Home Inspection S Carr Way Littleton CO

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.

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.

The attic access was thoroughly textured and painted shut. An attempt was made to use a razor to separate the hatch, however it was not successful. Excessive force, significant cutting, and possible damage may result to the paint and drywall texture in an effort to open this hatch. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate the attic space once access is provided.

The insulation had been walked on or had stored items compressing it, which reduces the R-value.

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

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.

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.

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 cause has not been corrected.

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

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.

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 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 outside water faucet drips at the knob when turned on. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The exterior foundation wall had a rigid foam board insulation that was deteriorated at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate further and repair or replace as needed.

A step was damaged at the deck. This condition may be a safety hazard.

Correction and further evaluation is recommended.

The exterior deck floor and/or other components were peeling paint. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

A handrail was deteriorated or damaged at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

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.

Downspout(s) need reconnecting to existing drain line. 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.

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.

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

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 door was hard to lift or the spring(s) did not support the weight of the door when tested.

Recommend a qualified contractor 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 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 squeaks when stepped on.  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.

A window had a sash that was difficult to slide or operate to get opened/closed.  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 wall was damaged or dented from the door knob.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The tile floor had missing or damaged grout.  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.

A window had a sash that was difficult to slide or operate to get opened/closed.  A qualified contractor should 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 tile on the wall or backsplash had missing or damaged grout.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Tiles on the wall in the bath/shower area had missing or damaged grout.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The property contained a pit for a sump pump, but the pump may not be working properly. The water level in the sump pit at the time of the inspection was higher than what is considered acceptable. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

A sump pump system protects the property from water intrusion by discharging rising groundwater or by routing surface drainage via the property perimeter drain to the pit, from where it is discharged by the pump to the exterior of the property or to a waste pipe or storm drain. Sump pumps require periodic maintenance to ensure that they work when they’re needed and should be tested on an annual basis to ensure they are in working order. The pumps can be tested by lifting the float, but to avoid potential shock/electrocution hazard testing should be performed using a tool which will not conduct electricity. Pumps have a filter that should be cleaned during routine maintenance.

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 manufacturer’s label was missing, partial, or illegible at 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 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.

Flames were not entirely burning a blue color. Orange and yellow flames may be an indicator the fuel-air mixture is not right and gas may not be burning as efficiently as possible. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate to adjust, repair, or replace fuel-burning components 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 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 condensation line was missing a trap. This condition allows conditioned air to escape through the condensation line. A qualified contractor should evaluate then repair or replace as advised.

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 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 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.

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.

Efflorescence (white powdery substance) on the wall indicates moisture is in contact with the concrete or masonry. This does not necessarily indicate that intrusion will occur. I recommend checking the gutters and the downspout drain lines for proper operation. Also, a water proofing paint could be applied to the interior side of the wall if necessary. Efflorescence is found on many properties without water intrusion occurring inside the property. But, it should alert you to the possibility that future steps may be needed. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.