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Granted Eye Home Inspections

http://Grantedeyeinspections.com
grantedeye@gmail.com
Inspector: Lowell Grant

Summary

Client(s):  Terrin Baskin
Property address:  1790 Bailey Ln, Lithia Springs, Ga 30122
Inspection date:  Monday, March 1, 2021

This report published on Monday, March 1, 2021 10:21:26 PM EST

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.

Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types:
Concern typeSafetyPoses a safety hazard
Concern typeMajor DefectCorrection likely involves a significant expense
Concern typeRepair/ReplaceRecommend repairing or replacing
Concern typeRepair/MaintainRecommend repair and/or maintenance
Concern typeMinor DefectCorrection likely involves only a minor expense
Concern typeMaintainRecommend ongoing maintenance
Concern typeEvaluateRecommend evaluation by a specialist
Concern typeMonitorRecommend monitoring in the future
Concern typeCommentFor your information


General Information
1) One or more hornet, bee or wasp nests were found at the building exterior. These can pose a safety hazard. A qualified person should remove nests or exterminate as necessary.

Grounds
3) Soil was in contact with one or more wooden deck, porch or balcony support posts. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying organisms. Even if posts are made of treated wood, the cut ends below soil may not have been field treated. Recommend grading soil or repairing as necessary to prevent wood-soil contact.
4) Soil was in contact with or close to wooden stairs at one or more locations. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Soil should be graded and/or removed so no wood-soil contact is present, if possible. Otherwise, installing products such as borate-based Impel rods may help to prevent infestation and damage. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?IMPEL
5) Cracks, holes, settlement, heaving and/or deterioration were found in the driveway. Recommend that qualified contractor repair as necessary.
6) Significant erosion was found in one or more areas. Recommend having a qualified person evaluate and make repairs as necessary to repair erosion, and to prevent erosion in the future.

Exterior and Foundation
9) The masonry (brick or stone) veneer was deteriorated or damaged in some areas. Where cracks or openings are exposed, water may enter the wall structure causing mold, fungal growth and structural damage. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. For example, by repointing mortar or replacing broken or missing masonry.
10) Some sections of siding and/or trim were Cracked. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install siding or trim as necessary.
11) 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.
12) "Honeycombing" was found in one or more sections of the concrete foundation. This occurs when aggregate and sand in the concrete mixture bunches into clusters and fails to mix with the cement paste. This can be caused because the concrete mix was too stiff, by inadequate consolidation (insufficient use of a mechanical concrete vibrator) and/or pouring the concrete from too high of an elevation. In many cases honeycombing is only a cosmetic issue, but it does make concrete susceptible to water infiltration. Where honeycombing is accessible, recommend that a qualified person fill voids with an approved material such as hydraulic cement or non-shrinking grout.

When honeycombing is visible, it may also exist in hidden areas. Honeycombing can result in mold growth in absorbent flooring materials (e.g. carpeting and mortar joints), and can cause rigid flooring materials to warp and buckle.
13) 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.
14) Caulk was missing in some areas. For example, at siding-trim junctions. Recommend that a qualified person renew or install caulk as necessary. Where gaps are wider than 1/4 inch, an appropriate material other than caulk should be used. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?CAULK

Roof
16) 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."
17) Fungal rot or significant water damage was found at one or more roof areas at soffits. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. For example, by replacing all rotten wood, priming and painting new wood and installing flashing.
18) The siding on one or more exterior walls was in contact with or too close to roof surfaces below. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. There should be a gap of 1 1/2 to 2 inches between a roof surface and siding above. The gap is meant to prevent water from wicking up into the bottom edge of the siding and causing fugal rot, or damaging the siding. There may also be inadequate space for additional layers of roofing materials in the future. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices. For example, by trimming the siding.
19) One or more roofing nails or staples were loose, resulting in holes in shingles, loose shingles or lifting shingles. Leaks may occur and can be a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.
20) One or more downspouts or elbows were loose or detached. Rainwater can come in contact with the building exterior or accumulate around the foundation as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

Attic and Roof Structure
22) The pull-down attic stairs were not insulated. Typically, such stairs that are not insulated also do not have any weatherstripping installed. Recommend that a qualified person install insulation and weatherstripping per standard building practices for better energy efficiency. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?INSATTSTRS

Garage or Carport
23) The door between the garage and the house did not appear to be fire resistant, or the inspector was unable to verify that it was via a label. This is a potential safety hazard. House to garage doors, to prevent fire and fumes from spreading from the garage into interior living space, should be constructed of fire-resistant materials. Doors, generally considered to be suitable for the purpose, are solid core wood, steel, honeycomb steel or a door that has been factory labeled as fire rated. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace or repair the door and, at that time, make any other corrections that might be required to provide suitable fire resistance between the garage and the dwelling per standard building practices. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?AGFR

Electric
26) No permanently installed smoke alarms were found. This is a potential safety hazard. A qualified electrician should install smoke alarms per standard building practices (e.g. in hallways leading to bedrooms, in each bedroom, on each floor and in attached garages). For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRM
27) Based on the age of this structure and the appearance of existing smoke alarms, the alarms may have been installed more than 10 years ago. According to National Fire Protection Association, aging smoke alarms don't operate as efficiently and often are the source for nuisance alarms. Older smoke alarms are estimated to have a 30% probability of failure within the first 10 years. Newer smoke alarms do better, but should be replaced after 10 years. Unless you know that the smoke alarms are new, replacing them when moving into a new residence is also recommended by NFPA. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?SMKALRMLS
28) 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.

Water Heater
31) 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.
32) 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?SCALD

Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC)
34) The estimated useful life for most forced air furnaces is 15-20 years. This furnace appeared to be at 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.
35) 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.
36) 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) The pad for the heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit was not level. This unit requires adequate support. The compressor may be damaged if this unit is tilted 10 degrees or more. Also, the pad should elevate the unit above the soil to prevent corrosion. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.
38) Recommend that home buyers replace or clean HVAC filters upon taking occupancy depending on the type of filters installed. Regardless of the type, recommend checking filters monthly in the future and replacing or cleaning them as necessary. How frequently they need replacing or cleaning depends on the type and quality of the filter, how the system is configured (e.g. always on vs. "Auto"), and on environmental factors (e.g. pets, smoking, frequency of house cleaning, number of occupants, the season).

Kitchen
44) The ignitor was slow to light one or more cooktop burners. Recommend that a qualified person evaluate and repair as necessary.
45) One or more leaks were found at water supply lines for the sink. A qualified plumber should repair as necessary.
46) One or more control knobs for the range, cooktop or oven were damaged. Recommend replacing knobs as necessary.

Bathrooms, Laundry and Sinks
53) Caulk around the base of the toilet at location(s) #A was missing, substandard and/or deteriorated. Modern standards require caulk to be installed around the entire toilet base where it meets the floor for sanitary reasons. Without it, soiled water can soak into flooring and sub-floor materials if the toilet overflows. Condensation from the toilet can also soak into the flooring. Recommend that a qualified person caulk around toilet bases per standard building practices.

Interior, Doors and Windows
64) One or more window screens were damaged or deteriorated. These window(s) may not provide ventilation during months when insects are active. Recommend replacing window screens as necessary.
65) One or more ceilings were cracked. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.
66) One or more interior doors wouldn't latch or were difficult to latch. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by adjusting latch plates or locksets.

Toilet room