Summary

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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?EPA
https://www.reporthost.com/?CPSC
https://www.reporthost.com/?CDC

2) Cracks, holes, settlement, heaving and/or deterioration resulting in trip hazards were found in the sidewalks or patios. For safety reasons, recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary to eliminate trip hazards.

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

5) Fungal rot was found at one or more sections of siding or trim. 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.

6) Fungal rot or significant water damage was found at one or more roof areas at barge boards. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. For example, by replacing all rotten wood, priming and painting new wood and installing flashing.

7) One or more roof flashings were substandard. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

8) Moss was growing on the roof. As a result, shingles can lift or be damaged. Leaks can result and/or the roof surface can fail prematurely. Efforts should be made to kill the moss during its growing season (wet months). Typically, zinc or phosphate-based chemicals are used for this and must be applied periodically. For information on various moss treatment products and their pros and cons, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?MOSS

10) One or more exhaust ducts (e.g. bathroom fan, clothes dryer) in the attic have come apart, were loose or have fallen down. This can result in increased moisture levels inside the structure and is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person make permanent repairs as necessary.

11) One or more exterior doors were difficult to open or close. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

12) One or more ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices protecting receptacles at the exterior wouldn't trip when tested. This is a potential shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair as necessary.

14) No sediment trap was installed in the gas supply line at the furnace and/or water heater. Sediment traps prevent damage to gas-fired appliances by trapping oil, scale, water condensation and/or debris. Recommend that a qualified contractor install a sediment trap per standard building practices.

15) Significant corrosion or rust was found at one or more water supply valves. This can indicate past leaks, or that leaks are likely to occur in the future. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair as necessary. For example, by replacing valves or fittings.

16) One or more hose bibs leaked when tested. When hose bibs leak while turned off, it's often caused by a worn valve seat or a loose bonnet. When hose bibs leak while turned on, it may be due to worn "packing" around the stem or a defective backflow prevention device. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair as necessary.

17) The draft hood for the water heater flue was loose. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of exhaust gases entering living spaces. A qualified person should permanently secure the draft hood with appropriate fasteners per standard building practices.

20) Air filters for the heating and/or cooling system were missing at one or more locations where they should have been installed. Indoor air quality will be reduced as a result. Recommend installing good quality filters at intended locations (e.g. in or at the air handler, behind return air grills). Filters should be sized correctly to minimize air gaps. Many types of filters are available. Recommend installing pleated filters or better rather than the cheapest disposable kind. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?FLTRTPS

21) The glass front on the gas fireplace had a hazy film. This is typically a mineral residue left from water vapor as the gas burns. It may be possible to clean this fogging by removing the glass from the fireplace and using a gas appliance ceramic glass cleaner, available through gas fireplace and stove distributors and installers. Ammonia-based products, such as common glass cleaners, should not be used since they can cause damage or etching to the glass, or make the haze permanent. It may be possible for a homeowner to remove the glass for cleaning, if the instructions for the fireplace are available and if the homeowner is experienced in such repairs. Consult with a qualified specialist for more information, or to have them do the cleaning.

23) The under-sink food disposal was jammed. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace as necessary.

24) The clothes dryer exhaust duct was kinked, crushed or damaged. Air flow will be restricted as a result and the clothes dryer may overheat. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire. Recommend that a qualified person replace or repair the duct as necessary. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?DRYER

25) The toilet at location(s) #B was loose where it attached to the floor. Leaks can occur. Flooring, the sub-floor or areas below may get damaged. Sewer gases can enter living spaces. Recommend that a qualified contractor remove the toilet(s) for further evaluation and repair if necessary. A new wax ring should be installed and toilet(s) should be securely anchored to the floor to prevent movement and leaking.

26) The sink at location(s) #A drained slowly. Recommend clearing drain and/or having a qualified plumber repair if necessary.

27) The sink drain stopper mechanism at location(s) #A was inoperable. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.

28) Water was leaking at the sink faucet base or handles at location(s) #E. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair as necessary.

29) One or more sink drains were leaking at location(s) #A and B. A qualified person should repair as necessary.

30) Caulk around the base of the toilet at location(s) #B and C 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.

32) Vinyl floor tiles were installed in one or more "wet" areas (e.g. kitchen, mud room, bathroom, laundry room). Spilled water can penetrate seams and damage the sub-floor. Recommend that a qualified contractor install continuous waterproof flooring in wet areas as necessary.