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

3) Flashing appeared to be missing from above one or more deck or porch 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?LB
https://www.reporthost.com/?SD

4) Handrails at one or more flights of stairs were loose and/or wobbly. This is a safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

5) Fungal rot was found in support posts at one or more structures covering decks, patios and/or porches. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

6) Wooden support posts for the deck or porch were resting directly on concrete piers or footings below. Water may wick up into the support post ends and result in elevated levels of moisture in the wooden support post ends. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Support posts should rest in metal brackets above concrete piers or footings, or should be separated from the concrete below by impervious membranes such as composition shingle scraps. Even if posts are made of treated wood the cut ends may not have been field-treated, leaving little or no preservative at the post center. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices. For example, by installing composition shingle scraps between the posts and the concrete below.

7) Minor deterioration (e.g. cracks, holes, settlement, heaving) was found in the driveway, but no trip hazards were found. The client may wish to have repairs made for cosmetic reasons.

8) The asphalt driveway surface was worn and is prone to developing cracks from water penetration. Recommend that a qualified person reseal the driveway. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?RAD

9) 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.

10) Some nails securing decking boards were loose and were not flush with the surfaces of boards. Boards are more likely to loosen and warp. This may pose a safety hazard to those with bare feet. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by replacing nails or installing screws. Note that existing nails that are simply pounded back in will be likely to loosen again.

11) Trees were in contact with or were close to the building at one or more locations. Damage to the building may 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.

12) One or more large trees were very close to the foundation. Tree roots can cause significant structural damage to foundations, or may have already caused damage (see other comments in this report). Recommend that a qualified tree service contractor or certified arborist remove trees as necessary to prevent damage to foundations.

13) Many sections of siding and/or trim were peeling. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install siding or trim as necessary.

overall house is in need of painting to prevent further deterioration.

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) 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.

16) 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.

17) a section of exterior wall was has a significant bulge, unable to determine cause recommend a licensed contractor to evaluate and repair as necessary.

18) The paint or stain finish over much of the entire structure 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 entire building exterior per standard building practices. Any repairs needed to the siding or trim should be made prior to this.

19) Caulk was missing and/or deteriorated in some areas. For example, around windows, around doors and/or at wall penetrations. 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

22) Handrails at one or more flights of stairs were not graspable and posed a fall hazard. Handrails should be 1 1/4 - 2 inches in diameter if round, or 2 5/8 inches or less in width if flat. Recommend that a qualified person install graspable handrails or modify existing handrails per standard building practices.

23) Handrails at one or more flights of stairs were not continuous or did not extend the full length of the stairs. This is a potential fall hazard. Handrails should be continuous for the entire length of the stairs. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace or repair handrails per standard building practices.

24) Guardrails at one or more locations with drop-offs higher than 30 inches had gaps that were too large. This poses a safety hazard for children (e.g. falling, getting stuck in railing). Guardrails should not have gaps or voids that allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than 4 inches in diameter, or 6 inches in diameter at triangular spaces between stair edges and guardrails. At a minimum, the client should be aware of this hazard. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace guardrails per standard building practices.

25) One or more handrails had no returns installed, 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.

26) Handrails at one or more flights of stairs were loose and/or wobbly. This is a safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

27) The only entrance/exit to the basement appeared to be the basement stairs. While this is common in older homes, modern standards require a secondary escape for use in the event of fire or an emergency. Such entrances/exits should allow entry by emergency personnel and their equipment. It is beyond the scope of this inspection to verify compliance with the current codes, and codes are generally not retroactive. Consult with a window/door contractor and/or the local municipal building officials regarding egress guidelines.

28) Glass in one or more windows was cracked, broken and/or missing. Recommend that a qualified contractor replace glass where necessary.

29) One or more windows that were designed to open and close were difficult to open and close. Recommend that a qualified person repair windows as necessary so they open and close easily.

recommend replacing all basement windows.

30) No under-floor insulation was installed in the unheated basement. 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.

32) 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.

33) Significant amounts of debris such as leaves, needles, seeds, etc. have accumulated on the roof surface. Water may not flow easily off the roof, and can enter gaps in the roof surface. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend cleaning debris from the roof surface now and as necessary in the future.

34) Vegetation such as trees, shrubs, and/or vines overhung the roof surface or were in contact with the roof edge. Organic debris such as leaves or needles are likely to accumulate in gutters and on the roof surface. Gutters can overflow and cause water to come in contact with the building exterior or water can accumulate around the foundation. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Vegetation in contact with the roof can damage the roof surface and/or the roof drainage system. Recommend pruning vegetation so as to not be in contact with the roof and to not overhang the roof surface. If vegetation is too tall then it should be pruned at least 10 feet above the roof surface.

35) The attic access hatch, door or stairs was located or configured so that it posed a safety hazard for falling when attempting to enter the attic. Recommend that a qualified contractor relocate or reconfigure the access per standard building practices to eliminate this hazard.

36) One or more indoor attic access hatch covers or doors were missing, damaged and/or substandard. When located indoors, conditioned air can enter the attic. Energy efficiency can be reduced, moisture can form in the attic, attic air laden with insulation fibers can enter living spaces, and/or pets can enter the attic . This is also a fire hazard as attic access hatch covers and doors are meant to stop or slow the spread of fire into the attic. A qualified person should replace, install or repair hatches or doors as necessary and per standard building practices. Each access point should be insulated and sealed with weatherstripping. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?ATTACC

37) One or more gable end vents were damaged or significantly deteriorated. This can result in bird, vermin and/or water intrusion. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace gable end vents as necessary.

38) 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

39) The door between the house and the garage wouldn't latch when closed. This is meant to be a fire-resistant door for safety reasons, and should latch when closed. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

40) Weatherstripping around or at the base of the door between the garage and the house was substandard. House to garage doors should prevent fire and fumes from spreading from the garage to the house. Weatherstripping should form a seal around this door. This is a potential safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified person replace or install weatherstripping as necessary.

41) One or more exterior doors were difficult to latch. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

42) Weatherstripping around one or more exterior doors was deteriorated. Water may enter the building, or energy efficiency may be reduced. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace weatherstripping as necessary.

45) One or more clamps that secure the electric service's grounding electrode conductor(s) to a water pipe were corroded. Grounding may be substandard as a result and may be a safety hazard for shock. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary. For example, by tightening clamps.

46) One or more electric receptacles at the kitchen, bathroom(s), master bath and/or laundry area 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

47) The service drop wires had no drip loop where they attached to the service mast, or the drip loop was substandard. This can result in water entering electric panels, and is a potential shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair per standard building practices.

48) Panel(s) #A were Pushmatic brand panels. These panels are found in older electrical systems. Their circuit breakers are known to become very stiff and difficult to operate or reset over time. Breakers may remain on after attempts to trip or turn them off have been made. They also have an indicator flag that falsely indicates the on/off/tripped state. The breakers rely on thermal tripping only, whereas modern breakers have both thermal and magnetic trip mechanisms. These conditions pose shock and fire hazards. Replacement circuit breakers and spare parts are usually difficult to find, and are expensive. Recommend that a qualified electrician replace Pushmatic brand panels with modern panels that offer more flexibility for new, safer protective technologies like ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCls) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCls).

49) 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.

50) No electric receptacle was found in one or more bathrooms. This is an inconvenience and a potential safety hazard since extension cords from other locations may be used. Recommend that a qualified electrician install ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacle(s) in bathrooms as necessary and per standard building practices.

51) Light fixtures with fully or partially exposed incandescent bulbs were installed in one or more closets. This is a fire hazard. Flammable stored items can come into contact with hot bulbs, or hot fragments from broken bulbs can fall on combustible materials. Closet lighting should use fluorescent light fixtures or fully enclosed incandescent fixtures. Installing a compact fluorescent lamp in a lamp holder is not an acceptable practice. If globes or covers are missing, they should be replaced. Otherwise recommend that a qualified electrician replace closet lights per standard building practices.

52) 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

53) 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

54) One or more wall-mounted exterior light fixtures had no caulk installed above the back plate. Water can enter the space behind the back plate and contact wiring. This is a potential shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified person apply caulk above and around the back plate per standard building practices. A gap should be left at the bottom of the plate so that condensation can drain out.

55) The inspector was unable to open and evaluate panel(s) #A because . The condition of these panel(s) is unknown and they are excluded from this inspection. Repairs may be needed. Recommend that a qualified person correct conditions, or that a qualified contractor make repairs if necessary so panels can be opened, and that a qualified person fully evaluate panel(s).

unable to open panel due to rusted screws

56) One or more receptacles have been painted, and slots were clogged with paint. Recommend that a qualified electrician replace such receptacles as necessary.

57) One or more globes or covers for light fixtures were missing or damaged. Recommend replacing as necessary to avoid exposed bulbs. With closet lighting or where flammable stored objects are near light fixtures, missing or broken covers can be a fire hazard.

58) 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.

60) 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?LEADDW
https://www.reporthost.com/?LEAD

61) One or more hose bibs appeared to be inoperable. No water flowed from the bib(s) when turned on. This may be due to a shut-off valve being turned off. Note that the inspector does not operate shut-off valves. Recommend consulting with the property owner about inoperable hose bibs, and if necessary have a qualified plumber make repairs.

62) One or more hose bibs were not the "frost-free" design, and are more likely to freeze during cold weather than frost-free hose bibs. Recommend that a qualified plumber upgrade these with frost-free hose bibs to prevent freezing, pipes bursting, flooding and possible water damage.

63) The sump pump discharge pipe was routed so that it drained close to the foundation. Prolonged, high levels of moisture in soil can cause foundation settlement and failure. If drainage is near a crawl space or basement, water can accumulate in these spaces. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary so the discharge pipe terminates well away from the foundation and to soil that is sloping down and away from the foundation.

64) Steel piping for the gas service located outside was significantly corroded. Gas leaks can result. Recommend evaluation by a qualified contractor to determine if piping needs replacing. If not, then a qualified person should prep and paint lines as necessary with a rust-preventative paint. Very corroded pipes should be replaced by a qualified contractor.

68) No drain line was installed for the boiler's temperature-pressure relief valve. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of scalding if someone is standing next to the boiler when the valve opens. Recommend that a qualified heating contractor or plumber install a drain line per standard building practices.

69) The furnace burner flame was not blue in color. Various conditions can cause incorrect flames (not blue, noisy, floating) including incorrect drafting, dirty burner orifices and improper gas pressure. Recommend that a qualified heating contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.

71) 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?CSIA

72) The brick chimney was moderately deteriorated. For example, loose or missing mortar, cracked, broken, loose or spalled bricks. Loose bricks can pose a safety hazard, and deteriorated masonry can allow water to infiltrate the chimney structure and cause further damage. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.

73) One or more masonry chimney crowns were 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.

74) Mortar at the brick chimney was deteriorated (e.g. loose, missing, cracked). As a result, water is likely to infiltrate the chimney structure and cause further damage. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary. For example, by repointing the mortar.

75) One or more cabinets, drawers and/or cabinet doors were loose. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.

77) The clothes dryer was equipped with a vinyl or mylar, accordion-type, flexible exhaust duct. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission considers these types of ducts to be unsafe, and a fire hazard. They can trap lint and are susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the air flow and cause overheating. Recommend that such ducts be replaced with a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, and by a qualified contractor if necessary. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?DRYER

78) The shower door at location(s) #B was difficult to open or close. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

79) The shower head at location(s) # was LOOSE. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

80) The bathroom with a shower or bathtub at location(s) #B and C didn't have an exhaust fan installed. Moisture can accumulate and result in mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Even if the bathroom has a window that opens, it may not provide adequate ventilation, especially during cold weather when windows are closed or when wind blows air into the bathroom. Recommend that a qualified contractor install exhaust fans per standard building practices where missing in bathrooms with showers or bathtubs.

81) The laundry room didn't have an exhaust fan installed. Moisture can accumulate and result in mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Recommend that a qualified contractor install an exhaust fan per standard building practices.

82) Water was leaking at the sink faucet base or handles at location(s) #B. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair as necessary.

83) The bathtub drain stopper mechanism at location(s) #B was inoperable. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.

84) The clothes dryer exhaust duct was DIRTY in one or more places. Clothes dryers produce large amounts of moisture which should not enter structure interiors. Moisture can accumulate and result in mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Recommend that a qualified person make permanent repairs as necessary. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?DRYER

85) Recommend cleaning and sealing the grout in flooring at location(s) #A, B and C now and in the future as necessary to prevent staining and to improve waterproofing.

87) One or more exterior doors were difficult to latch. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

88) One or more interior doors were missing. Recommend that a qualified person replace or repair doors as necessary.

89) One or more windows that were designed to open and close were difficult to open and close. Recommend that a qualified person repair windows as necessary so they open and close easily.

90) One or more interior doors were sticking in the door jamb and were difficult to operate. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. For example, by trimming doors.

91) 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:
https://www.reporthost.com/?ECC

92) The glazing compound or caulk that holds glass panes in one or more windows was deteriorated and/or substandard. Air and/or water can leak through windows, and wood window frames are prone to rot. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person replace glazing compound as necessary. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?PUTTY