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

2) Fungal rot was found in decking boards at one or more decks or porches. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

3) Fungal rot was found in stringers at one or more sets of exterior stairs. Fungal rot in some stair components may pose a safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified person evaluate and repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

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 penetrating oil be used. For more information, visit:
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5) The roof surface appeared to be near the end of its service life and will likely need replacing in the near future even if repairs are made now. Recommend discussing replacement options with a qualified contractor, and budgeting for a replacement roof surface in the near future. The client may also wish to consider having a qualified contractor attempt to issue a "5 year roof certificate."

6) 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.

7) One or more gutters were corroded. Rainwater can come in contact with the building exterior or accumulate around the building foundation as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

8) Moss was growing on the roof. As a result, shingles can lift or be damaged. Leaks can result and/or the roof surface can fail prematurely. Efforts should be made to kill the moss during its growing season (wet months). Typically, zinc or phosphate-based chemicals are used for this and must be applied periodically. For information on various moss treatment products and their pros and cons, visit:
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9) Copper water supply pipes were installed. Copper pipes installed prior to the late 1980s may be joined with solder that contains lead, which is a known health hazard especially for children. Laws were passed in 1985 prohibiting the use of lead in solder, but prior to that solder normally contained approximately 50% lead. The client should be aware of this, especially if children will be using this water supply system. Note that the inspector does not test for toxic materials such as lead. The client should consider having a qualified lab test for lead, and if necessary take steps to reduce or remove lead from the water supply. Various solutions include:

• Flush water taps or faucets. Do not drink water that has been sitting in the plumbing lines for more than 6 hours
• Install appropriate filters at points of use
• Use only cold water for cooking and drinking, as hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water
• Use bottled or distilled water
• Treat well water to make it less corrosive
• Have a qualified plumber replace supply pipes and/or plumbing components as necessary

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10) No sediment trap was installed in the gas supply line at the furnace at unit(s) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and/or water heater at unit(s) 5 and/or 6. Sediment traps prevent damage to gas-fired appliances by trapping oil, scale, water condensation and/or debris. Recommend that a qualified contractor install a sediment trap per standard building practices.

11) No temperature-pressure relief valve drain line was installed on the water heater tank at unit(s) 5 and/or 6. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of explosion. A qualified plumber should install a temperature-pressure relief valve and drain line per standard building practices.

12) A flexible connectors was used (but disconnected at units 1, 2, 4) for the temperature-pressure relief valve drain line at unit(s) 1,2, 3 and/or 4. Flex connectors can be bent or kinked so as to restrict the flow of the drain line and impair the operation of the valve. They typically are not rated for the temperature and pressure of water being discharged (potentially 150 psi and 210 degrees F). Flex connectors used this way pose a potential safety hazard for explosion. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair per standard building practices. For example, by installing a drain line made of rigid copper or CPVC plastic pipe.

13) The temperature-pressure relief valve drain line at unit(s) 2 was less than 3/4 inch in diameter. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of explosion from restricted flow. A qualified plumber should repair per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
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14) Water stains were found below or near the water heater at unit(s) 5 and/or 6. This may be a sign that the water heater is failing, or be a sign of a past leak. Consult with the property owner about this and review any disclosure statements. Depending on what information is available about the stains, a qualified plumber should evaluate and make repairs or replace the water heater as necessary.

16) The last service date of the gas or oil-fired forced air furnace at unit(s) 2, 3, 4, 5 and/or 6 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:
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17) The estimated useful life for most forced air furnaces is 15-20 years. The inspector was unable to determine the age of the furnace at unit(s) 1 and/or 5. 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.

18) The estimated useful life for most heat pumps and air conditioning condensing units is 10-15 years. At unit(s) 1 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.

19) The estimated useful life for most forced air furnaces is 15-20 years. The furnace at unit(s) 2, 3, 4 and/or 6 appeared to be 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.

20) The last service date of the forced air heating/cooling system at unit(s) 1 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 service this system and make repairs if necessary. Because this system has a compressor and refrigerant system, this servicing should be performed annually in the future. Any needed repairs noted in this report should be brought to the attention of the contractor when it's serviced.

21) Countertops and/or backsplashes were damaged or deteriorated at unit(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and/or 6. Recommend repairing or replacing as necessary.

22) One or more cabinets, drawers and/or cabinet doors were damaged at unit(s) 4. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.

23) Water was leaking at the sink faucet base or handles at unit(s) 5. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair as necessary.

24) One or more sink drains were leaking at unit(s) 5. A qualified plumber should repair as necessary.

25) Ribbed, flexible drain pipe was used at the sink at unit(s) 5, & had sub-standard repairs. This type of drain pipe accumulates debris more easily than smooth wall pipe and is more likely to clog. Recommend that a qualified plumber replace flexible piping with standard plumbing components (smooth wall pipe) to prevent clogged drains.

28) One or more handrails had no returns installed at unit(s) 5 and/or 6, where ends of handrails turn and connect to adjacent walls so objects or clothing will not catch on the open ends. This is a safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified person install returns per standard building practices.

29) One or more interior doors were deteriorated at unit(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and/or 6. Recommend that a qualified person replace or repair doors as necessary.

30) Vinyl, linoleum or marmoleum flooring in one or more areas was loose at unit(s) 2 and/or 4. If in a wet area, water can damage the sub-floor as a result. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace or repair flooring as necessary.

31) Carpeting in one or more areas was damaged or deteriorated at unit(s) 1, 2, 3, 4 and/or 6. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace as necessary.

32) One or more interior doors wouldn't latch or were difficult to latch at unit(s) 3 and/or 5. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by adjusting latch plates or locksets.

33) Minor cracks, nail pops and/or blemishes were found in walls and/or ceilings in one or more areas at unit(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and/or 6. Cracks and nail pops are common, are often caused by lumber shrinkage or minor settlement, and can be more or less noticeable depending on changes in humidity. They did not appear to be a structural concern, but the client may wish to repair these for aesthetic reasons. For recurring cracks, consider using an elastic crack covering product:
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