2) The risers for stairs at one or more locations varied in height and pose a fall or trip hazard. Risers within the same flight of stairs should vary by no more than 3/8 inch. At a minimum, be aware of this hazard, especially when guests who are not familiar with the stairs are present. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices.

3) Guardrails at one or more locations with drop-offs higher than 30 inches had gaps that were too large. This poses a safety hazard for children (e.g. falling, getting stuck in railing). Guardrails should not have gaps or voids that allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than 4 inches in diameter, or 6 inches in diameter at triangular spaces between stair edges and guardrails. At a minimum, the client should be aware of this hazard. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace guardrails per standard building practices.

4) Decking boards were installed with little or no gap between them. Organic debris such as leaves or evergreen needles may accumulate in between the boards will likely cause rot or deterioration. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. At a minimum, keep decking boards clean in the future. Ideally boards should be reinstalled with a 3/8 inch gap between them.

5) 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.

6) Untreated wood siding and/or trim was in contact with concrete or masonry at the exterior. Moisture collected between the two materials or wicking up into the wood is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Wood siding or trim should be installed with a minimum clearance of 1-2 inches between it and concrete or masonry below it at building exteriors. Monitor these areas for rot or infestation in the future and repair if needed. Recommend that a qualified person repair per standard building practices. For example, by trimming siding or trim as needed.

7) Evidence of prior water intrusion or accumulation was found in one or more sections of the crawl space. For example, sediment stains on the vapor barrier or foundation, and/or efflorescence on the foundation. Accumulated water is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms and should not be present in the crawl space. Recommend that the client review any disclosure statements available and ask the property owner about past accumulation of water in the crawl space. The crawl space should be monitored in the future for accumulated water, especially after heavy and/or prolonged periods of rain. If water is found to accumulate, then recommend that a qualified contractor who specializes in drainage issues evaluate and repair as necessary. Typical repairs for preventing water from accumulating in crawl spaces 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 crawl spaces, but if water must be controlled after it enters the crawl space, then typical repairs include installing trenches, gravity drains and/or sump pump(s) in the crawl space.

8) Basement egress window well ladder has less than 3 inches of tread for toes which can make the climb out difficult, especially in an emergency escape. Recommend that a qualified person repair per standard building practices.

10) One or more downspouts appear to not shed water away from the foundation as it should. Recommend that a qualified person repair per standard building practices.

11) One or more gutter hangers are not fastened to the fascia which could cause damage to the structure or persons underneath if it were to fall off. Recommend that a qualified person repair per standard building practices.

12) Nail heads were exposed at one or more shingles. More than just a few exposed nail heads may indicate a substandard roof installation. Recommend applying an approved sealant over exposed nail heads now and as necessary in the future to prevent leaks.

13) One or more areas appear to be missing supports between trusses which could increase the chance of rafter spread and roof failure. Recommend that a qualified person inspect and repair as necessary per standard building practices.

14) One or more soffit vents were blocked by insulation. This can reduce air flow through the roof structure or attic and result in reduced service life for the roof surface materials because of high temperatures. Moisture from condensation is also likely to accumulate in the roof structure and/or attic and can be a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary so air flows freely through all vents. For example, by moving or removing insulation and installing cardboard baffles.

15) One or more areas of attic sheathing appear to have a puncture which could lead to water or insect intrusion. Recommend that a qualified person evaluate and repair as necessary per standard building practices.

17) One or more joists appear to have cracked which could weaken the roof. Recommend that a qualified person inspect and repair as necessary per standard building practices.

18) One or more areas appear to be missing supports between trusses which could increase the chance of rafter spread and roof failure. Recommend that a qualified person inspect and repair as necessary per standard building practices.

20) One or more electric receptacles at the 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

21) Panel(s) # had inadequate working space. This is a safety hazard when opening or working in panels. Electric panels should have the following clearances:

• An open area 30 inches wide by 3 feet deep in front of the panel
• 6 feet 6 inches of headroom in front of the panel
• The wall below the panel is clear to the floor
• The center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker not more than 6 feet 7 inches above the floor or working platform

Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or make modifications per standard building practices. If panels must be opened for repairs, then a qualified electrician should perform repairs.

22) Neutral and equipment ground wires were bonded (connected) at sub-panel(s) # . This should only occur in the main service panel, not sub-panels, and is a shock hazard. Neutral wires should be attached to a "floating" neutral bar not bonded to the panel, and grounding wires should be attached to a separate grounding bar bonded to the sub-panel. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?SUBGRND

23) Non-metallic sheathed wiring in the attic was routed on surfaces within 6 feet of one or more access hatches or doors, and was subject to damage. Wiring can be damaged when hatches are lifted and set aside, when stored items are moved into or out of the attic, etc. This is a potential shock and/or fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices.

24) One or more plug ends were installed on non-metallic sheathed wiring. This type of wiring is only intended for permanent, immovable installations. Wiring may be damaged by repeated movement. This is a safety hazard for shock and/or fire. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices.

25) One or more wires inside panel(s) # were loose, and were not terminated. This poses a safety hazard for shock and/or fire. Recommend that a qualified electrician remove any abandoned wiring or repair as necessary. For example, by trimming wires to length and installing wire nuts.

26) One or more holes in wall studs are less than 1-1/4 inch from edge of stud without a protective plate. Recommend that a qualified person inspect and repair as necessary per standard building practices.

27) One or more panel deadfront fasteners were of the incorrect type which could cause an electrical short. Recommend that a qualified person inspect and repair as necessary per standard building practices.

29) Exterior gas line is missing cap. The gas line should be capped incase valve handle is accidentally opened or left open. Recommend that a cap be installed by a qualified professional.

34) Floor drain appears to have leaked in the past based on water marks around drain perimeter. Recommend that a qualified person inspect and repair as necessary per standard building practices.

35) There are one or more open wires in air handler electronics. Recommend that a qualified person inspect and cap off open wires as necessary per standard building practices.

36) Permanent structures were too close to the heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit. There should be at least 12 inches of clearance on all sides and at least 4-6 feet above. Inadequate clearances around and above can result in reduced efficiency, increased energy costs and/or damage to equipment. Recommend making repairs or modifications as necessary to maintain these clearances, by a qualified contractor if necessary.

43) One or more areas in the kitchen sink signs of possible mold. Recommend that a qualified person inspect and remove any mold as necessary.

44) Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found . Water may penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by installing caulk.

47) The sink at location(s) #C drained slowly. Recommend clearing drain and/or having a qualified plumber repair if necessary.

48) The bathtub drain stopper mechanism at location(s) #B was loose. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.

51) Squeaking or creaking noises occur when walking on one or more sections of flooring. This is usually caused by substandard construction practices where the sub-floor decking is not adequately fastened to the framing below. For example, not enough glue was used and/or nails were used rather than screws. In most cases, this is only an annoyance rather than a structural problem. Various solutions such as Squeeeeek No More and Counter Snap fasteners exist to correct this. Repairs to eliminate the squeaks or creaks may be more or less difficult depending on the floor covering and the access to the underside of the sub-floor. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?SQUEAK

One specific location with squeaking floors is in the NW upstairs bedroom.

52) One or more interior doors were sticking in the door jamb and were difficult to operate. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by trimming doors.