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) Masonry steps have settled significantly, or significant cracks or deterioration were found. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or replace steps as necessary.

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

7) Caulk was deteriorated and/or substandard in some areas. For example, 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

10) 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.

11) 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.

12) Fungal rot was found at one or more exterior door jambs. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary. All rotten wood should be replaced.

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

16) Substandard repairs were found at one or more locations on the roof surface. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair per standard building practices.

17) Blisters were found in the flat or low-slope roof surface. Blisters can be caused by improper heating of asphalt, bad adhesion between plys, dry laps, and/or improper torching depending on what materials and methods of installation were used. Moisture and air trapped between layers can vaporize due to heat from the sun and result in blisters. It may not be necessary to repair all blisters, but in some cases, such as when blisters are large or near seams, repair may be needed. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.

18) Sealant was used at one or more roof penetrations (e.g. pipes, vents, chimneys) rather than flashing. Sealant is not required for most roof penetrations when installations of such items are done professionally and per standard building practices. The presence of sealant suggests that work was performed by someone who was not a qualified contractor. The sealant will be a maintenance issue in the future since it must be renewed periodically. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair where necessary and per standard building practices. For example, by removing sealant and installing flashing.

19) One or more flashings at parapet walls were substandard. Leaks can occur as a result. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

21) One or more clamps that secure the electric service's grounding electrode conductor(s) to a were . 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.

22) One or more electric receptacles at the kitchen 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

23) Electrical Panel(s) # had inadequate working space. This is a safety hazard when opening or working in panels. Electric panels should have the following clearances:

• An open area 30 inches wide by 3 feet deep in front of the panel
• 6 feet 6 inches of headroom in front of the panel
• The wall below the panel is clear to the floor
• The center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker not more than 6 feet 7 inches above the floor or working platform

Recommend that a qualified contractor repair or make modifications per standard building practices. If panels must be opened for repairs, then a qualified electrician should perform repairs.

24) 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.

25) One or more electric receptacles had reverse-polarity wiring, where the hot and neutral wires were reversed. This is a shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?RPR

26) 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

27) 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.

28) 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

29) 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.

30) 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.

32) One or more hose bibs were missing backflow prevention devices. These devices reduce the likelihood of gray water entering the potable water supply. Recommend installing backflow prevention devices on all hose bibs where missing. They are available at most home improvement stores and are easily installed. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?BKFLOW

33) 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

34) 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.

35) One or more waste pipes or fittings were loose. Recommend that a qualified plumber evaluate and repair as necessary and per standard building practices.

the waste line clean out cap was not installed properly allowing possible water and sewer gasses to enter the home recommend a licensed plumber evaluate and repair .

36) 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.

38) The water level gauge indicated that the water level in the steam boiler was too high (flooded). Normally, a steam boiler should be approximately half full of water. A flooded boiler typically requires water be drained from the system. Recommend that a qualified heating contractor evaluate and repair as necessary.

43) One or more cabinets, drawers and/or cabinet doors at location(s) #C were damaged. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.

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

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

46) The exhaust fan at location(s) A was . Moisture may accumulate and result in mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Recommend that a qualified person clean, repair or replace fans as necessary.

47) Gaps, no caulk, or substandard caulking were found between the bathtub and the walls at location(s) #C. Water may penetrate these areas and cause damage. Recommend that a qualified person re-caulk or install caulking as necessary.

48) The bathtub drain stopper mechanism at location(s) #C was difficult to operate. Recommend that a qualified person repair or replace as necessary.

49) 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.

50) The exhaust fan or fan cover at location(s) #A needed cleaning. Dirty or clogged fans can result in moisture accumulation and subsequent mold, bacteria or fungal growth. Recommend cleaning fan covers or fans now and as necessary in the future.

52) One or more exterior doors were difficult to open or close. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

53) Deadbolts on one or more exterior doors were difficult to operate. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

54) 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.

55) Metal thresholds at one or more exterior doors sagged or flexed when stepped on. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary to minimize sagging or movement, to ensure that the threshold is securely attached, and apply caulk or weather stripping materials to make a weatherproof seal.

56) 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.