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

2) Evidence of rodent infestation was found in the form of feces, urine stains and/or traps in the attic, crawl space and/or water heater closet. Consult with the property owner about this. A qualified person should make repairs to seal openings in the structure, set traps, and clean rodent waste as necessary. Recommend following guidelines in these Center for Disease Control articles:
https://www.reporthost.com/?SEALUP
https://www.reporthost.com/?TRAPUP
https://www.reporthost.com/?CLEANUP

7) Some sections of siding and/or trim were damaged. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install siding or trim as necessary.

10) Evidence of rodent infestation was found in the form of traps in the crawl space. Consult with the property owner about this. A qualified person should make repairs to seal openings in the structure, set traps, and clean rodent waste as necessary. Recommend following guidelines in these Center for Disease Control articles:
https://www.reporthost.com/?SEALUP
https://www.reporthost.com/?TRAPUP
https://www.reporthost.com/?CLEANUP

12) Some sections of the crawl space at location A and B were not evaluated due to lack of access because 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.

15) Some composition shingles were damaged. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. For example, by replacing shingles.

22) Ceiling insulation was significantly damaged or deteriorated, apparently by rodents. This may result in reduced energy efficiency and may produce unpleasant odors. For energy efficiency and sanitary reasons, recommend that a qualified contractor replace all ceiling insulation. ( rodent tunneling)

23) One or more roof trusses were cut, damaged or modified (split/cracked-garage). The roof structure has likely been weakened as a result. Trusses are engineered components and shouldn't be cut or modified by builders or homeowners. Repairs may involve restoring the trusses to their original condition or configuration. Recommend that a licensed structural engineer evaluate and prescribe repairs as necessary. A qualified contractor should perform repairs per the engineer's specifications.

24) The auto-reverse mechanism on one or more automatic openers for garage vehicle doors required excessive force. This is a potential safety hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary. For more information on garage door safety issues, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?NRGD

27) Substandard wiring was found at the interior rooms. For example, extension or lamp cord used as permanent wiring. This is a safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair as necessary and per standard building practices.

28) One or more electric receptacles at the kitchen, bathroom(s) and/or garage 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?GFCI

29) One or more receptacles were broken or damaged. This is a potential shock or fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician replace such receptacles as necessary.

30) One or more receptacles were worn. Worn receptacles can work intermittently or when the plug is wiggled. They can overheat or arc and spark due to loose connections. This is a potential fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician replace such receptacles as necessary.

31) Smoke alarms were missing from one or more bedrooms. Smoke alarms should be installed as necessary so a functioning alarm exists in each hallway leading to bedrooms, in each bedroom and on each level. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRM

32) One or more cover plates for switches, receptacles 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.

33) 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 on each level and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?COALRM

34) One or more ceiling fans were noted to be wired without a wall switch. Recommend contacting a qualified electrician to evaluated further and repair as needed per local standards.

35) One or more receptacles had a prong from a plug broken off in a slot, or slot(s) were clogged with foreign objects. Recommend that a qualified electrician replace such receptacles as necessary.

36) The legend for circuit breakers or fuses in panel(s) #A was missing, incomplete, illegible or confusing. 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 may be necessary.

Duct tape

37) One or more light fixtures were inoperable (didn't turn on when nearby switches were operated). Recommend further evaluation by replacing bulbs and/or consulting with the property owner. If replacing bulbs doesn't work and/or no other switch(es) can be found, then recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and repair or replace light fixtures as necessary.

39) Water was discolored when bathtubs or sinks were filled, or when showers were operated. This can be caused by water stagnating in water supply pipes, rust accumulating in pipes or in the water heater, or sediment being present in the water supply. Recommend flushing the water supply piping and the water heater. If that fails to resolve the issue, then have a qualified plumber evaluate and repair as necessary.

40) One or more leaks were found in water supply valves (sprinkler valves). A qualified plumber should repair as necessary.

41) 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.

42) Based on visible equipment or information provided to the inspector, this property appeared to have a yard irrigation (sprinkler) system. These 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. When this system is operated, recommend verifying that water is not directed at building exteriors, or directed so water accumulates around building foundations. Sprinkler heads may need to be adjusted, replaced or disabled. Consider having a qualified plumber verify that a backflow prevention device is installed per standard building practices to prevent cross-contamination of potable water. Recommend that a qualified specialist evaluate the irrigation system for other defects (e.g. leaks, damaged or malfunctioning sprinkler heads) and repair if necessary.

43) Galvanized steel water supply pipes were found. Based on the age of this structure and the 40-60 year useful life of this piping, it will likely need replacing in the future. Leaks can develop, flooding and/or water damage may occur, flow can be restricted due to scale accumulating inside the piping, and water may be rusty. Note that it is beyond the scope of this inspection to determine what percentage of the piping is older, galvanized steel, as much of it is concealed in wall, floor and/or ceiling cavities. Recommend the following:

• That a qualified plumber evaluate to better understand or estimate the remaining life
• Consulting with a qualified plumber about replacement options and costs
• Budget for replacement in the future
• Monitor these pipes for leaks and decreased flow in the future
• Consider replacing old, galvanized steel piping proactively

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

44) A water filtration system was installed on the premises. These 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. Filter cartridges typically need replacing periodically. Cleaning and other maintenance may also be needed. Recommend consulting with the property owner about this system to determine its condition, required maintenance, age, expected remaining life, etc. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?WTRFLTR

45) The draft hood for the water heater flue was loose. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of exhaust gases entering living spaces. A qualified person should permanently secure the draft hood with appropriate fasteners per standard building practices.

47) The furnace burner flames "rolled out" of the combustion chamber. This is a fire hazard due to the possibility of excessive heat damaging heating components, controls and wiring. Recommend that a qualified heating contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.

48) 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?ANFURINSP

49) Because of the age and/or condition of the forced air furnace, recommend that a qualified HVAC contractor inspect the heat exchanger and perform a carbon monoxide test when it's serviced. Note that these tests are beyond the scope of a standard home inspection.

50) The estimated useful life for most forced air furnaces is 15-20 years. This furnace 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.

51) The estimated useful life for most heat pumps and air conditioning condensing units is 10-15 years. This unit 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.

19yrs old

52) The forced air heating or cooling system was cycling quickly. Recommend that a qualified HVAC contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.

53) 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 permanent repairs as necessary. For example, by securely supporting ducts and installing approved tape or mastic at seams.

54) 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.

56) No spark screen or rain cap was installed at one or more chimney flue terminations. Spark screens reduce the chance of embers exiting the flue and causing fires. They also prevent wildlife (e.g. birds, rodents, raccoons) from entering flues. Rain caps prevent water from entering flues, mixing with combustion deposits and creating caustic chemicals which can corrode flues. They also prevent damage to masonry from freeze-thaw cycles and prevent metal components (e.g. dampers, metal firebox liners) from rusting. Recommend that a qualified person install rain caps with spark screens per standard building practices where missing.

57) One or more masonry chimney crowns were worn and/or cracked. Crowns are meant to keep water off of the chimney structure and prevent damage from freeze-thaw cycles. Chimney crowns are commonly constructed by mounding concrete or mortar on the top chimney surface, however this is substandard. A properly constructed chimney crown should:

• Be constructed using either precast concrete slabs, cast-in-place steel reinforced concrete, solid stone, or metal
• Be sloped down from the flue a minimum of 3 inches of fall per foot of run
• Extend a minimum of 2 1/2 inches beyond the face of the chimney on all sides
• Not directly contact the flue liner (if installed), with the gap filled with flexible caulk
• Have flashing installed between the bottom of the crown and the top of the brick chimney

Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace crowns as necessary, and per standard building practices.

58) One or more fireplaces or stoves did not respond to normal controls (e.g. on/off switch, thermostat, remote control) and were not fully evaluated as a result. The inspector only operates normal controls and does not light pilot lights or operate gas shut-off valves. Consult with the property owner, review all documentation for such gas appliances, and become familiar with the lighting procedure. If necessary, a qualified specialist should assist in lighting such appliances, and make any needed repairs.

59) Countertops and/or backsplashes were damaged or deteriorated. Recommend repairing or replacing as necessary.

60) Water damage was found in shelving or cabinets below the sink. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary after any plumbing leaks have been repaired. If moisture is present then concealed areas should be dried thoroughly.

61) The glass in the oven door was cracked or broken. Recommend that a qualified person replace this glass.

64) Flooring at the base of the toilet at location(s) #A was stained. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, by removing the toilet, making repairs to the sub-floor if necessary, replacing flooring if necessary, and installing a new wax ring when the toilet is reinstalled.

65) The hot water supply flow for the sink at location(s) #B was low or inoperable. Recommend that a qualified plumber evaluate and repair as necessary.

66) The toilet at location(s) #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.

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

68) One or more handles controlling water flow to the shower at location(s) #A and B were loose. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace handles as necessary.

69) A significant amount of water came out of the bathtub spout when the shower at location(s) #A was turned on. The diverter valve is likely defective, or may be encrusted with mineral deposits. Water will be wasted as a result. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair or replace components as necessary.

74) Stains were found in the shelving or cabinets below the sink at location(s) #A and B. Plumbing leaks may have occurred in the past. Consult with the property owner about this, and if necessary that a qualified person evaluate and repair.

75) Some ceilings in this structure had ceiling texture possibly installed prior to the mid-1980s. This material may contain asbestos, which is a known health hazard. Laws were passed in the United States in 1978 prohibiting use of asbestos in residential structures, but stocks of existing materials were used for some time thereafter. The client may wish to have this ceiling material tested by a qualified lab to determine if it does contain asbestos.

In most cases, when the material is intact and in good condition, keeping it encapsulated with paint and not disturbing it may reduce or effectively eliminate the health hazard. If the client wishes to remove the material, or plans to disturb it through remodeling, they should have it tested by a qualified lab and/or consult with a qualified industrial hygienist or asbestos abatement specialist. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?AITH

76) Stains were found in one or more ceiling areas. The inspector was unable to determine if an active leak exists (e.g. recent dry weather, inaccessible height). Recommend asking the property owner about this, monitoring the stains in the future, and/or having a qualified contractor evaluate and repair if necessary.

77) Some interior door hardware (hinges) were damaged, loose and/or missing. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.