Roof
Attic, Insulation, and Ventilation
Exterior
Detached Garage
Interior, Doors, Windows
Kitchen
Laundry
Bathroom
Bathroom 2
Plumbing
Electrical
Water Heating Equipment
Heating
Cooling
Structural Basement
Mold Inspection
Premier Partners
The roof covering had minor damage from hail, wind, and/or foot traffic. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The plumbing vent did not extend far enough above the roof. A plumbing vent should extend a minimum of 6″ above the snow line, which is considered approximately 10″. 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.
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.
Signs of previous water penetration or intrusion into the attic. Watermarks or stains were observed. Recommend asking the seller if there are any recent incidents that have been documented or mitigated.
Further evaluation is recommended.
The insulation is thinner than current thermal resistance (R-value) standards.
Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
A loose wire end and/or splice was located. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The kitchen hood vent or exhaust duct terminated in the attic and did not vent to the exterior of the property.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
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 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.
There appeared to be erosion to the driveway surface in some areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The exterior of the garage door has damaged weather stripping. A qualified contractor should inspect and repair as necessary and according to current standards.
Exposed nails were present in the garage. This could lead to moisture intrusion and damage. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The inspector observed improperly terminated and/or exposed wiring in some areas of the property. Exposed wiring can be considered a safety issue till corrected.
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.
Window well(s) lacked an egress ladder. Window wells more than 44″ below grade should have a permanent ladder installed. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
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 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 sprinkler system supply line and setup may not have been installed according to current standards. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The outside water faucet did not work. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
One or more vent cover was loose. A loose vent assembly can allow entry of water, air, or rodents into the vent ducts, wall system, or home. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The downspout (s) is dented. This condition may cause problems by introducing 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. When moisture is introduced into the foundation it could also cause possible mold growth. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
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 carpet was stained in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Most of the windows 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 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.
At the interior stairs, the handrail was missing. 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 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.
One circuit was installed improperly with multiple GFCI outlets or breakers. This configuration prevents the GFCI outlets from resetting properly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The food waste disposer was not working at the time of inspection. The breaker was tripped for disposal. After resetting the breaker and testing the disposal, the breaker tripped again. This indicates a possible wiring problem. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The dishwasher leaked at the drain line under the sink while going through a normal cycle. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The dishwasher drain line came out from a low location and did not discharge into a higher drain pipe. Dishwasher drain lines require a “high loop” in the line in order to drain properly. A “high loop” may have been hidden behind the appliance itself. The high loop in the drain hose is to keep water from settling in the hose to prevent any odors from backing up into the dishwasher. Food or debris may become stuck in the line and smell or mold if not corrected. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
When operating the broil cycle, the GFCI outlet in the kitchen trips periodically and turns off the oven. His could possibly be an improper wiring configuration for the range. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The exhaust vent fan was not operational at the time of inspection. No power was supplied to the unit. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The sliding/folding door would fall off the track when operated. 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.
A control valve was loose in the wall. This will cause caulking/sealant to deteriorate at an accelerated rate and may allow water to enter the wall. Over time, this could potentially put added stress on the plumbing connections and develop a leak. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace it as necessary.
There was a leak at the shower head connection at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The window could not be opened at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
One circuit was installed improperly with multiple GFCI outlets or breakers. This configuration prevents the GFCI outlets from resetting properly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A 3-way switch was improperly wired at the time of inspection, and one switch did not work when another one was turned on/off. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed. A 3-way switch is where a light fixture can be operated by more than one switch.
The sink drain pipe was leaking at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The shower drain strainer cover was missing, damaged, or did not operate properly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The toilet had inadequate clearance. There should be 21 inches of clearance in front of the toilet and 15 inches of clearance measured from the center of the toilet to the sides. 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 drain clean-out was actively leaking at the time of inspection. The sewer tech appeared to have fixed the issue when he was finished with the sewer scope. 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 to.
Recommend a qualified contractor to verify the breakers and accuracy of any existing labeling as necessary.
Sharp screws/fasteners we used at the electrical panel cover. This could be potentially hazardous if the screws puncture a live electrical wire. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The gas-fired water heater exhaust flue had an improper connection to the furnace. This Y-Vent connection should have a double wall and it appeared to not have the proper connection. This could be a safety hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
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 temperature pressure relief valve was missing a pipe at the time of inspection. 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 gas supply line lacked a sediment or drip leg. This condition could allow small particles in the gas supply to enter the mechanical. A qualified contractor should evaluate and then repair or replace as advised.
The condensation drain components for the HVAC system were leaking or showing signs of the previous leaking. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
Indications of movement/settling of the concrete floor were present in the basement area. This may be a compromise to the structural integrity of the foundation or structure of the house 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 720-706-8540 or online at www.axiuminspections.com/structural-engineer.
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 walls 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.
Water damage was visible in the crawlspace floor structure around plumbing lines. There may be a past or current leak in the nearby drain or supply lines that could further stain or rot wood if not corrected.
While the sprinkler was operating, water sprayed into the house at the basement window well. This could lead to possible moisture intrusion over time. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Exposed electrical conductor splices need to be installed inside a junction box with a cover plate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The light switch box was missing a cover plate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
