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

3) The inspector was unable to verify that the glass used in one or more patios was approved safety glass. Glazing located in areas subject to human impact that is not approved safety glass is a safety hazard. Standard building practices require that approved safety glass be used in all railings by a walking surface. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and replace glass if necessary, and per standard building practices.

4) Flashing appeared to be missing from above one or more deck or porch cover ledger boards, or could not be verified. Missing flashing at this location can cause moisture to accumulate between the ledger boards and the building. Fungal rot may occur in this area and cause the ledger board fasteners to fail. The deck may separate from the building in this event. This is a potential safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified contractor install flashing above ledger boards per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?LB
http://www.reporthost.com/?SD

5) The risers for stairs at one or more locations varied in height and pose a fall or trip hazard. Risers within the same flight of stairs should vary by no more than 3/8 inch. 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.

6) One or more sets of stairs were detached. A qualified contractor should repair as necessary.

7) Cracks, holes, settlement, heaving and/or deterioration resulting in trip hazards were found in the sidewalks or patios. For safety reasons, recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary to eliminate trip hazards.

8) Cracks, holes, settlement, heaving and/or deterioration were found in the driveway. Recommend that qualified contractor repair as necessary.

10) Soil was in contact with or less than 6 inches from siding or trim. Regardless of what material is used for siding, it should not be in contact with the soil. If made of wood, siding or trim will eventually rot. For other materials, ground or surface water can infiltrate siding or trim and cause damage to the wall structure. Wood-destroying insects are likely to infest and damage the wall structure. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend grading or removing soil as necessary to maintain a 6-inch clearance. Note that damage from fungal rot and/or insects may be found when soil is removed, and repairs may be necessary.

11) One or more holes or gaps were found in siding or trim. Vermin, insects or water may enter the structure. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

12) Some nail heads at the composition wood siding were protruding from the wood, or had been nailed in so as to break the surface of the siding, and caulk was missing. Most manufacturers of composition wood siding specify that nail heads should be flush with the surface, and that the surface of the siding should not be broken. If broken, then caulk should be applied to the nail heads to prevent water penetration and subsequent deterioration of the siding. Recommend that a qualified person repair per the siding manufacturer's specifications.

13) Cracks, deterioration and/or damage were found in one or more areas of the exterior stucco finish. In damp climates, moisture can enter cracks or damaged areas and further deteriorate the stucco. Also the wall behind the stucco can become damaged from moisture. Note that areas behind the stucco are inaccessible and excluded from this inspection. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace stucco as necessary.

14) Vegetation such as trees, shrubs and/or vines was in contact with or close to the building exterior. Vegetation can serve as a pathway for wood-destroying insects and can retain moisture against the exterior after it rains. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend pruning, moving or removing vegetation as necessary to maintain at least 6 inches of space between it and the building exterior. A 1-foot clearance is better.

15) The paint or stain finish in some areas was failing (e.g. peeling, faded, worn, thinning). Siding and trim with a failing finish can be damaged by moisture.Recommend that a qualified contractor prep (e.g. clean, scrape, sand, prime, caulk) and repaint or restain the building exterior where necessary and per standard building practices. Any repairs needed to the siding or trim should be made prior to this.

16) 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.

17) Fungal rot was found at one or more support posts. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

18) One or more support posts were not positively secured to the beam above. While this is common in older homes, current standards require positive connections between support posts and beams above for earthquake reinforcement. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices. For example, by installing metal plates, plywood gussets or dimensional lumber connecting posts and beams.

19) No insulation was installed under the floor above 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.

20) 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.

22) Flashings at the base of one or more chimneys were substandard. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.

Missing counter flashing

23) One or more rubber or neoprene pipe flashings were split, cracked and or missing. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace flashings where necessary.

25) One or more sections of roof sheathing in the roof structure were damaged or split. This may significantly weaken the roof structure. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.

26) One or more attic access hatches or doors were not insulated, or had substandard insulation. Weatherstripping was also missing or substandard. Recommend installing weatherstripping and insulation per current standards at hatches or doors for better energy efficiency. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ATTACC

27) 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.

28) Garage door malfunctioned under standard operations and needed to be closed manually. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace opener(s) as necessary.

30) Panel(s) #A were manufactured by the Zinsco company. These panels and their circuit breakers have a history of problems including bus bars made from aluminum that oxidize and corrode, breakers that don't trip under normal overload conditions, and breakers that appear to be tripped when they're not. This is a potential safety hazard for shock and/or fire. Recommend that a qualified electrician carefully evaluate all Zinsco brand panels and components and make repairs as necessary. Consider replacing Zinsco panels with modern panels that offer more flexibility for new, safer protective technologies like arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCls). For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ZINSCO1
http://www.reporthost.com/?ZINSCO2

31) One or more receptacles (outlets) 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.

32) One or more ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles (outlets) wouldn't reset at the kitchen. This is a potential shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair as necessary.

33) One or more electric receptacles (outlets) at the bathroom(s) had no visible ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection, or the inspector was unable to determine if GFCI protection was present. If not GFCI-protected, receptacles in wet areas pose a shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and install GFCI protection if necessary and per standard building practices. General guidelines for GFCI-protected receptacles include the following locations:

• Outdoors (since 1973)
• Bathrooms (since 1975)
• Garages (since 1978)
• Kitchens (since 1987)
• Crawl spaces and unfinished basements (since 1990)
• Wet bar sinks (since 1993)
• Laundry and utility sinks (since 2005)

For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?GFCI

34) One or more circuit breakers in panel(s) #B 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:
http://www.reporthost.com/?DBLTAP

35) No arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers were installed for bedroom circuits. These are relatively new devices, and reduce the risk of fire by protecting against overheated or arcing receptacles (outlets) or light fixtures. Consult with a qualified electrician about upgrading circuits to AFCI protection per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?AFCI

36) Extension cords were being used as permanent wiring at one or more locations. They should only be used for portable equipment on a temporary basis. Using extension cords as permanent wiring is a potential fire and shock hazard, and indicates that wiring is inadequate and needs updating. Extension cords may be undersized. Connections may not be secure resulting in power fluctuations, damage to equipment, overheating and sparks that could start a fire. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices and eliminate extension cords for permanently installed equipment.

37) One or more electric receptacles (outlets) and/or the boxes in which they were installed were loose and/or not securely anchored. Wire conductors can be damaged due to repeated movement and/or tension on wires, or insulation can be damaged. This is a shock and fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary.

38) One or more bushings were missing from where wires enter holes in panel(s) #B. This is a potential safety hazard because the wiring insulation can be cut or abraded on the metal edge of the hole(s). Recommend that a qualified electrician install bushings where missing.

39) One or more knockouts were missing from panel(s) #B. Holes in panels are a potential fire hazard if a malfunction ever occurs inside the panel. Rodents can also enter panels through holes. Recommend that a qualified person install knockout covers where missing and per standard building practices.

40) One or more wires inside panel(s) #B were loose, and were not terminated. This poses a safety hazard for shock and/or fire. Recommend that a qualified electrician remove any abandoned wiring or repair as necessary. For example, by trimming wires to length and installing wire nuts.

41) One or more cover plates for switches, receptacles (outlets) or junction boxes were missing or broken. These plates are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from occurring due to exposed wires. Recommend that a qualified person install cover plates where necessary.

42) Branch circuit wiring installed in buildings built prior to the mid 1980s is typically rated for a maximum temperature of only 60 degrees Celsius. This includes non-metallic sheathed (Romex) wiring, and both BX and AC metal-clad flexible wiring. Knob and tube wiring, typically installed in homes built prior to 1950, may be rated for even lower maximum temperatures. Newer electric fixtures including lighting and fans typically require wiring rated for 90 degrees Celsius. Connecting newer fixtures to older, 60-degree-rated wiring is a potential fire hazard. Repairs for such conditions may involve replacing the last few feet of wiring to newer fixtures with new 90-degree-rated wire, and installing a junction box to join the old and new wiring.

It is beyond the scope of this inspection to determine if such incompatible components are installed, or to determine the extent to which they're installed. Based on the age of this building, the client should be aware of this safety hazard, both for existing fixtures and when planning to upgrade with newer fixtures. Consult with a qualified electrician for repairs as necessary.

43) One or more electrical components including switches and/or receptacles appeared to be older than their intended service life. Such old components may pose a fire or shock hazard. Recommend consulting with a qualified electrician to determine which components should be replaced with newer, modern components.

46) Based on gas odors and/or gas detector readings, gas appeared to be leaking at one or more local shut-off valves. This is an explosion and fire hazard. A qualified contractor and/or the gas utility company should evaluate and repair immediately.

Water heater

47) One or more flexible gas supply connectors were routed through a metal cabinet. Solid iron pipe should be used where gas supply lines are routed through holes in metal cabinets. Continued vibration from this equipment may cause the edge of the metal cabinet to wear through the flexible connector, resulting in gas leaks. This is an explosion and/or fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices.

48) 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

For more information visit:
http://www.reporthost.com/?LEADDW
http://www.reporthost.com/?LEAD

49) One or more leaks were found in water supply pipes or fittings. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.

50) The main water shut-off valve was leaking. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair or replace the valve as necessary.

51) One or more leaks were found in the shower supply valves. A qualified plumber should repair as necessary.

52) No sediment trap was installed in the gas supply line at the Water Heater. 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.

54) The last service date of the gas or oil-fired forced air furnace 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:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ANFURINSP

55) The barometric draft damper for the furnace was . This may result in improper drafting and is a potential safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified heating contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.

Corroded, rusty

56) One or more heating or cooling ducts in an unconditioned space (e.g. crawl space, attic or basement) were not insulated, or the insulation was damaged or deteriorated. This can result in reduced energy efficiency, moisture inside heating ducts, and/or "sweating" on cooling ducts. Recommend that a qualified person repair per standard building practices. For example, by wrapping ducts in insulation with an R-value of R-8.

58) The inspector was unable to verify that the glass used in one or more doors by the shower at location(s) #B was approved safety glass. Glazing that is not approved safety glass located in areas subject to human impact is a potential safety hazard. Standard building practices require that approved safety glass be used in enclosures for bathtubs, showers, spas, saunas and steam rooms, and in windows where the bottom edge of the window is less than 60 inches above the drain inlet or standing surface. Wire-reinforced glass is not acceptable. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate further to determine if glazing is approved safety glass, and replace glass if necessary, and per standard building practices.

59) The toilet at location(s) #B didn't flush or had a weak flush. Recommend that a qualified plumber evaluate and repair or replace the toilet as necessary.

60) The toilet at location(s) #A and B 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.

61) The toilet at location(s) #A ran water continuously or didn't shut off after being flushed, and water leaked from the tank into the bowl. Significant amounts of water can be lost through such leaks. If this system uses a septic system, the septic system can be overloaded and cause significant and potentially expensive damage. A qualified person should repair or replace components as necessary.

62) One or more bathtub faucet handles at location(s) #A were loose. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace handles as necessary.

63) The shower enclosure at location(s) #B was deteriorated, damaged or substandard. Water can damage the wall structure as a result. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace the surround as necessary.

65) One or more sliding glass doors were difficult to open or close. Recommend that a qualified person maintain, repair or replace door(s) as necessary. Often, cleaning the track and applying a lubricant will help.

66) Minor cracks, nail pops and/or blemishes were found in walls and/or ceilings in one or more areas. 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:
http://www.reporthost.com/?ECC