2) One or more decks or porches were unstable due to missing or substandard bracing, or lack of attachment to main structure. This is a safety hazard since severe movement may cause the decks or porches to collapse. A qualified contractor should repair as necessary.

3) Ledger boards for one or more decks, balconies or porches appeared to be attached with nails only. This method of attachment is substandard and may result in such structures separating from the main building. This is a potential safety hazard. Modern standards call for ledger boards to be installed with 1/2 inch lag screws or bolts into solid backing, and brackets such as Simpson Strong Tie DTT2 brackets and threaded rod, connecting interior and exterior joists. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?LB
https://www.reporthost.com/?SD

4) Flashing appeared to be missing from above one or more deck or porch ledger boards, or could not be verified. Missing flashing at this location can cause moisture to accumulate between the ledger boards and the building. Fungal rot may occur in this area and cause the ledger board fasteners to fail. The deck may separate from the building in this event. This is a potential safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified contractor install flashing above ledger boards per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?LB
https://www.reporthost.com/?SD

5) One or more sets of stairs were unstable and/or wobbly. A qualified contractor should repair as necessary. For example, by installing additional bracing or supports.

6) One or more deck, patio and/or porch covers were unstable due to substandard bracing, lack of diagonal bracing, or lack of attachment to the main building. This is a safety hazard since severe movement may cause the cover to collapse. A qualified contractor should repair as necessary.

7) Handrails at one or more flights of stairs were wobbly. This is a safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

8) Fasteners for the deck, porch or balcony joist hangers were missing. Approved fasteners such as Teco nails should be installed in every nail hole in such hardware. Recommend that a qualified person install approved fasteners where necessary.

9) Cracks, holes, settlement, heaving and/or deterioration were found in the driveway. Recommend that qualified contractor repair as necessary.

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

14) 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.

15) Untreated wood siding and/or trim was in contact with concrete or masonry at the exterior. Moisture collected between the two materials or wicking up into the wood is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Wood siding or trim should be installed with a minimum clearance of 1-2 inches between it and concrete or masonry below it at building exteriors. Monitor these areas for rot or infestation in the future and repair if needed. Recommend that a qualified person repair per standard building practices. For example, by trimming siding or trim as needed.

16) 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.

17) Trees were in contact with or were close to the building at one or more locations. Damage to the building can occur, especially during high winds, or may have already occurred (see other comments in this report). Recommend that a qualified tree service contractor or certified arborist remove trees as necessary to prevent damage to the building exterior.

18) Caulk was in some areas. For example, around windows and/or around doors. 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?CAULK

22) One or more standard exterior electric receptacles were being used for appliances or systems that were constantly in use. This is a safety hazard for shock since water can reach receptacle slots. Recommend that a qualified person install "while in use" receptacle covers as necessary. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?INUSECVR

24) A fire suppression system was installed on the premises. 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. These systems normally require periodic inspection by a specialist to ensure correct operation. For example, checking for possible backflow contamination of the potable water system, or correct operation of valves and gauges. Recommend that a qualified specialist inspect this system in accordance with National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 25 standards.

25) One or more water shut-off valves were not labeled, and their function is unknown. Recommend consulting with the property owner to determine valves' functions, that you verify this yourself, or if necessary that a qualified plumber evaluate. Recommend labeling valves as necessary.

26) 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?ANFURINSP

27) The estimated useful life for most heat pumps and air conditioning condensing units is 10-15 years. The inspector was unable to determine the age of this unit. Be aware that it may be near, at, or beyond its useful life and may need replacing or significant repairs at any time. Recommend attempting to determine the age (ask property owner or service technician), and budgeting for a replacement if necessary.

28) The estimated useful life for most forced air furnaces is 15-20 years. This furnace appeared to be near and/or beyond 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.

Basement 2007 (13)/ Attic 1992 (28)

29) The estimated useful life for most heat pumps and air conditioning condensing units is 10-15 years. This unit appeared to be 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.

31) One or more solid fuel-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 solid fuel-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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?CSIA

32) Recommend that the client review all available documentation for gas-fired fireplaces and stoves. Depending on how they are operated (for routine heating versus ambiance), such appliances may need servicing annually or every few years. Consult with the property owner and/or a qualified specialist to determine if service is needed now. Any needed repairs noted in this report should be brought to the attention of the specialist when it's serviced. For more information visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?ANGFINSP

33) The gas fireplace or stove was not fully evaluated because the pilot light was off or a lighting procedure was required. The inspector only operates normal controls (e.g. on/off switch or thermostat) and does not light pilot lights or operate gas shut-off valves. Recommend that the client review all documentation for such gas appliances and familiarize themselves with the lighting procedure. If necessary, a qualified specialist should assist in lighting such appliances, and make any needed repairs.

34) One or more gas fireplaces or stoves did not respond to normal controls (e.g. on/off switch, thermostat, remote control) and were not fully evaluated as a result. The pilot light or gas supply may have been turned off, or some other condition may have prevented operation. The inspector only operates normal controls and does not light pilot lights or operate gas shut-off valves. Consult with the property owner, review all documentation for such gas appliances, and become familiar with the lighting procedure. If necessary, a qualified specialist should assist in lighting such appliances, and make any needed repairs.

35) The bathroom with a shower or bathtub at location(s) # didn't have an exhaust fan installed. Moisture can accumulate and result in mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Even if the bathroom has a window that opens, it may not provide adequate ventilation, especially during cold weather when windows are closed or when wind blows air into the bathroom. Recommend that a qualified contractor install exhaust fans per standard building practices where missing in bathrooms with showers or bathtubs.

36) One or more bedrooms had windows that wouldn't open or were stuck shut. Unless a bedroom has an exterior entry door, at least one window requires adequate egress in the event of a fire or emergency to allow escape or to allow access by emergency personnel. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or make modifications per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?EGRESS

37) One or more windows that were designed to open and close were stuck shut. Recommend that a qualified person repair windows as necessary so they open and close easily.

38) One or more 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.