1) One or more hornet, bee or wasp nests were found at the building exterior. These can pose a safety hazard. A qualified person should remove nests or exterminate as necessary.

5) 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.

6) The masonry (brick or stone) veneer was deteriorated or damaged in some areas. Where cracks or openings are exposed, water may enter the wall structure causing mold, fungal growth and structural damage. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. For example, by repointing mortar or replacing broken or missing masonry.

7) 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

9) One or more indoor crawl space access hatches or doors were not insulated, or had substandard insulation. Weather-stripping was also missing or substandard. Recommend installing weather-stripping and insulation per current standards at hatches or doors for better energy efficiency and to prevent dust or odor-laden air from the crawl space entering living spaces.

10) One or more engineered joists were notched or had holes cut in them in such a way as to significantly weaken the joist(s). Limitations on modifying joists in the field vary depending on the manufacturer, but general guidelines often include these restrictions:

• Top and bottom flanges should never be cut, drilled or notched.
• The maximum-sized hole cut into the web should not exceed the distance between the flanges minus 1/4 inch.
• The longest side of a rectangular hole should not exceed 3/4 of the maximum-sized hole allowed.
• Holes should not be cut closer than 1/8 inch to either flange.
• No more than three maximum-sized holes are allowed per span.
• For multiple holes, the distance between adjacent hole edges must exceed twice the diameter of the largest round hole or twice the length of the longest side of any rectangular hole.
• Ideally, holes should be centered on the middle of the web.
• Ideally, rectangular holes should have rounded corners.

Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary, and per the joist manufacturer's specifications. Note that the inspector cannot determine if modifications to engineered joists comply with the manufacturer's specifications.

11) Under-floor perimeter insulation was falling down and/or missing in some areas. This may result in reduced energy efficiency. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace insulation as necessary.

12) The vapor barrier in some areas of the crawl space was loose or askew, missing and/or substandard. Soil was exposed as a result and will allow water from the soil to evaporate up into the structure. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. A 6 mil black plastic sheet should be placed over all exposed soil with seams overlapped to 24 inches, and not in contact with any wood structural components. The sheeting should be held in place with bricks or stones, not wood. Recommend that a qualified person replace or repair the vapor barrier where necessary and per standard building practices.

14) Some composition shingles were loose and/or deteriorated. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. For example, by replacing shingles.

15) One or more roof flashings were substandard. Flashing in corners of dormers are conducive of pooling and/or penetration to roof structure. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

16) 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.

17) 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.

19) Minor cracks were found in the concrete slab floor control joints. These are common and appeared to be only a cosmetic issue. Recommend filling the cracks with a sealant to prevent water intrusion.

20) One or more electric receptacles at the bathroom(s) 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) 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.

22) Water supply lines were substandard in one or more areas. Recommend that a qualified plumber evaluate and repair per standard building practices.

23) Water supply pipes in the crawl space were not insulated. Recommend insulating pipes per standard building practices to prevent them from freezing during cold weather, and for better energy efficiency with hot water supply pipes.

24) Based on visible equipment or information provided to the inspector, this property appeared to have a yard irrigation (sprinkler) system. These are specialty systems and are excluded from this inspection. Comments in this report related to this system are made as a courtesy only and are not meant to be a substitute for a full evaluation by a qualified specialist. When this system is operated, recommend verifying that water is not directed at building exteriors, or directed so water accumulates around building foundations. Sprinkler heads may need to be adjusted, replaced or disabled. Consider having a qualified plumber verify that a backflow prevention device is installed per standard building practices to prevent cross-contamination of potable water. Recommend that a qualified specialist evaluate the irrigation system for other defects (e.g. leaks, damaged or malfunctioning sprinkler heads) and repair if necessary.

25) The water supply pressure was equal to or greater than 80 pounds per square inch (PSI). Pressures above 80 PSI may void warranties for some appliances such as water heaters or washing machines. Flexible supply lines to washing machines are likely to burst with higher pressures. 40-80 PSI is considered the normal range for water pressure in a home, and most plumbers recommend 50-60 PSI . Typically, the pressure cannot be regulated at the water meter. Recommend that a qualified plumber evaluate and make modifications to reduce the pressure to below 80 PSI . Installing a pressure reducing valve on the main service pipe is a common solution to this problem. If one exists, then it should be adjusted, repaired or replaced as necessary to maintain lower pressures. Note that installing a pressure reducing valve creates a "closed system," which may require installing an expansion tank at the water heater if one is not already installed.

27) 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.

28) The pad for the heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit was not level. This unit requires adequate support. The compressor may be damaged if this unit is tilted 10 degrees or more. Also, the pad should elevate the unit above the soil to prevent corrosion. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

29) Rubber water supply hoses were installed at the clothes washer. These hoses are prone to bursting when deteriorated, which can result in flooding and significant water damage. Recommend upgrading to braided, stainless steel hoses.

30) Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found between countertops and backsplashes at location(s) #B. Water can penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by installing or replacing caulk.

31) The sink faucet at location(s) #B (master bathroom, left-hand side) was dripping. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

32) Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found at the bathtub drain at location(s) #A (common bathroom). Water may penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person re-caulk or install caulking as necessary.

33) Tile, caulk and/or grout in the shower enclosure at location(s) #B were deteriorated (e.g. loose or cracked tiles, missing grout) or substandard. Water may leak through gaps and damage the wall or floor structure as a result. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. Note that the condition of the structure behind and below the shower enclosure is unknown due to it being concealed.

34) The clothes dryer exhaust vent had a screen installed. Significant amounts of lint build-up are possible and will reduce air flow. Recommend that a qualified person remove this duct vent screen now. Some chimney sweeps or heating/cooling duct cleaners perform this service. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?DRYER

35) One or more window screens were damaged or deteriorated. These window(s) may not provide ventilation during months when insects are active. Recommend replacing window screens as necessary.