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Cornerstone Home Inspection

homeinspection.cornerstone@gmail.com

(334) 693-4300

PO Box 246
Headland AL 36345-0246

Inspector: Ben Morehead

HI - 4011

Summary

Client(s):	Donna Jill Carr
Property address:	807 Lakeview Street Abbeville, AL 36310
Inspection date:	Friday, October 26, 2018

This report published on Friday, October 26, 2018 7:34:05 PM CDT

NOTICE TO ALL CLIENTS: This report contains technical information that may or may not be readily understandable to the layperson. Therefore, a verbal consultation with the inspector is an integral part of this inspection report. If you were not present during the inspection, please call the office to arrange for your verbal consultation over the phone. This inspection and inspection report complies with the standard of practice set forth by the Alabama Home Inspection Licensure Board and represents the results of a limited visual examination of certain readily accessible systems and components using normal operating controls and openings / access panels. The inspection and report do not address and are not intended to address the possible presence of or danger from any potentially harmful substances and environmental hazards including by not limited to MOLD, Radon Gas, Lead Paint, Asbestos, Urea Formaldehyde, toxic or flammable chemicals and water and airborne hazards. Also excluded are inspections of and report on swimming pools, wells, septic systems, security systems, central vacuum systems, water softeners, sprinkler systems, fire and safety equipment and the presence or absence of rodents, termites and other insects. The scope of this inspection and terms of the relationship between the parties are defined in the Pre-inspection Agreement signed by the parties. The SUMMARY REPORT is provided as an accessory to the Inspection Report and is not a full report. It summarizes the inspectors comments regarding conditions and/or concerns found during the course of the visual examination and does not represent the full inspection and should not be used separate from the inspection report. ?This summary is not the entire report. The full report may include additional information of interest or concern to the client. It is strongly recommended that the client promptly read the complete report. For information regarding the negotiability of any item in this report under a real estate purchase contract, contact your real estate agent.?

Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types:

	Safety	Poses a safety hazard
	Major Defect	Correction likely involves a significant expense
	Repair/Replace	Recommend repairing or replacing
	Repair/Maintain	Recommend repair and/or maintenance
	Minor Defect	Correction likely involves only a minor expense
	Maintain	Recommend ongoing maintenance
	Evaluate	Recommend evaluation by a specialist
	Monitor	Recommend monitoring in the future
	Comment	For your information

General Information

Structures built prior to the mid 1980s may contain lead and/or asbestos. Lead is commonly found in paint and in some plumbing components. The EPA does not recognize newer coats of paint as encapsulating older coats of lead-based paint. Asbestos is commonly found in various building materials such as insulation, siding, and/or floor and ceiling tiles. Laws were passed in 1978 to prohibit usage of lead and asbestos, but stocks of materials containing these substances remained in use for a number of years thereafter. Both lead and asbestos are known health hazards. Evaluating for the presence of lead and/or asbestos is beyond the scope of this inspection. Any mention of these materials in this report is made as a courtesy only, and meant to refer the client to a specialist. Consult with specialists as necessary, such as industrial hygienists, professional labs and/or abatement specialists for this type of evaluation. For information on lead, asbestos and other hazardous materials in homes, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?EPA
http://www.reporthost.com/?CPSC
http://www.reporthost.com/?CDC

Some areas and items at this property were obscured by furniture and/or stored items. This often includes but is not limited to walls, floors, windows, inside and under cabinets, under sinks, on counter tops, in closets, behind window coverings, under rugs or carpets, and under or behind furniture. Areas around the exterior, under the structure, in the garage and in the attic may also be obscured by stored items. The inspector in general does not move personal belongings, furnishings, carpets or appliances. When furnishings, stored items or debris are present, all areas or items that are obscured, concealed or not readily accessible are excluded from the inspection. The client should be aware that when furnishings, stored items or debris are eventually moved, damage or problems that were not noted during the inspection may be found.

Grounds

Guardrails at one or more locations with drop-offs higher than 30 inches were missing. This poses a fall hazard. Guardrails should be installed where walking surfaces are more than 30 inches above the surrounding grade or surfaces below. Recommend that a qualified contractor install guardrails where missing and per standard building practices.

Pavement sloped down towards building perimeters in one or more areas. This can result in water accumulating around building foundations or underneath buildings. Monitor these areas in the future, especially during and after periods of rain. If significant amounts of water are found to accumulate, then recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, by installing drain(s) or removing old pavement and installing new.

Minor deterioration (e.g. cracks, holes, settlement, heaving) was found in the driveway, but no trip hazards were found. The client may wish to have repairs made for cosmetic reasons.

Roof

One or more roofing nails weren't fully seated and shingles were lifting or nail heads were protruding through shingle surfaces. The nails may have loosened, or were not pounded in fully when installed. Shingles are likely to be wind damaged, and leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. For example, by replacing shingles.

One or more rubber or neoprene pipe flashings were loose or lifting. Leaks can result from windblown rain. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary to prevent leaks. For example, by nailing flashings down and sealing as necessary.

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.

Significant amounts of debris such as leaves, needles, seeds, etc. have accumulated on the roof surface. Water may not flow easily off the roof, and can enter gaps in the roof surface. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend cleaning debris from the roof surface now and as necessary in the future.

10)

Moss was growing on the roof. As a result, shingles can lift or be damaged. Leaks can result and/or the roof surface can fail prematurely. Efforts should be made to kill the moss during its growing season (wet months). Typically, zinc or phosphate-based chemicals are used for this and must be applied periodically. For information on various moss treatment products and their pros and cons, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?MOSS

Water Heater

11)

The temperature-pressure relief valve drain line was less than 3/4 inch in diameter. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of explosion from restricted flow. A qualified plumber should repair per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?TPRVALVE

12)

The 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. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair per standard building practices. For example, by extending the drain line to within 6 inches of the floor, or routing it to drain outside. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?TPRVALVE

13)

The water heater's electricity supply was off. The water heater and hot water supply system (e.g. faucets, controls) were not fully evaluated because of this. Recommend that a full evaluation be made by a qualified person when conditions have been corrected so the water heater is operable. Note that per the standards of practice for various professional home inspection organizations, the inspector does not operate shut-off valves, pilot lights or over-current protection devices, or any controls other than "normal controls."

14)

The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8-12 years. The inspector was unable to determine the age of the water heater due to the manufacturer's label being obscured, no serial number being visible, or the serial number not clearly indicating the age. The client should be aware that this water heater may be near, at or beyond its useful life and may need replacing at any time. Recommend attempting to determine the water heater's age.

If found to be near, at or beyond its useful lifespan, recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future, or considering replacement now before any leaks occur. The client should be aware that significant flooding can occur if the water heater does fail. If not replaced now, consider having a qualified person install a catch pan and drain or a water alarm to help prevent damage if water does leak.

Electric

15)

One or more electric receptacles (outlets) at the exterior had no visible ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection, or the inspector was unable to determine if GFCI protection was present. If not GFCI-protected, receptacles in wet areas pose a shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and install GFCI protection if necessary and per standard building practices. General guidelines for GFCI-protected receptacles include the following locations:

Outdoors (since 1973)
Bathrooms (since 1975)
Garages (since 1978)
Kitchens (since 1987)
Crawl spaces and unfinished basements (since 1990)
Wet bar sinks (since 1993)
Laundry and utility sinks (since 2005)

For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?GFCI

16)

Panel(s) #D used screw-in fuses for the over-current protection devices. Fuses are prone to tampering and over-fusing, which can damage wiring and cause fire hazards. Insurance companies may deny coverage for homes with fused panels. Modern panels use circuit breakers for over-current protection devices, which can be reset easily after tripping rather than needing to replace fuses. Modern panels also offer more flexibility for new, safer protective technologies like ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCls) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCls). Consult with a qualified electrician about replacement options for fused panels, and about other system upgrades as necessary.

17)

One or more modern, 3-slot electric receptacles (outlets) were found with an open ground. Three-slot receptacles should have a hot, a neutral and a ground wire connected. Homeowners often install new 3-slot 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-slot receptacles with 2-slot 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-slot receptacles. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices.

18)

One or more cover plates for switches, receptacles (outlets) or junction boxes were missing or broken. These plates are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from occurring due to exposed wires. Recommend that a qualified person install cover plates where necessary.

19)

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.reporthost.com/?SMKALRMLS

20)

The legend for circuit breakers or fuses in panel(s) #A was missing, incomplete, illegible or confusing. This is a potential shock or fire hazard in the event of an emergency when power needs to be turned off. Recommend correcting the legend so it's accurate, complete and legible. Evaluation by a qualified electrician may be necessary.

Kitchen

21)

The estimated useful life for most kitchen appliances is 10-15 years. One or more appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, range and/or microwave) appeared to be near, at or beyond their service life. Even if operable, recommend budgeting for replacements in the near future.

Plumbing / Fuel Systems

22)

Based on visible components or information provided to the inspector, this property appeared to have a private sewage disposal (septic) system. These are specialty systems and are excluded from this inspection. Comments in this report related to this system are made as a courtesy only and are not meant to be a substitute for a full evaluation by a qualified specialist. Generally, septic tanks should be pumped and inspected every 3 years. Depending on the type of system and municipal regulations, inspection and maintenance may be required more frequently, often annually. Recommend the following:

Consult with the property owner about this system's maintenance and repair history
Review any documentation available for this system
Review inspection and maintenance requirements for this system
That a qualified specialist evaluate, perform maintenance and make repairs if necessary

For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SEPTIC

Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC)

23)

The estimated useful life for most heat pumps and air conditioning condensing units is 10-15 years. This unit 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.

24)

The heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit did not respond to normal controls (thermostat). It appeared to be inoperable. The inspector was only able to perform a limited evaluation. If possible, consult with the property owner and/or review documentation on this system. Recommend that a qualified HVAC contractor evaluate and perform maintenance or make repairs as necessary.

25)

The last service date of the forced air heating/cooling system 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 service this system and make repairs if necessary. Because this system has a compressor and refrigerant system, this servicing should be performed annually in the future. Any needed repairs noted in this report should be brought to the attention of the contractor when it's serviced.

Bathrooms, Laundry and Sinks

26)

Stopper not connected.

Interior, Doors and Windows

27)

Minor cracks, nail pops and/or blemishes were found in walls and/or ceilings in one or more areas. Cracks and nail pops are common, are often caused by lumber shrinkage or minor settlement, and can be more or less noticeable depending on changes in humidity. They did not appear to be a structural concern, but the client may wish to repair these for aesthetic reasons. For recurring cracks, consider using an elastic crack covering product:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ECC