15941 Harlem Ave Suite 297 Tinley Park IL 60477-1609
Inspector: John Espinosa
License No 450000604
Property Inspection Report
Client(s):
Tiara Beecham
Property address:
6615 S Paulina St Chicago IL 60636-3015
Inspection date:
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
This report published on Thursday, December 24, 2020 3:05:15 PM CST
Report Limitations:
This report is intended only as a general guide to help the client make his own evaluation of the overall condition of the home, and is not intended to reflect the value of the premises, nor make any representation as to the advisability of purchase. The report expresses the presonal opinions of the inspector, based upon his visusal impressions of the conditions that existed at the time of the inspection only. The inspection and report are not intended to be technically exhaustive, or to imply that every component was inspected, or that every possible defect was descovered. No disassembly of equipment, opening of walls, moving of furniture, appliances or stored items, or excavation was preformed. All componets and conditions which by the nature of their location are concealed, camouflaged or diffcult to inspect are excluded from the report.
Systems and conditions which are not within the scope ot the building inspection include, but are not limited to: formaldehyde, lead paint, asbestos, toxic or flammable materials, and other environmental hazards; pest infestation, playground equipment, efficiency measurement of insulation or heating and cooling equipment, internal or underground drainage or plumbing, basement flooding, basement seepage, roof leakage, any systems which are shut down or otherwise secured; water wells (water quality and quantity) zoning ordinances; intercoms; security systems; heat snesors; cosmetics; chimney draft; heating system accessories; solar heating systems; All items indicated as being excluded in the ASHI Standards of Practice are also excluded herein.
The inspection report should not be construed as a compliance inspection of any governmental or non governmental codes or regulations. The report is not intended to be a warranty or guarantee of the present or future adequacy or performance of the structure, its systems, or their component parts. This report does not constitute any express or implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for use regarding the condition of the property and it should not be relied upon as such. Any opinions expressed regarding adequacy, capacity, or expected life of components are general estimates based on information about similar components and occasional wide variations are to be expected between such estimates and actual experience.
We certify that our inspectors have no interest, present or contemplated, in this property or its improvements. To the best of our knowledge and belief, all statements and information in this report are true and correct.
The parties agree that the maximum liabilty for the inspector arising from failure to perform any of the obligations stated in this argeement, is limited to an amout not to exceed the fee paid for the inspection.
Inspection and report are preformed and prepared for the confidential and exclusive use and possession of the Client. No other person or entity may rely on the report issued pursuant to this agreement.
How to Read this Report
This report is organized by the property's functional areas. Within each functional area, descriptive information is listed first and is shown in bold type. Items of concern follow descriptive information.
Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types:
Safety
Poses a risk of injury or death
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
Serviceable
Item or component is in serviceable condition
Comment
For your information
Click here for a glossary of building construction terms.Contact your inspector If there are terms that you do not understand, or visit the glossary of construction terms at https://www.reporthost.com/glossary.asp
1) This property has one or more fuel burning appliances, and no carbon monoxide alarms are visible. This is a safety hazard. Recommend installing one or more carbon monoxide alarms as necessary and as per the manufacturer's instructions. For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05017.html
2) Structures built prior to 1979 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(s) 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 these websites:
3) One or more trip hazards were found in sidewalk and/or patio sections due to cracks, settlement and/or heaving. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace sidewalk and/or patio sections as necessary to eliminate trip hazards.
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4) Perimeter pavement slopes towards structure in one or more areas. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms. Recommend having a qualified contractor make repairs as necessary so perimeter pavement slopes down and away from the structure.
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5) Sidewalks and/or patios have significant cracks and/or deterioration in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace sidewalk and/or patio sections as necessary.
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6) Siding is damaged and/or deteriorated in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs and/or replace siding as necessary to prevent water and vermin intrusion.
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7) Moderate cracks and/or deterioration found in one or more sections of brick veneer. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, such as repointing mortar, replacing bricks and/or sections of veneer.
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8) One or more downspouts have no extensions, or have extensions that are ineffective. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms, and may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. Repairs should be made as necessary, such as installing or repositioning splash blocks, downspout extensions or installing and/or repairing tie-ins to underground drain lines, so rain water is carried at least several feet away from the structure to soil that slopes down and away from the structure.
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9) One or more moderate cracks (1/8 inch to 3/4 inch) were found in the foundation. These may be a structural concern, or an indication that settlement is ongoing. The client(s) should consider hiring qualified contractors and/or engineers as necessary for further evaluation. Such contractors may include:
Foundation repair contractors who may prescribe repairs, and will give cost estimates for prescribed repairs
Masonry contractors who repair and/or replace brick veneer
Geotechnical engineers who attempt to determine if settlement is ongoing, and what the cause of the settlement is
Structural engineers who determine if repairs are necessary, and prescribe those repairs
At a minimum, recommend sealing cracks to prevent water infiltration. Numerous products exist to seal such cracks including:
Epoxy sealants (both a waterproof and structural repair). See http://www.mountaingrout.com/ for examples of these products.
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10) The exterior finish in some areas is failing. A qualified contractor should prep (pressure wash, scrape, sand, prime caulk, etc.) and repaint or restain areas as needed and as per standard building practices.
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11) One or more sections of foundation and/or exterior walls are excluded from this inspection due to lack of access from vegetation, debris and/or stored items.
Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Gutter & downspout material: Aluminum
Roof ventilation: Unable to determine (no access to attic spaces)
13) One or more sections of flashing at the base of the chimney are deteriorated and/or substandard. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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14) One or more composition shingles are damaged, deteriorated and/or missing, and should be replaced. Leaks may occur as a result. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
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15) Due to aging/condition of roof covering and flashing, we recommend a roofing certification by a qualified roofing contractor.
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16) Debris has accumulated in one or more gutters. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects since gutters may overflow and cause water to come in contact with the structure's exterior or make water accumulate around the foundation. Gutters should be cleaned now and as necessary in the future.
17) The attic access hatch was inaccessible due to stored items, debris, or the hatch being permanently closed. The inspector was unable to evaluate the attic, and it's excluded from this inspection. Recommend moving items or modifying hatch(es) as necessary to allow periodic evaluation of attic spaces.
Primary heat system type: Forced air, Medium efficiency
Primary A/C energy source: N/A
Primary Air conditioning type: N/A
Distribution system: Sheet metal ducts
Manufacturer: Goodman
Model: GMH80903BNAA
Filter location: At the base of the furnace
21) The last service date of this system appears to be more than one year ago, or the inspector was unable to determine the last service date. The client(s) should ask the property owner(s) 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
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22) The estimated useful life for most forced air furnaces is 15 to 20 years. This furnace appears to be approaching this age and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
23) The air handler's filter(s) are loose or not securely installed. As a result, unfiltered air will flow through the system. The heating/cooling equipment service life and the indoor air quality may be reduced. A qualified contractor should make repairs as necessary, such as repairing or installing guides or retaining devices so filter(s) are securely installed with minimal gaps at edges.
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24) Air handler filter(s) should be checked monthly in the future and replaced or washed as necessary.
25) Due to age and condition of furnace, we recommend a heating certification by a qualified heating contractor.
26) The last service date of this system appears to be more than one year ago, or the inspector was unable to determine the last service date. The client(s) should ask the property owner(s) 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
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27) Air handler filter(s) should be checked monthly in the future and replaced or washed as necessary.
Location of main water shut-off valve: Basement front
Location of main water meter: NA
Water service: Public
Service pipe material: Lead
Supply pipe material: Copper, Galvanized steel
Vent pipe material: Not visible
Drain pipe material: Plastic, Cast iron
Waste pipe material: Cast iron
28) The water service pipe appears to be made of lead, which is a known health hazard, especially to children. Lead service pipes should be replaced to eliminate this hazard. A qualified plumber should evaluate and replace the service pipe and fittings as necessary to eliminate the lead hazard.
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29) Some, most, or all of the water supply pipes in this structure are made of galvanized steel. Based on the age of this structure, these pipes may be nearing or may have exceeded their estimated useful life of 40 to 60 years. Internal corrosion and rust can reduce the inside diameter of these pipes over time, resulting in reduced flow and eventually, leaks. The inspector performed a "functional flow test" during the inspection where multiple fixtures were run simultaneously, and found the flow to be adequate. For example, the shower flow didn't decrease substantially when the toilet was flushed. Despite this, and because of their apparent age, these pipes may need replacing at any time.
30) The plumbing system appears to be in serviceable condition as operated and where visible.
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31) Neither the clothes washer nor dryer were operated or evaluated if present. They are excluded from this inspection.
32) No metal liner is installed in the masonry chimney, and one or more gas appliances use the chimney for a flue. Standard building practices require that a metal liner be installed in masonry chimneys used to vent gas appliances such as furnaces and water heaters. The purpose of the metal liner is to ensure a correct draft, and to prevent damage to the masonry flue from corrosive exhaust deposits and moisture in the exhaust gases. A qualified chimney service contractor should evaluate and install a metal liner as necessary. For more information visit http://www.csia.org/homeowners/gasapp.html and http://www.csia.org/homeowners/liners.htm
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33) The masonry chimney's mortar is deteriorated and should be repaired to prevent further, significant deterioration. Recommend having a qualified chimney service contractor or mason evaluate chimney and repair as necessary. This will likely require repointing the mortar.
34) One or more sections of wiring that weren't terminated were found. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, cutting the wire to length and terminating the wire with wire nuts in a securely anchored, covered, properly sized junction box.
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35) Wire splices are exposed due to not being contained in a covered junction box or loose fixtures. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock and fire. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, install securely mounted fixtures, junction boxes with cover plates where needed to contain wiring splices.
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36) One or more flights of stairs with more than two risers have no handrail installed. This is a safety hazard. A qualified contractor should install graspable handrails that your hand can completely encircle at stairs where missing, and as per standard building practices.
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37) Cover plate(s) are missing from one or more electric boxes, such as for receptacles, switches and/or junction boxes. They are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from exposed wires. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire and shock. Cover plates should be installed where missing.
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38) Evidence of prior water intrusion was found in one or more sections of the basement. For example, water stains and/or efflorescence on the foundation or floor, water stains at bases of support posts, etc. Accumulated water is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms and should not be present in the basement. The client(s) should review any disclosure statements available and ask the property owner(s) about past accumulation of water in the basement. The basement should be monitored in the future for accumulated water, especially after heavy and/or prolonged periods of rain. If water is found to accumulate, a qualified contractor who specializes in drainage issues should evaluate and repair as necessary. Typical repairs for preventing water from accumulating in the basement include:
Repairing, installing or improving rain run-off systems (gutters, downspouts and extensions or drain lines)
Improving perimeter grading
Repairing, installing or improving underground footing and/or curtain drains
Ideally, water should not enter the basement, but if water must be controlled after it enters the basement, then typical repairs include installing sump pump(s) or interior perimeter drains. Have a qualified contractor further evaluate and repair/maintain the foundation/basement walls.
42) One or more sink drains use flexible drain pipe. This type of drain pipe is more likely to clog than smooth wall pipe. Recommend having a qualified plumber replace this pipe with standard plumbing components (smooth wall pipe) to prevent clogged drains.
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43) The bathroom(s) appear to be in serviceable condition as viewed and operated.
44) Guardrails are loose and/or wobbly in one or more areas. This is a safety hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, such as installing new fasteners or hardware, installing additional fasteners and/or installing additional railing components as necessary so they are securely attached.
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45) No smoke alarms are visible. This is a safety hazard. A qualified electrician should install smoke alarms as per standard building practices (functioning one exists in hallways leading to bedrooms, and in each bedroom, etc.). For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html
46) Lamp holders or light fixtures with fully or partially exposed bulbs are installed in one or more closets. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire. Flammable stored items may come into contact with hot bulbs, and hot fragments from broken bulbs may fall on combustible materials. Standard building practices require closet lighting to use fluorescent light fixtures, or to use fully enclosed incandescent fixtures. Installing a compact fluorescent lamp in a lamp holder is not an acceptable practice. A qualified electrician should replace closet lights as necessary and as per standard building practices.
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47) One or more flights of stairs with more than two risers have no handrail installed. This is a safety hazard. A qualified contractor should install graspable handrails that your hand can completely encircle at stairs where missing, and as per standard building practices.
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48) Cover plate(s) are missing from one or more electric boxes, such as for receptacles, switches and/or junction boxes. They are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from exposed wires. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire and shock. Cover plates should be installed where missing.
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49) Seals between double-pane glass in one or more windows appear to have failed based on condensation or stains between the panes of glass. A qualified contractor should evaluate and replace glass where necessary.
The client(s) should be aware that evidence of broken seals may be more or less visible from one day to the next depending on the temperature, humidity, sunlight, etc. Windows or glass doors other than those that the inspector identified may also have failed seals and need glass replaced too.
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50) Screen(s) in one or more windows are missing. The client(s) should ask the property owner(s) about this. Screens are often removed for window cleaning and they may be stored somewhere. If not, then recommend installing screens where missing.
51) One or more doors bind in their jamb and cannot be closed and latched, or are difficult to open and close. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, adjusting jambs or trimming doors.
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52) Screen(s) in one or more windows are torn or have holes in them. Screens should be replaced where necessary.
53) Minor cracks/holes were found in walls in one or more areas. They do not appear to be a structural concern, but the client(s) may wish to repair these for aesthetic reasons.
54) Minor cracks/wear were found in ceilings in one or more areas. They do not appear to be a structural concern, but the client(s) may wish to repair these for aesthetic reasons.
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55) View of interior
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EXTERIOR-FOUNDATION-BASEMENT: Areas hidden from view by finished walls or stored goods can not be judged and are not a part of this inspection. Minor cracks are typical in many foundations and most do not represent a strucutral problem. If major cracks are present along with bowing, we routinely recommend further evaluation by a qualified structural engineer. All exterior grades should allow for surface and roof water to flow away from the foundation. All concrete floor slabs experience some degree of cracking due to shrinkage in the drying process. In most instances floor coverings prevent recognition of cracks or settlement in all but the most severe cases. Where carpeting and other floor coverings are installed, the materials and condition of the flooring underneath cannot be determined.
ROOF SYSTEM: The foregoing is an opionion of the general quality and condition of the roofing material. The inspector cannot and does not offer an opinion or warranty as to whether the roof leaks or may be subject to future leakage. This report is issued in consideration of the foregoing disclaimer. The only way to determine whether a roof is absolutely water tight is to observe it during a prolonged rainfall. Many times, this situation in not present during the inspection.
PLUMBING: Water quality or hazardous materials (lead) testing is available from local testing labs. All underground piping related to water supply, drainage, waste, or sprinkler use are excluded from this inspection. Leakage or corrosion in underground piping cannot be detected by a visual inspection.
HEATING-AIR CONDITIONING: The inspector in not equipped to inspect furnace heat exchangers for evidence of cracks or holes, as this can only be done by dismantling the unit. This is beyond the scope of this inspection. Some furnaces are designed in such a way that inspection is almost impossible. The inspector can not light pilot lights. Safety devices are not tested by the inspector. NOTE: Asbestos materials have been commonly used in heating systems. Determining the presence of asbestos can ONLY be preformed by laboratory testing and is beyond the scope of this inspection. Thermostats are not checked for calibration or timed functions. Adequacy, efficiency or the even distribution of air throughout a building/house cannot be addressed by a visual inspection. Electronic air cleaners, humidifers and de-humidifiers are beyond the scope of this inspection. Have these systems evaluated by a qualified individual. The inspector does not perform pressure tests on cooling systems, therefore no representation is made regarding coolant charge or line intergrity. Subjective judgement of systems capacity is not a part of the inspection. Normal service and maintenance is recommended on a yearly basis. Determining the condition of oil tanks, whether exposed or buried, is beyond the scope of the inspection. Leaking oil tanks represent an environmental hazard which is sometimes costly to remedy.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Any electrical repairs attempted by anyone other than a licensed electrician should be apporached with caution. The power to the entire house should be turned off prior to beginning any repair efforts, no matter how trivial the repair may seem. Aluminum wiring requires periodic inspection and maintenance by a licensed electrician. Operation of time clocks motors is not verified. Inoperative light fixtures often lack bulbs or have dead bulbs installed. Light bulbs are not changed during the inspection, due to time constraints. Smoke alarms should be installed within 15 feet of all bedrooms and tested regulary.
INTERIOR: The condition of walls behind wall coverings, paneling and furnishings cannot be judged. Only general condition of visible portions of floors is included in this inspection. As a general rule, cosmetic deficiencies are considered normal wear and tear and are not reported. Determining the source of odors or like conditions is not a part of the inspection. Floor covering damage or stains may be hiden by furniture. The condition of floors underlaying floor coverings is not inspected. Determining the condition of insulated glass windows is not always possible due to temperature, weather and lighting conditions. Check with owners for further information. All fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected on a regular basis to make sure the no cracks have developed. Large fires in the firebox can overheat the firebox and flue liners, sometimes resulting in internal damage. Flue liners condition not a part of this inspection.
GARAGES: Determining the heat resistance rating of firewalls is beyond the scope of the inspection. Flammable naterials should not be stored within closed garage areas.
KITCHEN-APPLIANCES-LAUNDRY: Inspection of stand alone freezers and built-in ice makers and outside the scope of the inspection. No opinion is offered as to the adequacy of dishwasher operation. Ovens, self or continuous cleaning operations, cooking functions, clocks, timing devices, lights and thermostat accuracy are not tested during this inspection. Appliances are not moved during the inspection. Portable dishwashers are not inspected, as they require connection to facilitate testing.
BATHROOMS: Shower pans are visually checked for leakage, but leaks often do not show except when shower is in actual use. Determining whether shower pans, tub/shower surrounds are water tight is beyond the scope of this inspection. It is very important to maintain all grouting and caulking in the bath areas. Very minor imperfections can allow water to get into the wall or floor areas and cause damage. Proper ongoing maintenance will be required in the future.
GROUNDS: This inspection is not intended to address or include any geological conditions of site stability information. For information concerning these conditions, a geologist or soil engineer should be consulted. Any reference to grade is limited to only areas around the exterior of exposed areas of foundation or exterior walls. This inspection is visual in nature and does not attempt to determine drainage performance of the site or the condition of underground piping, including municipal water and sewer service piping or septic systems. Decks and porches are often buit close to the ground, where no viewing or access is possible. These areas as well as others too low to enter, or in some other manner not accessible, are excluded from the inspection and are not addressed in the report. We routinely recommend that inquiry be made with the seller about knowledge of any prior foundation or structural repairs.
