Sample New 2

The roof covering material was damaged/deteriorated in some areas.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The gutters were missing in areas.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

The exterior wall covering is beginning to deteriorate or has deteriorated. 

Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

The distance between the bottom of wood components and the ground surface (or grade) was not sufficient. In locations that have little or no snow, the distance should be no less than 8 inches. In locations with significant lasting snow, the bottom of wood elements should be no less than 8 inches above the average snow depth. 

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

Could not locate the switch to an exterior fixture. Recommend asking current homeowner for more information. Should the switch be identified as one that was tested, we recommend the fixture be further evaluated by a qualified contractor and repaired or replaced as needed. 

The driveway/walkway showed signs of heaving and/or settling. Heaving is often caused by either soil which has expanded in volume in response to increases in soil moisture content, or by wet soil which has expanded as it has frozen. This is a trip hazard, and could result in injury. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

Minor cracking was visible at the driveway. Monitoring is the minimum recommendation.

The flagstone walkway and stairs have damaged mortar in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

Although most of the grading around the property was in acceptable condition the rear of the home should be monitored. Water runoff will come down the hill behind the home. The grading at the back of the deck should always be maintained to route water around into the sides of the home. 

 Excessive moisture content in soil supporting the foundation can cause foundation and other structural damage from undermining, heaving or settling, depending on soil composition, moisture content and other conditions.The ground around the property should slope away from all sides, ideally 6 inches for the first 10 feet from the house foundation perimeter. Downspouts, surface gutters and drains should also be directing water away from the foundation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary according to current standards.

One floor joist was split and the front of the home. 

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Deck structure was improperly supported. This may be that support posts were connected to the structure (girder, beams) laterally using lag bolts, or beams are incorrectly notched to posts. The beam(s) should be installed on top of or notched partially on top of the support posts. This is a structural defect that may result in injury if not corrected. 

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The ledger board at some area of the deck was attached to the home using screws or nails. There should also be lag bolts attached to the structural members of the home. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

Deck joist hangers should be installed using nails not screws. Nails have a much higher sheer strength and one should be in every hole of the hanger. 

A stairway of more than 3 steps or drop of over 30″ was missing a handrail. 

The photo-electric reverse sensors are installed too high from the garage floor surface. 

The vertical distance between the photo-eye beam and the floor should be no more than 6 inches.

The garage door opener had a light bulb that was not working. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

The garage had one or more outlets without GFCI (or ground fault circuit interrupter) protection. 

GFCI protection is required for all 15- and 20-amp receptacles in a garage, including outlets for refrigerators, sprinkler systems, garage door openers, and washing machines – some items may not be protected on purpose due to the potential for them to go unnoticed and cause damage. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The toilet was loose at the floor. This condition typically is caused by loose bolts or nuts and/or missing floor seals. Loose toilet can result in leaks, water damage, and mold, as well as damage to the toilet, water supply lines, bolts, and drainage pipes. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) Protection was not provided for all kitchen electrical outlets. Although GFCI protection of kitchen outlets may not have been required at the time in which this property was built, as general knowledge of say fielding practices has improved with the passage of time building standards have changed to reflect current understanding.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The electric meter security tag was was missing or damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The circuit labels were missing, partial, or illegible at the electrical distribution panel. The circuit labels provide information describing the locations each individual circuit breaker provides power too. 

Recommend a qualified contractor verify the breakers and accuracy of any existing labeling as necessary.

The B-Vent (double wall) exhaust flue had improper clearance from combustible materials. This type of vent requires a 1-inch minimum clearance from combustibles. This condition is a potential fire hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The heating system did fire and appeared to be in serviceable condition at the time of the inspection. However, the interior of the cabinet was dirty. Cleaning, servicing and/or certification of the HVAC system by a qualified contractor is recommended and repaired or replaced as necessary.

The visible areas of the firebox and chimney flue were dirty at the time of the inspection. Most of the chimney flue was inaccessible and was not inspected. Dirty flues are potential fire hazards and should be cleaned by a professional. Recommend having the chimney evaluated by a C.S.I. (Chimney Safety Institute) -qualified chimney sweep.