Summary

1) The radon mitigation system is not installed properly. The gauge reads zero vacumn. A specialist should evaluate and repair as needed.

2) 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.epa.gov
http://www.cpsc.gov
http://www.cdc.gov

3) This inspection does not include a MOLD evaluation or inspection of any kind. Mold evaluation requires a specialist, & is beyond the scope of a standard home inspection.

4) 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.

5) One or more sets of stairs were unstable and deteriorated. A qualified contractor should repair as necessary.

6) One or more deck, patio and/or porch covers were unstable due to substandard bracing, lack of diagonal bracing, or lack of attachment to the main building. This is a safety hazard since severe movement may cause the cover to collapse. A qualified contractor should repair as necessary.

7) Fungal rot was found in decking boards at one or more decks or porches. Conducive conditions for this such as wood-soil contact should be corrected. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

8) Fungal rot was found in Screen Frames at one or more porches. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

9) Based on the appearance of the siding and the age of this structure, the exterior siding material may contain asbestos. The EPA recommends leaving such siding in place and undisturbed, and maintaining a paint coat for encapsulation. Modern cement-based siding with no asbestos content, often with a similar appearance, is available for repairs when needed. The client should be aware that this siding may contain asbestos when considering repairing or replacing it. At that time or before if the client has concerns, consult with a qualified abatement specialist and/or testing lab. For more information, visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/453.html
http://www.epa.gov/asbestos

10) Some sections of siding and/or trim were loose. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install siding or trim as necessary.

11) Handrails at one or more flights of stairs were missing. This is a potential fall hazard. Handrails should be installed at stairs with four or more risers or where stairs are greater than 30 inches high. Recommend that a qualified contractor install handrails where missing and per standard building practices.

12) One or more windows in the basement are broken, missing, or deteriorated. All windows should be repaired or replaced as needed.

13) The garage has Structural defects. It needs supports to be added to prevent collapse.
A qualified service provider should evaluate and repair as needed.

14) Significant cracks, heaving and/or settlement were found in one or more sections of the garage floor. Uneven surfaces can pose a trip hazard. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace concrete slab floors where necessary.

15) One or more circuit breakers in panel(s) #A were "double tapped," where two or more wires were installed in the breaker's lug. Most breakers are designed for only one wire to be connected. This is a safety hazard since the lug bolt can tighten securely against one wire but leave other(s) loose. Arcing, sparks and fires can result. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.google.com/search?q=double+tap+circuit+breaker

16) Significant corrosion is present inside the electric service panel . This is a SAFETY hazard and must be corrected by an electrician.

17) 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.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/099.pdf

18) Gas Pipe electrical grounding should be added.

Metal gas piping: NEC Sec. 250-104(b) and NFPA 54 [Sec. 3.14(a)]. Sec. 250-104(b) of the NEC and NFPA 54, Sec. 3.14(a) requires you to bond the aboveground portion of a metal gas piping system to a grounding electrode system for safety reasons. NFPA 54, Sec. 3.15 does not allow you to use aboveground portions of a metal gas piping system or its components as a conductor in electrical circuits. However, NFPA 54, Sec. 3.15, Ex. recognizes under certain conditions, which applies when you are using low-voltage (50V or less) control circuits, ignition circuits, and electronic flame detection device circuits as piping or components of an electric circuit.

19) The inspector did not determine the location of the main water shut-off valve, or verify that a readily accessible shut-off valve in the building exists. Recommend consulting with the property owner to determine if a main shut-off valve exists, locating it yourself, or that a qualified plumber find it if necessary. If no readily accessible main shut-off valve is found in the building, then recommend that a qualified plumber install one so the water supply can be quickly turned off in the event of an emergency, such as when a supply pipe bursts.

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21) One or more ceiling fans wobbled excessively during operation. This is a potential safety hazard and may be caused by loose fasteners, blades, rod-fan body junction, the fan itself being loose, or bent, misaligned or unbalanced blades. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.google.com/search?q=unbalanced+ceiling+fan

22) The outdoor air temperature was below 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the inspection. Air conditioning systems can be damaged if operated during such low temperatures. Because of this, the inspector was unable to operate and fully evaluate the cooling system.

23) The brick chimney was moderately deteriorated. For example, loose or missing mortar, cracked, broken, loose or spalled bricks. Loose bricks can pose a safety hazard, and deteriorated masonry can allow water to infiltrate the the chimney structure and cause further damage. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.

24) The gas fireplace or stove was not fully evaluated because the pilot light was off. The inspector only operates normal controls (e.g. on/off switch or thermostat) and does not light pilot lights or operate gas shut-off valves. Recommend that the client review all documentation for such gas appliances and familiarize themselves with the lighting procedure. If necessary, a qualified specialist should assist in lighting such appliances, and make any needed repairs.

25) 1 cooktop burner(s) were inoperable. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

26) One or more sink drains were leaking. A qualified plumber should repair as necessary.

27) The sink at location(s) #A were not securely fastened to the wall. An adequate number of appropriate fasteners should be used. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

28) The bathtub drain stopper mechanism at location(s) #A was inoperable. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.