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Ark Engineering Consultant, P.C.

213-37 39th Ave, Suite 298 
Bayside NY 11361-2071
Inspector: Rich Lee

Summary

Client(s):  Ms. Cordelia Li
Property address:  47 Roosevelt Ave
Syosset NY 11791-3013
Inspection date:  Saturday, March 19, 2022

This report published on Monday, March 21, 2022 5:11:43 PM EDT

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) The inspector operates only "normal" controls such as faucets, and does not operate shut-off valves to the water meter or building. As a result, plumbing supply, drain waste and vent lines, traps, pumps, fixtures, and some appliances such as water heaters weren't fully evaluated. The water pressure was not determined. Recommend that a qualified person make a full evaluation of the plumbing system. Areas below the building should be evaluated after plumbing has been operated to check for leaks. Any problems that are found after this evaluation should be repaired by a qualified plumber.

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

Exterior and Foundation
6) The masonry (brick or stone) veneer was deteriorated or damaged in some areas. Where cracks or openings are exposed, water can 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.
7) One or more windows or doors were installed with no "drip cap" or "Z" flashings installed above them. Better building practices call for such flashings, which greatly reduce the chance of leaks above windows and doors. Without this flashing, caulk and paint must be maintained or water can enter the wall structure and cause rot and possible structural damage. Depending on the exposure (e.g. roof overhang, height of exterior wall, direction of prevailing rain) this may or may not be an issue. The client should monitor these areas in the future and maintain caulk and paint as necessary. Consult with a qualified contractor about installing flashings where needed, and per standard building practices. Note that when trim or siding is removed to install flashing, damaged wood may be found and additional repairs may be needed.
8) 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.
9) 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.
10) Trees were in contact with or were close to the building at one or more locations. Damage to the building can occur, especially during high winds, or may have already occurred (see other comments in this report). Recommend that a qualified tree service contractor or certified arborist remove trees as necessary to prevent damage to the building exterior.

Basement
11) Evidence of prior water intrusion was found in one or more sections of the basement. For example, water stains or rust at support post bases, efflorescence on the foundation, etc. Accumulated water is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms and should not be present in the basement. Recommend reviewing any disclosure statements available and ask the property owner about past accumulation of water in the basement. The basement 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 basements 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 basements, but if water must be controlled after it enters the basement, then typical repairs include installing a sump pump.
12) One or more minor cracks (1/8 inch or less) were found in the foundation. These didn't appear to be a structural concern, but recommend sealing them to prevent water infiltration and monitor them in the future. Numerous products exist to seal such cracks including hydraulic cement, non-shrinking grout, resilient caulks and epoxy sealants.

Roof
14) One or more roof flashings were missing. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

The chimney flashing appeared to be missing, damaged, or beyond its lifespan.

Fireplaces, Stoves, Chimneys and Flues
18) One or more solid fuel-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 solid fuel-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

Bathrooms, Laundry and Sinks
19) Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found around the sink or bathtub at location(s) #A. Water can penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by installing or replacing caulk.

Interior, Doors and Windows
20) 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.