, this is a visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the follo wing conditions:
Electrical co mponents concealed behind finished surfaces are not inspected.
Only a representative sampling of outlets and light fixtures were tested.
Furniture and/or storage restricted access to some electrica l co mponents which may not be inspected.
The inspection does not include re mote control devices, alarm systems and components, low voltage wiring, systems, and components, ancilla ry wiring, systems, and other components which are not part of the prima ry e lectrica l power distribution system.
Heating
DESCRIPTION OF HEATING
Energy Source: Gas
Heating System Type (Ba sement): Forced Air Furnace Manufacturer: Gibson Serial Nu mbe r: GLD040504834
Heating System Type: Forced Air Furnace Manufacturer: Gibson Serial Nu mbe r: GLD050112786
Vents, Flue s, Chimneys: Metal-Single Wall
Heat Distribution Methods: Ductwork
Other Components: Condensate Pump
HEATING OBSERVATIONS
Posi tive Attribute s
The heating system is in generally good condition. This is a high effic iency heating system. Adequate heating capacity is provided by the system. Heat distribution within the home is adequate.
General Comments
The heating system shows no visible evidence of ma jor defects. Minor repairs to the heating system are necessary.
RECOMMENDATIONS / OBS ERVATIONS Furnace
Re pair: The heating system requires service. Th is should be a regular maintenance it e m to assure safe, reliable heat.
Improve: The dirty air filter should be replaced. ( Size 16x25x1)
Furnace
Re pair: M issing insulation on refrigerant lines should be repaired. (See attic photos)
Re pair: The e xhaust cover inside attic furnace shows evidence of corrosion. This condition should be evaluated by a qualified licensed heating technician to assure reliable operation.
LIMITATIONS OF HEATING INSPECTION
As we have discussed and as described in your inspection contract, this is a visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the follo wing conditions:
The adequacy of heat supply or distribution balance is not inspected.
The interior of flues or chimneys which a re not readily accessible are not inspected.
The furnace heat e xchanger, humidifie r, o r dehumidifie r, and e lectronic a ir filters are not inspected.
Solar space heating equipment/systems are not inspected.
Cooling / Heat Pumps
DESCRIPTION OF COOLING / HEAT PUMPS
Energy Source: Electricity 240 Vo lt Po wer Supply
Central System Type: Air Cooled Central Air Conditioning Manufacturer: Nordyne
Serial Nu mber: JSF040505928
Central System Type: Air Cooled Central Air Conditioning Manufacturer: Nordyne
Serial Nu mber: JSF040704256
Other Components: Condensate Pump
COOLING / HEAT PUMPS OBSERVATIONS
Posi tive Attribute sThe capacity and configuration of the system should be sufficient for the home. The location of the return air vents is well suited to air conditioning. The system responded properly to operating controls.
General Comments
The system shows no visible evidence of ma jor defects. Typica l minor repairs are reco mmended.
RECOMMENDATIONS / OBS ERVATIONS Central Air Conditioning
Re pair: The outdoor unit of the air conditioning system (le ft unit) is out of level. This should be improved.
Monitor : The fins of the left outdoor portion of the air conditioning system were observed to be damaged. This condition can reduce the efficiency of the system.
Improve: Both outdoor units of the air conditioning system requires cleaning.
LIMITATIONS OF COOLING / HEAT PUMPS INSPECTION
As we have discussed and as described in your inspection contract, this is a visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the follo wing conditions:
Window mounted air conditioning units are not inspected.
The cooling supply adequacy or distribution balance are not inspected.
Insulation / Ventilation
DESCRIPTION OF INSULATION / VENTILATION
Attic Insulation: R30 Fiberglass in Main Attic
Roof Ventilation: Ridge Vents Soffit Vents
Exhaust Fan/vent Locations: Bathroom Dryer
INSULATION / VENTILATION OBSERVATIONS
Posi tive Attribute s
This is a we ll insulated home.
General Comments
Caulking and weather-stripping around doors, windows and other exterior wa ll openings will help to ma intain weather tightness and reduce energy costs. Rooms that e xtend over unheated areas tend to be cooler than other areas of the home during winter months. .
RECOMMENDATIONS / ENERGY SAVING SUGGESTIONS Attic / Roof
Insulation improve ments may be cost effective above the master suite, depending on the anticipated term of o wnership.
Re pair: Exhaust vent pipe leading fro m the the master bathroom should be vented to the building e xterior.
Re pair: Exhaust vent pipe leading fro m the the master bathroom is da maged. Replace ment is recommended.
Improve: Weather-stripping imp rovement around door(s) is reco mmended.
Improve: So me of the windows would not open or shut.
LIMITATIONS OF INSULATION / VENTILATION INSPECTION
As we have discussed and as described in your inspection contract, this is a visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the follo wing conditions:
Insulation/ventilation type and levels in concealed areas are not inspected. Insulation and vapor barriers are not disturbed and no destructive tests (such as cutting openings in wa lls to look for insulation) are performed .
Potentially ha zardous materials such as Asbestos and Urea Forma ldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI) cannot be positively identified without a detailed inspection and laboratory analysis. This is beyond the scope of the inspection.
An analysis of indoor air quality is not part of our inspection unless explic itly contracted -for and discussed in this or a separate report.
Any estimates of insulation R values or depths are rough average values.
Plumbing
DESCRIPTION OF PLUMBING
Water Supply Source: Public Water Supply
Service Pipe to House: Copper
Main Water Valve Location: Front Wall of Basement
Interior Supply Piping: Copper Plastic
Waste System: Public Se wer System
Drain, Waste, & Vent Piping: Plastic
Water Heater: Gas Approximate Capacity (in ga llons): 50 Manufacturer: Rhee m
Serial Nu mber: RHLN 0505504046
Fuel Shut-Off Valves: Natural Gas Main Valve at mete r on e xterior side wall
Other Components: Pressure Regulator on Main Line
PLUMBING OBSERVATIONS
General Comments
The plumb ing system requires many minor imp rovements.
Complime ntary: Ma in water shut off Compli mentar y: Main gas shut off
RECOMMENDATIONS / OBS ERVATIONS
Water Heater
Monitor : Water heaters have a typical life e xpectancy of 7 to 12 years. The e xisting unit is approaching this age range. One cannot predict with certainty when replace ment will become necessary.
Fixtures
Re pair: It is recommended that an anti-siphon device be added to the hose bib(s).
Bib is leaking behind wall into basement. (See ne xt photo)
Re pair: There was very low hot water supply line pressure to faucets.
Re pair: The shower head diverter in the basement bathroom is in poor condition.
Monitor : The bathtub in the basement bathroom was observed to drain slowly, suggesting that an obstruction may e xist.
Re pair: The tub faucet in the basement bathroom was labeled incorrectly. Hot should always be on the left and cold should be on the right.
Monitor : The sink in the basement bathroom is missing.
Re pair: The sink in the powder roo m is not secured to wall.
Improve: Crac ked, deterio rated and/or missing kitchen sink area caulk should be replaced. During the inspection a leak was detected.
The water is coming under sink & down into the cabinet
Re pair: The faucet(s) in the kitchen are leaking.
Re pair: A supply valve handle at the water heater is stiff / da maged. This may be reason why the hot water pressure is so low in the ho me.
Re pair: The supply piping is leaking at laundry sink.
Wall is wet
LIMITATIONS OF PLUMBING INSPECTION
As we have discussed and as described in your inspection contract, this is a visual inspection limited in scop e by (but not restricted to) the follo wing conditions:
Portions of the plumb ing system concealed by fin ishes and/or storage (below sinks, etc.), below the structure, or beneath the ground surface are not inspected.
Water quantity and water quality are not tested unless explicit ly contracted-for and discussed in this or a separate report.
Clothes washing machine connections are not inspected.
Interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible are not inspected.
Water conditioning systems, solar water heaters, fire and la wn sprinkler systems, and private waste disposal systems are not inspected unless exp lic itly contracted-for and discussed in this or a separate report.
Interior
DESCRIPTION OF INTERIOR
Wall And Ceiling Materials: Dry wall
Floor Surfaces: Carpet Tile Wood Concrete
Window Type(s) & Glazing: Casement
Doors: Wood-Hollow Co re
INTERIOR OBSERVATIONS
General Condition of Interior Finishes
On the whole, the interior finishes of the home are in average condition. Typica l fla ws were observed in some areas .
General Condition of Windows and Doors
The ma jority of the doors and windows are good quality.
General Condition of Floors
The floors of the home are relat ively level and wa lls are re lative ly plu mb.
RECOMMENDATIONS / OBS ERVATIONS Wall / Ceiling Finishe s
Monitor : Water staining was noted in the dining room.
Monitor : Signs of mildew were observed in the basement closet
Monitor , Re pair: Water da mage was noted on the basement wa ll and base board.
Basement Leakage
Monitor : No evidence of mo isture penetration was visible in the basement at the time of the inspection. It should be understood that it is impossible to predict whether moisture penetration w ill pose a problem in the future. The vast ma jority of basement lea kage proble ms are the result of insuffic ient control of storm water at the surface. The ground around the house should be sloped to encourage water to flow away fro m the foundation. Gutters and downspouts should
act to collect roof water and drain the water at least five (5) feet fro m the foundation or into a functional storm sewer. Downspouts that are clogged or broken below grade level, or that discharge too close to the foundation are the most common source of basement lea kage. Please refer to the Roofing and Exte rior sections of the report for more informat ion.
In the event that basement lea kage proble ms are e xpe rienced, lot and roof drainage improve ments should be undertaken as a first step. Please beware of contractors who reco mmend e xpensive solutions. Excavation, da mp -proofing and/or the installation of dra inage tiles should be a last resort. In some cases, however, it is necessary. Your p lans for using the basement may a lso influence the approach taken to curing any dampness that is experienced.
Windows
Monitor : It may be desirable to replace window screens where missing. The owner should be consulted regarding any screens that may be in storage.
Monitor : The window(s) are painted shut in the basement. Improve ment can be undertaken as desired.
Improve: The window in the fa mily roo m is open at the top. Improve ment should be undertaken.
Kitchen Cabinets
Re pair: The kitchen cabinets over the stove are missing middle trim.
Bathroom Cabinets
Re pair: Loose or da maged cabinet handles in the bathroom should be repaired.
Doors
Re pair: Doors should be trimmed or adjusted as necessary to work properly.
Safety Concern, Re pair: Evidence of wasp nests were observed in the attic of the bonus room and there is risk of additional hidden nests. If the property has not already been treated, a licensed pest control specialist should be engaged to treat the property.
LIMITATIONS OF INTERIOR INSPECTION
As we have discussed and as described in your inspection contract, this is a visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the follo wing conditions
Furniture, storage, appliances and/or wall hangings are not moved to permit inspection and may bloc k defects.
Carpeting, window treat ments, central vacuum systems, household appliances, recreational facilities, paint, wa llpaper, and other finish treatments are not inspected.
Appliances
DESCRIPTION OF APPLIANCES
Appliances Te sted: Gas Range Gas Cooktop Dishwasher Waste Disposer
Laundry Facility: 240 Volt Circuit for Dryer Dryer Vented to Building Exte rior 120 Vo lt
Circuit for Washer Hot and Cold Water Supply for Washer Waste Standpipe for Washer Washer Discharges to Laundry Tub/Sink
Other Components Tested: Door Bell
APPLIANCES OBSERVATIONS
Posi tive Attribute s
Most all appliances that were tested responded satisfactorily.
RECOMMENDATIONS / OBS ERVATIONS Di shwasher
Re pair: The dishwasher water supply is very low.
LIMITATIONS OF APPLIANCES INSPECTION
As we have discussed and as described in your inspection contract, this is a visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the follo wing conditions
Thermostats, time rs and other specialized features and controls are not tested.
The temperature ca librat ion, functionality of time rs, effectiveness, efficiency and overall performance of appliances is outside the scope of this inspection.
Fireplaces / Wood Stoves
DESCRIPTION OF FIREPLACES / WOOD STOVES
Fireplaces: Gas Firep lace Insert
Vents, Flue s, Chimneys: Outside Co mbustion Air Provided
FIREPLACES / WOOD STOVES OBSERVATIONS
General Comments
On the whole, the fireplace and it’s components were found to be in average condition. Typical flaws were observed in some areas.
RECOMMENDATIONS / OBS ERVATIONS Fireplaces
Re pair: The fireplace ch imney should be inspected and cleaned prior to operation.
LIMITATIONS OF FIREPLACES / WOOD STOVES INSPECTION
As we have discussed and as described in your inspection contract, this is a visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the follo wing conditions
The interiors of flues or chimneys are not inspected.
Fire screens, firep lace doors, appliance gaskets and seals, automatic fuel feed devices, mantles and firep lace surrounds, combustion ma ke-up air devices, and heat distribution assists (gravity or fan -assisted) are not inspected.
The inspection does not involve igniting or e xt inguis hing fires nor the determination of draft.
Fireplace inserts, stoves, or firebox contents are not moved.