Sample of a 100+ year-old Property Inspection Report
Client(s):
Client Name
Property address:
Property Address City, State, Zip
Inspection date:
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
This report published on Friday, April 8, 2022 3:26:33 PM CDT
A home inspection is designed to find things wrong with the home. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming when you are wanting to buy a house, and you get a report of only negative things. If there is an area of concern for you, I want to encourage you to contact a professional for further evaluation.
This report is the exclusive property of this inspection company and the client(s) listed in the report title. Use of this report by any unauthorized persons is prohibited.
How to Read this Report
This report is organized by the property's functional areas. Within each functional area, descriptive information is listed first and is shown in bold type. Items of concern follow descriptive information.
Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types:
Safety
Poses a safety hazard
Defect
Correction likely involves a significant expense
Repair/Replace
Recommend repairing or replacing
Repair/Maintain
Recommend repair and/or maintenance
Maintain
Recommend ongoing maintenance
Evaluate
Recommend evaluation by a specialist
Comment
For your information
Click here for a glossary of building construction terms.Contact your inspector If there are terms that you do not understand, or visit the glossary of construction terms at https://www.reporthost.com/glossary.asp
Present during inspection: Client, Tenant, Realtor
Client present for discussion at end of inspection: Yes
Weather conditions during inspection: Dry (no rain), Windy
Temperature during inspection: Warm
Ground condition: Dry
Payment method: Invoiced
Type of building: Single family
Buildings inspected: One house
Number of residential units inspected: 1
Age of main building: 1907
Source for main building age: Municipal records or property listing
Occupied: Yes
1) Safety, Comment - 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
Roof inspection method: Viewed from eaves on ladder
Condition of roof surface material: Appeared serviceable
Roof surface material: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Roof type: Gable
Apparent number of layers of roof surface material: One
Condition of exposed flashings: Appeared serviceable
Condition of gutters, downspouts and extensions: Appeared serviceable
2) Maintain - Debris such as leaves, needles, seeds, etc. have accumulated on the roof surface. Water may not flow easily off the roof, and can enter gaps in the roof surface. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend cleaning debris from the roof surface now and as necessary in the future.
Condition of wall exterior covering: Required repairs, replacement and/or evaluation (see comments below)
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Wood
Condition of foundation and footings: Required repairs, replacement and/or evaluation (see comments below)
Apparent foundation type: Crawl space
3) Defect, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - This property was clad with composition wood-fiber siding. Various manufacturers (e.g. Louisiana Pacific, Weyerhaeuser and Masonite) have produced this type of siding, which is made from oriented strand board (OSB) or "hardboard." It is prone to deteriorate and/or fail prematurely due to moisture penetration, especially when the paint coating is substandard or has not been maintained. Failure is typically visible in the form of swelling, cracking, buckling, wafer pops, delamination and fungal growth.
Much or all of the siding on this structure has failed and should be replaced. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and replace siding as necessary. Based on the extent of the failed siding, it will likely be more cost-effective to replace all the siding.
4) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Based on the appearance and/or reported age of the foundation (or sections of the foundation), it may not be reinforced. Foundations without modern reinforcement such as metal "rebar" are prone to failure during earthquakes. Typically, concrete foundations built prior to the 1930s, or brick foundations built with "header" courses, are not reinforced. Consult with a qualified engineer to determine if the foundation should be replaced or repaired.
Photo 4-1
5) Repair/Maintain, Evaluate - Moderate cracks (1/8 inch - 3/4 inch) and/or leaning were found in the foundation. This may be a structural concern or an indication that settlement is ongoing. The client should consider hiring qualified contractors and/or engineers as necessary for further evaluation. Such contractors may include:
Foundation repair contractors who may prescribe repairs, and will give cost estimates for such repairs
Masonry contractors who repair and/or replace brick veneer
Geotechnical engineers who attempt to determine if settlement is ongoing, and the cause of the settlement
Structural engineers who determine if repairs are necessary, and prescribe those repairs
At a minimum, recommend sealing cracks to prevent water infiltration. Numerous products exist to seal such cracks including hydraulic cement, resilient caulks and epoxy sealants.
Photo 5-1 Photo 5-2
Photo 5-3 Photo 5-4
6) Evaluate - Footings appeared to be missing from below the foundation. While this is not unusual in some older homes, Poured-in-place concrete footings should be installed below foundations. Without footings, foundations are prone to settlement and subsequent failure. Consult with a qualified structural and/or geotechnical engineer to determine if repairs are needed. Repairs should be made by a qualified contractor and per standard building practices.
Condition of insulation in attic (ceiling, skylight chase, etc.): Appeared serviceable
Condition of roof ventilation: Appeared serviceable
7) Comment - Attic access point(s) #C were inaccessible because stored items or furniture were blocking. These areas were not evaluated and are excluded from this inspection. The condition of these areas is unknown.
Condition of exterior entry doors: Appeared serviceable
Condition of interior doors: Appeared serviceable
Condition of windows and skylights: Required repair, replacement and/or evaluation (see comments below)
Condition of walls and ceilings: Required repairs, replacement and/or evaluation (see comments below)
Condition of flooring: Appeared serviceable
Condition of stairs, handrails and guardrails: Required repairs, replacement and/or evaluation (see comments below)
8) 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.
Photo 8-1
9) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Condensation or staining was visible between multi-pane glass in one or more windows. This usually indicates that the seal between the panes of glass has failed or that the desiccant material that absorbs moisture is saturated. As a result, the view through the window may be obscured, the window's U-value will be reduced, and accumulated condensation may leak into the wall structure below. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair windows as necessary. Usually, this means replacing the glass in window frames.
Be aware that evidence of failed seals or desiccant may be more or less visible depending on the temperature, humidity, sunlight, etc. Windows or glass-paneled doors other than those that the inspector identified may also have failed seals and need glass replaced. It is beyond the scope of this inspection to identify every window with failed seals or desiccant.
Photo 9-1 Photo 9-2
10) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - This structure appears to have settled, based on the presence of cracks in walls, ceilings or junctions between them. Recommend that a qualified contractor and/or engineer evaluate further. Significant repairs may be needed. If so, a qualified contractor should make repairs.
Photo 10-1 Photo 10-2
11) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - 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.
Photo 11-1
12) Repair/Replace - 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.
Condition of gas-fired fireplaces or stoves: Required repair, replacement and/or evaluation (see comments below)
13) Safety, Repair/Maintain, Evaluate - 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
Photo 13-1
14) Safety, Maintain, Evaluate - 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
15) Evaluate - 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.
Condition of sinks and related plumbing: Appeared serviceable
Condition of toilets: Required repair, replacement and/or evaluation (see comments below)
Condition of bathtubs and related plumbing: Appeared serviceable
Condition of shower(s) and related plumbing: Appeared serviceable
Condition of ventilation systems: Appeared serviceable
16) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The toilet at location(s) #C 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.
Photo 16-1
17) Repair/Maintain - The clothes dryer exhaust duct was loose in one or more places. Clothes dryers produce large amounts of moisture which should not enter structure interiors. Moisture can accumulate and result in mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Recommend that a qualified person make permanent repairs as necessary. For more information, visit: https://www.reporthost.com/?DRYER
General heating system type(s): Forced air, Furnace
General heating distribution type(s): Ducts and registers
Condition of forced air heating/(cooling) system: Appeared serviceable
Forced air heating system fuel type: Natural gas
Location of forced air furnace: Exterior
Condition of furnace filters: Required replacement
Condition of forced air ducts and registers: Appeared serviceable
Condition of burners: Appeared serviceable
Condition of cooling system and/or heat pump: Appeared serviceable
Cooling system and/or heat pump fuel type: Electric
Type: Package system
Condition of controls: Appeared serviceable
19) Defect, Evaluate, Comment - The estimated useful life for most forced air furnaces is 15-20 years. The inspector was unable to determine the age of the furnace. Be aware that this furnace may be near, at, or beyond its useful life and may need replacing or significant repairs at any time. Recommend attempting to determine the furnace's age (ask property owner or service technician), and budgeting for a replacement if necessary.
Photo 19-1 Photo 19-2
20) Defect, Evaluate, Comment - 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.
Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
Service entrance conductor material: Stranded copper
Main disconnect rating (amps): 200
Condition of main service panel: Required repair, replacement and/or evaluation (see comments below)
Location of main service panel #A: Building exterior
Location of sub-panel #C: Building exterior
Condition of branch circuit wiring: Serviceable
Branch circuit wiring type: non-metallic sheathed
21) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Panel(s) #A were loose. This is a potential shock and fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair as necessary.
Photo 21-1 Photo 21-2
Photo 21-3
22) Safety, Repair/Maintain - One or more slots where circuit breakers are normally installed were open in panel(s) #A. Energized equipment was exposed and is a shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified person install closure covers where missing.
Crawl space inspection method: Partially traversed
Condition of floor substructure above: Required repairs, replacement and/or evaluation (see comments below)
Pier or support post material: Wood
Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
Condition of crawl space ventilation: Appeared serviceable
23) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Fungal rot was found at one or more beams. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.
Photo 23-1 Photo 23-2
24) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more adjustable steel columns were found. Some adjustable steel columns are rated for permanent use, but some are not. Based on the inspector's observations, columns in this building may not be rated for permanent use and may pose a safety risk for collapse. Recommend that a qualified contractor familiar with regulations surrounding use of such columns evaluate and repair if necessary, and per standard building practices.
Photo 24-1 Photo 24-2
Photo 24-3
25) Repair/Replace - One or more joists were notched or had holes cut in them in such a way as to significantly weaken the joist(s). General guidelines for modifying joists made of dimensional lumber include these restrictions:
Notches at ends should not exceed 1/4 of the joist's depth.
Other notches should not exceed 1/6 of the joist's depth.
Notches should not be cut in the middle 1/3 of the joist's span.
Notches should not be longer than 1/3 of the joist's depth.
Holes must be 2 inches or more from the joist's edge.
The maximum hole diameter is 1/3 of the depth of the joist.
Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary, and per standard building practices.
Photo 25-1 Photo 25-2
26) Repair/Replace - No vapor barrier was installed in the crawl space. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms due to the likelihood of water evaporating from the soil below up into the structure. 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 contractor install a vapor barrier per standard building practices.
Photo 26-1
27) Evaluate, Comment - Some sections of the crawl space at location A were not evaluated due to lack of access because the crawl space vertical height was under 18 inches and/or ducts or pipes were blocking. The condition of these areas is unknown and they are excluded from this inspection. Recommend that conditions be corrected to allow a full evaluation of all crawl space areas.
Limitations: The inspector performs a visual inspection of accessible components or systems at the exterior. Items excluded from this inspection include below-grade foundation walls and footings; foundations, exterior surfaces or components obscured by vegetation, stored items or debris; wall structures obscured by coverings such as siding or trim. Some items such as siding, trim, soffits, vents and windows are often high off the ground, and may be viewed using binoculars from the ground or from a ladder. This may limit a full evaluation. Regarding foundations, some amount of cracking is normal in concrete slabs and foundation walls due to shrinkage and drying. Note that the inspector does not determine the adequacy of seismic reinforcement.
Limitations: Structural components such as joists and beams, and other components such as piping, wiring and/or ducting that are obscured by under-floor insulation are excluded from this inspection. The inspector does not determine if support posts, columns, beams, joists, studs, trusses, etc. are of adequate size, spanning or spacing.
The inspector does not guarantee or warrant that water will not accumulate in the crawl spaces in the future. Complete access to all crawl space areas during all seasons and during prolonged periods of all types of weather conditions (e.g. heavy rain, melting snow) would be needed to do so.
The inspector attempts to locate all crawl space access points and areas. Access points may be obscured or otherwise hidden by furnishings or stored items. In such cases, the client should ask the property owner where all access points are that are not described in this inspection, and have those areas inspected. Note that crawl space areas should be checked at least annually for water intrusion, plumbing leaks and pest activity.
Limitations: The following items or areas are not included in this inspection: areas that could not be traversed or viewed clearly due to lack of access; areas and components obscured by insulation. Any comments made regarding these items are made as a courtesy only. The inspector does not determine the adequacy of the attic ventilation system. Complete access to all roof and attic spaces during all seasons and during prolonged periods of all types of weather conditions (e.g. high/low temperatures, high/low humidity, high wind and rain, melting snow) would be needed to do so. The inspector is not a licensed engineer and does not determine the adequacy of roof structure components such as trusses, rafters or ceiling beams, or their spacing or sizing.
Limitations: The inspector cannot reasonably determine the integrity of all elements of limited fire resistance at residential construction or verify firewall ratings at multi unit construction. Requirements for ventilation in garages vary between municipalities.
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: generator systems, transfer switches, surge suppressors, inaccessible or concealed wiring; underground utilities and systems; low-voltage lighting or lighting on timers or sensors. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not determine the adequacy of grounding or bonding, if this system has an adequate capacity for the client's specific or anticipated needs, or if this system has any reserve capacity for additions or expansion. The inspector does not operate circuit breakers as part of the inspection, and does not install or change light bulbs. The inspector does not evaluate every wall switch or receptacle, but instead tests a representative number of them per various standards of practice. When furnishings, stored items or child-protective caps are present some receptacles are usually inaccessible and are not tested; these are excluded from this inspection. Receptacles that are not of standard 110 volt configuration, including 240-volt dryer receptacles, are not tested and are excluded. The functionality of, power source for and placement of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is not determined as part of this inspection. Upon taking occupancy, proper operating and placement of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be verified and batteries should be changed. These devices have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every 10 years. The inspector attempts to locate and evaluate all main and sub-panels. However, panels are often concealed. If panels are found after the inspection, a qualified electrician should evaluate and repair if necessary. The inspector attempts to determine the overall electrical service size, but such estimates are not guaranteed because the overall capacity may be diminished by lesser-rated components in the system. Any repairs recommended should be made by a licensed electrician.
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: private/shared wells and related equipment; private sewage disposal systems; hot tubs or spas; main, side and lateral sewer lines; gray water systems; pressure boosting systems; trap primers; incinerating or composting toilets; fire suppression systems; water softeners, conditioners or filtering systems; plumbing components concealed within the foundation or building structure, or in inaccessible areas such as below tubs; underground utilities and systems; overflow drains for tubs and sinks; backflow prevention devices. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not operate water supply or shut-off valves due to the possibility of valves leaking or breaking when operated. The inspector does not test for lead in the water supply, the water pipes or solder, does not determine if plumbing and fuel lines are adequately sized, and does not determine the existence or condition of underground or above-ground fuel tanks.
Limitations: Evaluation of and determining the adequacy or completeness of the following items are not included in this inspection: water recirculation pumps; solar water heating systems; Energy Smart or energy saver controls; catch pan drains. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not provide an estimate of remaining life on water heaters, does not determine if water heaters are appropriately sized, or perform any evaluations that require a pilot light to be lit or a shut-off valve to be operated.
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters; solar, coal or wood-fired heat systems; thermostat or temperature control accuracy and timed functions; heating components concealed within the building structure or in inaccessible areas; underground utilities and systems; safety devices and controls (due to automatic operation). Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not provide an estimate of remaining life on heating or cooling system components, does not determine if heating or cooling systems are appropriately sized, does not test coolant pressure, or perform any evaluations that require a pilot light to be lit, a shut-off valve to be operated, a circuit breaker to be turned "on" or a serviceman's or oil emergency switch to be operated. It is beyond the scope of this inspection to determine if furnace heat exchangers are intact and free of leaks. Condensation pans and drain lines may clog or leak at any time and should be monitored while in operation in the future. Where buildings contain furnishings or stored items, the inspector may not be able to verify that a heat source is present in all "liveable" rooms (e.g. bedrooms, kitchens and living/dining rooms).
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: coal stoves, gas logs, chimney flues (except where visible). Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not determine the adequacy of drafting or sizing in fireplace and stove flues, and also does not determine if prefabricated or zero-clearance fireplaces are installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. The inspector does not perform any evaluations that require a pilot light to be lit, and does not light fires. The inspector provides a basic visual examination of a chimney and any associated wood burning device. The National Fire Protection Association has stated that an in-depth Level 2 chimney inspection should be part of every sale or transfer of property with a wood-burning device. Such an inspection may reveal defects that are not apparent to the home inspector who is a generalist.
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: household appliances such as stoves, ovens, cook tops, ranges, warming ovens, griddles, broilers, dishwashers, trash compactors, refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, hot water dispensers and water filters; appliance timers, clocks, cook functions, self and/or continuous cleaning operations, thermostat or temperature control accuracy, and lights. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not provide an estimate of the remaining life of appliances, and does not determine the adequacy of operation of appliances. The inspector does not note appliance manufacturers, models or serial numbers and does not determine if appliances are subject to recalls. Areas and components behind and obscured by appliances are inaccessible and excluded from this inspection.
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: overflow drains for tubs and sinks; heated towel racks, saunas, steam generators, clothes washers, clothes dryers. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not determine the adequacy of washing machine drain lines, washing machine catch pan drain lines, or clothes dryer exhaust ducts. The inspector does not operate water supply or shut-off valves for sinks, toilets, bidets, clothes washers, etc. due to the possibility of valves leaking or breaking when operated. The inspector does not determine if shower pans or tub and shower enclosures are water tight, or determine the completeness or operability of any gas piping to laundry appliances.
Limitations: The following items are not included in this inspection: security, intercom and sound systems; communications wiring; central vacuum systems; elevators and stair lifts; cosmetic deficiencies such as nail-pops, scuff marks, dents, dings, blemishes or issues due to normal wear and tear in wall, floor and ceiling surfaces and coverings, or in equipment; deficiencies relating to interior decorating; low voltage and gas lighting systems. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not evaluate any areas or items which require moving stored items, furnishings, debris, equipment, floor coverings, insulation or similar materials. The inspector does not test for asbestos, lead, radon, mold, hazardous waste, urea formaldehyde urethane, or any other toxic substance. Some items such as window, drawer, cabinet door or closet door operability are tested on a sampled basis. The client should be aware that paint may obscure wall and ceiling defects, floor coverings may obscure floor defects, and furnishings may obscure wall, floor and floor covering defects. If furnishings were present during the inspection, recommend a full evaluation of walls, floors and ceilings that were previously obscured when possible. Carpeting and flooring, when installed over concrete slabs, may conceal moisture. If dampness wicks through a slab and is hidden by floor coverings that moisture can result in unhygienic conditions, odors or problems that will only be discovered when/if the flooring is removed. Determining the cause and/or source of odors is not within the scope of this inspection.
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