6) The hand railing at the basement steps were installed without balusters/spindles. This is a safety hazard. Recommend repair or replacement of the basement hand railing to include balusters to help enhance safety.

8) Evidence of prior roof repair was observed at the slate upper front and front entry roofs. Nail heads were exposed at one or more tiles. Recommend applying an approved sealant over exposed nail heads now and as necessary in the future to prevent leaks. Further evaluation by a licensed roofer is recommended.

9) Some slate roof tiles were cracked, broken and/or loose. Leaks may occur as a result. Recommend that a qualified roofer replace tiles or make repairs as necessary.

10) One or more branch circuits with solid-strand aluminum wires were found. Problems due to expansion and contraction with this type of wiring can cause overheating at connections between the wire and devices such as switches and receptacles, or at splices. This is a potential fire hazard. The Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends either discontinuing use of circuits with aluminum wiring, removing the wiring, or that an electrician determine if copper wire can be pig-tailed onto the ends of the aluminum wire. A qualified electrician should evaluate the full electrical system and repair, as necessary.

11) One or more modern, 3-prong electric receptacles were found with an open ground. Three-prong receptacles should have a hot, a neutral and a ground wire connected. Homeowners often install new 3-prong receptacles on older, 2-wire circuits that only have hot and neutral wires. This is a shock hazard when appliances that require a ground are used with these receptacles. Examples of such appliances include computers and related hardware, refrigerators, freezers, portable air conditioners, clothes washers, aquarium pumps, and electrically operated gardening tools. Where the electric system was installed prior to when grounded circuits were required (1960s), it is permissible to replace 3-prong receptacles with 2-prong receptacles to prevent appliances that require a ground from being plugged in to an ungrounded circuit. However, the client should be aware of this limitation when planning use for various rooms, such as an office. For newer electric systems, circuits should be repaired so grounded, 3-wire cables provide power to 3-prong receptacles. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices.

Location(s) affected: 3-prong outlets on 2nd floor - front and middle bedrooms

12) One or more electric receptacles had reverse-polarity wiring, where the hot and neutral wires were reversed. This is a shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary.

Location(s) affected: 1st floor, living room, Left wall

13) Carbon monoxide alarms were not observed in the home. This is a potential safety hazard. Recommend installing approved carbon monoxide alarms on each level and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

14) For home buyers, batteries in all the smoke alarms should be replaced after taking occupancy. Batteries should be replaced annually in the future. Some batteries were missing from smoke detectors at the time of inspection.

15) One or more electric receptacles appeared to have no power. Recommend asking the property owner about this. Switches may need to be operated or GFCI/AFCI protection may need to be reset to make some receptacles energized. If necessary, recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair.

Location(s) Affected: Living Room wall outlet adjacent to dining room

19) No drain pipe was installed for the temperature-pressure relief valve. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of scalding if someone is standing next to the water heater when the valve opens. Recommend that a qualified plumber install a drain pipe that extends to within 6" of the floor

21) The last service date of the gas or oil-fired furnace or boiler appeared to be more than 1 year ago, or the inspector was unable to determine the last service date. Ask the property owner when it was last serviced. If unable to determine the last service date, or if this system was serviced more than 1 year ago, recommend that a qualified HVAC contractor inspect, clean, and service this system, and make repairs if necessary. For safety reasons, and because this system is fueled by gas or oil, this servicing should be performed annually in the future.

25) No spark screen or rain cap was installed at the chimney flue termination. They prevent wildlife (e.g. birds, rodents, raccoons) from entering flues. Rain caps prevent water from entering flues, mixing with combustion deposits and creating caustic chemicals which can corrode flues. They also prevent damage to masonry from freeze-thaw cycles and prevent metal components (e.g. dampers, metal firebox liners) from rusting. Recommend that a qualified person install a rain cap per standard building practices where missing.

26) An anti-tip bracket was not installed at the cooking range. This is a potential safety hazard since the range can tip forward when weight is applied to the open door, such as when a small child climbs on it or if heavy objects are dropped on it. Anti-tip brackets have been sold with all free-standing ranges since 1985. Recommend installing an anti-tip bracket to eliminate this safety hazard.

28) The toilet at location(s) #A was loose where it attached to the floor. Leaks can occur. Flooring, the sub-floor or areas below may get damaged. Sewer gases can enter living spaces. Recommend that a qualified contractor remove the toilet(s) for further evaluation and repair if necessary. A new wax ring should be installed and toilet(s) should be securely anchored to the floor to prevent movement and leaking.