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.
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 to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The splice/Junction box was missing a cover plate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An exterior light fixture or light was missing its cover. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary according to current standards.
One or more electrical outlets were not grounded. The outlet was only two-pronged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A window had cracked glass or cracked windowpane.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
Window Well(s) lack covers and may represent a danger to small children and may trap pests. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace 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) had surface spalling in areas. This condition will continue to degrade if not corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The sump pump discharge pipe did not terminate far enough away from the foundation. Erosion can continue or become worse if not corrected possibly leading to water intrusion. This condition may cause problems by introducing excessive amounts of moisture to the soil near the foundation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and install a proper extension, to properly route drainage away from the foundation, usually at least 6 feet.
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.
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.
The dryer vent had a flap that was stuck open. The clothes dryer vent may be clogged which is a potential fire hazard. This may also allow rodents or insects to enter the interior. Recommend qualified contractors should evaluate and clean, repair, or replace as necessary.
One or more downspout extensions were not properly positioned. Extensions should be properly attached with a proper slope to guide run-off 5 feet away from the foundation structure.
Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
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.
One or more electrical outlets were not grounded. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The door would not latch when closed and may need adjustment at the strike plate to latch properly. 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 the square or that hinges may not be installed properly.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An interior door rubs on the flooring when opening or closing. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The spring rail assembly is damaged or not secured to the window sash. This may cause the sash to fail to stay open if not corrected. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The window had damaged or missing lock hardware. 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.
Some windows had damaged or missing screens. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Several electrical outlets around the property were not grounded. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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 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.
An electrical outlet was not working. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There was no ventilation (exhaust fan or openable window) In the laundry area. Normally an exhaust fan or an openable window is needed for proper ventilation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
One or more electrical outlet(s) were wired incorrectly with the hot and neutral wires being reversed. While the outlet still provides power to electronic equipment, a shock hazard has been created as there is still electricity running through the hot wire when the switch is off. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary according to current standards.
A window had a sash that was difficult to slide or operate to get opened/closed. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The sink drain pipe was leaking at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The shower glass and door were not installed at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The electric meter security tag was missing or damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The combustion air supply for this appliance was not present. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make necessary corrections according to current standards.
The fresh air supply is recommended by manufacturers for the efficient operation of fuel-burning appliances. Years ago, the air could come from inside or outside the building, however, more recent standards prefer for combustion air to come from the outside only.
The water temperature was higher than the acceptable range of 120-130 degrees. We recommend adjusting the water heater thermostat.
The combustion air supply for this appliance was not present. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make necessary corrections according to current standards.
The fresh air supply is recommended by manufacturers for the efficient operation of fuel-burning appliances. Years ago, the air could come from inside or outside the building, however, more recent standards prefer for combustion air to come from the outside only.
The condensation drain and/or pump components for the HVAC system were leaking at the time of inspection. 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.
There was a gap where the refrigerant lines enter the plenum, allowing cool/warm conditioned air to escape. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and seal as needed.
Basement walls were not constructed using a method that will allow for soil movement. This method is usually termed “floating” the walls and involves leaving a gap at the bottom of the wall so that vertical movement (heaving) of the concrete slab basement floor will not be transmitted to the rest of the property structure. Colorado has areas with expansive soils. Expansive soils are soils that increase to many times their original volume in response to increases in soil moisture content, creating forces that can easily damage property structural components such as foundations, floor slabs, flat work, and interior and exterior wall coverings. Consider consulting with a qualified contractor before the expiration of your Inspection Objection Deadline to discuss options and costs for correction and/ or stabilization.
Moisture damage was present on the walls in the mechanical room. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.