The roof covering material was damaged/deteriorated in some areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
Some of the shingles appeared to be de-granulated in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
One or more combustion appliance exhaust flue(s) did not extend far enough above the roof. To ensure proper and safe operation, exhaust flues should extend at least 3 feet above the roof, and 2 feet above any portion of the roof within 10 feet (measured horizontally). 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 a 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 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 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.
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 exterior wall covering is beginning to deteriorate or has deteriorated.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
There were signs of previously repaired damage. Recommend inquiring with current homeowners for any further information. Should repairs be significant or failing, we recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The siding/trim had a swollen appearance due to moisture intrusion.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The doorbell button was missing or damaged at the time of the inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
One or more window screens were damaged or deteriorated.
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.
Grade has eroded or was poorly back-filled near the foundation wall, patio, or stairway. This may allow moisture to pool near the structure, and this may allow significant cracking if not corrected.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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 tree limbs that are in contact with the roof or hanging near the roof should be trimmed. Evaluating trees lies beyond the scope of the general property inspection.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The outside water faucet is connected to a garden hose. The hose could not be removed to inspect the faucet’s current operation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The outside water faucet has a damaged, missing, or loose knob. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The foundation had vertical cracks in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary before your inspection objection deadline.
More than one concrete slab and/or wall were separated at an intersection. May allow water intrusion and accelerated separation, cracking, deterioration, or possibly even structural damage to concrete if left un-treated. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Flashing was missing from the ledger board. This flashing problem may allow water to enter into the wall cavity or building components. 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.
Downspout(s) need to have extensions reconnected. 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 to 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.
Garage walls showed signs of current or past moisture intrusion. Moisture intrusion is visibly noted by the presence of water stains or efflorescence but can not tell whether the issue is active without further water testing.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate, and if active, make repairs as necessary to prevent further damage and/or mold.
The concrete floor in the garage was cracked. Due to expansive soils, minor cracks are to be expected in the slabs or control joints. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The garage door hinges, hardware, or support brackets were corroded, or damaged and should be further evaluated by a qualified contractor to repair or replace as needed.
The garage had one or more outlets without GFCI (or ground fault circuit interrupter) protection.
GFCI protection is required for all 15- and 20-amp receptacles, including outlets for refrigerators, sprinkler systems, garage door openers, and washing machines – some items may not be protected on purpose due to the potential for them to go unnoticed and cause damage. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An outlet or switch box in the garage was missing a faceplate cover. This may be a shock hazard. Recommend a qualified contractor install the missing piece.
The interior walls have signs of repairs. Recommend asking the current homeowner for more information. Recommend further evaluation from a qualified contractor should the repairs be excessive or of visibly poor quality.
The floor had wet stains indicating moisture intrusion did or does exist. 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.
Some windows had damaged or missing screens. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The window appeared to have a broken seal that has been compromised. Condensation and/or cloudiness between the two panes of glass was observed. This will have a negative impact on energy efficiency. Also, because there is moisture between the panes with no ventilation, mold can eventually develop. 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.
An outlet did not provide Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection. Although GFCI protection of circuits may not have been required at the time in which this home was built, safe building practices have improved with the passage of time and building standards have changed to reflect current understanding. The inspector recommends updating the existing electrical circuits to include GFCI protection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A dyer vent connection was installed in the laundry area. The dryer vent connection had become disconnected and should be reconnected to properly route the dryer exhaust to the exterior. Failure to reconnect the vent may result in unsatisfactory conditions from excessive humidity and lint accumulation in the home. Excessively high humidity can damage home materials or components and may encourage the growth of microbes such as mold. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Water damage was noted in the laundry sink area.
Water damage can be a single sign or a combination of the following signs:
- Stains
- Swelling and/or blistering
- Rotting wood
- Rust and/or Corrosion
A transition piece was missing between two sections of flooring. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A transition piece was missing between two sections of flooring. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An electrical outlet was not working. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The finish on the faucet is damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The main water supply line material is considered what enters the home from the city or well.
Excessive surface corrosion was present at the time of inspection. Corrosion or rust will lead to a leak or pipe burst if not corrected. There could be leaks not visible, or within the ground.
Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
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.
The HVAC system air filter was very dirty or clogged. This condition reflects a lack of regular maintenance of the HVAC system. 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 heating and cooling 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.
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 air-conditioner refrigerant suction line (large, insulated) has damaged or missing insulation in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary.
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.
Due to the current conditions at the time of inspection, the air conditioner is recommended to be cleaned, evaluated, and serviced by a qualified contractor. Consult with your real estate agent for your available options prior to closing.