Property Inspection Report

1) Comment - This was a furnished house. Furnishings in houses limit the inspection process. Furniture, floor finishing, wall coverings, draperies, stored items, etc.. Many times windows and doors will be blocked and not available for inspection. The same thing holds true for walls, floors and some ceiling areas. Many wall receptacles will be blocked by furnishings and can not be tested. It is especially important to do a thorough walk-through inspection prior to the closing. This is usually done the day prior to closing along with your real estate agent. Areas that were not available for viewing during the inspection, should be scrutinized during the walk-through inspection. Any deficiencies or damages should be immediately noted. All concerns should be dealt with prior to closing.

2) Comment - Exterior views of the house and grounds.

3) Comment - A radon test was placed in the house. It will need to remain in the house for at least 48 hours, although it could be longer.

The inspector will return to collect the test and determine if the instructions for closed house conditions were adhered to.

For additional information click:

http://www.epa.gov/radon/realestate.html

4) Safety, Repair/Replace - Risers for stairs at one or more locations were higher than 7 3/4 inches and posed a fall or trip hazard. Risers should be 7 3/4 inches or shorter. 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.

5) Safety, Repair/Replace - 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.

6) Safety, Repair/Maintain - A proper landing should be installed at the steps in order to properly support the steps and help prevent tripping.

7) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Fungal rot was found in decking boards and/or support posts at one or more decks or porches. Conducive conditions for this such as wood-soil contact should be corrected. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

8) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Fungal rot was found in support posts at one or more sets of exterior stairs. Fungal rot in some stair components may pose a safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified person evaluate and repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

9) Maintain - Wooden deck or porch surfaces were overdue for normal maintenance. Recommend that a qualified person clean and preserve as necessary. Where decks have been coated with a finish such as opaque stains or paint, it may be too difficult to strip the finish and apply anything but paint or opaque stain. Where transparent stain or penetrating oil has been applied in the past, recommend that a penetrating oil be used. For more information, visit:
http://www.google.com/search?q=penetrating+oil+decks
http://www.google.com/search?q=deck+maintenance

10) Evaluate, Comment - Due to the season leaves on many trees were were missing. No determination could be made about the health of the trees located on the property.

11) Comment - Minor deterioration (e.g. cracks, holes, settlement, heaving) was found in sidewalks or patios, but no trip hazards were found. The client may wish to have repairs made for cosmetic reasons.

12) Comment - There is a shed located on property that is in need of some repairs.

13) Repair/Replace - 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.

14) Maintain - 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.

15) Maintain - The paint or stain finish over much of the entire structure 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 entire building exterior per standard building practices. Any repairs needed to the siding or trim should be made prior to this.

16) Safety, Repair/Replace - 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.

17) Comment - Basement views.

18) Comment - There is a wave ventilation system installed in the basement.

19) - There did not appear to be adequate basement egress for the finished below grade area of the house.

Egress Requirements
Whether it is an egress window or an egress door, it has to open to the outside and open easily without the use of keys or tools. It must also follow code requirements for the height and width of basement egress windows. Egress opening requirements include:

• A window with a minimum width of opening of 20 inches.

• A window with a minimum height of opening of 24 inches.

• A window with a minimum net clear opening — the actual opening through which a person must crawl — of 5.7 square feet.

• A sill height no higher than 44 inches above the floor.

• A window-well floor space of 9 square feet with minimum dimensions of 36 inches wide and long.

• A permanent ladder or steps if the window well depth is more than 44 inches.

Homeowners may come up with all sorts of reasons why they don’t think they need an egress. But, says Nard, “It’s not about you. It’s about the firefighter or rescue worker carrying gear and wearing an oxygen backpack who has to get through that opening to drag you out in case you are unconscious from a fire or other emergency.” It’s also about anyone who will own the home after you and may use that basement space.

For additional information click below:

http://www.bobvila.com/articles/333-know-the-rules-for-finished-basements/#.Ux8EGfldXF8

20) Comment - Roof views.

21) Comment - No accessible attic spaces were found or inspected at this property. The inspector attempts to locate attic access points and evaluate attic spaces where possible. Such access points may be obscured by stored items or furnishings, but various home inspection standards of practice do not require inspectors to move stored items, furnishings or personal belongings. If such access points are found in the future and/or made accessible, a qualified person should fully evaluate those attic spaces and roof structures.

22) Repair/Replace - One or more garage vehicle doors were damaged or deteriorated. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace door(s) as necessary.

23) Repair/Replace - Some sections of siding and/or trim were damaged. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install siding or trim as necessary.

24) Repair/Maintain - One or more drain pipes were leaking. 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.

25) Comment - Some floor areas were obscured by stored items and/or debris and couldn't be fully evaluated.

26) Comment - Minor cracks were found in the concrete slab floor. These are common and appeared to be only a cosmetic issue.

27) Comment - Garage views.

28) Safety, Repair/Replace - One or more circuit breakers in panel(s) #A and C 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://tinyurl.com/kreuhtd

http://www.google.com/search?q=double+tap+circuit+breaker

29) Safety, Repair/Replace - Neutral wires were doubled or bundled together under the same lug on the neutral bus bar in panel(s) #A and B. This is a potential safety hazard in the event that one of the circuits needs to be isolated during servicing. For one neutral to be disconnected, other neutrals from energized circuits sharing the same lug will be loosened. Power surges may result on the energized circuits and result in damage or fire. Also, multiple wires under the same lug may not be secure, resulting in loose wires, arcing, sparks and fire. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
http://www.google.com/search?q=double+tap+on+neutral+bus+bar

30) Safety, Repair/Replace - Flexible lamp or appliance cord was being used for permanent wiring at one or more locations. Such wiring is not intended to be used as permanent wiring and poses a safety hazard of shock and fire. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices.

31) Safety, Repair/Replace - One or more receptacles (outlets) were installed directly above electric baseboard heaters. This was a common practice in the past, but insulation on appliance cords in contact with the heater(s) can be damaged by heaters. This is a shock and fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician make repairs or modifications as necessary. For example, by converting receptacles to junction boxes, moving receptacles and/or moving baseboard heaters.

32) Safety, Repair/Replace - Light fixtures with fully or partially exposed incandescent bulbs were installed in one or more closets. This is a fire hazard. Flammable stored items can come into contact with hot bulbs, or hot fragments from broken bulbs can fall on combustible materials. Closet lighting should use fluorescent light fixtures or fully enclosed incandescent fixtures. Installing a compact fluorescent lamp in a lamp holder is not an acceptable practice. If globes or covers are missing, they should be replaced. Otherwise recommend that a qualified electrician replace closet lights per standard building practices.

33) Safety, Repair/Maintain - One or more knockouts were missing from panel(s) #C. 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.

34) Repair/Replace - There was evidence of rodent intrusion in the electric panel(s).

Mice in electrical panels can cause considerable damage and create a fire risk. From the homeowner's perspective this is a safety concern. From the perspective of a mouse the electrical panel is likely to be a warm dry home, safe from cats and other enemies. The mice will furnish the electrical panel with cozy bedding such as insulation and also stock pile groceries, often pet food or nuts. For entertainment the mice will chew on the electrical wiring and their urine is corrosive.
How do the mice gain entry to the panel? The mice only need a very small opening about the size of a dime to squeeze inside the panel. The National Electrical Code requires that all opening in electrical panels be sealed. Unfortunately, electricians, homeowners other tradesman often overlook this issue despite this requirement.

What to do? If an opening is discovered, a qualified electrician should be engaged for repair.

35) Repair/Replace - There are breakers installed in the panel that are not approved by the manufacturer.

NEC 110-3(b) prohibits the use of equipment where labeling strictly disallow the use of those components.

Article 110-3(b) of the NEC states that Listed or labeled equipment shall be used or installed in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling. Just because a breaker fits in the panel does not mean that it is okay to install it in that panel. To my knowledge, only one manufacturer has had their breakers tested and listed to install in other manufacturers panels. However, even that breaker is not allowed in a panel that is specifically labeled against installing other brands of breakers. Some panels even limit the use of certain series of their own breakers in their panels.

36) Repair/Maintain - One for more floor receptacles for missing the covers.

37) Evaluate, Comment - There is an electric backup generator system installed. This system was not inspected and a qualified electrician should determine the condition of the system and provide any servicing needed. Any information offered about the system during the inspection is done as a courtesy and should not be considered as an inspection or evaluation of the system.

These systems need regular servicing to ensure proper and safe operation.

We recommend, upon closing, that it be inspected by a licensed, insured, generator company or at the very least a licensed, insured, electrical contractor that is versed in these systems.

Generac

17KW

Model # 0055040
Serial # 5098713

38) Comment - Installed main electric service and panel.

39) Comment - Installed electric sub panels

40) Comment - CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. Read all of NFPA's Carbon Monoxide safety tips and download our free safety tip sheet.

http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/files/safety-information/safety-tip-sheets/cosafety.pdf?la=en

Download the tip sheet in Spanish.

http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/files/safety-information/safety-tip-sheets/cosafetyspanish2.pdf?la=en

41) Comment - The house has an alarm system installed. No inspection was performed on the alarm system. The owner should provide information regarding the system and the company that is monitoring the home.

42) - The house has propane installed. A combustion gas detector should be installed to provide early warning for the presence of explosive gas.

For additional information click:

http://www.kidde.com/Documents/900-0113%20sheet.pdf

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Kidde-AC-DC-Carbon-Monoxide-and-Gas-Alarm/10910790?adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=41833582510&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=19880599990&veh=sem

43) Repair/Replace - One or more hose bibs (outside faucets) were not the "frost-free" design, and are more likely to freeze during cold weather than frost-free hose bibs. Recommend that a qualified plumber upgrade these with frost-free hose bibs to prevent freezing, pipes bursting, flooding and possible water damage.

44) Comment - There is an irrigation / sprinkler system installed. The system was not operated or inspected and information should be obtained from the current homeowner concerning the operation and condition of the system.

For additional information visit:

http://www.home-smart.org/basic_care/section_detail.aspx?itemID=2946&catID=759&SelectCatID=759&cat_1=751&cat_2=759&ref=2946:BC_I_2

http://www.irrigationtutorials.com/

45) Comment - The installed propane tank(s).

46) Comment - The home has propane gas service installed.

In all likelihood an inspection of the system will be required prior to the gas company connecting the gas to the house. This inspection should take place prior to closing to insure any deficiencies are addressed prior to closing. In many areas the gas code at the time of property transfer will be enforced, not the gas code when the system was installed.

It is best practice to contact a number of propane suppliers to determine the market price of gas in the area. Call the company that owns the tank currently installed to compare pricing.

After choosing a company it is best to set up an automatic delivery account to prevent running out of gas.

WHO OWNS THE TANK?
Some homes own their propane tank outright, while others rent it from a fuel company. Both arrangements have pros and cons. With a tank that is owned outright, there is no need to worry about budgeting for monthly rental fees. You’ll also have more freedom to make long-term decisions about your home’s fuel use. The downside to this, however, is that purchasing a tank can be a significant cost up front, so that cost will definitely be factored into the asking price for the home.
On the other hand, the main advantage to renting is that you’re not responsible for the maintenance of the tank. If the unit ever needs repairs or replacing, it’s not an expense you will have to worry about. Most fuel companies will happily transfer over a tank rental agreement when the house is sold, though you may be given the option of buying it outright, too. If buying the tank is the option you choose, be sure to get documentation proving your ownership of the tank.

47) Comment - Installed fuel tank(s).

48) Comment - The main water service and shut off valve is located in the basement closet.

49) Comment - The main gas shut off valve was located at the tanks.

50) Comment - Installed water heater.

51) Safety, Evaluate - There is no Low Water Cut Off Valve installed on the boiler
One of the most important safety devices on your boiler is the low water cutoff valve.

This device detects if the water level within your boiler has dropped below the manufacturers recommended level. Should this occur, the low water cutoff will do just as its name implies. It will cut-off the burner and shut the boiler down.
Without a properly functioning low water cutoff, the burner can continue to fire allowing for intense heat to build. The results can be catastrophic - explosions, fires and the possibility of severe injuries to personnel and property.

Regular inspections of this crucial safety device. Make sure it is operating properly. If it needs rebuilt or replaced, attend to it immediately.
Inquire if your service technician recommends turning off the water fill valve to the boiler if you do have a Low Water Cut Off Valve

52) Safety - The house has one or more electric baseboard heaters installed. There are some safety concerns with electric baseboard heaters.

CAUTION - High Temperature. Keep electrical cords, drapes, and other furnishings away from heater. When using electrical appliances, basic precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, including the following:

The heater is hot when in use. To avoid burns, do not let bare skin touch hot surfaces. Use caution when any heater is used by or near children or invalids and whenever the heater is left operating unattended.

Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, pillows, bedding, papers, clothes, and curtains away from heater, minimum of 12 inches in front and above, 6 inches on both sides is the minimum clearance.

Do not insert or allow foreign objects to enter any ventilation or exhaust opening as this may cause an electric shock or fire, or damage the heater.

To prevent a possible fire, do not block air intakes or exhaust in any manner. Heater must be kept clear of all obstructions: minimum of 12 inches in front and above, 6 inches on both sides.

Heater must be kept clean of excessive lint, dirt and debris

Use this heater only as described in this manual. Any other use not recommended by the manufacturer may cause fire, electrical shock, or injury to persons.

53) Repair/Maintain - One or more air elimination valves on the heating system appear to be leaking.

It needs to be replaced.

For additional information click:

http://inspectapedia.com/heat/Air_Bleed_Valve_Repair.php

54) Comment - Contact NYSERDA concerning rebates for upgrading the current system to a high efficiency system.

Visit this website for additional information:

http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/
Telephone #: 1-877-NYSMART

Contact the IRS concerning tax rebates for upgrading the system to a high efficiency system.

Visit this website for additional information: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

55) Comment - Consider upgrading the boilers aquastat to a more energy efficient unit. Visit these websites for additional information:

https://www.beckettcorp.com/product/aquasmart-7600-boiler-control/

http://www.smartbuildingproducts.com/products/

56) Comment - Contact the utility company prior to any energy upgrades for possible rebates or programs.

Orange and Rockland:

http://www.oru.com/customerprograms/incentivesandrebates/newyork/index.html

Central Hudson:

http://www.savingscentral.com/

New York State Electric and Gas:

http://www.nyseg.com/

Delaware County Electric Cooperative (DCEC):

http://www.dce.coop/

57) - The installed heating system.

58) Safety, Repair/Maintain, Evaluate - One or more wood-burning fireplaces or stoves were found at the property. When such devices are used, they should be professionally inspected and cleaned annually to prevent creosote build-up and to determine if repairs are needed. The National Fire Protection Association states that a "Level 2" chimney inspection should be performed with every sale or transfer of property with a wood-burning device. Recommend consulting with the property owner about recent and past servicing and repairs to all wood-burning devices and chimneys or flues at this property. Recommend that a qualified specialist evaluate all wood-burning devices and chimneys, and clean and repair as necessary. Note that if a wood stove insert is installed, it may need to be removed for such an evaluation. For more information, search for "chimney inspection" at:
http://www.csia.org/

59) Safety, Comment - The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends a yearly inspection and cleaning and repairs done as necessary. Free standing wood stoves or fire place inserts used to heat the home should be inspected and cleaned if needed every year. Regular open fireplaces need to be maintained and cleaned on a consistent basis as well. Usually a cleaning is needed for every cord of wood burned or at least 2 years.

We recommend that all the flues in the home be inspected and serviced prior to closing to assure there are no problems or concerns. Chimney service technicians have video equipment which allows them to see much more and even beyond bends in the flue.

Why should I have my chimney cleaned?

The purpose of chimney cleaning is to remove flammable deposits such as soot and creosote from the interior walls of a chimney. If these deposits are allowed to build up, they will eventually ignite and cause a chimney fire. During the winter months, in many areas, chimney fires are the #1 cause of house fires. Chimney fires damage chimneys, cause fires within other areas of the home and cause millions of dollars in property damage annually. In the United States well over 50,000 homes annually catch on fire due to the use of solid fuel burning appliances. (The majority of solid fuel used by homeowners is wood, but also includes coal, wood pellets and biofuel.)

How often should I have my chimney cleaned?

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends that a chimney be inspected annually to determine if cleaning or repairs are necessary. Many condominium and apartment complexes in the United States require annual cleaning and inspections. It is also a legal requirement in many countries in Europe. If you are a heavy user of a wood, wood pellet, coal or biofuel appliance such as a solid fuel stove, pizza oven, furnace or fireplace, many manufacturers recommend inspecting the chimney every 2 weeks to see if cleaning is needed. After periodically inspecting your chimney, you will get a better idea how quickly soot and creosote builds up and you can schedule cleaning your chimney accordingly, but remember certain factors such as frequency of use, duration of use, moisture content of the wood, type of wood, the individual characteristics of your appliance and how you have it adjusted can greatly affect the soot build up within your chimney.
Adjustments include damper settings, outside air vents, interior air intake settings, and the use and positioning of glass doors on fireplaces and stoves.
Strange as it may sound, in many cases greater buildup of soot occurs during periods of infrequent and shorter burn times such as fall and spring than it does in the middle of the winter when far more fuel is burned. This is because the chimney walls stay cool during short time frames and condensation occurs much more rapidly on cool surfaces. ERR ON THE SIDE OF SAFETY, IF IN DOUBT HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY INSPECTED IMMEDIATELY

60) Comment - Kitchen views.

61) Safety, Maintain - The clothes dryer exhaust duct may need cleaning. Because we have no way of knowing when it was last cleaned, we suggest having the dryer vent cleaned as soon as possible. Significant amounts of lint build-up may be present and may reduce air flow. This is a fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified person clean this duct now and as necessary in the future. Some chimney sweeps or heating/cooling duct cleaners perform this service.

For more information, visit:

https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/5022.pdf

62) Comment - Installed laundry equipment.

63) Comment - Bathroom views.

64) Comment - One or bathrooms have bowl sinks installed. It is important to know that these sinks have no overflow protection. Water should never be left on and unattended.

65) Repair/Replace - One or more exterior doors wouldn't latch. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

66) Repair/Replace - Crank handles at some windows were missing. Recommend that a qualified person replace handles or make repairs as necessary.

67) Minor defect - 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.google.com/search?q=elastic+crack+cover

68) Comment - Interior Views.

69) Safety, Repair/Replace - The cap to the well casing was loose. This is a potential source for contamination of the well water. A qualified person should repair or replace the cap as necessary.

70) Evaluate - Because this is a specialty system, recommend the following:

• That the well water be tested per the client's concerns (e.g. coliforms, pH, contaminants) by a qualified lab
• That the client obtain information from the current owner concerning the well's history

For more information, visit:
http://www.google.com/search?q=private+well

71) Comment - The estimated useful life for most well pumps is 15-20 years. The inspector was unable to determine the age of the pump. The client should be aware that this pump may be near, at, or beyond its useful life and may need replacing at any time. Recommend attempting to determine the pump's age (ask property owner or well contractor), and budgeting for a replacement if necessary.

72) Comment - Installed pressure tank

73) Comment - Installed water filtration equipment.

For additional information click below:

http://www.wqa.org/sitelogic.cfm?ID=2350

http://www.wqa.org/

74) Comment - The system has a constant pressure control installed.

75) - Installed well.

76) - Properly label the pump shut off switch to help prevent accidental shut off.

77) - There is a UV filter installed .The bulb needs to be replaced yearly.

There should also be a whole house filter installed prior to the UV filter.

For additional information click:

www.uvsuperstore.com

http://inspectapedia.com/water/UV_Water_Treatment_Systems.htm

78) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Evidence of rodent infestation was found in the form of feces, urine stains, traps and/or poison in the basement, garage and/or interior rooms. Consult with the property owner about this. A qualified person should make repairs to seal openings in the structure, set traps, and clean rodent waste as necessary. Recommend following guidelines in these Center for Disease Control articles:
http://www.cdc.gov/rodents/prevent_infestations/seal_up.html
http://www.cdc.gov/rodents/prevent_infestations/trap_up.html
http://www.cdc.gov/rodents/prevent_infestations/clean_up.html

79) Evaluate, Comment - No termite or WDI inspection was ordered or performed.

80) Comment - Pump-outs
Because pump-outs are the most regularly required type of maintenance, the maintenance schedules are commonly based upon the anticipated need for pumping. Some systems may go for long periods of time without needing a pump-out. Such systems should still be inspected at least once over 5 years with a complete functional inspection to ensure that other types of maintenance and repair are not needed.

Scheduling functional inspections should be based upon the tank volume and the household occupancy. The following table can be used to determine the maximum interval of time between functional inspections.


Tank size (gallons) Household Occupancy (number of people)
1-4 4-6 6-8 10 or more
1000 5 years 3 years Undersized tanks
1250 5 years 4 years 3 years Undersized tank
1500 5 years 5 years 4 years 3 years

Tank size (gallons) House Occupancy (# of people) Pumping Frequency
750 1-4 3 Years
4-6 2 Years
6-8 Undersized Tank
1000 1-4 5 Years
4-6 4 Years
6-8 3 Years
1250 1-4 5 Years
4-6 4 Years
6-8 3 Years
1500 1-4 5 Years
4-6 4 Years
6-8 3 Years



Click below for additional information regarding the septic system and its maintenance:

http://homeprony.inspectorxsites.com/xSites/Inspectors/HomeProNY/Content/UploadedFiles/homeowner_guide_long.pdf

http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/subpages/septic.cfm

81) Comment - No septic test or inspection was ordered or performed.

82) Comment - The Building In Perspective

While we look for significant issues and deficiencies, another part of our job consists of providing basic factual information to the client. Often, this factual information, when put in perspective, provides valuable insight into the condition of the building.

We provide facts to the client. Sometimes these facts and descriptions disclose obvious deficiencies at the property or the building, such as leaking pipes. Other times the facts might be as basic as describing the materials used in the construction of the building: the driveway is gravel; the sidewalk is concrete; the heating system is new, propane and 80% efficient; the building has a septic tank; the water comes from a well; the shingles are architectural grade composition material and so forth. On other occasions, we might provide interpretations of the facts, such as explaining why a certain deficiency is a significant problem and not merely a trivial annoyance.

It is not unusual to find that providing the facts will disclose a deficiency, even if other obvious problems are not readily apparent. As an example, old knob and tube wiring (pre-1950's) is a safety concern that makes a building harder or more costly to insure. Old galvanized steel pipes, used as supply pipes or for drain systems, are of such an age that they are currently past their design lives. Whether these old steel pipes are rusted, leaking or in good condition at the time of the inspection, anyone buying a building with pipes of this vintage should be told that the plumbing will need an upgrade in the not too distant future.

On the other hand we have the responsibility to point out items in the building that would be considered above that of the typical or average building. That may be a 200 ampere electric service where a 100 ampere system would be expected. A high efficiency heating system; a greater amount of insulation then code calls for; granite kitchen counter tops; a higher level of trim and finishing. Etc.

Any building inspector, who does not provide essential information on the systems, components and materials found at the building, is not a thorough professional and is not doing a quality job that serves the best interests of his or her clients.

With all the information provided we look at a building in perspective to its peers. That is we compare1950's brick buildings to other buildings of the same type and age. We never compare new buildings to old buildings, etc.

83) Comment - Click on the link for additional report information:

Report Information

84) Comment - Click below for a Home Maintenance Check List to help you maintain your home.

Home Maintenance Check List

85) Comment - Click below for a Life Expectancy Of Home Components:

http://homeprony.inspectorxsites.com/xSites/Inspectors/HomeProNY/Content/UploadedFiles/Life%20Expectancy%20of%20Home%20Components.pdf

86) Comment - Here is a link to the Report Letter which is part of your inspection report.

http://homeprony.inspectorxsites.com/xSites/Inspectors/HomeProNY/Content/UploadedFiles/HomePro%20Report%20Letter%201.pdf

87) - Here is a link to the NYS Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice:

http://homeprony.inspectorxsites.com/xSites/Inspectors/HomeProNY/Content/UploadedFiles/NYS%20HI%20SOP%20COE.pdf

88) - Dear Client,

Thank you for choosing HomePro Inspections LLC to perform your home inspection. The goal of this inspection and report is to put you in a better position to make an informed real estate decision. This report is a general guide and provides you with some objective information to help you make your own evaluation of the overall condition of the home and is not intended to reflect the value of the property, or to make any representation as to the advisability of purchase. Although we will do best to discover the concerns in the house, not all defects will be identified during this inspection. Unexpected repairs should still be anticipated. This inspection is not a guarantee or warranty of any kind.

HomePro Inspections endeavors to perform all inspections in substantial compliance with the Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI) and the New York State Standards Of Practice. As such, we inspect the readily accessible, visually observable,
installed systems and components of a home as designated in the ASHI® Standards—except as may be noted in the “Limitations of Inspection” sections within this report. This Property Inspection Report contains observations of those systems and components that, in the professional judgment of the inspector, are not functioning properly, significantly deficient, unsafe, or are near the end of their service lives. If the cause for the deficiency is not readily apparent, the suspected cause or reason why the system or component is at or near end of expected service life is reported, and recommendations for correction or monitoring are made as
appropriate. When systems or components designated in the ASHI® or NYS Standards are present but are not inspected, the reason(s) the item was not inspected is reported as well.

A copy of the ASHI® Standards of Practice is available at: www.homeinspector.org/docs/standards.pdf

A copy of the NYS Standards of Practice is available at:
http://homeprony.inspectorxsites.com/xSites/Inspectors/HomeProNY/Content/UploadedFiles/NYS%20HI%20SOP%20COE.pdf

These standards define the scope of a home inspection. Clients sometimes assume that a home inspection will include many things that are beyond the scope. We encourage you to read the ASHI and NYS Standards of Practice so that you clearly understand what things are included in the home inspection and report.

The report is effectively a snapshot of the house—recording the conditions on a given date and time. Home inspectors cannot predict future behavior, and as such, we cannot be responsible for things that occur after the inspection. If conditions change, we are available to revisit the property and update our report.

The report has been prepared for your exclusive use, as our client. No use by third parties is intended. We will not be responsible to any parties for the contents of the report, other than the party named herein. The report itself is copyrighted, and may not be used in whole or in part without HomePro Inspections express written permission.

Again, thanks very much for the opportunity of conducting this inspection for you. We are available to you throughout the entire real estate transaction process. Should you have any questions, please call or email us.

Sincerely,

Doug Myers

ASHI Inspector #99400 (former)
NYS Licensed Home Inspector # 16000058964
InterNACHI
HomePro Inspections LLC
www.HomeProNY.com
info@HomeProNY.com
1-800-724-7088