1) Evidence of rodent infestation was found in the form of traps in the . 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

3) Cracks, holes, settlement, heaving and/or deterioration resulting in trip hazards were found in the driveway, For safety reasons, recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary.

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

6) Major cracks or areas with damage were found in the masonry (brick or stone) veneer. This may indicate that settlement has occurred and/or that the foundation has failed. At a minimum, a qualified contractor should repair the damaged masonry veneer to prevent water from entering wall cavities and causing mold, fungal rot or structural damage. Consult with a qualified engineer to determine if foundation repairs are needed, and/or if settlement is ongoing. Any such repairs should be made by a qualified contractor. Such contractors and engineers may include:

• Foundation repair contractors who may prescribe repairs, and will give cost estimates for prescribed repairs
• Masonry contractors who repair and/or replace brick veneer
• Geotechnical engineers who attempt to determine if settlement is ongoing, and the cause of the settlement
• Structural engineers who determine if repairs are necessary, and prescribe those repairs

7) Based on the appearance and/or reported age of the foundation (or sections of the foundation), it may not be reinforced. Foundations without modern reinforcement such as metal "rebar" are prone to failure during earthquakes. Typically, concrete foundations built prior to the 1930s, or brick foundations built with "header" courses, are not reinforced. Consult with a qualified engineer to determine if the foundation should be replaced or repaired.

8) 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.

9) Flashing at one or more locations was separated. Leaks can occur as a result. Recommend that a qualified person repair, replace or install flashing as necessary, and per standard building practices.

Flashing on roof along north side above weet units.

10) 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.

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

12) 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.

13) One or more areas where wood siding or trim was installed above stone or masonry had no flashing below the wood. Flashing should be installed between masonry or stone and wood trim or siding above to keep water from accumulating at that gap. Without the flashing, the wood trim or siding is prone to fungal rot and deterioration. This is a conducive condition for wood-destroying organisms. Recommend that a qualified contractor install flashing where missing 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.
Cost estimate: On east wall, northern most basement window.

14) 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.

15) 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.

16) The paint or stain finish in some areas 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 building exterior where necessary and per standard building practices. Any repairs needed to the siding or trim should be made prior to this.

17) Treads for stairs at one or more locations were less than 10 inches deep and pose a fall or trip hazard. Stair treads should be at least 10 inches deep. At a minimum, be aware of this hazard, especially when guests who are not familiar with the stairs are present. Recommend that a qualified contractor repair per standard building practices.

18) 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.

19) Guardrails at one or more locations with drop-offs higher than 30 inches were missing. This poses a fall hazard. Guardrails should be installed where walking surfaces are more than 30 inches above the surrounding grade or surfaces below. Recommend that a qualified contractor install guardrails where missing and per standard building practices.

20) Guardrails at one or more locations with drop-offs higher than 30 inches were missing components, and pose a fall hazard. Recommend that a qualified person repair guardrails as necessary.

21) 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.

22) One or more joists had less than 1 1/2 inches of their end(s) resting on the beam, sill or foundation below. At least 1 1/2 inches of each joist end should rest on support surfaces below. Such joist ends may collapse or settle. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair per standard building practices.

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

25) One or more electric receptacles at the had no visible arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection, or the inspector was unable to determine if AFCI protection was present. This is a potential safety hazard. Recommend that a qualified electrician evaluate and install AFCI protection if necessary and per standard building practices. General guidelines for AFCI-protected receptacles include the following locations:

• Bedrooms (since 1999)
• Kitchens, laundry areas, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens and recreation rooms, sunrooms, closets and hallways (since 2014)

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

26) One or more slots where circuit breakers are normally installed were open in panel(s) #. Energized equipment was exposed and is a shock hazard. Recommend that a qualified person install closure covers where missing.

27) The legend for circuit breakers or fuses in panel(s) # 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.

28) The gas meter was located where it was subject to damage from vehicles. This is a potential explosion and fire hazard. Recommend that a qualified contractor install a protective barrier per standard building practices.

29) The main water service pipe material was made of galvanized steel. Based on the age of the building, the apparent age of the pipe and/or the low-flow condition of the water supply system, this service pipe may have significant corrosion or rust on the inside and need replacing. Replacing the service pipe can significantly increase flow to the water supply pipes. Recommend consulting with a qualified plumber about replacing the main service pipe. Note that this can be an expensive repair since excavation is typically required.

30) One or more hose bibs leaked when tested. When hose bibs leak while turned off, it's often caused by a worn valve seat or a loose bonnet. When hose bibs leak while turned on, it may be due to worn "packing" around the stem or a defective backflow prevention device. Recommend that a qualified plumber repair as necessary.

31) The water heater did not have earthquake straps installed. This is a potential safety hazard in the event of an earthquake due to the risk of the water heater tipping over, gas lines breaking if it's gas-fired, or electric wiring being damaged if powered by electricity. Leaks may also occur in water-supply pipes or fittings. Recommend that a qualified person install earthquake straps per standard building practices.

32) Significant corrosion or rust was found at the . This can indicate past leaks, or that leaks are likely to occur in the future. Recommend that a qualified plumber evaluate and replace components or make repairs as necessary.

33) The water heater was installed in an unheated space on a concrete floor and was not resting on an insulated pad. The bottom of the casing is likely to rust, and energy efficiency may be reduced. Recommend installing an insulated pad under the water heater.

36) 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

37) None in sunroom.

One or more "livable" rooms had no visible source of heat. Examples of livable rooms include bedrooms, kitchens and living/dining rooms, NOT hallways, closets or bathrooms. Livable rooms without heat (e.g. heat register, radiator, baseboard or wall heater) can be uncomfortable and have high levels of moisture. Depending on the client's needs, recommend consulting with a qualified heating contractor to determine options for modifying or improving the heating system per standard building practices.

39) No accessible gas shut-off valve was visible within 6 feet of the gas-fired range. This is a potential safety hazard when the appliance needs to be shut down quickly. A qualified contractor should install a shut-off valve per standard building practices.

Gas shutoff accessible behind oven near floor.

40) No exhaust hood, ceiling or wall-mounted exhaust fan or downdraft exhaust system was found for the cook top or range. This can be a nuisance for odor and grease accumulation. Where a gas-fired range or cook top is installed, carbon monoxide and excessive levels of moisture can accumulate in living spaces. Recommend that a qualified contractor install a venting system per standard building practices.

41) One or more cabinet drawers were difficult to open or close. Recommend that a qualified person repair as necessary.

Far left drawer when facing cabinets hard to open/close.

42) The bathroom with a shower or bathtub at location(s) # 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.

43) This structure appears to have settled, or was leaning significantly based on the presence of cracks in walls, ceilings or junctions between them, or numerous door frames not being square, or numerous doors binding in jambs. Recommend that a qualified contractor and/or engineer evaluate further. Significant repairs may be needed. If so, a qualified contractor should make repairs.

44) Floors in one or more areas were not level. This can be caused by foundation settlement or movement of the foundation, posts and/or beams. Significant repairs may be needed to make floors level. Recommend that a qualified contractor and/or engineer evaluate further. Repairs should be performed by a qualified contractor.

45) Squeaking or creaking noises occur when walking on one or more sections of flooring. This is usually caused by substandard construction practices where the sub-floor decking is not adequately fastened to the framing below. For example, not enough glue was used and/or nails were used rather than screws. In most cases, this is only an annoyance rather than a structural problem. Various solutions such as Squeeeeek No More and Counter Snap fasteners exist to correct this. Repairs to eliminate the squeaks or creaks may be more or less difficult depending on the floor covering and the access to the underside of the sub-floor. Recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
https://www.reporthost.com/?SQUEAK

46) 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.

47) 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.