1) Structures built prior to the mid 1980s may contain lead and/or asbestos. Lead is commonly found in paint and in some plumbing components. The EPA does not recognize newer coats of paint as encapsulating older coats of lead-based paint. Asbestos is commonly found in various building materials such as insulation, siding, and/or floor and ceiling tiles. Laws were passed in 1978 to prohibit usage of lead and asbestos, but stocks of materials containing these substances remained in use for a number of years thereafter. Both lead and asbestos are known health hazards. Evaluating for the presence of lead and/or asbestos is beyond the scope of this inspection. Any mention of these materials in this report is made as a courtesy only, and meant to refer the client to a specialist. Consult with specialists as necessary, such as industrial hygienists, professional labs and/or abatement specialists for this type of evaluation. For information on lead, asbestos and other hazardous materials in homes, visit:
http://www.epa.gov
http://www.cpsc.gov
http://www.cdc.gov

2) Many areas and items at this property were obscured by furniture and/or stored items. This often includes but is not limited to walls, floors, windows, inside and under cabinets, under sinks, on counter tops, in closets, behind window coverings, under rugs or carpets, and under or behind furniture. Areas around the exterior, under the structure, in the garage and in the attic may also be obscured by stored items. The inspector in general does not move personal belongings, furnishings, carpets or appliances. When furnishings, stored items or debris are present, all areas or items that are obscured, concealed or not readily accessible are excluded from the inspection. The client should be aware that when furnishings, stored items or debris are eventually moved, damage or problems that were not noted during the inspection may be found.

Property is currently occupied

3) Handrails at one or more flights of stairs were missing. This is a potential fall hazard. Handrails should be installed at stairs with four or more risers or where stairs are greater than 30 inches high. Recommend that a qualified contractor install handrails where missing and per standard building practices.

4) 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.

5) Gutter system on the main dwelling was observed to be in good serviceable condition.

6) Irrigation system appears to be winterized and is excluded from the inspection.

7) Front yard grade is considered level but still has an adequate grade to pitch water from the foundation.

8) The masonry (brick or stone) veneer was deteriorated or damaged in some areas. Where cracks or openings are exposed, water can 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.

9) Porch posts were observed to need maintenance/ painting.

10) 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.

11) [Some!Many] foundation walls below the house were obscured by finished walls. The inspector was unable to evaluate these areas. They are excluded from this inspection.

finished basement walls obscured the interior view of the foundation.

12) Recommend installation of a handrail at basement landing for safety purposes.

13) Many areas were not evaluated due to lack of access from stored items. These areas are excluded from the inspection.

14) A dehumidifier has been installed. This will help to keep humidity levels below 60% which is conducive to mold growth.

15) The roof surface appeared to be near the end of its service life and will likely need replacing in the near future even if repairs are made now. Recommend discussing replacement options with a qualified contractor, and budgeting for a replacement roof surface in the near future. The client may also wish to consider having a qualified contractor attempt to issue a "5 year roof certificate."

17) The roof surface appeared to be near the end of its service life and will likely need replacing in the near future even if repairs are made now. Recommend discussing replacement options with a qualified contractor, and budgeting for a replacement roof surface in the near future. The client may also wish to consider having a qualified contractor attempt to issue a "5 year roof certificate."

18) Some minor siding damage has occured from lawn maintenance. Recommend qualified repair technician repair/replace as needed.

19) Some sections of siding and/or trim were loose. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install siding or trim as necessary.

20) One or more gutters and/or downspouts were missing. Rainwater can come in contact with the building exterior or accumulate around the building foundation as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

21) Some wall/floor areas were obscured by stored items and couldn't be fully evaluated.

22) No carbon monoxide alarms were visible. 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.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05017.html

23) Batteries in all the smoke alarms should be replaced after taking occupancy, and annually in the future. "Chirping" noises emitted from smoke alarms typically indicate that batteries need replacing. For more information, visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/559.pdf

24) Branch circuit wiring installed in buildings built prior to the mid 1980s is typically rated for a maximum temperature of only 60 degrees Celsius. This includes non-metallic sheathed (Romex) wiring, and both BX and AC metal-clad flexible wiring. Knob and tube wiring, typically installed in homes built prior to 1950, may be rated for even lower maximum temperatures. Newer electric fixtures including lighting and fans typically require wiring rated for 90 degrees Celsius. Connecting newer fixtures to older, 60-degree-rated wiring is a potential fire hazard. Repairs for such conditions may involve replacing the last few feet of wiring to newer fixtures with new 90-degree-rated wire, and installing a junction box to join the old and new wiring.

It is beyond the scope of this inspection to determine if such incompatible components are installed, or to determine the extent to which they're installed. Based on the age of this building, the client should be aware of this safety hazard, both for existing fixtures and when planning to upgrade with newer fixtures. Consult with a qualified electrician for repairs as necessary.

25) 2-slot receptacles (outlets) rather than 3-slot, grounded receptacles were installed in one or more areas. These do not have an equipment ground and are considered unsafe by today's standards. Appliances that require a ground should not be used with 2-slot receptacles. Examples of such appliances include computers and related hardware, refrigerators, freezers, portable air conditioners, clothes washers, aquarium pumps, and electrically operated gardening tools. The client should be aware of this limitation when planning use for various rooms, such as an office. Upgrading to grounded receptacles typically requires installing new wiring from the main service panel or sub-panel to the receptacle(s), in addition to replacing the receptacle(s). Consult with a qualified electrician about upgrading to 3-wire, grounded circuits.

26) The inspector was unable to open and evaluate panel(s) #A because paint or wallpaper would be damaged. These panel(s) are excluded from this inspection. Recommend that repairs, modifications and/or cleanup should be made as necessary so panels can be opened and fully evaluated.

27) Bulbs in one or more light fixtures were missing, inoperable or broken. These light fixtures couldn't be fully evaluated. If replacement bulbs are inoperable, then recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair or replace light fixtures as necessary.

28) Electric meter sockets and riser were observed to be in serviceable condition.

29) Gas and water shutoff locations in the basement

30) One or more hose bibs (outside faucets) appeared to be inoperable. No water flowed from the bib(s) when turned on. This may be due to a shut-off valve being turned off. Note that the inspector does not operate shut-off valves. Recommend consulting with the property owner about inoperable hose bibs, and if necessary have a qualified plumber make repairs.

31) The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8-12 years. This water heater appeared to be near this age and/or its useful lifespan and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future, or considering replacement now before any leaks occur. The client should be aware that significant flooding can occur if the water heater fails. If not replaced now, consider having a qualified person install a catch pan and drain or a water alarm to help prevent damage if water does leak.

32) A water heater was installed over a finished living space or in an area where leaking can cause damage, and no catch pan or drain was installed. Catch pans and drains prevent water damage to finished interior spaces below if or when the water heater leaks or is drained. If concerned, consult with a qualified contractor about installing these. Note that drain lines for catch pans are usually installed below the floor level and are difficult at best to install in an existing home.

33) The last service date of the gas or oil-fired forced air furnace appeared to be more than 1 year ago, or the inspector was unable to determine the last service date. Ask the property owner when it was last serviced. If unable to determine the last service date, or if this system was serviced more than 1 year ago, recommend that a qualified HVAC contractor 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. Any needed repairs noted in this report should be brought to the attention of the HVAC contractor when it's serviced. For more information visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05017.html

34) The estimated useful life for most heat pumps and air conditioning condensing units is 10-15 years. This unit appeared to be near this age and/or its useful lifespan and may need replacing or significant repairs at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.

35) Recommend replacing or washing HVAC filters upon taking occupancy depending on the type of filters installed. Regardless of the type, recommend checking filters monthly in the future and replacing or washing them as necessary. How frequently they need replacing or washing depends on the type and quality of the filter, how the system is configured (e.g. always on vs. "Auto"), and on environmental factors (e.g. pets, smoking, frequency of house cleaning, number of occupants, the season).

36) The estimated useful life for most forced air furnaces is 15-20 years. This furnace appeared to be near this age and/or its useful lifespan and may need replacing or significant repairs at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.

37) The outdoor air temperature was below 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the inspection. Air conditioning systems can be damaged if operated during such low temperatures. Because of this, the inspector was unable to operate and fully evaluate the cooling system.

38) Thermostat and humidistat were observed to be in serviceable condition.

39) The GFCI outlets were tested and functioning properly.

40) Many items were located in the sink base cabinet. This obstructed the inspection of all items in this area and are excluded from the inspection.

42) The shower enclosure at location(s) #B was deteriorated, damaged or substandard. Water can damage the wall structure as a result. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace the surround as necessary.

No shower enclosure was present, recommend further evaluation before using.

43) Many items were located in the sink cabinets. This obstructed the inspection of all items in these areas and are excluded from the inspection.

44) GFCI outlets were tested in the bathrooms and were observed to be in serviceable condition.

45) Recommended installation of a handrail at the top landing leading to the second floor for safety purposes.

46) One or more storm doors were Missing wind strap. Recommend that a qualified person evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

47) The sash-side spring mechanisms in one or more windows were broken, loose or disconnected. The window(s) were difficult to operate as a result, and not square in their frames or tracks. Recommend that a qualified contractor or service technician repair as necessary so windows open and close easily, and stay open without support.

Location: upstairs bedroom

48) Side storm door closure piston needs adjustment and or replacement as the door will not self close properly.

49) Screens were missing from some windows. These windows may not provide ventilation during months when insects are active.

50) Examples of appliance information locations.