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

2) Repair/Maintain, Evaluate - What appeared to be microbial growths were found at one or more locations in interior rooms. It is beyond the scope of this inspection to identify what substance or organism this staining is. However such staining is normally caused by excessively moist conditions, which in turn can be caused by plumbing or building envelope leaks and/or substandard ventilation. These conducive conditions should be corrected before making any attempts to remove or correct the staining. Normally affected materials such as drywall are removed, enclosed affected spaces are allowed to dry thoroughly, a mildewcide may be applied, and only then is drywall reinstalled. For evaluation and possible mitigation, consult with a qualified industrial hygienist or mold/moisture mitigation specialist. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?MOLDCDC
http://www.reporthost.com/?MOLDEPA

3) Repair/Replace - 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.

5) Safety, Repair/Maintain - Handrails at one or more flights of stairs were loose. This is a safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

6) Repair/Replace - One or more deck, patio and/or porch covers were showing high abouts if moisture and water damage. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary, and per standard building practices.

7) Repair/Replace - The roof surface material on one or more deck, patio or porch covers was at or beyond its service life. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace roof surfaces as necessary.

8) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more garage vehicle doors wouldn't close with the automatic opener because the opener auto-reversed while the door was closing. This can be caused by photoelectric sensors being out of adjustment, the door binding, the mechanical auto-reverse sensor having problems, etc. Note that because of this, the inspector was unable to verify that the auto-reverse functions for the automatic opener were operable. A qualified person should evaluate, repair as necessary and verify that auto-reverse functions are working.

9) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more hose bibs appeared to be inoperable. No water flowed from the 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.

10) Repair/Maintain - 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.

12) Safety, Repair/Maintain, Evaluate - One or more wood-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 wood-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:
http://www.reporthost.com/?CSIA

13) Repair/Replace - The bathroom with a shower or bathtub at location(s) #A and B 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.

14) Repair/Maintain - One or more sink drains were leaking at location(s) #C. A qualified person should repair as necessary.

15) Safety, Repair/Replace - Risers for stairs at one or more locations were higher than 7 3/4 inches and posed a fall or trip hazard. Risers should be 7 3/4 inches or shorter. At a minimum, be aware of this hazard, especially when guests who are not familiar with the stairs are present. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices.

16) 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 R-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.

17) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Stains and elevated levels of moisture were found in one or more ceiling areas. The stains appear to be due to an active roof leak. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.

18) Repair/Replace - Glass in one or more windows was cracked, broken and/or missing. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace glass where necessary.

20) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Modifications were made to panel(s) #C or to equipment inside. Electric panels and equipment inside are Underwriter Laboratory rated devices, and modifications to them are not allowed. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and replace components or make repairs as necessary.

21) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more receptacles were scorched. The wiring for these receptacles may be damaged due to overheating. Recommend that a qualified electrician replace such receptacles, evaluate related wiring and repair if necessary.

22) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles wouldn't trip and/or wouldn't trip with a test instrument at the kitchen, bathroom(s) and/or exterior. This is a potential shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair as necessary.

23) Safety, Repair/Replace - Non-metallic sheathed wiring in the attic was routed on surfaces within 6 feet of one or more access hatches or doors, and was subject to damage. Wiring can be damaged when hatches are lifted and set aside, when stored items are moved into or out of the attic, etc. This is a potential shock and/or fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices.

24) Safety, Repair/Replace - Wire splices were exposed and were not contained in a covered junction box. This is a potential shock or fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices. For example, by installing permanently mounted junction boxes with cover plates where needed to contain wiring splices.

25) Safety, Repair/Replace - One or more modern, 3-slot electric receptacles were found with an open ground. Three-slot receptacles should have a hot, a neutral and a ground wire connected. Homeowners often install new 3-slot receptacles on older, 2-wire circuits that only have hot and neutral wires. This is a shock hazard when appliances that require a ground are used with these receptacles. Examples of such appliances include computers and related hardware, refrigerators, freezers, portable air conditioners, clothes washers, aquarium pumps, and electrically operated gardening tools. Where the electric system was installed prior to when grounded circuits were required (1960s), it is permissible to replace 3-slot receptacles with 2-slot receptacles to prevent appliances that require a ground from being plugged in to an ungrounded circuit. However, the client should be aware of this limitation when planning use for various rooms, such as an office. For newer electric systems, circuits should be repaired so grounded, 3-wire cables provide power to 3-slot receptacles. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices.

26) Safety, Repair/Replace - One or more electric receptacles had reverse-polarity wiring, where the hot and neutral wires were reversed. This is a shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?RPR

27) Safety, Minor Defect - One or more exterior receptacle covers were broken. This is a potential shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified person replace covers where necessary.

28) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One or more electric receptacles appeared to have no power. Recommend asking the property owner about this. Switches may need to be operated or GFCI/AFCI protection may need to be reset to make some receptacles energized. If necessary, recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair.

30) Safety - The hot water temperature was greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of scalding. The thermostat should be adjusted so the water temperature doesn't exceed 120 degrees. If the water heater is powered by electricity, a qualified person should perform the adjustment, since covers that expose energized equipment normally need to be removed. For more information on scalding dangers, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?SCALD

32) Repair/Maintain - One or more heating or cooling air supply registers were missing. The air flow cannot be controlled as a result. Recommend installing registers where missing.

33) Repair/Maintain - One or more air supply registers were loose or installed in a substandard way. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary so registers are securely attached and are flush with the surface on which they are installed.

34) Repair/Maintain - Insulation on the heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit's refrigerant lines was deteriorated or missing in some areas. This may result in reduced efficiency and increased energy costs. Recommend that a qualified person replace or install insulation as necessary.

37) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Fungal rot was found at one or more sections of floor sheathing. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

38) Repair/Replace - No under-floor insulation was installed in the crawl space. Recommend that a qualified person install insulation for better energy efficiency and per standard building practices. Typically this is R-19 rated fiberglass batt with the attached facing installed against the warm (floor) side.

39) Repair/Maintain - One or more outdoor crawl space access hatches or doors were missing, damaged, deteriorated or substandard. Water and/or vermin can enter the crawl space. Recommend that a qualified person replace, install or repair hatches or doors where necessary.

40) Repair/Maintain - The vapor barrier in some areas of the crawl space was loose or askew. 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.