2) One or more drains in the driveway areas appeared to be clogged. Water may accumulate and become a nuisance, or may flow towards the building. Recommend that a qualified person clear drains as necessary.

7) Cracks, deterioration and/or damage were found in one or more areas of the exterior insulation and finishing system (EIFS) exterior finish. In damp climates, moisture can enter cracks or damaged areas and further deteriorate the finish. Also, the wall behind the finish can become damaged from moisture intrusion. Note that areas behind the finish are inaccessible and excluded from this inspection. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and make repairs and/or replace the EIFS siding as necessary.

8) Fungal rot was found at one or more sections of siding or trim and/or window frames. Conducive conditions for rot should be corrected (e.g. wood-soil contact, reverse perimeter slope). Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

9) One or more holes or gaps (possibly woodpecker damage) were found in siding. Vermin, insects or water may enter the structure. Refer to comment below in section 14.

10) One or more minor cracks (1/8 inch or less) were found in the foundation. These didn't appear to be a structural concern, but recommend sealing them to prevent water infiltration and monitor them in the future. Numerous products exist to seal such cracks including hydraulic cement, non-shrinking grout, resilient caulks and epoxy sealants.

11) Guest house - Some sections of trim (garage door) were damaged. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install siding or trim as necessary.

12) Vegetation such as trees, shrubs and/or vines was in contact with or close to the building exterior. Vegetation can serve as a pathway for wood-destroying insects and can retain moisture against the exterior after it rains. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend pruning, moving or removing vegetation as necessary to maintain at least 6 inches of space between it and the building exterior. A 1-foot clearance is better.

13) The paint or stain finish on several window trims was failing (e.g. peeling, faded, worn, thinning). Siding and trim with a failing finish can be damaged by moisture. Recommend that a qualified contractor prep (e.g. clean, scrape, sand, prime, caulk) and repaint or restain the building exterior where necessary and per standard building practices. Any repairs needed to the siding or trim should be made prior to this.

14) Caulk was missing in some areas. For example, around windows and or trim. 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:
http://www.reporthost.com/?CAULK

20) Main house-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.

21) One or more crawl space vents were blocked by insulation. This restricts ventilation in the crawl space and can result in increased levels of moisture inside. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Materials or items blocking vents should be removed as necessary.

22) Guest house - Under-floor insulation was falling down in some areas. This may result in reduced energy efficiency. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace insulation as necessary.

25) Significant amounts of debris have accumulated in one or more gutters or downspouts. Gutters can overflow and cause water to come in contact with the building exterior, or water can accumulate around the foundation. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend cleaning gutters and downspouts now and as necessary in the future.

29) Main house- One or more exhaust fans in the attic had no duct to route the exhaust air outside. As a result, conditioned air will enter the attic when the fan is operated. This can result in excessive moisture in the attic. Recommend that a qualified contractor install ducting per standard building practices. Typically, this includes a duct with R-4 rated insulation permanently attached to a vent hood or cap installed on the roof or at an exterior wall.

30) One or more attic access hatches or doors were not insulated, or had substandard insulation. Recommend installing insulation as necessary and per current standards at hatches or doors for better energy efficiency. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ATTACC

31) The ceiling insulation in one or more areas of the attic was missing. Heating and cooling costs may be higher due to reduced energy efficiency. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install insulation as necessary and per standard building practices (typically R-38).

34) Guest house - One or more holes were found in the attached garage walls or ceilings. Current standard building practices call for wooden-framed ceilings and walls that divide the house and garage to provide limited fire-resistance rating to prevent the spread of fire from the garage to the house. Recommend that a qualified person repair per standard building practices. For example, by patching openings or holes, firestopping holes or gaps with fire-resistant caulking, and/or installing fire-resistant wall covering (e.g. Type X drywall). For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?AGFR

35) Guest house - The pull-down attic stairs installed in the attached garage ceiling had no visible fire-resistance rating. Current standard building practices call for wooden-framed ceilings that divide the house and garage to have a fire-resistance rating. Installing pull-down attic stairs intended for interior spaces compromises the ceiling's fire resistance. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary to restore the ceiling's fire resistance. For example, by modifying, replacing or removing the stairs. Note that commercially made, fire resistance-rated stairs are available. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?FIREATTSTR

36) The auto-reverse mechanism on one or more automatic openers for garage vehicle doors required excessive force. This is a potential safety hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary. For more information on garage door safety issues, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?NRGD

37) Main house- the weather stripping was damaged or deteriorated. This could allow water and or air into the garage area. Recommend that a qualified person replace damaged weather stripping.

41) Guest house- One or more electric receptacles at the garage 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.reporthost.com/?GFCI

42) Main house - 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.reporthost.com/?DBLTAP

43) Guest house - Non-metallic sheathed wiring was installed at one or more locations, and was subject to damage such as on easily accessible wall or ceiling surfaces. The insulation can be damaged by objects coming in contact with it, resulting in exposed, energized wires. Also, copper conductors can break after being repeatedly moved or bent. This is a potential shock or fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices. For example, by installing protective conduit or re-routing wires through walls or ceilings.

44) Main house crawl space - Wire splices were exposed and were not contained in a covered junction box. This is a potential shock or fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices. For example, by installing permanently mounted junction boxes with cover plates where needed to contain wiring splices.

45) One or more sections of outdoor wiring were exposed and subject to damage. This is a potential shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices. For example, by installing conduit, re-routing wires or replacing wiring.

46) Main house - One or more slots where circuit breakers are normally installed were open in panel(s) #A. Energized equipment was exposed and is a shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified person install closure covers where missing.

47) Main house - One or more knockouts were missing from panel(s) #A. Holes in panels are a potential fire hazard if a malfunction ever occurs inside the panel. Rodents can also enter panels through holes. Recommend that a qualified person install knockout covers where missing and per standard building practices.

48) Main house crawl space - One or more cover plates for switches, receptacles or junction boxes were missing or broken. These plates are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from occurring due to exposed wires. Recommend that a qualified person install cover plates where necessary.

49) No permanently installed carbon monoxide alarms were found. This is a potential safety hazard. Some states and/or municipalities require CO alarms to be installed for new construction and/or for homes being sold. Recommend installing approved CO alarms outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms on each level and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?COALRM

50) One or more exterior receptacle covers were broken. This is a potential shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified person replace covers where necessary.

56) Main house - One or more leaks were found in waste pipes or fittings, below the jetted tub. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.

57) 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.

58) Based on visible components or information provided to the inspector, this property appeared to have a private sewage disposal (septic) 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. Generally, septic tanks should be pumped and inspected every 3 years. Depending on the type of system and municipal regulations, inspection and maintenance may be required more frequently, often annually. Recommend the following:

• Consult with the property owner about this system's maintenance and repair history
• Review any documentation available for this system
• Review inspection and maintenance requirements for this system
• That a qualified specialist evaluate, perform maintenance and make repairs if necessary

For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SEPTIC

66) The water heater did not have earthquake straps or struts installed. This is a potential safety hazard in the event of an earthquake due to the risk of the water heater tipping over, gas lines breaking if it's gas-fired, or electric wiring being damaged if powered by electricity. Leaks can also occur in water-supply pipes. Recommend that a qualified person install earthquake straps or struts as necessary and per standard building practices.

67) Wiring for the water heater's power supply was exposed and subject to damage. Standard building practices call for non-metallic sheathed wiring to be protected with BX armored conduit to prevent damage. This is a potential safety hazard for shock. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices.

68) The hot water temperature was greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of scalding. The thermostat should be adjusted so the water temperature doesn't exceed 120 degrees. If the water heater is powered by electricity, a qualified person should perform the adjustment, since covers that expose energized equipment normally need to be removed. For more information on scalding dangers, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SCALD

71) Guest house - The estimated useful life for most steel boilers is 20 years. This boiler appeared to be beyond this age and/or its useful lifespan and may need replacing or significant repairs at any time. Recommend contacting a qualified boiler contractor to further evaluate and service and or repair the boiler heating system as deemed necessary. The Client may wish to start budgeting for a replacement in the near future.

72) Main house - The of the storage/pressure tank was badly corroded. Although it did not appear to be leaking at the time of the inspection, it could begin to leak at anytime, causing water damage to the house. Recommend that a qualified plumber replace storage/pressure tank before any leaks occur.

73) 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.reporthost.com/?FANBAL

74) Main house - Propane boiler with multiple heating zones. It is beyond the scope and expertise of this inspector to fully evaluated this radiant heating system, along with all of it's zones. Recommend contacting a qualified boiler specialist to further evaluate and service or repair the heating system as deemed necessary.

Lochinvar
Mod.# KHN155 Ser.#1744107996969 Output BTU 147,250
The inspector was unable to verify the age of the boiler by the serial number, but it may have been manuf. 10/2017, making it approx. 2 yrs. old.
Recommend verifying this with the current owner.

76) Guest house - One or more flue pipe sections or connections were corroded. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of exhaust gases entering living spaces. A qualified person should repair per standard building practices.

77) Main house - Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found between countertops and backsplashes. Water may penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by installing caulk.

83) Main house - The wood flooring in bathroom at location(s) #C was damaged, deteriorated and/or loose. This type of flooring is not recommended for bathroom area use, water can penetrate and damage the the sub-floor as a result. Recommend that a qualified flooring contractor replace flooring with approved flooring for bathroom areas.

84) Grout in the flooring at location(s) #A was deteriorated (e.g. loose or cracked tiles, missing grout) or substandard. Water can damage the sub-floor as a result. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.

85) Caulk was missing around the base of the bathtub spout, or there was a gap behind it, at location(s) #A and D. Water may enter the wall structure behind the bathtub. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary to eliminate the gap. For example, by installing or replacing caulk if the gap is small enough. For larger gaps, a shorter spout nipple or an escutcheon plate can be installed.

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

87) Caulk around the base of the toilet at location(s) #A, B, C and D was missing, substandard and/or deteriorated. Modern standards require caulk to be installed around the entire toilet base where it meets the floor for sanitary reasons. Without it, soiled water can soak into flooring and sub-floor materials if the toilet overflows. Condensation from the toilet can also soak into the flooring. Recommend that a qualified person caulk around toilet bases per standard building practices.

90) The inspector was unable to verify that the glass used in one or more windows was approved safety glass where required. Window glazing that is not approved safety glass, located in areas subject to human impact, is a safety hazard. Standard building practices generally require that approved safety glass be used in but not limited to the following conditions:

• Windows with a pane larger than 9 square feet, with a bottom edge closer than 18 inches to the floor and a top edge higher than 36 inches above the floor and within 36 inches, horizontally, of a walking surface
• Windows that are both within a 24-inch arc of a door and within 60 inches of the floor
• Glazing in walls enclosing stairway landings or within 5 feet of the bottom and top of stairways, where the bottom edge of the glass is less than 60 inches above the floor

Note that "art glass" (leaded, faceted, carved or decorative) may be an acceptable alternative for safety glass due to its visibility. Also, a 1 1/2-inch-wide protective bar on the accessible side of the glass, placed 34-38 inches above the floor, can serve as an acceptable substitute for safety glass. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate further to determine if glazing is approved safety glass, and replace glass if necessary, and per standard building practices.

91) Crank handles at some windows were missing. These windows may not be able to be opened easily without proper handles. Recommend that a qualified person replace handles or make repairs as necessary.

92) Several 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.

93) Minor cracks, nail pops and/or blemishes were found in walls and/or ceilings in one or more areas. Cracks and nail pops are common, are often caused by lumber shrinkage or minor settlement, and can be more or less noticeable depending on changes in humidity. They did not appear to be a structural concern, but the client may wish to repair these for aesthetic reasons. For recurring cracks, consider using an elastic crack covering product:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ECC