1) One or more landscaping timbers used in steps or walkways were rotten or damaged by wood-destroying insects and posed a trip or fall hazard. Recommend that a qualified person replace landscaping timbers as necessary.

2) Many sections of siding and/or trim were deteriorated and/or rotten. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install siding or trim as necessary.

3) This property was clad with composition wood-fiber siding. Various manufacturers (e.g. Louisiana Pacific, Weyerhaeuser and Masonite) have produced this type of siding, which is made from oriented strand board (OSB) or "hardboard." It is prone to deteriorate and/or fail prematurely due to moisture penetration, especially when the paint coating is substandard or has not been maintained. Failure is typically visible in the form of swelling, cracking, buckling, wafer pops, delamination and fungal growth.

Some areas of siding on this structure showed symptoms described above and need replacement and/or maintenance. Some manufacturers (e.g. Louisiana Pacific) recommend a repair process for this siding where affected areas are sealed with Permanizer Plus, a flexible primer made by Pittsburgh Paint, followed by two coats of 100% acrylic latex paint. This sealant must be applied to the bottom edges using a brush. The face of the siding can be sprayed. The Permanizer Plus sealer isn't required for edges that aren't swollen, cracked or deteriorated, but the acrylic latex should still be brushed on these edges.

Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and replace siding as necessary, and/or seal and repaint as necessary. Repairs should be made per the siding and/or sealant manufacturer's installation instructions, and per standard building practices.

For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?PERMPLUS
https://www.reporthost.com/?COMPSDNG

4) Trees were in contact with or were close to the building at one or more locations. Damage to the building may occur, especially during high winds, or may have already occurred (see other comments in this report). Recommend that a qualified tree service contractor or certified arborist remove trees as necessary to prevent damage to the building exterior.

5) The paint or stain finish in some areas was failing (e.g. peeling, faded, worn, thinning). Siding and trim with a failing finish can be damaged by moisture. Recommend that a qualified contractor prep (e.g. clean, scrape, sand, prime, caulk) and repaint or restain the building exterior where necessary and per standard building practices. Any repairs needed to the siding or trim should be made prior to this.

6) Caulk was deteriorated in some areas. For example, around windows. 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?CAULK

7) 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.

8) The roof surface appeared to be near the end of its service life and will likely need replacing in the near future even if repairs are made now. Recommend discussing replacement options with a qualified contractor, and budgeting for a replacement roof surface in the near future. The client may also wish to consider having a qualified contractor attempt to issue a "5 year roof certificate."

9) One or more gutters had a substandard slope so that significant amounts of water accumulate in them rather than draining through the downspouts. This can cause gutters to overflow, especially when debris such as leaves or needles has accumulated in them. Rainwater can come in contact with the building exterior or accumulate around the foundation as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by correcting the slope in gutters or installing additional downspouts and extensions.

10) Extensions such as splash blocks or drain pipes for one or more downspouts were damaged. 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.

13) The door between the garage and the house did not appear to be fire resistant, or the inspector was unable to verify that it was via a label. This is a potential safety hazard. House to garage doors, to prevent fire and fumes from spreading from the garage into interior living space, should be constructed of fire-resistant materials. Doors, generally considered to be suitable for the purpose, are solid core wood, steel, honeycomb steel or a door that has been factory labeled as fire rated. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace or repair the door and, at that time, make any other corrections that might be required to provide suitable fire resistance between the garage and the dwelling per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?AGFR

14) No photoelectric sensors were installed for one or more garage vehicle doors' automatic opener. These have been required on all automatic door openers since 1993 and improve safety by triggering the door's auto-reverse feature without need for the door to come in contact with the object, person or animal that is preventing the door from closing. Recommend that a qualified contractor install photoelectric sensors where missing for improved safety. For more information on garage door safety issues, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?GDPES

15) One or more exterior doors were significantly damaged or deteriorated. Recommend that a qualified person replace door(s) as necessary.

17) One or more electric receptacles at the kitchen, bathroom(s) and/or basement 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?GFCI

18) No electric receptacle was installed at the kitchen island. At least one GFCI-protected receptacle should be installed at islands with counter tops longer than 12 inches to prevent appliance cords from crossing paths where people walk. Recommend that a qualified electrician install receptacle(s) at the island per standard building practices.

19) No permanently installed smoke alarms were found. This is a potential safety hazard. A qualified electrician should install smoke alarms per standard building practices (e.g. in hallways leading to bedrooms, in each bedroom, on each floor and in attached garages). For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRM

20) One or more cover plates for switches, receptacles 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.

21) No permanently installed carbon monoxide alarms were found. This is a potential safety hazard. Some states and/or municipalities require CO alarms to be installed for new construction and/or for homes being sold. Recommend installing approved CO alarms outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms on each level and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?COALRM

22) One or more electric receptacles appeared to have no power. Recommend asking the property owner about this. Switches may need to be operated or GFCI/AFCI protection may need to be reset to make some receptacles energized. If necessary, recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair.

23) One or more wall switches were broken or damaged. Recommend that a qualified electrician replace wall switches as necessary.

25) One or more leaks were found in water supply pipes or fittings. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.

26) One or more leaks were found in drain pipes or fittings. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.

27) Significant corrosion was found in some drain pipes or fittings. This can indicate past leaks, or that leaks are likely to occur in the future. Recommend that a qualified plumber evaluate and repair as necessary.

28) Both sump pumps appeared to be inoperable. Water may accumulate in the building substructure during periods of heavy rain. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace the sump pump as necessary. The sump pump in the laundry area is the one this refers to.

29) One or more leaks were found in water supply valves. A qualified plumber should repair as necessary. Front outside faucet leaks.

30) The sump pump discharge pipe was routed so that it drained close to the foundation. Prolonged, high levels of moisture in soil can cause foundation settlement and failure. If drainage is near a crawl space or basement, water can accumulate in these spaces. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary so the discharge pipe terminates well away from the foundation and to soil that is sloping down and away from the foundation.

31) One or more hose bibs leaked while off. When hose bibs leak while turned off, it's often caused by a worn valve seat or a loose bonnet. When hose bibs leak while turned on, it may be due to worn "packing" around the stem or a defective backflow prevention device. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair as necessary.

Front hose bib leaks.

33) The estimated useful life for most forced air furnaces is 15-20 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.

The furnace appears to be a 1975 furnace.

34) 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.

35) One or more heating or cooling air supply registers were missing. The air flow cannot be controlled as a result. Recommend installing registers where missing.

36) Recommend that home buyers replace or clean HVAC filters upon taking occupancy depending on the type of filters installed. Regardless of the type, recommend checking filters monthly in the future and replacing or cleaning them as necessary. How frequently they need replacing or cleaning depends on the type and quality of the filter, how the system is configured (e.g. always on vs. "Auto"), and on environmental factors (e.g. pets, smoking, frequency of house cleaning, number of occupants, the season).

37) No accessible gas shut-off valve was visible within 6 feet of the gas-fired range, cooktop and/or oven. This is a potential safety hazard when the appliance needs to be shut down quickly. A qualified contractor should install a shut-off valve per standard building practices.

38) The dishwasher was inoperable. Recommend that a qualified specialist evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

39) The sink was damaged or significantly deteriorated. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace the sink. No drain or plumbing installes under sink.

40) Substandard repairs were found at the sink drain (e.g. tape, sealant, non-standard components). Recommend that a qualified plumber repair per standard building practices. No drian installed.

41) The under-sink food disposal was inoperable. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace as necessary.

42) The oven bake function appeared to be inoperable. Consult with the property owner. If necessary, a qualified person should repair. No detectable gas supply to the range, oven, cook top

43) The refrigerator door seal was damaged. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.

44) The sink faucet was dripping. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. Not tested because there was no drain installed.

45) One or more leaks were found at water supply lines for the clothes washer. A qualified plumber should repair as necessary.

46) Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found between the shower enclosure and the floor at location(s) #A. Water can penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person re-caulk or install caulking as necessary.

47) Water leaked from gaps at the shower door at location(s) #A when the shower was operated. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

48) The shower door at location(s) #A wouldn't latch or close fully. Water can leak out of the enclosure during showers. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

49) The clothes dryer exhaust duct was broken and/or disconnected in one or more places. Clothes dryers produce large amounts of moisture which should not enter structure interiors. Moisture can accumulate and result in mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Recommend that a qualified person make permanent repairs as necessary. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?DRYER

50) 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 U-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.

51) Some interior door hardware (locksets) were missing. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.

52) One or more windows that were designed to open and close were stuck shut. Recommend that a qualified person repair windows as necessary so they open and close easily.

53) Crank handles at some windows were missing and/or broken. Recommend that a qualified person replace handles or make repairs as necessary.

54) Evidence of active infestation of carpenter ants was found at location(s) #A and/or Southwest corner of the house outside in the form of live insects with visible wood damage. Recommend the following:

• Correct any conducive conditions for wood-destroying organisms mentioned in this report.
• Consult with the property owner about any history of infestation.
• Have a state-licensed pest control operator evaluate further and treat as necessary.

55) Evidence of past and/or termite infestation of drywood termites was found at location(s) #A and/or outside the backdoor to the right in the wood form left in the foundation in the form of fecal pellets with visible wood damage. Recommend the following:

• Correct any conducive conditions for wood-destroying organisms mentioned in this report.
• Consult with the property owner about any history of infestation.
• Have a state-licensed pest control operator evaluate further and treat as necessary.