Home Inspection S Monaco Pkwy Denver CO

The sliding glass door appeared at or beyond its serviceable life. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

The property had ceiling materials that may contain asbestos. Ceiling tiles or popcorn textures were manufactured or installed using asbestos as late as the early 90s.

In the past, asbestos fibers were added during production to strengthen and increase durability. Materials that contain asbestos, when intact and in good condition, are generally considered non-friable and not hazardous. Heat, water, weathering, or aging can weaken asbestos materials to the point where it is considered friable. Friable material includes any material containing more than 1 percent asbestos that can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder with hand pressure. This includes previously non-friable material which has been damaged to the extent that it may be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure and can also be made friable during its removal. Friable materials can release asbestos fibers into the air. Once in the air, asbestos fibers present a health hazard to people who inhale those fibers.

The carpet was loose or baggy and may need to be restretched.  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.

A window sash would not stay up/open at the time of inspection. The window may have had damaged spring rails or springs that were damaged or weak. If this is an older counterweighted window, the counterweights may need to be adjusted. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace it as necessary.

At the interior stairs, the handrail had spacing between components that were too far apart. Spacing of more than 4 ” could allow a child or pet to fall through. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

6.9.1 – Smoke & CO Detectors

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.

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 drain pipe at the sink had an “S” trap. Water filling the downstream vertical portion of the “S” trap will cause siphoning and loss of trap seals. Trap seals must be maintained to prevent sewer gases from entering the dwelling. 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.

No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection was provided for the bathroom electrical outlets. Although GFCI protection of bathroom circuits may not have been required at the time of 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 bathroom 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.

Tiles on the wall in the bath/shower area had missing or damaged grout.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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

One or more bulbs were not working in the bathroom at the time of inspection.

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

The exterior hose bib was not operational at the time of the inspection and this component could not be observed. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

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 main electrical distribution panel was manufactured by Zinsco. These panels have a reputation for being problematic and further evaluation by a qualified electrician is recommended. Zinsco panels can generally be identified by a blue and silver “Zinsco” label inside the panel, an embossed “Magnetrip” label at the top of the panel face, and the colorful breakers.

• There may be components of the panel that contains aluminum.
• The connection between the breakers and the bus bar may be defective.
• The bus bar may be corroded.
• Breakers may be turned off, but the circuit could still be live.

The obsolete and unreliable Zinsco panel should be further evaluated and replaced by a licensed electrician as necessary.

The gas-fired water heater has a B vent exhaust flue with improper clearance from combustible materials. This type of vent is double-walled and requires a 1-inch minimum clearance. This condition is a potential fire hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The temperature pressure relief valve pipe was too long. It should not be within 1 1/2 inches from the floor. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair and replace as necessary.

The water temperature was below the suggested range of 120-130 degrees. Recommend adjusting the water heater thermostat first. If water does not reach the acceptable range then a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace it 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.