Carl "Cory" Heck III, LHI# 10652 cell 985-232-3217 home 985-662-5093 1425-G W. Tunnel Blvd., Houma, LA 70360 & 46375-B Springer Drive, Hammond, LA 70401
Inspector: Carl "Cory" Heck III, LHI # 10652
LHI # 10652
Property Inspection Report
Client(s):
Heck Family
Property address:
502 Galveston Drive Houma, LA 70360
Inspection date:
Friday, October 7, 2016
This report published on Monday, November 19, 2018 5:40:53 PM CST
This report is the exclusive property of this inspection company and the client(s) listed in the report title. Use of this report by any unauthorized persons is prohibited.
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:
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
Exterior door material: Solid core wood, Hollow core Metal
Column Type: Wood
1) The left patio downspouts has no extensions, or have extensions that are ineffective. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, 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, 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.
2) Several rafters over the back patio have water damage from the old newly covered roof. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace sections as necessary.
3) Fences and/or gates are damaged and/or deteriorated in some areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs or replace sections as necessary.
4) Soffit and boards are damaged or deteriorated back right corner, corner of the second right patio cover and right of the chimney, A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
5) Several ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) electric receptacles did not trip when tested. Noted back porch, left of garage and by garage entrance door. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary.
6) Water supply pipes are routed outside and are subject to freezing. Noted by master bath. Insulation should cover all water supply lines outside to prevent freezing and bursting of the pipes.
7) One or more minor defects was found in the foundation. Noted left of the garage. These don't appear to be a structural concern, but recommend sealing them to prevent water infiltration and monitoring them in the future. 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.
8) Minor cracks were found in one or more sections of brick veneer. Noted right of garage, back right corner by vinyl, on the chimney and under garage window. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, such as repointing mortar to prevent water intrusion and further deterioration in the future. 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.
9) Caulk is missing or deteriorated in some areas and should be replaced and/or applied where necessary. This is typical for a home of it's age. Noted fireplace chimney flashing.
Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles, Metal
Estimated age of roof: Composition 8 years, 25 year life variety
Gutter & downspout material: Metal
Roof ventilation: Appears Adequate, Ridge and soffit vent system
15) Several sections of roof flashing are rusted. Leaks may occur over time as a result if unattended. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and replace flashing where necessary.
16) Gaps were found in several roof surface seams. These may result in leaks. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
19) The wall under the electric service panel in incomplete. These surfaces are intended to prevent vehicle fumes from entering living spaces, and to slow the spread of fire from the garage to living spaces. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
Roof structure type: 2X6" Wood Rafters and Plywood Roof Decking
Ceiling structure: 2X6" Wood Ceiling Beams
Insulation material: Craft/Foil backed Fiberglass roll or batt, Cellulose loose fill, no vapor barrier needed
Insulation depth: Approximately 5" R19
23) One or more bathroom or exhaust fans have no duct and terminate in the attic. This is a conducive condition for mold on insulaion and wood destroying insects and organisms due to increased moisture levels in the attic from the exhaust air. Better building practices call for installing ducts and vent caps as necessary so exhaust air is vented outside or at minimum to the soffit vents. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary
24) Cover plate(s) are missing from one or more electric boxes, such as for receptacles, switches and/or junction boxes. Noted by the Airhandlers. 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.
25) Water supply pipes are uninsulated. Recommend insulating pipes as necessary for better energy efficiency and to prevent water pipes from freezing.
Solid strand aluminum branch circuit wiring present: No
Smoke detectors present: Yes
26) There are pointed screws used to fasten the cover to the main service panel. These types of screws are more likely to come into contact with wiring inside the panel than stock screws from the manufacturer, and can damage wiring insulation. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock and/or fire. Long and/or pointed crews should be replaced as necessary with the correct screws, and if necessary by a qualified electrician.
Primary heating system energy source: Natural gas, Electric
Primary heat system type: Forced air
Primary A/C energy source: Electric
Primary Air conditioning type: Split system
Distribution system: Sheet metal ducts, Flexible ducts
Manufacturer: Lennox both systems mfg 2010
Model: See pictures
Filter location: Both in the airhandlers
29) A qualified heating and cooling contractor should inspect the system, clean the interior and exterior fins and drain lines, and service this system, and make repairs if necessary. This servicing should be performed annually in the future.
30) One or more heating/cooling ducts are lying on the ground. Todays building practices support them (typically with straps, saddles or hangers) so that they are not in contact with the ground and subject to damage from moisture and condensation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary so ducts are suspended as per standard building practices, and not in contact with the ground.
31) Testing the Air Conditioning System The major components of an air conditioning unit are the compressor and the condensing coil. A compressor (located outside) has a normal life of 8 to 15 years; a condensing coil (located indoors) may last longer. The estimated age of a condensing unit is taken from the data specification plate. Sometimes the compressor, which is not visible, may have been replaced since the original installation. Electric furnaces have a normal life of 15 to 20 years, some last longer, although at times the heating elements have to be replaced. Oil and gas fired furnaces have a normal life of 15 to 20 years. The heat exchanger in a gas or oil furnace is partially hidden from view; it cannot be fully examined and its condition determined without being disassembled. Since this is not possible during a visual inspection, it is recommended that a service contract be placed on the unit and a service call made prior to settlement to check the condition of the heat exchanger. Air filters should be changed or cleaned every 30 to 60 days to provide proper air circulation throughout the house and help protect the heating and cooling system. Since it is not possible during a visual inspection to determine whether the humidifier is operating properly, it is recommended that it be serviced at the same time as the furnace, and be cleaned regularly. Circulating pumps have a normal life of 10 to 15 years. HVAC systems operate best when serviced at least once a year. Adequate air flow is more critical than with other forced air systems; it is important that the filter be kept clean. It is not advisable to shut off supply grilles to rooms except as required to balance heat and cooling. If the outside temperature has not been at least 65 degrees F. for the past 24 hours, an air conditioning system cannot be checked without the possibly of damaging the compressor. Heat pumps cannot be checked on the heat cycle if the outside temperature has been over 65 degrees F. within the past 24 hours. The total heating capacity of a heat pump system varies with outside temperature conditions.
Location of main water shut-off valve: In the meter
Location of main water meter: Front yard
Location of main fuel shut-off: Gas meter with shutoff valve located left side
Water service: Public
Service pipe material: Not visible
Supply pipe material: Copper
Vent pipe material: Plastic
Drain pipe material: Plastic
Waste pipe material: Plastic,Typically this line is not visible, for a complete inspection it is recommended to consult a plumber with a camera bore scope
32) The vacuum system does not function
33) Corrosion was visible on one or more areas of copper water supply pipes. A qualified plumber should evaluate and replace water supply components as necessary.
34) Public Water Supply Pressure Appeared Serviceable
A qualified chimney service contractor should install screening where missing. Screens should have holes 1/4 inch or larger.
36) All solid fuel burning appliances (woodstoves and fireplaces, etc.) should be inspected annually by a qualified chimney service contractor, cleaned and repaired as necessary.
49) The master toilet was loose. A qualified contractor should remove the toilet(s) for further evaluation and repairs if necessary. A new wax ring should be installed and toilet(s) should be securely anchored to the floor to prevent movement and leaking.
50) Tile and/or grout in utility shower is damaged and/or deteriorated. For example, deteriorated or missing grout, cracked, missing or loose tiles, etc. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair tile and/or grout as necessary.
51) The upstairs tub relief drain is leaking and should be replaced. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
52) The utility sink drains has an active leak and or corrosion on the plumbing. At the stopper valve. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
53) Lighting Fixtures Appeared Serviceable
54) Exhaust Fans Appeared Serviceable
55) Faucets Appeared Serviceable
56) Sinks Appeared Serviceable
57) Bathtubs and Jet Tub Appeared Serviceable
58) Shower Appeared Serviceable.
Some showers stalls have a hidden metal shower pan installed at the base and have a probable life of 8 to 10 years. Although a visual inspection is made to determine whether a shower pan is currently leaking, it cannot be stated with certainty that no defect or that one may not soon develop. Shower pan leaks often do not show except when the shower is in actual use with a person standing in it.
61) An insufficient number of smoke alarms are installed. Additional smoke alarms should be installed as necessary so a functioning one exists in each hallway leading to bedrooms, and in each bedroom. For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html
62) Two open ground, three-pronged grounding type receptacles were found. Noted in the master left wall backing the living room. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
63) Although operational, all electric receptacles that serve countertop surfaces within six feet of a sink appear to have no ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate to determine if GFCI protection exists, and if not, repairs should be made so that all receptacles that serve countertop surfaces within six feet of sinks have GFCI protection. For example, install GFCI receptacles or circuit breaker(s) as needed.
64) Though still functional, the insulation seal between double-pane glass in upstairs roof escape window appear to have failed based on condensation or stains between the panes of glass. A qualified contractor should evaluate and replace glass where necessary.
65) The wall behind the master jet tub has been damaged by water. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
66) Two light dimmer knobs were missing in the front living room. A qualified electrician should replace them as necessary.
67) Stains were found in one or more ceiling areas. Noted kitchen. However, no elevated levels of moisture were found. The statins appeared to be from over filling the tub escaping the over flow and/or splashing over the sides of the tub.
68) The sheetrock ceilings were inspected
69) The laminate wood, carpeted, tile, wood and vinyl floors were inspected
70) Hurricane rated screens are installed on all windows
71) Mold Information Fact Sheet According to Louisiana laws regulating home inspections (Title 46, Part XL, Chapter 3 §309.A.7.), licensed home inspectors are not required to inspect or report on the presence or absence of any suspected or actual adverse environmental condition or hazardous substance, including but not limited to mold. This is due to the fact that mold cannot be definitively identified without being properly sampled and tested by a qualified laboratory. While these services are available for an additional charge, sampling and testing are not performed as part of a routine home inspection. However, in 2014 the state legislature passed the following law: A licensed home inspector shall include in his written report of the home inspection the presence of suspected mold growth if during the course of inspecting the systems and components of the structure in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter and board rules and regulations, the licensed home inspector discovers visually observable evidence of suspected mold growth on the inside of the structure. As a result of this law, this information is being provided to you during your home inspection process. This information is being provided as a general guideline, and is not to be considered complete information on mold and suspected mold growth. Please consult with your physician, appropriate mold professional and provided reference sources for additional information regarding any concerns that you may have regarding this house. According to the EPA, Mold spores are ubiquitous; they are found both indoors and outdoors. This means that mold is everywhere, and that all houses (including this one) have mold present inside of the structure. Mold spores cannot be eliminated from indoor environments. Some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in settled dust; however, they will not grow if moisture is not present. Mold is not usually a problem indoors—unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. As molds grow they digest whatever they are growing on. Unchecked mold growth can damage buildings and furnishings; molds can rot wood, damage drywall, and eventually cause structural damage to buildings. Mold can cause cosmetic damage, such as stains, to furnishings. The potential human health effects of mold are also a concern. It is important, therefore, to prevent mold from growing indoors. Standards for judging what is an acceptable, tolerable or normal quantities of mold have not been established by any governmental or health organizations. There are no EPA or other federal standards for airborne mold or mold spores, so sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards, as there are none. Mold can grow very quickly. The spores of some varieties can begin to germinate in as little as 4 to 12 hours, if the environmental conditions are favorable. It can be assumed that when building materials get wet, mold growth is likely to start immediately. In wet porous materials, mold can become extensive within 24 to 48 hours. Due to this fact, the home inspector cannot be held liable for any mold growth that is discovered in the home after the home inspection has been completed. If you see any suspected mold growth in the home during the inspection process, it is your responsibility to alert the home inspector of your suspicions so that the information may be included in your inspection report. A standard home inspection is not a mold inspection, and home inspectors are not inspecting the house with the express goal of discovering suspected mold growth. Any discoveries will be noted in the report, but the inspector is performing a general home inspection, not a mold inspection.