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 call me and I can put you in contact with the proper organizations.
Paul 201-264-6294

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.

3) Soil was in contact with one or more wooden deck, porch support posts. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying organisms. Even if posts are made of treated wood, the cut ends below soil may not have been field treated. Recommend consulting a contractor to make necessary repairs or corrections.

4) 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 professional contractor be consulted to make necessary repairs, corrections For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?PENOIL
https://www.reporthost.com/?DKMAIN

5) The masonry brick veneer extended below the soil at all exterior walls. Masonry veneers should be installed so the bottom edge is at least a four inches above the soil so that any water accumulated inside the wall structure can drain from weep holes, and so termites don't enter the structure through mortar joints or cracks in the veneer. If soil, decorative bark, etc. has been back-filled against the veneer, it should be graded or removed as necessary to expose weep holes (if they're installed) and to maintain four inches of clearance between the veneer and the soil below. Otherwise, the client should at least be aware of this potential for water and insect intrusion, and monitor these walls inside and out for any signs of accumulated moisture in the future. See photos of exterior areas. If damage occurs, recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?MVBG

7) Extensions such as splash blocks or drain pipes for one or more downspouts were missing. (See photos) 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.

9) Appliances such as the water heater in garage are subject to damage from vehicles because no protective barrier was installed in front of them. This is a potential safety hazard for fire, shock, and water damage. A qualified contractor should install a barrier per standard building practices. For example, a steel post or specially made wood partition anchored in the concrete slab floor.

10) One or more electric receptacles at the bedroom(s), kitchen, family room, dining room, living room, sunroom, recreation room, hallway(s) and/or laundry area had no visible arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection, or (GFCI) protection. This is a potential safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and install AFCI and GFCI protection as per standard building practices.

11) One or more circuit breakers in panel(s 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?DBLTAP

12) No permanently installed carbon monoxide alarms were found. 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 in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?COALRM

13) The legend for circuit breakers in the electrical panel are incomplete. This is a potential shock or fire hazard in the event of an emergency when power needs to be turned off. Recommend correcting the legend so it's accurate, complete and legible. Evaluation by a qualified electrician is necessary to prevent an electrical shock or injury.

14) One or more hose bibs appeared to be inoperable. No water flowed from the hose 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.

15) Based on visible equipment or information provided to the inspector, the water supply to this property appeared to be from a private well used for irrigation, and other purposes, (NOT POTABLE) Private well water supplies 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. The inspector does not test private well water for contamination or pollutants, determine if the supply and/or flow are adequate, or provide an estimate for remaining life of well pumps, pressure tanks or equipment. Only visible and accessible components are evaluated. Recommend the following:

• That a qualified well contractor fully evaluate the well, including a pump/flow test
• That the well water be tested per the client's concerns (coliforms, pH, contaminants, etc.)
• Research the well's history (how/when constructed, how/when maintained or repaired, past performance, past health issues)
• Document the current well capacity and water quality for future reference

For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?WELL

16) This valve in photo below is a secondary main shutoff valve in crawlspace.

17) The drain line assembly for the water heater's temperature-pressure relief valve appeared to be made from PVC plastic components. This material is not rated for high temperature and pressure and poses a safety hazard. A qualified plumber should repair per standard building practices.

18) The water heater was installed in an unheated space on a concrete floor and was not resting on an insulated pad or catch pan. The bottom of the casing is likely to rust, and energy efficiency may be reduced, and flooding may occur. Recommend consulting a licensed plumber for installing an insulated pad/catch pan under the water heater.

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

20) One or more heating or cooling ducts have come apart, or had significant gaps at junctions. This can result in reduced energy efficiency and increased moisture in surrounding spaces. Recommend that a qualified HVAC contractor make repairs as necessary. For example, by securely supporting ducts and installing approved tape or mastic at seams, also replacing all filters.

21) The last service date of this heating/cooling system (heat pump) appeared to be more than 1 year ago. 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 service this system and make repairs/corrections to maintain proper function and efficiency. Because this system has a compressor and refrigerant system, this servicing should be performed annually in the future.

22) A converted wood burning fireplace into a gas log fireplace was located in the living room. 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. For more information, search for "chimney inspection" at:
https://www.reporthost.com/?CSIA

23) 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

25) The toilet in the second bathroom was loose where it attached to the floor. Leaks can occur. the Flooring, the sub-floor, and areas below may get damaged, and sewer gases can enter living spaces Recommend that a qualified contractor repair/replace for proper function and safety of occupants.

27) The inspector was unable to verify that the glass used in one or more exterior doors was approved safety glass. Glazing that is not approved safety glass, located in areas subject to human impact, is a safety hazard. Standard building practices generally require that approved safety glass be used in swinging and sliding doors. Recommend a contractor further evaluate for safety concerns.

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