The roof covering material had minor damage or erosion in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The wall flashing had unsealed/exposed nails. This condition could allow moisture to penetrate the exterior wall component. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The mortar crown was damaged, cracked, or deteriorated at the time of inspection. This condition could allow moisture to penetrate the chimney. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The chimney extends 5 feet or more above the roof surface without a proper brace to keep it secure. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The chimney had deteriorated mortar joints at the time of inspection and may require repairs such as “tuck-pointing” or “re-pointing”. This is a common maintenance task for masonry. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
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 gutters were missing in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
One or more engineered truss 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. Axium recommends our premier partner – Level Engineering. They can be contacted at 720-400-8148 or online at www.axiuminspections.com/structural-engineer.
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.
Visible signs of repairs were noted in the roof structure/decking. Recommend asking current homeowners for more information. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified professional if repairs appear to be poorly done or failing in the future.
The attic was covered with white paint. White paint is typically a result of moisture intrusion and mold remediation. We recommend asking the current seller for more information.
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 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.
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.
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.
A GFCI outlet was defective (did not trip when tested). A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Window wells had accumulated soil, leaves, and other debris which should be cleared to encourage proper drainage and minimize the retaining of moisture near the foundation and moisture intrusion and damage through the window area. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary according to current standards.
Window well(s) were rusted or corroded in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
Window well Low/no curb. May not divert water properly. Recommend qualified contractors evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
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.
A walkway was not properly sealed against a foundation wall and may allow excess moisture to enter. Recommend a qualified contractor and repair or replace as needed.
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.
One or more exterior faucet was loose in the wall. The faucet should be securely fastened to the wall using appropriate screws depending on the material at the location of the faucet. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The outside water faucet had a significant leak from the knob/handle when the water pressure gauge was attached. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
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 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.
Indications of movement from the heaving/settling of the concrete floor were present in the garage. Significant movement may be a compromise the structural integrity of the foundation or structure of the garage which only a qualified structural engineer could comment 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 garage floor 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 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.
The ceiling and/or walls showed various signs of minor defects at numerous locations including all or some of the following: damage, cracks, holes, previous repairs, and/or improper repairs. A representative number of pictures were taken to provide an example. Should any of these issues appear excessive we recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace items as necessary.
The carpet was stained in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The floor squeaks when stepped on. 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 door had a damaged or missing doorstop. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The door had missing or damaged floor guides. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
At the time of the inspection, the property did not have emergency escape and rescue openings that met generally-accepted current standards. Egress opening requirements:
For safety reasons, all sleeping rooms and basements greater than 200 square feet and new properties should meet the generally-accepted current standards for emergency escape and rescue openings, which include the following requirements:
1. Sill height shall not exceed 44 inches above the floor.
2. Minimum net clear opening shall be 5.7 square feet; exception – grade level windows
may have a minimum clear opening of 5 square feet.
3. Minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches.
4. Minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches.
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.
An electrical outlet was loose in the wall. 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 to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Carbon monoxide detectors did not operate when tested. The inspector recommends the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate locations. Colorado House bill 1091 became effective on July 1, 2009, which requires Carbon Monoxide detectors to be installed in most properties that have a fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage within a specified distance of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes.
Tuckpointing needed That fireplace mantle. Recommend qualified contractors evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
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 laundry room did not have an exhaust fan or an openable window. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.
The walls had signs of a previous repair. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The door was damaged and repairs had been made. The repairs did not appear to be done to a professional standard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The door was missing a handle or knob. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There were “nail pops” visible on the interior walls. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The walls had signs of a previous repair. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The tile floor was cracked/damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Porcelain damaged In the bowl. Recommend qualified contractors evaluate and repair and replace as needed.
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.
Caulking in the shower/tub area deteriorated at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The sink drain line was clogged or drains slowly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The tub faucet/spout was loose. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The water supply shutoff valves were difficult or impossible to access. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The property water supply pressure is measured at the exterior faucet or laundry appliance hose bib. Property water supply pressure exceeded the 80 pounds per square inch (PSI) limit considered the maximum allowable by generally accepted current standards. Excessively high water pressure can stress connections in the plumbing system and appliances are likely to cause leaks.
A qualified contractor should install a pressure regulator or evaluate and repair or replace one as necessary.
The electric meter security tag was missing or damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
The expansion tank was not properly secured. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The gas-fired water heater single wall exhaust flue had an improper clearance from combustible materials. This type of single wall vent requires a 6″ 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 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.
Based on the age of the heating system it is recommended that it be cleaned and serviced and certified (if possible) by an HVAC professional.
The heating system cabinet was corroded, rusted, or damaged in some areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The condensation drain line appears to be dirty. Over time algae, mold, and mildew can build up inside the condensation drain line. If not treated it can form a clog, causing water to back up and overflow inside the air conditioner/heating units.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
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.
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 are 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.
There was damage to the air-conditioner condenser coil fins. This limits the ability to dissipate heat. Further damage to the coil fins should be avoided in order to maintain cooling system efficiency and avoid problems from overheating of the compressor. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
17.4.1 – AC Service Disconnect
The circuit breaker was rated higher than the capacity listed on the compressor’s manufacture label. This condition could damage the unit or possibly start an electrical fire. Recommend having a qualified contractor repair or replace as necessary.
The cooling system turned on but did not operate as expected by producing adequately conditioned cooled air. An ambient air test was performed to determine if the difference in temperatures of the supply and return air was between 14 degrees and 22 degrees. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary.
The following areas, systems, or components had visible mold growth, the presence of moisture or moisture intrusion, and/or conditions that are conducive to mold growth:
Primary bathroom shower, mechanical room
A qualified mold mitigation contractor should evaluate further and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.