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Bottom to Top Home Inspections

76 Crescent Dr 
East Hartford CT 06118-2714
Inspector: Robert Repass
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Summary
Unofficial version!

Client(s): Brad Stowe
Property address: 109 Buckingham St
Meriden CT 06451-3915
Inspection date: Thursday, December 14, 2023

This report published on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 12:38:20 PM EST

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.

Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types:
Concern typeSafetyPoses a safety hazard
Concern typeRepair/ReplaceRecommend repairing or replacing
Concern typeRepair/MaintainRecommend repair and/or maintenance
Concern typeMinor DefectCorrection likely involves only a minor expense
Concern typeMaintainRecommend ongoing maintenance
Concern typeEvaluateRecommend evaluation by a specialist
Concern typeCommentFor your information

Exterior and Foundation
3)  Basement window needs repairs. Recommend a qualified contractor service as needed
4)  Missing window well covers
Basement
5)  No under-floor insulation was installed in the unheated basement. Recommend that a qualified person install insulation for better energy efficiency and per standard building practices. Typically this is R-19 rated fiberglass batt with the attached facing installed against the warm (floor) side.
Roof
8)  Extensions such as splash blocks or drain pipes for one or more downspouts were missing. Water can accumulate around the building foundation or inside crawl spaces or basements as a result. Recommend that a qualified person install, replace or repair extensions as necessary so rainwater drains away from the structure.
9)  One or more gutters were leaking. Rainwater can come in contact with the building exterior or accumulate around the building foundation as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.
10)  Significant amounts of debris have accumulated in one or more gutters or downspouts. Gutters can overflow and cause water to come in contact with the building exterior, or water can accumulate around the foundation. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend cleaning gutters and downspouts now and as necessary in the future.
Attic and Roof Structure
12)  What appeared to be vermiculite insulation was found in the attic. Vermiculite produced prior to 1991 may contain asbestos, less so if mined after 1991. When vermiculite insulation is present in attics, the EPA recommends that it be left undisturbed and that the attic not be used for storage, and that people (especially children) should not enter the attic. If the client is concerned about this material posing a safety hazard, then consult with a qualified asbestos abatement specialist or industrial hygienist. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?VERMINS
http://www.reporthost.com/?AITH
13)  One or more exhaust ducts (e.g. bathroom fan, clothes dryer) in the attic have come apart, were loose or have fallen down. This can result in increased moisture levels inside the structure and is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person make permanent repairs as necessary.
Garage or Carport
14)  Garage wall pushed back and split the bottom 2x4.
Electric
17)  One or more circuit breakers in panel(s) #A were "double tapped," where two or more wires were installed in the breaker's lug. Most breakers are designed for only one wire to be connected. This is a safety hazard since the lug bolt can tighten securely against one wire but leave other(s) loose. Arcing, sparks and fires can result. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?DBLTAP
18)  One or more light fixtures were inoperable (didn't turn on when nearby switches were operated). Recommend further evaluation by replacing bulbs and/or consulting with the property owner. If replacing bulbs doesn't work and/or no other switch(es) can be found, then recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair or replace light fixtures as necessary.
Water Heater
21)  Inspector could not hot water from old water heater because the pilot light was out. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and service as needed
Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC)
23)  The last service date of the gas or oil fired 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. Any needed repairs noted in this report should be brought to the attention of the HVAC contractor when it's serviced. For more information visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ANFURINSP
Fireplaces, Stoves, Chimneys and Flues
26)  Recommend that the client review all available documentation for gas-fired fireplaces and stoves. Depending on how they are operated (for routine heating versus ambiance), such appliances may need servicing annually or every few years. Consult with the property owner and/or a qualified specialist to determine if service is needed now. Any needed repairs noted in this report should be brought to the attention of the specialist when it's serviced. For more information visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ANGFINSP
27)  The brick chimney was moderately deteriorated. For example, loose or missing mortar, cracked, broken, loose or spalled bricks. Loose bricks can pose a safety hazard, and deteriorated masonry can allow water to infiltrate the chimney structure and cause further damage. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.
28)  The glass front on the gas fireplace had a hazy film. This is typically a mineral residue left from water vapor as the gas burns. It may be possible to clean this fogging by removing the glass from the fireplace and using a gas appliance ceramic glass cleaner, available through gas fireplace and stove distributors and installers. Ammonia-based products, such as common glass cleaners, should not be used since they can cause damage or etching to the glass, or make the haze permanent. It may be possible for a homeowner to remove the glass for cleaning, if the instructions for the fireplace are available and if the homeowner is experienced in such repairs. Consult with a qualified specialist for more information, or to have them do the cleaning.
Kitchen
30)  The microwave oven was inoperable. Recommend that a qualified person evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
31)  The refrigerator was Old. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. The refrigerator may need replacing.
Bathrooms, Laundry and Sinks
32)  The exhaust fan at location(s) #A was weak or slow. Moisture may accumulate and result in mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Recommend that a qualified person clean, repair or replace fans as necessary.

Interior, Doors and Windows
34)  One or more exterior doors had double-cylinder deadbolts installed, where a key is required to open them from both sides. This can be a safety hazard in the event of an emergency because egress can be obstructed or delayed. Recommend replacing double-cylinder deadbolts with single-cylinder deadbolts where a handle is installed on the interior side.
35)  Floors in one or more areas were not level. This can be caused by foundation settlement or movement of the foundation, posts and/or beams. Significant repairs may be needed to make floors level. Recommend that a qualified contractor and/or engineer evaluate further. Repairs should be performed by a qualified contractor.
36)  One or more windows that were designed to open and close were difficult to open and close. Recommend that a qualified person repair windows as necessary so they open and close easily.
37)  Glass in one or more windows was cracked, broken and/or missing. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace glass where necessary.
38)  Lock mechanisms on one or more windows were inoperable and/or difficult to operate. This can pose a security risk. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.