Home Inspection 5205 Hier Valley Rd Sedalia, CO 80135

Some of the shingles appear to be de-granulated in areas. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

A plumbing vent had a rubber boot flange seal at the vent pipe(s) that was damaged and may allow moisture intrusion of the roof assembly. Replacement or caulking around the perimeter of the pipe and boot is recommended.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

One or more combustion appliance exhaust flue(s) did not extend far enough above the roof. To ensure proper draw, furnace flues should extend at least 3 feet above the roof, and 2 feet above any portion of the roof within 10 feet (measured horizontally). The correction could include the addition of a flue extension to encourage a proper draft.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary.

Gutters were full of debris or granules in areas and need to be cleaned. The debris in gutters can clog drainage, or be 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 the 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.

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

The driveway showed signs of heaving and/or settling in areas. Heaving is often caused by soil that has expanded in volume due to increased moisture content, or by wet soil which has expanded as it became frozen. Settlement is when the soil below a concrete slab is loose, or it can no longer support the weight causing it to sink or crack. This condition could potentially cause a trip hazard.

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

The driveway has a negative slope and drains towards the home or garage. This condition is prone to water penetration into the home structure. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

Cracking from apparent wall movement was present in the siding at the time of inspection.  

Monitoring the walls of the house is needed. Most materials including masonry can deform elastically over long periods of time to accommodate small amounts of movement, large movements normally cause cracking. 

Cracking can result from a variety of problems: 

• Differential settlement of the foundation
• Drying shrinkage
• Expansion and contraction due to ambient thermal and moisture variations
• Improper support over openings
• The effects of freeze-thaw cycles
• The corrosion of iron and steel wall reinforcement
• Differential movement between building materials; expansion of salts
• The bulging or leaning of walls.

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

Siding showed cracking and or damage in one or more places. Recommend monitoring, and if the problem exacerbates, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

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

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

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.

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 soffit was damaged in one or more areas.

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

It Wasp nest is present at the time of inspection. Recommend removing by a qualified contractor.

The surface of the exterior door was damaged or in poor condition. 

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

An entry door had damaged or deteriorated weather stripping at the time of the inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

3.11.1 – Walkways

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.

There were signs of moderate cracking on the walkway(s) in areas. 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 walkway(s) showed signs of heaving and/or settling in areas. Heaving is often caused by soil that has expanded in volume due to increased moisture content, or by wet soil which has expanded as it became frozen. Settlement is when the soil below a concrete slab is loose or it can no longer support the weight causing it to sink or crack.

• This causes cracks in the concrete. 
• This creates trip hazards that could result in injury. 

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

The walkway(s) has a negative slope and drains towards the home in areas. This condition is prone to water penetration into the home structure. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The property had areas of neutral or negative drainage, which will route runoff from precipitation to the foundation.  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.

The outside water faucet drips when off. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The exterior hose bib dripped from the anti-siphon when operated.

One or more vent covers were damaged. A damaged vent assembly can allow entry of water, air, or rodents into vent ducts or homes. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

A support post or floor joist was bowed at the deck. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Cracked or split boards were present on the deck.  This condition is a structural defect and potential safety hazard. 

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

Downspout extensions were dented or damaged in some areas at the time of inspection. This condition can cause a blockage and potential build-up of moisture intrusion into the soil next to the foundation walls. This in turn can potentially cause hydro-static pressure against the foundation walls and create adverse results. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified contractor to repair or replace. 

The 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.

Indications of movement from the heaving/settling of the concrete floor were present in the garage. Significant movement may compromise the structural integrity of the foundation or structure of the garage which only a qualified structural engineer could comment on after further analysis. 

Recommend a qualified structural engineer to inspect further and provide a professional opinion related to this observation.

Axium recommends our premier partner – Level Engineering. They can be contacted at 720-400-8148 or online at www.axiuminspections.com/structural-engineer.

The weather stripping at the garage door is damaged or insufficient. 

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

The garage door was missing weather stripping or did not evenly seal at the floor or sides of the door. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make adjustments, repair, or replace as necessary.

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 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.

A defect was noted at a wall switch in the garage. Not installed properly.

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

There was cracking around some windows on the interior (where the window meets the wall).  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Minor cracking was visible on the interior walls.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The paint was peeling in areas.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The carpet was stained in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

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

The door did not operate smoothly.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

Some windows had damaged or missing screens.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

An electrical outlet had a missing faceplate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The ceiling fan may not have been properly mounted.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

The smoke detector was missing. A qualified person should replace them as needed. The existing smoke detectors were tested if present, but they are only noted as to presence and operation as of the date of inspection. Smoke detectors may work today but not work when you need them to work. This is why it is important for you to test them on a regular basis, monthly at least. Smoke detectors are recommended by the U.S. Product Safety Commission to be installed inside each bedroom and adjoining hallway and on each living level of the property and basement level.

Some of the smoke detectors appeared to be old and beyond their expected life. A qualified person should repair or replace as needed. The existing smoke detectors were tested if present, but they are only noted as to presence and operation as of the date of inspection. Smoke detectors may work today but not work when you need them to work. This is why it is important for you to test them on a regular basis, monthly at least. Smoke detectors are recommended by the U.S. Product Safety Commission to be installed inside each bedroom and adjoining hallway and on each living level of the property and basement level.

Smoke or CO detector was beeping at the time of inspection and likely has low battery life or the detector itself may be defective. Recommend further evaluation of all detectors to repair or replace as needed.

Excessive lint, dust, and/or debris were built up in the pilot ignition compartment. Recommend further evaluation and proper cleaning by a qualified professional.

The glass at the fireplace had a cloudy appearance. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The base cabinet was damaged.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The light fixture did not operate when the switch was turned on. Try replacing the bulb first. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The water supply shutoff valve had a damaged or missing knob.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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

The exhaust vent fan was not operational at the time of inspection.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

The laundry sink faucet was leaking at a connection at the time of inspection. We recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace it as needed. 

An electrical outlet had a missing faceplate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The toilet was loose on the floor. This condition typically is caused by loose bolts or nuts and/or missing floor seals. A 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.

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.

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

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

The light fixture was missing cover/glass. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The water supply shutoff valve had a damaged or missing knob.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The shower and bath cannot be switched due to the missing lever. Recommend a qualified contractor for reevaluation repair as necessary.

Missing exhaust fan Should also be installed in the shower area. Recommend a qualified contractor for reevaluation repair as necessary.

The walls/ceilings revealed a mismatch in paint touch-up.  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.

Evidence of a possible mold like substance was observed bath or shower area.  We did not inspect, test or determine if this growth is or is not a health hazard. The underlying cause is moisture. It is recommended to consult a mold inspector or mold remediation specialist to determine if further action is needed. Further analysis by a mold remediation specialist is recommended. Axium recommends our premier partner – Mold Removal Express. They can be contacted at 720-464-1555 or online at www.axiuminspections.com/mold-removal-express.

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.

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

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

The ceilings showed evidence that moisture was entering from behind possibly including damage and deterioration.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Damaged pipe connection at main shut off and meter base. Recommend qualified contractor repair and replace as necessary. 

A clamp, connector, or bushing component at the electrical panel was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Foreign objects and contamination were present inside the electrical panel. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

An opening in the panel was missing a filler plate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair and replace as necessary.

Active wasp nest in the panel. Did not remove the cover on a shut-off panel on side of the house. 

The water heater was at or beyond its warranty and/or expected life expectancy.   

The water heater age was determined by the photo included in this report. According to the U.S. Department of energy, these major appliances are intended to run for between 8 and 12 years. Be advised that every water heater will age differently relative to the following life span factors: water quality, mineral buildup, frequency of flushing, the volume of water utilized, size of the tank, brand, and quality of water heater. Although it was operating at the time of the inspection, the inspector can not determine the remaining life of the water heater.

Pipe fittings at the water heating equipment were corroded. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

A saddle valve was present in the plumbing at the time of inspection. They are prone to leak over time as the rubber seal will eventually deteriorate and they clog up as calcium deposits build up at the small opening. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and replace it with a permanent valve as needed.

Flames were not entirely burning a blue color. Orange and yellow flames may be an indicator that the fuel-air mixture is not right and gas may not be burning as efficiently as possible. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate to adjust, repair, or replace fuel-burning components as necessary.

The secondary drain line was capped or not routed to a drain. If the primary drain line becomes blocked, this condition could cause condensation to not drain properly and possibly damage the unit. The inspector recommends installing a secondary drain or installing an overflow protection device. A qualified contractor should evaluate and then repair or replace as advised.

Signs of repair By the Inducer recommend a qualified contractor for reevaluation of repair as necessary.

The cabinet panel covers were missing screws at the time of inspection. This may allow the panel to fall off easily, add difficulty when removing for service, or add difficulty for attaching the panel tightly. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and replace screws as needed. 

The secondary drain line was capped or not routed to a drain. If the primary drain line becomes blocked, this condition could cause condensation to not drain properly and possibly damage the unit. The inspector recommends installing a secondary drain or installing an overflow protection device. A qualified contractor should evaluate and then repair or replace as advised.

The furnace was short-cycling (repeated start-up and shut-down within minutes of each other) at the time of the inspection. Most systems should run about 2-3 cycles per hour. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Due to the year of manufacture, the cooling system is assumed to be near the end of its expected service life. Regular maintenance and monitoring of its condition is recommended. Budgeting for repairs and future replacement is recommended. A qualified contractor should evaluate to clean, service/repair/replace as necessary, and certify the unit if possible.  InterNACHI’s Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes

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 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.

There were water stains or water-damaged areas in the crawlspace at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. 

There is no insulation on the crawlspace exterior walls or floor system. Heat loss can occur more on this property than one that is properly insulated. A qualified contractor should evaluate and install as necessary.