Home Inspection S Logan Ct Centennial 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 exhaust flue(s) showed signs of rust/corrosion.  A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

The chimney rain cap/spark arrestor was missing. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

A rain cap covers the top opening of the chimney flue liner and is usually combined with a spark arrestor.

A spark arrestor is used to prevent floating embers from a solid fuel fire setting light to a flammable roofing surface or falling onto other combustible materials on the ground. A spark arrestor typically consists of a double layer of metal mesh, which catches the ember and allows the flue gas to escape. Spark arrestors also help prevent animals from entering the chimney.

The concrete driveway was significantly cracked.  Cracks of 1/4″ or greater separation are typically indicating settlement, heaving, or structural problems. These types of 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 driveway has a negative slope and drains towards the home or garage. 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.

The exterior of the garage door has weatherstripping missing in one or more areas. A qualified contractor should inspect and repair as necessary and according to current standards.

Peeling paint was present in areas.

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

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.

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.

An exterior electrical outlet was not working. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

Minor cracking was visible on the walkway(s) in areas. Monitoring is the minimum recommendation. 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.

Large trees near the house have branches which overhang the property. Falling branches due to conditions such as wood decay, high winds or heavy snow loads may cause injury, death or damage. Significant weakening of large branches by conditions such as core decay may not be visible by persons without special training. Consider having these trees evaluated by a qualified arborist. Evaluating trees lies beyond the scope of the general property inspection.

Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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

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.

An entry door in the garage area was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The door swings over a step when opened.  This can lead to a fall and could be considered a safety hazard.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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 evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

The garage door had minor damage. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

The weather stripping at the garage door is damaged or insufficient.

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

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 stair riser height is more than what is accepted for current safety standards.

The riser height maximum is 7 3/4 inches measured vertically between the stair treads. This poses a trip hazard.

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

Moderate cracking was visible on the interior ceilings.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The carpet was stained in areas. 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 which met generally-accepted current standards. Egress opening requirements:

For safety reasons, all sleeping room 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.

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.

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.

The sink drain line had a flex pipe used as part of the drain line. Flexible drain lines can smell, clog, leak or fail. Flex lines design includes multiple folds in which moisture may become trapped and mold may grow.  A qualified contractor should 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.

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.

The shower door was too narrow. It should be a minimum of 22 inches wide. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair and replace as necessary.

The main water shutoff valve was corroded.

The valve is not and was not operated during the scope of a home  inspection.

Recommend 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 too.

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

Some or all circuit breakers were a brand different from the main panel brand. Circuit breakers made by different manufacturers vary in design, therefore panel manufacturers require their own manufactured breakers to be used. Select brands are interchangeable, and there are some “semi” universal breaker types or panel types.

Using incompatible breakers in the panel of another manufacturer may result in poor connections which can create a potential fire or shock/electrocution hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The main service drop was in contact with or routed through tree limbs at the time of the inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and trim tree branches as needed.

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 gas supply line lacked a flex hose to allow for movement of the concrete slab. A qualified contractor should evaluate then repair or replace as advised.

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 as necessary.

The gas supply line lacked a flex hose to allow for movement of the concrete slab. A qualified contractor should evaluate then repair or replace as advised.

The secondary drain line was capped 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 over flow protection device. A qualified contractor should evaluate 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 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.

Air flow to the air-conditioner condenser coils was restricted by vegetation, dirt, or debris. The unit should be cleaned and anything restricting air flow in or around the air conditioner should be removed in order to maintain cooling system efficiency and avoid problems from overheating of the compressor.

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.

The air conditioner unit did not have proper clearance and the air flow was likely restricted. This may result in inefficient operation.

There was a gap where the refrigerant lines enter the plenum. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and seal as needed.

The concrete floor in the basement was cracked in areas. These cracks appear to be common cracks indicating regular settlement or heaving, but not necessarily structural problems. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate to make further recommendations and repair 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.

There were minor to moderate cracks in the basement foundation wall. These cracks should be sealed to prevent moisture intrusion and monitored for further movement. Further analysis by a licensed structural engineer is recommended. 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 which 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 which increase to many times their original volume in response to increases in soil moisture content, creating forces which can easily damage property structural components such as foundations, floor slabs, flat work and interior and exterior wall coverings. Consider consulting with a qualified contractor before the expiration of your Inspection Objection Deadline to discuss options and costs for correction an/ or stabilization.