Arena Home Inspections

Website: http://www.arenahi.com
Company email: bob@arenahi.com
Inspector's email: boba1035@hotmail.com
Phone: (404) 353-6968

   

Home Inspection Report
Client(s): Sample Report
Property address: 123 Main Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
Inspection date: Thursday, September 25, 2008
This report published on 9/29/2008 8:24:40 AM EDT

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This report is the exclusive property of this inspection company and the client(s) listed in the report title. Use of this report by any unauthorized persons is prohibited.

 
How to Read this Report
This report is organized by the property's functional areas.  Within each functional area, descriptive information is listed first and is shown in bold type.  Items of concern follow descriptive information. Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types:
SafetyPoses a risk of injury or death 
Major DefectCorrection likely involves a significant expense 
Repair/ReplaceRecommend repairing or replacing 
Repair/MaintainRecommend repair and/or maintenance 
Minor DefectCorrection likely involves only a minor expense 
MaintainRecommend ongoing maintenance 
EvaluateRecommend evaluation by a specialist 
MonitorRecommend monitoring in the future 
ServiceableItem or component is in servicable condition 
CommentFor your information 

Click here for a glossary of building construction terms.  Contact your inspector if there are terms that you do not understand, or visit the glossary of construction terms at http://www.reporthost.com/glossary.asp

Table of Contents
General information
Exterior
Detached garage or carport
Roof
Electric service
Water heater
Heating and air conditioning
Attic
Plumbing and laundry
Crawl space
Interior rooms
 
General information Return to table of contents
Report number: AHI092508
Time started: 1300
Time finished: 1533
Occupied: No
Age of building: 1979
Type of building: Single family
Weather conditions: Clear
Temperature: Warm 80 F at start
Ground condition: Dry
Main entrance faces: South
Foundation type: Crawlspace
The following items are excluded from this inspection: Security system
 
Exterior Return to table of contents
Foundation material: Concrete block
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Brick veneer LP Type Siding
Driveway material: Poured in place concrete
Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete


1) One or more ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles didn't trip with the inspector's test instrument. Recommend having a qualified, licensed electrician evaluate and repair or replace receptacles or the wiring to the receptacles as necessary.
2) One or more trip hazards were found in the driveway due to cracks and/or settlement. Recommend having a qualified paving contractor repair or replace driveway section(s) as necessary to eliminate trip hazards.
3) The clothes dryer exhaust duct vent cap has significant amounts of lint and/or debris build up. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire. Since it is propped open, birds, insects, and rodents can also pass through the open vent. Recommend cleaning exhaust duct and cap now and annually, or more often if needed, in the future. Some chimney sweeps or heating and cooling duct cleaners perform this service. For more information, visit http://chimneykeepers.com/dryerclean.html
4) One or more crawl space vent screens are missing, damaged or deteriorated. Recommend replacing damaged or deteriorated screens where necessary using screen material such as "hardware cloth" with 1/4" minimum gaps.
5) Front Post Cap - detached - secure to post
6) Vegetation (trees, shrubs and/or vines) are in contact with the structure's exterior. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms. Vegetation can serve as a conduit for insects and may retain moisture against the exterior after it rains. Recommend pruning or removing vegetation as necessary so there's at least a one foot gap between all vegetation and the structure's exterior.
7) Left Side Vent - unable to fully open due to beehives - clean as needed
8) Caulk is missing or deteriorated in some areas. Recommend caulking where necessary.
9) This home is clad with Louisiana Pacific (LP) wood fiber siding. It's known to deteriorate and/or fail prematurely due to moisture penetration. Failure is typically visible in the form of cracking and delamination, especially at the bottom edges of the lap siding, and swelling. A class action lawsuit has been filed regarding this ( http://www.lpsidingclaims.com/ ), but the deadline for filing has passed.

The siding on this structure looks to have been properly maintained. Louisiana Pacific's recommended repair process for this siding includes sealing the bottom edges with "Permanizer Plus", a flexible primer made by Pittsburgh Paint, followed by two coats of 100% acrylic latex paint. These paints must be applied to the bottom edges using a brush. The face of the siding can be sprayed. The "Permanizer Plus" sealer isn't required for edges that aren't swollen, cracked or deteriorated, but the acrylic latex should still be brushed on these edges.

For more information, visit:
Pittsburgh Paints, PRIMERS -THE FOUNDATION FOR A TOP QUALITY JOB
Failing LP Siding Help Page
 
Detached garage or carport Return to table of contents
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: LP Type Siding
Roof inspection method: Traversed
Roof type: Gable
Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Estimated age of roof: 15 years
Gutter & downspout material: Aluminum
Roof ventilation: Adequate
10) Detached Garage - outlet is loose & not GFCI - repair & replace with GFCI outlet
11) The garage vehicle doors do not operate properly. Recommend having a qualified garage door contractor evaluate and repair or replace openers as necessary.
12) Detached Garage - vehicle door weatherstripping is deteriorated - replace
13) Trees are overhanging roof and are within 10 feet of roof vertically. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms since organic debris is more likely to accumulate on the roof surface. Accumulated debris may cause water to enter gaps in the roof surface and leak into attic and/or interior spaces. Recommend pruning trees so they're at least 10 feet above roof, or don't overhang the roof.
14) Caulk is missing or deteriorated in some areas. Recommend caulking where necessary.
 
Roof Return to table of contents
Roof inspection method: Traversed
Roof type: Gable
Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Estimated age of roof: 15 Years
Gutter & downspout material: Aluminum
Roof ventilation: Adequate
15) Left Side Gutter Downspout (roof) - is deteriorated - repair/replace
16) Gutters - organic debris in some places - clean as needed
 
Electric service Return to table of contents
Primary service type: Underground
Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
Service amperage (amps): 150
Service voltage (volts): 120-240
Location of main service panel: Interior Hallway
Location of main disconnect: Breaker at top of main service panel
Service conductor material: Aluminum
Main disconnect rating (amps): 150
Branch circuit wiring type: Non-metallic sheathed
Solid strand aluminum branch circuit wiring present: No
Smoke detectors present: Yes
17) One or more smoke detectors are not working. Recommend changing the batteries in all the smoke detectors now and annually in the future. For more information on smoke detectors, please review the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Document #5077 Test All Smoke Alarms (Detectors) and Annually Replace Batteries
Develop and Rehearse an Escape Plan
.
 
Water heater Return to table of contents
Estimated age: 1994
Type: Tank
Energy source: Natural gas
Capacity (in gallons): 50
Brand & model: US/Craftmaster
18) Water Heater - highly recommend replacing solid door with fully louvered door to allow adequate combustion air availability
19) The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8 to 12 years. This water heater appears to be at this age or older. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
 
Heating and air conditioning Return to table of contents
Heating system energy source: Natural gas
Heat system type: Forced air
A/C energy source: Electric
Air conditioning type: Split system
Distribution system: Flexible ducts
Brand & model: Westinghouse (upstairs) & Ruud (downstairs)
20) Upstairs HVAC - left side burner flame is migrating into unprotected front zone - have HVAC technician repair/replace
21) Because of the age and/or condition of this furnace (upstairs), recommend that a qualified heating and cooling technician inspect the heat exchanger and perform a Carbon Monoxide test when it's serviced.
22) The estimated useful life for forced air furnaces is 15 to 20 years. This furnace (upstairs unit) appears to be at this age or older and may need replacing at any time.
23) Recommend that this system be inspected, cleaned, serviced and repaired if necessary by a qualified heating and cooling technician now & annually in the future.
24) This system is equipped with washable filter(s). Recommend washing these filter(s) every 3-6 months in the future.
 
Attic Return to table of contents
Inspection method: Viewed from hatch
Roof structure type: Rafters
Ceiling structure: Ceiling beams
Insulation material: Fiberglass loose fill, Fiberglass roll or batt
Insulation estimated R value: 30
25) Upstairs HVAC Room - batt insulation facing is combustible and should not be left exposed - repair/replace
 
Plumbing and laundry Return to table of contents
Service pipe material: Copper
Supply pipe material: Copper
Vent pipe material: Plastic
Drain pipe material: Plastic
Waste pipe material: Plastic
 
Crawl space Return to table of contents
Inspection method: Traversed
Insulation material underneath floor above: Fiberglass roll or batt
Pier or support post material: Masonry
Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
Vapor barrier present: No
26) Vapor barrier is missing. Recommend installing 6 mil polyethylene with seams overlapped at least 24" so no soil is exposed in the crawlspace.
 
Interior rooms Return to table of contents

27) First Floor - carbon monoxidemonitor is missing battery - recommend changing battery & testing - replace unit if needed
28) Stairs - recommend installing proper handrail on left side
29) No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices (receptacles or circuit breakers) are visible in the kitchen or bathrooms. GFCI devices help prevent electric shocks in areas that may have water present. Recommend having a qualified, licensed electrician install GFCI protection for receptacles over counter tops and around sinks as per standard building practices.
30) One or more guardrails are loose and/or wobbly in some areas. This is a safety hazard. Recommend having a qualified contractor make repairs as necessary, such as installing new fasteners or additional fasteners and/or installing additional railing components as necessary so they're securely attached.
31) Cover plate(s) are missing from one or more electric receptacle boxes. They are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from exposed wires. This is a safety hazard and poses a risk of both fire and shock. Recommend installing cover plates over receptacle boxes where missing.
32) Screen(s) missing in one or more windows. Window(s) may not provide ventilation during months when insects are active. Recommend installing screens.
33) Window(s) stuck shut and can't open. Recommend repairing window(s) so they open easily.
34) One or more doors don't latch when closed. Recommend making repairs as necessary such as adjusting latch plates or lockset mechanisms.
35) One or more doors bind in their jambs. Recommend making repairs as necessary so they close easily.
36) Some Windows do not stay open properly - repair as needed
37) First Floor Bathroom - light fixture loose - repair
38) Upstairs Closet Doors - detached from track - repair/replace
39) Window(s) broken. Recommend replacing glass.
40) Fireplace/Chimney Flue - recommend cleaning now & every 2 years in the future
41) Kitchen Faucet - base is loose - repair & seal
42) Caulk below tub at floor is deteriorated. Recommend removing old caulk and applying a new bead of tub-tile caulk where tub meets flooring to prevent water damage to floor materials.
43) Upstairs Hall Light - missing cover - replace
44) First Floor Bathroom - missing rubber door stop tip - replace
45) Fireplace - clean inner hearth now & when ashes block gas vents
 

Photo 4  
Driveway - settlement tripping hazard - repair/replace

Photo 5  
Driveway - settlement tripping hazard - repair/replace

Photo 6  
Front Post Cap - detached - secure to post

Photo 7  
Front Entrance

Photo 8  
Front Porch

Photo 9  
Front Porch GFCI Outlet - does not trip/reset - replace

Photo 10  
Exterior - caulk as needed

Photo 11  
Front View

Photo 12  
Gutters - clean as needed

Photo 13  
Left Side View

Photo 14  
Crawl Space Vents - multiple screens are missing/deteriorated - install to reduce insect/rodent intrusion

Photo 15  
Left Side Hose Bibb - loose & air gap - caulk/seal as needed

Photo 16  
Electric Meter/Service Entrance

Photo 17  
A/C Units

Photo 18  
A/C Unit #1 info

Photo 19  
A/C Unit #2 info

Photo 20  
Left Side - caulk/seal as needed

Photo 21  
Left Side - caulk/seal as needed

Photo 22  
Left Side - Crawl Space Vent Cover detached - repair/replace

Photo 23  
Exterior - caulk is missing/deteriorated - caulk as needed

Photo 24  
Exterior - siding is original (1979) LP type siding - this siding has been known to fail from moisture intrusion - the siding on this house has been maintained well - some areas need paint/caulk to seal properly

Photo 25  
Rear View

Photo 26  
Right/Rear View

Photo 27  
Exterior - recommend trimming brush at least 12" from structure to help prevent moisture & insect intrusion

Photo 28  
Right/Rear - GFCI outlet is loose & has no cover - repair

Photo 29  
Rear - Dryer Vent is clogged at opening - clean out to ensure flap door closes when not in use, to prevent insect/rodent/bird intrusion & lint fire hazrd

Photo 30  
Crawl Space Vents - multiple screens are missing/deteriorated - install to reduce insect/rodent intrusion

Photo 31  
Exterior - caulk as needed

Photo 32  
Right Side View

Photo 33  
Gas Meter/Service Entrance

Photo 34  
Exterior - caulk as needed

Photo 35  
Detached Garage

Photo 36  
Detached Garage - trees are overhanging roof - trim as needed

Photo 37  
Detached Garage - weatherstripping is deteriorated - replace

Photo 38  
Detached Garage - Left Side View

Photo 39  
Detached Garage - Rear View

Photo 40  
Detached Garage - outlet is loose & not GFCI - repair & replace with GFCI outlet

Photo 41  
Detached Garage - left side door opener is not functioning - repair/replace

Photo 42  
Detached Garage - right side door opener is not functioning properly (not closing all the way) - repair/replace

Photo 43  
Detached Garage - Attic

Photo 44  
Left Side Vent

Photo 45  
Left Side Vent - unable to fully open due to beehives - clean as needed

Photo 46  
Main Crawl Space

Photo 47  
Main Crawl Space

Photo 48  
Main Crawl Space

Photo 49  
Main Crawl Space

Photo 50  
Main Crawl Space

Photo 51  
Main Crawl Space HVAC

Photo 52  
Main Crawl Space HVAC burners

Photo 53  
Main Crawl Space HVAC - Ruud Quiet 80 model

Photo 54  
Main Crawl Space HVAC - installed 8-16-06

Photo 55  
Main Crawl Space

Photo 56  
Main Crawl Space

Photo 57  
Crawl Space #2

Photo 58  
Crawl Space #2

Photo 59  
Crawl Space #2

Photo 60  
Crawl Space #2

Photo 61  
Front Door

Photo 62  
Front Door - binds in jamb - repair

Photo 63  
Note: Storm Windows installed in multiple windows

Photo 64  
Door to Breezeway #1 - unable to test - missing key

Photo 65  
Door to Breezeway #2 - unable to test - missing key

Photo 66  
Some Windows do not stay open properly - repair as needed

Photo 67  
Fireplace

Photo 68  
Fireplace/Chimney Flue - recommend cleaning now & every 2 years in the future

Photo 69  
Fireplace - clean inner hearth now & when ashes block gas vents

Photo 70  
Kitchen

Photo 71  
Kitchen Stove

Photo 72  
Kitchen Oven

Photo 73  
Kitchen Faucet - base is loose - repair & seal

Photo 74  
Water Heater - highly recommend replacing solid door with fully louvered door to allow adequate combustion air availability

Photo 75  
Water Heater info - note: unit is 14 years old - most water heaters have a useful life of 8-12 years - recommend budgeting for replacement

Photo 76  
Dining Room Window #1

Photo 77  
Dining Room Window #1 - cracked - replace

Photo 78  
Multiple Windows - missing screens - install as needed

Photo 79  
Dining Room Window #2

Photo 80  
Dining Room Window #2 - cracked - replace

Photo 81  
Multiple Windows - painted/stuck shut - repair

Photo 82  
First Floor Bathroom - light fixture loose - repair

Photo 83  
First Floor Bathroom - missing rubber door stop tip - replace

Photo 84  
Bathrooms - electrical outlets should be GFCI - replace

Photo 85  
Master Bedroom - crack in wall appears to be from normal settling - minor issue - repair as needed

Photo 86  
Multiple Interior Doors - do not latch properly - repair

Photo 87  
First Floor - smoke alarm does not work - recommend changing battery & testing - replace unit if needed

Photo 88  
First Floor - carbon monoxide monitor is missing battery - recommend changing battery & testing - replace unit if needed

Photo 89  
Multiple Interior Doors - do not latch properly - repair

Photo 90  
Main Electrical Panel

Photo 91  
Service Disconnect (150 amps)

Photo 92  
Main Electrical Panel Interior

Photo 93  
Kitchen - electrical outlets should be GFCI (except for refrigerator) - replace

Photo 94  
Kitchen - electrical outlet loose - repair

Photo 95  
Stair Rail (bottom) - loose/wobbly - repair

Photo 96  
Stair Rail (top) - loose/wobbly - repair

Photo 97  
Upstairs Hall Light - missing cover - replace

Photo 98  
Upstairs Closet Doors #1

Photo 99  
Upstairs Closet Doors #1 - detached from track - repair/replace

Photo 100  
Multiple Interior Doors - do not latch properly - repair

Photo 101  
Upstairs HVAC Room - batt insulation facing is combustible and should not be left exposed - repair/replace

Photo 102  
Batt Insulation Warning Label

Photo 103  
Upstairs HVAC

Photo 104  
Upstairs HVAC - left side burner flame is migrating into unprotected front zone - have HVAC technician repair/replace

Photo 105  
Upstairs HVAC info

Photo 106  
Upstairs HVAC - condensate drain appears to have leaked at one time - does not appear active - evaluate & monitor

Photo 107  
Upstairs Door - binds in jamb - repair

Photo 108  

Photo 109  
Bathrooms - caulk as needed

Photo 110  
Upstairs Bedroom - stain on ceiling #1

Photo 111  
Upstairs Bedroom - stain on ceiling #1 - no moisture present - appears old/inactive

Photo 112  
Upstairs Bedroom - stain on ceiling #2

Photo 113  
Upstairs Bedroom - stain on ceiling #2 - no moisture present - appears old/inactive

Photo 114  
Attic Room (upstairs - right side)

Photo 115  
Attic Room (upstairs - right side) - insulation facing also exposed - repair/replace

Photo 116  
Upstairs Closet Doors #2

Photo 117  
Upstairs Closet Doors #2 - detached from track - repair/replace

Photo 118  
Upstairs Bedroom - missing electrical cover plate - replace

Photo 119  
Multiple Interior Doors - do not latch properly - repair

Photo 120  
Attic

Photo 121  
Stairs - recommend installing proper handrail on left side

Photo 122  
Right/Rear - foundation crack - minor issue - patch as needed

Photo 123  
Shed

Photo 124  
Shed - doors show wood rot at bottom - repair/replace

Photo 125  
Shed - doors bind at pavement - repair/replace

Photo 126  
Roof - shingles are about 15 years old - which is near their useful life - recommend budgeting for replacement in the next few years

Photo 127  
Roof

Photo 128  
Roof

Photo 129  
Roof - recommend caulk as needed

Photo 130  
Roof

Photo 131  
Roof

Photo 132  
Roof

Photo 133  
Left Side Gutter Downspout (roof) - is deteriorated - repair/replace

 
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