Home Inspection S Elati St Englewood CO

A plumbing vent did not extend far enough above the roof. A plumbing vent should extend a minimum of 10″.  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.

A gas exhaust flue appeared to be leaning at the time of the inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

The attic access hatch was missing. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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 insulation is thinner than current thermal resistance (R-value) standards.

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

The inspector observed what appeared to be older wiring. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

The inspector observed wiring that was improperly routed/secured. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

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 exterior of the garage door has one or more damaged panels. A qualified contractor should inspect and repair 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.

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.

Components of the eaves, facia, and/or soffit were deteriorated or rotted. Adjacent portions may also have signs of water damage and be warped, swollen, or have peeling paint and will eventually begin to rot if left untreated or the cause has not been corrected.

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The eaves had gaps at the edges between soffit panels or roof sheathing which allows insects to enter the attic.

Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

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.

No Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection was provided for the exterior electrical outlets. Although GFCI protection of exterior circuits may not have been required at the time in which this property was built, modern building and safety standards now require them. This is a reflection of the current understanding of the potential hazards. The inspector recommends updating the existing exterior electrical circuits to include GFCI protection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and implement according to current standards.

The exterior electrical outlet was missing an in-use weatherproof covering. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

A window had cracked glass or cracked windowpane.

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

There were signs of significant cracking on the walkway(s) in areas. Cracks that with a separation of 1/4″ and more would be an indication of settlement, heaving, or structural problems. These cracks may present a tripping hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair 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.

Pipes had minor surface rust at the gas meter. Monitoring and contacting a qualified professional to further evaluate for repairs is recommended

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.

An attic access panel in the wall of the garage was not properly trimmed or sealed and is considered a break in the firewall between the garage and habitable areas.

Should the interior attic span across the entire structure, the attic access should be installed according to current fire rating standards. Alternatively, there may be a wall to separate the garage and the house or attic space. This wall must be covered with at least 1/2-inch thick (and preferably 5/8-inch thick Type X) gypsum board or equivalent applied to the garage side.

Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and 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.

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 property had tiles that may contain asbestos. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. Flooring, including sheet vinyl, vinyl, or asphalt floor tiles and any associated paper-like backing, mastic, adhesive, or glue, may contain asbestos. In the past, asbestos fibers were added during the production of flooring materials to strengthen the flooring and increase its durability. Flooring that contains asbestos, when intact and in good condition, is generally considered non-friable and is not hazardous. Heat, water, weathering, or aging can weaken flooring 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.

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.

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.

The inspector observed many two-prong outlets throughout the property. These are outdated outlets that should be upgraded to three-prong outlets with proper grounds. A qualified contractor should evaluate and then repair or replace as advised.

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.

At the interior stairs, the handrail was installed lower than the acceptable height of 32″. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The bar sink drain was missing a P-Trap. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

The refrigerator/freezer was not cooling at proper temperatures.  It is recommended that a refrigerator cools at around 38 degrees while a freezer cools at around zero degrees.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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

An electrical outlet was not grounded. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The inspector observed an outlet that was improperly installed. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

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.

The food waste disposer was missing the wiring connector (clamp and bushing) and the wiring was frayed. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The dishwasher was not operational at the time of inspection.  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.

The window was missing a glass pane.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The drain was disconnected. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

The inspector observed two-prong outlets throughout the property. These are outdated outlets that should be upgraded to three-prong outlets with proper grounds. A qualified contractor should evaluate and then repair or replace as advised.

A control valve at the sink was leaking during operation at the time of inspection.

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The toilet was loose on the floor. This condition typically is caused by loose bolts or nuts and/or missing floor seals. Loose toilet can result in leaks, water damage, and mold, as well as damage to the toilet, water supply lines, bolts, and drainage pipes. 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.

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 toilet was loose on the floor. This condition typically is caused by loose bolts or nuts and/or missing floor seals. Loose toilet can result in leaks, water damage, and mold, as well as damage to the toilet, water supply lines, bolts, and drainage pipes. 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.

Signs of water penetration were present at the window(s).  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 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.

An electrical outlet was not grounded. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The sink drain pipe appeared to slope in the wrong direction. The drain line should have a slight slope away from the fixture to allow for proper draining and to prevent water and debris from resting inside the pipe.  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.

The toilet was loose on the floor. This condition typically is caused by loose bolts or nuts and/or missing floor seals. Loose toilet can result in leaks, water damage, and mold, as well as damage to the toilet, water supply lines, bolts, and drainage pipes. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

One or more drain pipe(s) were actively leaking at the time of inspection.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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 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 to0.

Recommend a qualified contractor to verify the breakers and accuracy of any existing labeling as necessary.

The manufacturer’s label was missing, partial, or illegible on the electrical service panel. The manufacturer’s label typically provides information describing the main panel such as the name of the panel manufacturer, the panel model number, the panel amperage rating, limitations related to the environment in which the panel was designed to be installed, and grounding/bonding information for that particular model. The Inspector was unable to confirm the existence of proper conditions when confirmation would require information taken from this missing label.

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 electrical service mast was not secured at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

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.

The secondary drain line was capped, missing, or not routed to a drain. If the primary drain line becomes blocked, this condition could cause condensation to not drain properly and possibly damage the unit. The inspector recommends installing a secondary drain or installing an overflow protection device. A qualified contractor should evaluate and then repair or replace as advised.

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.

The heating system did fire and appeared to be in a serviceable condition at the time of the inspection. However, the interior of the cabinet was dirty. Cleaning, servicing, and/or certification of the HVAC system by a qualified contractor is recommended and repaired or replaced as necessary.

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 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 exhaust for the basement fireplace was routed through an upstairs bedroom closet. This condition could allow carbon monoxide and/or fire to spread into a sleeping room and should be considered a health/safety issue until corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

The glass at the fireplace had a cloudy appearance. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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.

The visible areas of the basement showed signs of possible previous moisture intrusion and/or deterioration. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

One or more Light fixtures in the basement were not working properly installed at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair a replace as needed.