View report

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):	Gerald Gurganus
Property address:	160 Ashley Circle Dothan, AL 36305
Inspection date:	Tuesday, October 30, 2018

This report published on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 7:57:30 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
	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

The water service was not turned on during the inspection. The inspector operates only "normal" controls such as faucets, and does not operate shut-off valves to the water meter or house. As a result, plumbing supply, drain waste and vent lines, traps, pumps, fixtures, and some appliances such as water heaters weren't fully evaluated. The water pressure was not determined. Recommend that a qualified person make a full evaluation of the plumbing system after the water supply is turned back on. Areas below the house should be evaluated after plumbing has been operated to check for leaks. Any problems that are found after this evaluation should be repaired by a qualified plumber.

Grounds

Fencing on the property is damaged.

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.

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

Exterior and Foundation

Fungal rot was found at one or more fascia and/or Post. Conducive conditions for rot should be corrected (e.g. wood-soil contact, reverse perimeter slope). Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

One or more large trees were very close to the foundation. Tree roots can cause significant structural damage to foundations, or may have already caused damage (see other comments in this report). Recommend that a qualified tree service contractor or certified arborist remove trees as necessary to prevent damage to foundations.

Doorbell was not functioning at the time of the inspection.

Vegetation such as trees, shrubs and/or vines was in contact with or close to the building exterior. Vegetation can serve as a pathway for wood-destroying insects and can retain moisture against the exterior after it rains. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend pruning, moving or removing vegetation as necessary to maintain at least 6 inches of space between it and the building exterior. A 1-foot clearance is better.

10)

Some areas of the exterior paint or stain finish were incomplete and/or substandard (e.g. primed only, too few coats). Recommend that a qualified contractor prep (e.g. clean, scrape, sand, prime, caulk) and repaint or restain the exterior where necessary and per standard building practices. Any repairs needed to the siding or trim should be made prior to this.

11)

Caulk was missing and/or deteriorated in some areas. For example, around windows, around doors and/or at siding butt joints. Recommend that a qualified person renew or install caulk as necessary. Where gaps are wider than 1/4 inch, an appropriate material other than caulk should be used. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?CAULK

Roof

12)

The roof surface was significantly deteriorated and appeared to be at or beyond its service life. It needs replacing now. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Consult with a qualified contractor to determine replacement options. Note that some structural repairs are often needed after old roof surfaces are removed and the structure becomes fully visible. Related roofing components such as flashings and vents should be replaced or installed as needed and per standard building practices.

13)

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.

Attic and Roof Structure

14)

The ceiling insulation in one or more areas of the attic was compacted or uneven. Heating and cooling costs may be higher due to reduced energy efficiency. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install insulation as necessary and per standard building practices (typically R-38).

Water Heater

15)

The water heater's overcurrent protection device was off, tripped or missing and/or Also water 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."

16)

The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8-12 years. This water heater appeared 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, or considering replacement now before any leaks occur. The client should be aware that significant flooding can occur if the water heater fails. 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

17)

Panel(s) #A were manufactured by the Federal Pacific Electric company and used "Stab-Lok" circuit breakers. There is significant evidence that both double and single pole versions of these circuit breakers fail by not tripping when they are supposed to. However, in 2011 the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) closed an investigation into this product because they did not have enough data to establish that the circuit breakers pose a serious risk of injury to consumers. Regardless, and due to other evidence of safety issues, recommend that a qualified electrician carefully evaluate all Federal Pacific panels and make repairs as necessary. Consider replacing Federal Pacific panels with modern panels that offer more flexibility for new, safer protective technologies like ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCls) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCls). For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?FP1
http://www.reporthost.com/?FP2
http://www.reporthost.com/?FP3

18)

One or more ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles (outlets) wouldn't trip, wouldn't trip with a test instrument and/or wouldn't reset at the bathroom(s) and/or exterior. This is a potential shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair as necessary.

Note the GFCI says if flashing replace plug. The GFCI red light was flashing and needs to be further evaluated and possibly replaced.

19)

One or more electric receptacles (outlets) at the kitchen 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

20)

Wire splices were exposed and were not contained in a covered junction box. This is a potential shock or fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices. For example, by installing permanently mounted junction boxes with cover plates where needed to contain wiring splices.

21)

One or more electric receptacles (outlets) and/or the boxes in which they were installed were loose and/or not securely anchored. Wire conductors can be damaged due to repeated movement and/or tension on wires, or insulation can be damaged. This is a shock and fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary.

22)

Smoke alarms were missing from one or more bedrooms. Additional smoke alarms should be installed as necessary so a functioning alarm exists in each hallway leading to bedrooms, in each bedroom, on each level and in any attached garage. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRM

23)

One or more slots where circuit breakers are normally installed were open in panel(s) #A. Energized equipment was exposed and is a shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified person install closure covers where missing.

24)

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

25)

Wires should be re-taped where the tape is wearing/damaged.

26)

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.

27)

Bulbs in one or more light fixtures were missing or broken. These light fixtures couldn't be fully evaluated. If replacement bulbs are inoperable, then recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair or replace light fixtures as necessary.

28)

Service line was 10.9 over the driveway. Nationally the line should be 12 foot over a drive way. Check with your local electrical service company.

Note RV'S and moving trucks may not have enough clearance.

Kitchen

29)

Countertop was loose. Recommend attachment from underneath.

Since the area is set-up as a bar, people may their arms and weight on the corner. It could twist the seam and, overtime, damage or separate!

30)

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

31)

This home was winterized. Typically this means the following:

The water supply has been turned off at the meter or main shut-off valve
The water supply to fixtures such as sinks, toilets, tubs and showers have been turned off at local shut-off valves
Sink drain traps and toilet bowls have been filled with anti-freeze
The water and power or fuel supplies to the water heater have been turned off

"De-winterizing" a home is not part of a home inspection. The inspector does not operate shut-off valves, meter valves, circuit breakers, or light pilot lights. This significantly limits the ability of the inspector to evaluate various systems and components such as plumbing fixtures, supply/drain/waste/vent lines and the water heater. They are excluded from this inspection. Recommend when the home has been completely de-winterized that a qualified person fully evaluate them.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC)

32)

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.

33)

The cooling fins at the air handler evaporator coils were dirty. Recommend that a qualified person clean fins as necessary.

34)

HVAC - For Information Only

Fireplaces, Stoves, Chimneys and Flues

35)

One or more wood-burning fireplaces or stoves were found at the property. When such devices are used, they should be professionally inspected and cleaned annually to prevent creosote build-up and to determine if repairs are needed. The National Fire Protection Association states that a "Level 2" chimney inspection should be performed with every sale or transfer of property with a wood-burning device. Recommend consulting with the property owner about recent and past servicing and repairs to all wood-burning devices and chimneys or flues at this property. Recommend that a qualified specialist evaluate all wood-burning devices and chimneys, and clean and repair as necessary. Note that if a wood stove insert is installed, it may need to be removed for such an evaluation. For more information, search for "chimney inspection" at:
http://www.reporthost.com/?CSIA

Bathrooms, Laundry and Sinks

36)

The toilet at location(s) #1 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.

Interior, Doors and Windows

37)

Condensation or staining was visible between multi-pane glass in one or more windows. This usually indicates that the seal between the panes of glass has failed or that the desiccant material that absorbs moisture is saturated. As a result, the view through the window may be obscured, the window's R-value will be reduced, and accumulated condensation may leak into the wall structure below. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair windows as necessary. Usually, this means replacing the glass in window frames.

Be aware that evidence of failed seals or desiccant may be more or less visible depending on the temperature, humidity, sunlight, etc. Windows or glass-paneled doors other than those that the inspector identified may also have failed seals and need glass replaced. It is beyond the scope of this inspection to identify every window with failed seals or desiccant.

38)

It appears that a squirrel may be eating the exterior door jambs. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

39)

One or more interior doors were damaged. Recommend that a qualified person replace or repair doors as necessary.

40)

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