Home Inspection 1830 W 74th Way Denver, CO 80221

One or more shingle strips were not completely sealed at the edges. Unsealed shingles in high wind conditions may cause a blowup of some shingles or even blow off a section. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed. 

The roof covering material appears to be older on one side (or in areas) of the structure.  This can be a sign of  insufficient attic ventilation. 

 Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Flue Pipe cap is excessively dented or damaged. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The mortar crown was cracked or deteriorated at the time of inspection. 

If the crown on top of the chimney is not properly sealed or is extensively cracked, defective, spalled, or displays rust stains, it should be replaced. Sheet metal caps/crowns with minor rust or corrosion should be repaired, but if rust or corrosion is extensive, replacement is recommended. 

The chimney was missing a rain cap and/or spark arrestor. 

The rain cap covers the top opening of the chimney flue liner and is usually combined with a spark arrestor.

Spark arrestors are to prevent floating embers from a fire (particularly one burning wood) setting light to a flammable roofing surface or falling onto combustible material on the ground. Such a spark arrestor typically consists of a double layer of metal mesh, which catches the ember and allows the flue gas to escape. Spark arrestors also help prevent animals from entering the chimney.

Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and install the required components.

Gutters were full of debris or granules in areas and need to be cleaned. The debris in gutters can clog drainage, or be a sign gutters are sloped improperly – Either of which may cause problems by overflowing to introduce excessive amounts of moisture to the soil beneath the foundation. Excessive moisture in soil supporting the foundation can affect its ability to support the weight of the structure above and may cause foundation damage from soil movement. 

Debris in gutters can also conceal rust, deterioration or leaks that are not visible until cleaned.

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

The attic access hatch was not properly insulated. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The roof decking had been damaged or altered. This can affect the overall structural integrity of the roof, and cause the roof to sag or fail in that area. 

Trusses are specifically engineered and designed to support the roof and loads placed on it, such as snow. The individual components of a truss — webs, connectors, gusset plates, straps, clips, and fasteners — and all trusses in a roof are designed to perform together as a system. Recommend further evaluation by a licensed roofing contractor and/or structural engineer to determine the effect of the damage or alterations, and options for any necessary repairs.

The insulation is thinner than current thermal resistance (R-value) standards. 

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

Exposed electrical conductor splices need to be installed inside a junction box with cover plate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Bathroom vent duct terminated in the attic and did not vent to the exterior of property. 

Flue pipe was corroded at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The concrete driveway was moderately cracked. Cracks that progress to a separation of 1/4″ and more would be an indication of settlement, heaving, or structural problems. Cracks may present a tripping hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.

The siding and/or trim was damaged in areas of the exterior.

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

Peeling paint was present in areas. 

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

A common maintenance task for brick masonry is the repair of mortar joints. The longevity of mortar joints will vary with the exposure conditions and the mortar materials used, but a life span of more than 25 years is typical. The longevity of brick, however, may well exceed 100 years. Consequently, occasional repair of the mortar joints is expected over the life of the brick masonry. It is our observation that the most common reason for repointing brick masonry is to improve water penetration resistance. Repointing deteriorated mortar joints is one of the most effective and permanent ways of decreasing water entry into brickwork. This is because the most common means of water entry into a brick masonry wall is through de-bonded, cracked or deteriorated mortar joints. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair all areas as necessary.

The door was missing some or all weather stripping at the time of the inspection.

Window Well(s) lacked covers and may represent a danger to small children and may trap pests. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Cracking or separation was present at the concrete step(s) in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

Minor cracking was visible on the walkway(s) in areas. Monitoring is the minimum recommendation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

A trip hazard was present on the walkway(s) in areas.  This condition is a safety concern. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The fence is damaged or missing pieces.

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

Consideration should be given to trimming or even removing large tree(s) located close to the structure. We suggest consultation with a tree specialist. Evaluating trees lies beyond the scope of the general property inspection.

Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Pipes had minor surface rust at the gas meter. Monitoring and contacting a qualified professional to further evaluate for repairs is recommended

The exterior foundation wall had cracks at the corner. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.  Axium recommends our premier partner – Level Engineering. They can be contacted at 720-706-8540 or online at www.axiuminspections.com/structural-engineer.

The foundation had vertical cracks in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary before your inspection objection deadline.

Downspout(s) are missing the proper 6 ft. extensions. This condition may cause problems by introducing excessive amounts of moisture to the soil beneath the foundation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The floor squeaks when stepped on.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

The door had a damaged or missing doorstop.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

An interior door rubs at the door frame when closing. This may mean the door or frame is out of square or that hinges may not be installed properly. 

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

The window had a cracked or broken glass pane.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

Windows installed in the home appeared to be worn or aged. This apparent condition can mean the windows are deteriorated or difficult to operate, and can also mean they are not consistent with current efficiency standards. They were possibly original and were either at or near their serviceable lifespan. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified contractor and budgeting for potential future replacement. 

Although the 3-prong outlets installed in this property typically indicate a property with grounded branch wiring, this property had no grounding system installed to protect devices such as switches and electrical outlets. Although this condition may have been commonly considered safe or acceptable at the time the property was originally constructed, as general knowledge of safe building 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.

One or more light bulbs were not working at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed. 

At the interior stairs, the handrail had a railing end that did not return to the wall or post.  A fall could occur if something (purse, backpack etc.) caught the end of the railing when descending. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace 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. 

The fireplace had damage to the interior chamber. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The door was missing.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

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

Caulking at the kitchen counter/backsplash area was poor installation, or had areas in poor condition and needs touch-up. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection was provided for kitchen electrical outlets. Although GFCI protection of kitchen circuits may not have been required at the time in which this property was built, as general knowledge of safe building practices has improved with the passage of time building standards have changed to reflect current understanding. The inspector recommends updating the existing kitchen electrical circuits to provide GFCI protection. This can be achieved by: 

1. Replacing the current standard outlets with GFCI outlets.

2.  Replacing the first circuit outlet located closest to the main electrical service panel with the GFCI outlet

3.  Replacing the breaker currently protecting the electrical circuit that contains these outlets with the GFCI breaker.

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

The inspector observed many two-prong outlets throughout the property. These are outdated outlets that should be upgraded to three-prong outlets with proper grounds. A qualified contractor should evaluate then repair or replace as advised.

The food waste disposer was missing the wiring connector (clamp and bushing).  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

A cook top burner was not igniting at the time of inspection.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The microwave vent hood vents in to the cabinet space between the top of the microwave and the cabinet above it. The microwave needs to be removed and the fan rotated forward to vent out of the top front vent on the microwave.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

Windows installed in the home appeared to be worn or aged. This apparent condition can mean the windows are deteriorated or difficult to operate, and can also mean they are not consistent with current efficiency standards. They were possibly original and were either at or near their serviceable lifespan. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified contractor and budgeting for potential future replacement. 

An electrical outlet was not grounded. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The door had a damaged or missing doorstop.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

The hot water in the shower did not get over 100 degrees whereas the nearby faucets did. This may indicate that either the mixing valve (safety feature to limit potential scalding) or control cartridge needs adjustment to achieve a hot shower. There may be a more significant issue, that only further evaluation can reveal.

Hot and cold supply was installed correctly and the property’s overall hot water temperature was within an acceptable range. 

Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The window was not considered a functional window.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

The counter top needs caulking with silicone along the back splash.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Flexible drain lines can clog, leak or fail. Flex lines design includes multiple folds in which moisture may become trapped and mold may grow.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Some caulking in the tub shower area was loose, old, or poorly done. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and re-caulk as needed. 

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.

Some or all circuit breakers were a brand different from the main panel brand. Circuit breakers made by different manufacturers vary in design, therefore panel manufacturers require their own manufactured breakers to be used. Select brands are interchangeable, and there are some “semi” universal breaker types or panel types.

Using incompatible breakers in the panel of another manufacturer may result in poor connections which can create a potential fire or shock/electrocution hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The draft diverter of the gas-fired water heater was not properly aligned/secured. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.

The TPRV pipe did not conspicuously terminate within 6 inches of the floor. This may allow high pressure hot water to cause unnecessary damage. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The HVAC system air filter was dirty. Clogged filters can restrict airflow and increase internal temperatures. A clean air filter will help increase the efficiency and prolong the life expectancy of the system. Due to the damage that can be caused by dirty or clogged coils, recommend replacing the filter, as well as cleaning, servicing, and evaluating the HVAC system by a qualified HVAC professional and repair or replace as necessary.

The exterior compressor unit was not level. Over time, this may result in noisy fan operation, damage to the fan bearings and a shortened fan lifespan, or it may result in movement of the compressor housing which can cause leaks in refrigerant lines resulting in expensive service. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The reservoir appears to be corroded or rusted in areas. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Recommend replacing the evaporative cooling pads on the swamp cooler and cleaning the reservoir. 

The concrete floor in the basement was cracked in areas. These cracks appear to be common cracks indicating regular settlement or heaving, but not necessarily structural problems. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate to make further recommendations and repair as necessary.

Axium recommends our premier partner – Level Engineering. They can be contacted at 720-706-8540 or online at www.axiuminspections.com/structural-engineer.

Efflorescence (white powdery substance) on the wall indicates moisture is in contact with the concrete or masonry. This does not necessarily indicate that intrusion will occur. I recommend checking the gutters and the downspout drain lines for proper operation. Also, a water proofing paint could be applied to the interior side of the wall if necessary. Efflorescence is found on many properties without water intrusion occurring inside the property. But, it should alert you to the possibility that future steps may be needed. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.