3) Gaps were found between the bottom of one or more support posts and the footing or pier below. Such support posts don't transfer loads to the footing below. Floors and/or the structure can deflect, resulting in non-level floors or damage to the structure. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.

4) 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.

5) 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.

6) One or more indoor crawl space 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.

7) One or more support posts appear to have been added since the original construction based on the inspector's observations. Such posts may have been added to reduce bounce or sag in floors above. Consult with the property owner about this, or have a qualified contractor evaluate and make repairs if necessary.

8) 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.

9) The vapor barrier in some areas of the crawl space was missing. Soil was exposed as a result and will allow water from the soil to evaporate up into the structure. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. A 6 mil black plastic sheet should be placed over all exposed soil with seams overlapped to 24 inches, and not in contact with any wood structural components. The sheeting should be held in place with bricks or stones, not wood. Recommend that a qualified person replace or repair the vapor barrier where necessary and per standard building practices.

12) Extensions such as splash blocks or drain pipes for one or more downspouts were missing. Water can accumulate around the building foundation or inside crawl spaces or basements as a result. Recommend that a qualified person install, replace or repair extensions as necessary so rainwater drains away from the structure.

13) One or more recessed lights were installed in the attic and were in contact with insulation. The inspector was unable to find a label or markings that indicated that these lights are designed to be in contact with insulation. If lights are not "IC" rated then this is a fire hazard. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified contractor to determine if these lights are rated for contact with insulation. If they aren't, or if their rating can't be determined, then recommend that a qualified person make permanent repairs as necessary. For example, by installing shields around lights or moving insulation.

14) One or more soffit vents were blocked by insulation. This can reduce air flow through the roof structure or attic and result in reduced service life for the roof surface materials because of high temperatures. Moisture from condensation is also likely to accumulate in the roof structure and/or attic and can be a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary so air flows freely through all vents. For example, by moving or removing insulation and installing cardboard baffles.

15) 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.

16) 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.

17) Caulk around the base of the toilet at location(s) #A and B 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.

18) Floors in one or more areas were not level. This can be caused by foundation settlement or movement of the foundation, posts and/or beams. Significant repairs may be needed to make floors level. Recommend that a qualified contractor and/or engineer evaluate further. Repairs should be performed by a qualified contractor.