Inspection Detail
Roof
Attic, Insulation and Ventilation
Attic, Insulation and Ventilation 2
Exterior
Attached Garage
Interior, Doors, Windows
Kitchen
Laundry
Bathroom
Bathroom 2
Plumbing
Electrical
Water Heating Equipment
Heating
Cooling Not Present
Structural Crawlspace
Mold Inspection
Premier Partners
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 was bent/damaged in areas. 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 crown cap was improperly sloped and not diverting water away from the flue. 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.
Gutters were noticeably flat or sloped “away from” the downspouts, which will prevent the water from being properly drained through the downspouts and away from the foundation.
This may even cause the water to overflow and cause damage to exterior walls and siding, or 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. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
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 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 insulation is not uniform: thicker in areas, thinner in areas, or possibly missing in some areas.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Exposed electrical conductor splices need to be installed inside a junction box with cover plate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace 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 of garage door has one or more damaged panels. A qualified contractor should inspect and repair as necessary and according to current standards.
The siding and/or trim was damaged in areas of the exterior.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
Gaps at intersections of the siding, trim, and door and window openings, as well as any other holes in the siding, should be sealed with an appropriate sealant to prevent water penetration into the wall system. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The siding/trim had a swollen appearance due to moisture intrusion.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The siding and/or trim appeared to be rotted in areas. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A bulb at an exterior light fixture did not respond to the switch at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary 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.
An exterior outlet was clogged or obstructed with paint, debris, or a foreign object. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The top window flashing was missing around the subject property. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Cracking or separation was present at the concrete step(s) in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
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 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.
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 evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The foundation had vertical cracks in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary before your inspection objection deadline.
A wood support post or wood portion of the deck was in direct contact with the ground/dirt. The wood should be pressure treated and ideally be: placed in a metal bracket and/or cement casing, and have clearance from the ground level. Wood in direct contact with dirt will wick up ground moisture and deteriorate at an accelerated rate if routine maintenance is not kept.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Cracked or split boards were present at the deck. This condition is a structural defect and potential safety hazard.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Deck structure was improperly supported. This may be that support posts were connected to the structure (girder, beams) laterally using lag bolts, or beams are incorrectly notched to posts. The beam(s) should be installed on top of or notched partially on top of the support posts. This is a structural defect that may result in injury if not corrected.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A support post was leaning at the deck. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Flashing was missing at 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.
Deck stairs were not properly secured/supported at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair replace as necessary.
Missing fasteners at Deck joist hangers. Recommend qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
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 evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An entry door in the garage had a loose knob or handle at the time of inspection.
The inspector was unable to verify that the door was fire rated . This may be considered a fire safety hazard. The door between the garage and the house should be a solid wood door at least 1-3/8 inches thick, a solid or honeycomb-core steel door at least 1-3/8 inches thick, or a 20-minute fire-rated door. This means that should a fire occur in garage, the occupant door does not afford protection until firemen arrive. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The door between the garage and the living space failed to close by itself. Modern safety requirements require that the door between the home interior and the garage be self-closing for safety reasons related to fire hazard and toxic fumes. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Indications of movement from 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 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 garage door panelling was dented, corroded, or damaged and should be further evaluated by a qualified contractor to repair or replace as needed.
The garage door was missing weather stripping or did not evenly seal at the floor or sides of the door. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make adjustments, repair, or replace as necessary.
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 texture were manufactured or installed using asbestos as late as the early 90s.
In the past, asbestos fibers were added during the production to strengthen and increase durability. Materials that contain asbestos, when intact and in good condition, is generally considered non-friable and is 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 floor had a noticeable hump or rise. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The floors showed signs of minor damage and wear, particularly in high-traffic areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The door surface was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The door swings open or closed by itself. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace 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.
Floor has a dip or is sloped in areas.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The counter top tiles had missing or damaged grout. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The sink sprayer was not properly weighted and did not return to the sink on its own. The sprayer hose had to be manually fed back down into the sink/counter area. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The floors showed signs of minor damage and wear – particularly in high traffic areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The diverter valve that diverts water from the tub spout to the shower head was leaking while in the shower position. This may be an indication of the valve beginning to fail.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A control valve at the tub was leaking during operation at the time of inspection.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Caulking in the shower/tub area was deteriorated at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor 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 flooring had seams that were wide or inconsistent possibly indication loose flooring or poor installation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Caulking in the shower/tub area was deteriorated at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The shower pan or tub is dirty and possibly stained at the time of the inspection. Recommend further evaluation from a qualified professional for cleaning, repairs, or replacement.
A saddle valve was present at 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 drain pipe was actively leaking 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 too.
Recommend a qualified contractor verify the breakers and accuracy of any existing labeling as necessary.
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 combustion air supply for this appliance was not present. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make necessary corrections according to current standards.
Fresh air supply is recommended by manufacturers for 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 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.
Due to the year of manufacture, the heating system is assumed to be near the end of its expected service life. Regular maintenance and monitoring of its condition is 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 Estimate Life Expectancy Chart for Homes
The combustion air supply for this appliance was not present. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make necessary corrections according to current standards.
Fresh air supply is recommended by manufacturers for 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 crawlspace vapor barrier was damaged in some areas, which compromises its effectiveness in reducing moisture and/or radon levels. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There were water stains or water damaged areas in the crawlspace at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There were several cracks in the crawlspace 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.
