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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):  Mrs. Prospective Buyer
Property address:  12345 Inspection St Spc 1
West Covina CA 91792-3325
Inspection date:  Monday, December 5, 2022

This report published on Friday, April 19, 2024 4:26:22 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 typeInfestationEvidence of infestation of wood destroying insects or organisms (Live or dead insect bodies, fungal growth, 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) Structures built prior to 1980 may contain lead-based paint and/or asbestos in various building materials such as insulation, siding, and/or floor and ceiling tiles. Both lead and asbestos are known health hazards. Evaluating for the presence of lead and/or asbestos is not included in this inspection. The client should consult with specialists as necessary, such as industrial hygienists, professional labs and/or abatement contractors for this type of evaluation. For information on lead, asbestos and other hazardous materials in homes, visit:
http://www.epa.gov
http://www.cpsc.gov
http://www.cdc.gov
2) Some wall and floor surfaces were obscured by furniture and/or stored items and couldn't be fully evaluated.
3)

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
5) One or more guardrails were unsafe due to large gaps. This is a safety hazard. Standard building practices require that they:
  • Be installed where walking surfaces are more than 30 inches above the surrounding grade
  • Be securely and permanently attached
  • Be at least 36 inches in height
  • Not be climbable by children
  • Not have gaps or voids that allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than four inches in diameter

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair, replace or install guardrails as necessary, and as per standard building practices.
6) Exterior stairs were damaged and/or deteriorated. A qualified person should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
7) Handrails at one or more flights of stairs were loose. This is a safety hazard. A qualified person should repair or replace as necessary and as per standard building practices.
8) Handrails at one or more flights of stairs were not continuous. This is a safety hazard. Standard building practices require that handrails be:
  • Installed at stairs with four or more risers
  • Sized and shaped so your hand can encircle them
  • Permanently and securely attached, and able to withstand a 200 pound force in any direction at any point
  • Continuous and extend for the entire flight of the stairs
  • Located between 30 and 38 inches above the leading edge of the stair treads

A qualified person should repair, replace or install as necessary and as per standard building practices.
9) Perimeter pavement sloped towards building in one or more areas. This can result in water accumulating around the building foundation. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and make repairs as necessary so perimeter pavement slopes down and away from the structure.
10) Sidewalks and/or patios had cracks, settlement, heaving and/or deterioration in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace sections as necessary.
11) Recommend resealing asphalt driveway.

Exterior / Foundation
12) Some sections of siding and/or trim were damaged and/or warped. A qualified person should evaluate and repair, replace or install siding or trim as necessary.
13) Gaps existed at one or more openings around the exterior, such as those where outside faucets, refrigerant lines, and/or gas supply pipes penetrate the exterior. Gaps should be sealed as necessary to prevent moisture intrusion and entry by vermin.
14) The floor insulation in some areas of the crawl space was fallen down and/or damaged. 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
15) Some crawl space vent screens were damaged and/or deteriorated. Animals such as vermin or pets may enter the crawl space and nest, die and/or leave feces and urine. A qualified person should replace damaged or deteriorated screens where necessary using screen material such as "hardware cloth" with 1/4 inch minimum gaps.
16) Conducive conditionsSoil was in contact with or less than six inches from siding and/or trim. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying organisms. Soil should be graded and/or removed as necessary so there are at least six inches of space between the siding and trim and the soil below.
17) Conducive conditionsCaulk was missing and/or deteriorated in some areas. For example, at siding butt joints, at siding-trim junctions and/or at wall penetrations. A qualified person should repair or replace as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/_docs/FPL_Caulking_Ins_Outs.pdf

Roof / Attic
18) Conducive conditionsRoof repairs were needed in some sections of the metal roof due to metal panels having following conditions: dents. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
19) Extensions such as splash blocks or drain pipes for one or more downspouts were missing. Water may accumulate around the building foundation as a result. A qualified person should repair, replace or install as necessary.
20) No accessible attic spaces were found or inspected at this property.

Electric
21) This building had solid-strand branch circuit aluminum wiring. This type of aluminum wiring is a potential fire hazard. Problems due to expansion and contraction can cause overheating at connections between the wire and devices such as switches and receptacles, or at splices. The Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends either discontinuing use of circuits with aluminum wiring, or pigtailing copper wiring onto the ends of the aluminum wire. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair or replace this wiring. For more information, visit:
http://www.inspect-ny.com/aluminum.htm
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml74/74040.html
22) Substandard wiring was found in the interior rooms and/or exterior. For example, exposed wiring and/or extension or lamp cord used as permanent wiring. This is a safety hazard. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary and as per standard building practices.
23) One or more electric receptacles had reverse-polarity wiring, where the hot and neutral wires are reversed. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
24) One or more open ground, three-pronged grounding type receptacles were found. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.

Grounding type receptacles were first required in residential structures during the 1960s. Based on the age of this structure and/or the absence of 2-pronged receptacles, repairs should be made by correcting wiring circuits as necessary so all receptacles are grounded as per standard building practices. Replacement of three-pronged receptacles with 2-pronged receptacles is not an acceptable solution.
25) One or more electric receptacles at the kitchen, bathroom(s) and/or wet bar 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
26) Some switches were loose. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock and fire. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
27) One or more wall-mounted electric switches were within reach of shower stalls. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. At a minimum, the client should be aware of the shock hazard this represents and never operate such switches while showering. Ideally, a qualified electrician should evaluate and move switches as necessary, or a qualified contractor should make modifications as necessary so wall switches are unreachable from shower stalls.
28) One or more bushings were missing from where wires enter holes in panel #B. This is a safety hazard since the wiring insulation can be cut or abraded on the metal edge of the hole(s). A qualified electrician should install bushings where missing.
29) Based on the age of this structure and the appearance of existing smoke alarms, the alarms may have been installed more than 10 years ago. According to National Fire Protection Association, aging smoke alarms don't operate as efficiently and often are the source for nuisance alarms. Older smoke alarms are estimated to have a 30% probability of failure within the first 10 years. Newer smoke alarms do better, but should be replaced after 10 years. Unless you know that the smoke alarms are new, replacing them when moving into a new residence is also recommended by NFPA. For more information, visit:
http://www.google.com/search?q=old+smoke+alarms
30) This property had one or more fuel burning appliances and/or an attached garage, and no carbon monoxide detectors were visible. This is a safety hazard. Recommend installing one or more carbon monoxide detectors as necessary and as per the manufacturer's instructions. For more information, visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05017.html
31) The electric meter seal was missing. The utility company installs these seals to prevent tampering with the meter or tapping into the electric supply before the meter. Recommend consulting with the property owner about this and/or contacting the utility company to have one reinstalled.
32) One or more electric receptacles appeared to have no power. Recommend asking the property owner about this. Switches may need to be operated to make some receptacles energized. If necessary, a qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.

Plumbing / Fuel Systems
33) 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.
34) Conducive conditionsBased on the apparent age of the water supply lines and/or observations made during the inspection, most of the water supply lines in this building were at or beyond their service life. A qualified plumber should evaluate and replace supply lines or make repairs as necessary.
35) Conducive conditionsSignificant corrosion was found in some water supply pipes and/or fittings. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
36) Conducive conditionsCopper and galvanized steel water supply pipes were joined together at one or more locations, and the dissimilar metals were in contact with each other. Corrosion was visible at these junctions. Standard building practices require that dielectric fittings be installed at these junctions to prevent corrosion. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
37) Conducive conditionsSteel hangers were used to support copper water supply pipes. This contact between dissimilar metals causes corrosion. Recommend having a qualified plumber evaluate water supply pipes where these hangers have been used, and repair or replace pipes if necessary. Steel hangers should be replaced with appropriate hangers that won't cause corrosion.
38) Conducive conditionsSignificant corrosion was found in some drain and/or wastepipes and/or fittings. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
39) The main shut-off valve handle was missing. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
40) Major flow restriction was found at one or more sinks and/or showers when multiple fixtures were operated at the same time. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
41) 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.
42) One or more hose bibbs were damaged or deteriorated. Recommend having a qualified plumber evaluate and/or repair as necessary.
43) One or more waste line clean out caps were missing and/or were damaged or deteriorated. Leaks may occur or sewer gases may vent into the structure as a result. A qualified plumber should repair or replace as necessary.
44) 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.

Water Heater
45) Based on the location of the water heater and the visible venting, the water heater had a substandard source of combustion and/or dilution air. All gas appliances require adequate air (approximately one square inch per 1000 BTU) for combustion, dilution and ventilation. This is a potential safety hazard, and may result in combustion fumes entering living spaces. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary, and as per standard building practices
46) 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.
47) Temperature-pressure relief valve drain line was too short. 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. A qualified plumber should extend the drain line to 6 inches from the floor, or route it so as to drain outside.
48) Conducive conditionsSignificant corrosion was found at the supply pipes or fittings and/or supply valves. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
49) Conducive conditionsAt the time of inspection one or more stains were noted by the water heater flue ceiling area. The inspector was unable to determine if the stains had elevated levels of moisture. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified contractor and/or repair as necessary.
50) Conducive conditionsA water heater was installed over finished living spaces and had no catch pan and drain installed. Recommend having a qualified contractor install a catch pan and drain to prevent water damage to finished interior spaces below if/when the water heater develops a leak or is drained.

Heating
51) 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
52) 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.

Manufactured in 1999
53) One or more air filters were dirty. A qualified person should wash filter(s) as necessary. Filters should be checked monthly and maintained as necessary in the future.
54) Heating temperature at the time of inspection

Cooling / Heat Pump
55) 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.
56) This system did not respond when its normal controls were operated. As a result, the inspector was only able to perform a limited evaluation. The client should consult with the property owner as to how the system operates. Recommend that a full evaluation be made by a qualified person when the system is operable.
57) The pad for the AC condenser was not anchored to 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.
58) Insulation for the outside condensing unit's refrigerant lines was missing, damaged and/or deteriorated in some areas. This may result in reduced efficiency and increased energy costs. A qualified person should replace insulation as necessary.
59) 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.

Kitchen
60) Drawers were difficult to open or close and/or loose in one or more cabinets. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary.
61) The dishwasher was inoperable. A qualified person should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
62) No "high loop" or "air gap" was visible for the dishwasher drain. A high loop is created by routing the drain line up to the bottom surface of the counter top above, and securely fastening it to that surface. An air gap is a device that makes the drain line non-continuous. Both of these prevent wastewater backflow from entering the dishwasher, and possibly flooding out of the dishwasher. Some newer dishwashers have these devices built-in. The client should try to determine if these devices are built in to this brand and model of dishwasher (review installation instructions, etc.). If not, or it cannot be determined, a qualified contractor should install a high loop and air gap as per standard building practices.
63) The refrigerator's ice maker, ice dispenser and/or water dispenser was inoperable. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary.
64) Hardware such as hinges, latches or pulls were loose and/or missing at one or more cabinets. A qualified person should repair as necessary.
65) The estimated useful life for most kitchen appliances is 10 to 15 years. One or more appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, range hood and/or Oven) appeared to be near, at or beyond their service life. Recommend budgeting for replacements in the near future.
66) Some counters showed minor wear and/or deterioration.

Bathrooms / Laundry / Sinks
68) Conducive conditionsThe sink drain at location #B had an active leak. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
69) Drawers were difficult to open or close and/or loose in one or more cabinets at location #A. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary.
70) The sink drain stopper mechanism at location #A and B was inoperable. A qualified person should repair or replace as necessary.
71) Conducive conditionsThe escutcheon around the shower enclosure and faucet at location #B and C was substandard. A qualified person should repair as necessary.

Interior Rooms / Areas
72) InfestationAt the time of inspection there appeared to be frass or droppings noted on the interior at one or more areas. Recommend having a qualified pest control specialist evaluate and/or maintain as necessary.
73) One or more storm doors were misaligned and/or bind. A qualified person should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
74) The back door's doorbell appeared to be inoperable. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary.
75) Some interior doors were difficult to open or close, wouldn't latch and/or were misaligned. A qualified person should evaluate and repair as necessary.
76) At the time of inspection one or more areas of the wetbar cabinetry were damaged and/or deteriorated under the sink. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and will repair as necessary.
77) Conducive conditionsVinyl floor tiles were installed in one or more "wet" areas such as bathrooms or kitchens. Water can easily leak through seams between the tiles and damage the sub-floor below. Recommend having a qualified contractor replace these tiles with a waterproof flooring material such as sheet vinyl.
78) Lock mechanisms on some windows were missing. A qualified person should repair as necessary.
79) Glass in one or more windows was cracked, broken and/or missing. A qualified contractor should replace glass where necessary.
80) Trim was loose, missing and/or damaged in some areas. A qualified person should repair as necessary.
81) Some sections of flooring had significant deterioration or damage. For example, loose and/or deteriorated laminate. A qualified person should repair as necessary.
82) Stains were found in one or more ceiling areas. However, no elevated levels of moisture were found. The stain(s) may be due to past roof and/or plumbing leaks. Recommend asking the property owner about this, and monitoring the stained area(s) in the future, especially after heavy or prolonged rain. If elevated moisture is found in the future, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.