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Cornerstone Inspection Services

http://www.reporthost.com/cornerstoneba
cornerstoneba500@gmail.com
(657) 397-6556
319 N Beacon St Apt 430 
San Pedro CA 90731-2268
Inspector: Edward Rodriguez
Certified member of InterNACHI #NACHI11012201

Click link below to verify certification
https://www.nachi.org/certified-inspectors/edward-rodriguez-jr-21794


Summary

Client(s):  Prospective Buyer(s)
Property address:  54321 Sample St
Rialto CA 92377-8208
Inspection date:  Friday, December 23, 2022

This report published on Friday, April 19, 2024 4:31:11 PM PDT

Dear Customer:

Thank you for choosing Cornerstone Inspection Services to perform the following inspection on the property you wish to purchase. This report is the exclusive property of Cornerstone Inspection Services and the individual(s) paying for the inspection fee and report. Use of this report by any unauthorized persons is prohibited.

All findings should be made to Cornerstone Inspection Services.

This report represents our professional opinion of the condition of the inspected elements of the subject property, determine during a limited time inspection. This inspection was performed, where applicable, in a manner consistent with the standards of the home inspection industry, terms and conditions of the inspection agreement and limitations noted in the inspection agreement. The information contained herein was prepared exclusively for the named client and their authorized representatives.

We have inspected the subject property and must report to you exactly what we found. Because of the age, design and location of the home, we might find some hairline cracks on driveways or walls, see paint peeling off walls, cracks on tiles, chipped bathtubs or some cracks over windows and doors. These are normal and cosmetic conditions.

While due care was exercised in the performance of this inspection, the company makes no representations or guarantees with respect to latent deficiencies or future conditions as part of the inspection or this report. This report is valid only for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of the inspection. This report, including any attachments, should be reviewed in its entirety. Any questions about the inspection or report should be resolved prior to title transfer.

This inspection report was prepared in a format specifically for the individual/s paying for the inspections fee and report and such transfer does not cover all potential areas of concern a third party may have. This report is transferable only with the consent of the individual/s paying for inspections fee and report and such transfer does not imply any warranty or guarantee regarding the report by inspection firm.

No warranty, guarantee, or insurance by Cornerstone Inspection Services is expressed or implied. This report does not include inspection for wood destroying insects, mold, lead or asbestos. A representative sampling of the building components is viewed in areas that are accessible at the time of the inspection. No destructive testing or dismantling of components is performed. Not all defects will be identified during this inspection. Unexpected repairs should be anticipated.

The person conducting your inspection is not a licensed structural engineer or another professional whose license authorizes the rendering of an opinion as to the structural integrity of a building or its other component parts.

You are advised to seek two professional opinions and acquire estimates of repair as to any defects, comments, improvements or recommendations mentioned in this report. We recommend that the professional making any repairs inspect the property further, in order to discover and repair related problems that were not identified in the report. We recommend that all repairs, corrections, and cost estimates be completed and documented prior to closing or purchasing the property. Feel free to hire other professionals to inspect the property prior to closing, including HVAC professionals, electricians, plumbers, engineers, or roofers.

If you have any questions regarding this report, please feel free to call us.

Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types:
Concern typeSafetyPoses a safety hazard
Concern typeMajor defectCorrection likely involves a significant expense
Concern typeRepair/ReplaceRecommend repairing or replacing
Concern typeRepair/MaintainRecommend repair and/or maintenance
Concern typeMinor defectCorrection only involves a minor expense
Concern typeMaintainRecommend ongoing maintenance
Concern typeEvaluateRecommend evaluation by a specialist
Concern typeMonitorRecommend monitoring in the future
Concern typeCommentFor your information
Concern typeDamageDamage caused by wood destroying insects or organisms (Rot, carpenter ant galleries, etc.)
Concern typeConducive conditionsConditions conducive for wood destroying insects or organisms (Wood-soil contact, shrubs in contact with siding, roof or plumbing leaks, etc.)


General Information
1) Evidence of "light to moderate" rodent infestation was found in one or more areas, including attic. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines this as less than 20 feces per square foot. Rodent infestation may be a safety hazard due to the risk of contracting Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). HPS is a rare (only 20-50 cases per year in the United states) but deadly (40% mortality rate) disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. For example, from sweeping up rodent droppings.

Recommend following guidelines in the CDC's Clean Up, Trap Up, Seal Up article for eradicating rodents, cleaning up their waste and nesting materials, and preventing future infestations. While Hantavirus is believed to survive less than one week in droppings and urine, specific precautions should be taken during clean up. The client may wish to consult with a qualified, licensed pest control operator for eliminating the infestation. A qualified licensed abatement contractor or industrial hygienist could be contacted for clean up. If the infestation was minimal, clean up of rodent waste and nesting materials in non-living spaces (crawl spaces and attics) may not be necessary, or may be performed for aesthetic reasons only (odor and appearance). For more information, visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hanta/hps/noframes/FAQ.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hanta/hps_stc/stc_spot.htm
2)

What Really Matters



by Nick Gromicko (Founder of InterNACHI)

Buying a home? The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short time. This often includes a written report, a checklist, photographs, environmental reports, and what the inspector himself says during the inspection. All this, combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice yourself, makes the experience even more overwhelming. What should you do?

Relax. Most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations, life expectancies for various systems and components, and minor imperfections. These are useful to know about. However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:

1. major defects. An example of this would be a structural failure;
2. things that lead to major defects, such as a small roof-flashing leak, for example;
3. things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or insure the home; and
4. safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electrical panel.

Anything in these categories should be addressed. Often, a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).
Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. Realize that sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report. No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective. Do not kill your deal over things that do not matter. It is inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure, or nit-picky items.

Grounds
4) One or more trip hazards were found in sidewalk and/or patio sections due to cracks, settlement, heaving and/or deterioration. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace sections as necessary to eliminate trip hazards.
5) Conducive conditionsTrees were in contact with or were close to the building in one or more areas. Damage may result, especially during high winds. Vegetation can also act as a conduit for wood destroying insects. Vegetation should be pruned back and/or removed as necessary to prevent damage and infestation by wood destroying insects.

Exterior / Foundation
6) DamageRot or water damage was found at one or more sections of siding and/or fascia. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.
7) Conducive conditionsCracks, deterioration and/or damage were found in one or more areas of the stucco siding. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs and/or replace stucco siding as necessary.
8) One or more exhaust duct end caps were dirty or stuck open. Their purpose is to prevent unconditioned air from entering the building, and keep out birds, rodents and bugs. Blocked ducts can cause fan motors and/or clothes dryers to overheat and may pose a fire hazard. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary.
9) Gaps existed at one or more areas around the exterior. Gaps should be sealed as necessary to prevent moisture intrusion and entry by vermin.

(As viewed from the attic)
10) Many concrete slab floor sections were obscured by flooring and couldn't be fully evaluated.

Roof / Attic
11) Conducive conditionsOne or more exhaust fan ducts in the attic were not connected to a vent cap. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying organisms due to increased moisture levels in the attic from the exhaust air. A qualified person should evaluate and make permanent repairs as necessary and as per standard building practices, so all exhaust air is vented outside.
12) Conducive conditionsSome concrete tiles were chipped. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
13) The ceiling insulation in some areas of the attic was uneven. This may result in increased heating or cooling costs due to decreased energy efficiency. A qualified person should repair, replace or install insulation as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/insulation.html
14) No insulation or weatherstrip was installed at one or more attic access hatches. Recommend installing insulation and weatherstrip at hatches where missing for better energy efficiency. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/_docs/atticaccess.pdf
15) One or more gutters and/or downspouts were missing. Water may accumulate around the building foundation as a result. A qualified person should repair as necessary.
16) Conducive conditionsOne or more roof surface sections were designed so as to be much more likely to accumulate debris and/or snow. For example, where two slopes converge. Leaks may occur as a result. The client should monitor such areas for accumulated debris in the future and clean as necessary.
17) Conducive conditionsDebris such as leaves, needles, seeds, etc. had accumulated on the roof. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying organisms since water may not flow easily off the roof, and may enter gaps in the roof surface. Leaks may occur as a result. Debris should be cleaned from the roof now and as necessary in the future.
18) Roof inspection method: Drone
19) All attic and roof structure sections more than 10 feet from the access hatch(es) were inaccessible due to possible damage to insulation, lack of permanent walkways and/or ducts or pipes blocking. These areas are excluded from the inspection.

Garage / Carport
20) The self-closing device on the garage-dwelling door is missing. This door is intended to prevent vehicle fumes from entering living spaces and to slow the spread of fire from the garage to living spaces. A qualified person should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
21) The "photo eye" sensors that trigger one or more vehicle door opener's auto-reverse feature were located higher than 4 to 6 inches from the floor. This is a potential safety hazard. A qualified person should relocate sensors so they're 4 to 6 inches from the floor. For more information on garage door safety issues, visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/523.html
http://www.ohdstl.com/safety.html
22) Appliances such as the water heater and/or furnace were subject to damage from vehicles because no protective barrier was installed in front of them. A qualified contractor should install an adequate barrier as per standard building practices (steel post anchored in concrete, wood partition, etc.).

Electric
23) Substandard wiring was found in the garage. For example, exposed wiring and/or exposed splices. This is a safety hazard. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary and as per standard building practices.
24) One or more electric receptacles at the laundry room, garage and/or exterior had no visible ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate to determine if GFCI protection exists, and if not, repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.mikeholt.com/documents/nec/pdf/GFCI_requirement_page2.pdf
25) Energized equipment was exposed at panel #A due to one or more missing closure covers. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified person should install closure covers where missing and as per standard building practices.
26) One or more wall-mounted exterior light fixtures had wiring that's subject to water intrusion due to caulk not being installed around the light fixture's back plate. Caulk should be applied around the perimeter of back plates where missing. A gap should be left at the bottom for condensation to drain out.
27) The legend for overcurrent protection devices (breakers or fuses) in panel #A was incomplete. Recommend installing, updating or correcting the legend as necessary so it's accurate. Evaluation by a qualified electrician may be necessary.

Plumbing / Fuel Systems
28) One or more sections of gas supply piping and/or fittings were rusted. This is a potential safety hazard for gas leaks. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.

Maintenance is recommended
29) One or more flexible gas supply connectors were routed through a metal cabinet. Standard building practices require that solid iron pipe be used where gas supply lines are routed through holes in metal cabinets. Continued vibration from this equipment may cause the edge of the metal cabinet to wear through the flexible connector, resulting in gas leaks. This is a safety hazard. A qualified heating and cooling contractor should evaluate and make repairs and/or modifications as necessary.
30) One or more outside faucets were missing backflow prevention devices. These devices reduce the likelihood of polluted or contaminated water entering the potable water supply. This condition can occur when an outside faucet is left in the "on" position with a hose connected and the sprayer head turned off. When pressure in the system fluctuates, water can be drawn back into the water supply pipes from the building. If a chemical sprayer is being used with the hose, those chemicals can enter the water supply pipes. Recommend installing backflow prevention devices on all exterior hose bibs where missing. They are available at most home improvement stores and are easily installed.
31) One or more outside faucets were leaking. For example, from the valve stem when turned on or from the spigot when turned off. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
32) The handles at one or more outside faucets were missing and/or loose. A qualified person should repair or replace as necessary.
33) No drip leg was installed in the gas supply line at the furnace and/or water heater. Drip legs are intended to prevent damage to gas-fired appliances by trapping oil, scale, water condensation and/or debris. A qualified contractor should install a drip leg as per standard building practices.
34) The inspector did not determine the location of the water meter. Recommend that the client attempt to find the water meter by consulting with the property owner, searching for it themselves, or consulting with the local water municipality. It is especially important to find the meter if no main shut-off valve is found because the meter may be the only way to turn off the water supply in the event of an emergency, such as when a supply pipe bursts.

Water Heater
35) Flue pipe sections or connections were loose. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
36) The upper air vent for the water heater was blocked. All gas appliances require adequate air (approximately one square inch per 1000 BTU) for combustion, dilution and ventilation. Standard building practices require that vents be installed at both the top and the bottom of closet enclosures, and be left open at all times. This is a potential safety hazard, and may result in combustion fumes entering living spaces. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary and as per standard building practices, or remove blockages as necessary.
37) One or more flexible connectors were used for the temperature-pressure relief valve drain line. Flex connectors can be bent or kinked so as to restrict the flow of the drain line and impair the operation of the valve. They typically are not rated for the temperature and pressure of water being discharged (potentially 150 psi and 210 degrees F). Flex connectors used this way pose a potential safety hazard for explosion. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair per standard building practices. For example, by installing a drain line made of rigid copper or CPVC plastic pipe.
38) The water heater's seismic straps or struts were substandard. For example, they may allow significant movement or use improper fasteners. This is a potential safety hazard. Leaks may also occur in water supply pipes. A qualified person should evaluate and either repair existing straps or install new straps or struts as necessary and as per standard building practices.

(Recommend installing approved seismic hardware)
39) This water heater was not fully evaluated because the the local water supply was not connected to the water heater. Recommend that a full evaluation be made by a qualified person when conditions have been corrected so the appliance is operable. Note that as per the standards of practice for NACHI (http://www.nachi.org) and ASHI (www.ashi.org), the inspector is not required to operate shut-off valves, pilot lights or overcurrent protection devices, or any controls other than "normal controls".
40) The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8 to 12 years. This water heater appears to be beyond this age and/or its useful lifespan and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.

Heating
41) The last service date of this system appeared to be more than one year ago, or the inspector was unable to determine the last service date. The client should 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 one year ago, a qualified heating and cooling contractor should 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. For more information visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05017.html
42) The estimated useful life for most forced air furnaces is 15 to 20 years. This furnace appeared to be beyond this age and/or its useful lifespan and may need replacing or significant repairs at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
43) One or more air supply ducts were damaged. Increased moisture levels in unconditioned spaces and higher energy costs may result. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make permanent repairs as necessary.
44) One or more air filters were dirty and/or incorrectly sized. A qualified person should replace filter(s) as necessary. Filters should be checked monthly and maintained as necessary in the future.
45) Heating temperature at the time of inspection

Cooling / Heat Pump
46) The estimated useful life for most cooling systems and heat pumps is 10 to 15 years. This system appears to be beyond this age and/or its useful lifespan and may need replacing or significant repairs at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
47) Supply air from the air conditioning or heat pump cooling system was too cool. It should be 14 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than at the return duct(s), or current room temperature. Restricted air is likely the problem and may be caused by a dirty filter, improper ductwork, or a fan that is sized wrong, not working properly, or moving too slowly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
48) The pad for the AC condenser was was not attached to the unit. This unit requires adequate support. The compressor may be damaged if this unit is tilted ten or more degrees. The pad should elevate the unit above the soil to prevent corrosion too. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
49) The last service date of this system appeared to be more than one year ago, or the inspector was unable to determine the last service date. The client should 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 one year ago, a qualified contractor should service this system and make repairs if necessary. This servicing should be performed annually in the future.
50) Air conditioner manufacturer's label

Fireplaces / Stoves / Chimneys
51) The fireplace at location #A was equipped with a gas burner and had a damper that can be closed. This is a safety hazard due to the possibility of burner or pilot light exhaust gases entering living spaces. A qualified chimney service contractor should make repairs as necessary so the damper is made permanently open. Typically a bracket or bolt is installed for this purpose.
52) The rain cap for the chimney flue at location #A was missing. They prevent the following:
  • Rainwater entering flues and mixing with combustion deposits, creating caustic chemicals which can corrode flues
  • Rainwater entering flues and causing damage to masonry from freeze-thaw cycles

A qualified person should install or replace rain caps, or make repairs where necessary.
53) All solid fuel burning appliances (woodstoves and fireplaces, etc.) should be inspected annually by a qualified chimney service contractor, cleaned and repaired as necessary.

Kitchen
54) Substandard wiring was found for the garbage disposal. Wires were missing bushing(s). This is a potential safety hazard for shock. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
55) All appliances pictured below appeared to be in serviceable condition.

Interior Rooms / Areas
56) Fixtures such as door stops, towel bars and/or toilet paper holders are missing in one or more areas. Recommend having a qualified contractor install fixtures where missing.
57) Deadbolts on one or more exterior doors were difficult to operate. A qualified person should repair as necessary.
58) Screens in one or more windows were missing. A qualified person should repair or replace screens as necessary.