Home Inspection Cheyenne St Golden CO

Vermiculite is a naturally-occurring mineral composed of shiny flakes, resembling mica. When heated to a high temperature, flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8-30 times their original size. The expanded vermiculite is a light-weight, fire-resistant, and odorless material and has been used in numerous products, including insulation for attics and walls. Sizes of vermiculite products range from very fine particles to large (coarse) pieces nearly an inch long.

A mine near Libby, Montana, was the source of over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the United States from 1919 to 1990. There was also a deposit of asbestos at that mine, so the vermiculite from Libby was contaminated with asbestos. Vermiculite from Libby was used in the majority of vermiculite insulation in the United States and was often sold under the brand name Zonolite. If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may be contaminated with asbestos and be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos. Since vermiculite is assumed to contain asbestos, further testing is not necessary to take the appropriate precautions. We recommend evaluation for removal and replacement depending on the overall insulation and attic condition.

Bathroom vent duct terminated in the attic and did not vent to the exterior of property.

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 surface was spalling in areas. This condition will continue to degrade if not corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Exterior walls were covered with siding of a type which has a high probability of containing a large percentage of asbestos. Confirmation of the presence of asbestos in the siding material will require analysis by a qualified laboratory. Asbestos shingle siding, commonly installed in the 1940’s and early 1950’s, consists of a material known as “Transite”. Transite siding is composed of asbestos fibers embedded in a cement medium which prevents the release of fibers into the air where they might be inhaled. Unless the material is ground into dust by application of power tools or other destructive processes, Transite is not regarded as a significant health hazard. If you should decide to alter the exterior of the building, removal, handling and disposal of asbestos-containing material may need to be assigned to a specially licensed professional. Requirements for removal, handling and disposal typically vary by area.

The wall was bowed or bulges in areas.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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.

The distance between the bottom of wood components and the ground surface (or grade) was not sufficient. In locations that have little or no snow, the distance should be no less than 8 inches. In locations with significant lasting snow, the bottom of wood elements should be no less than 8 inches above the average snow depth.

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

It Wasp nest is present at the time of inspection. There is also an opening into the attic in the soffit. Recommend removing by qualified contractor.

The exterior light fixture or light cover was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary 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.

A window was a missing a window screen.

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

Window Well(s) lacked covers and may represent a danger to small children and may trap pests. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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.

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 walkway(s) were deteriorated or was eroded in areas. 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 sump pump discharge pipe did not terminate far enough away from the foundation. Erosion can continue or become worse if not corrected possibly leading to water intrusion. This condition may cause problems by introducing excessive amounts of moisture to the soil near the foundation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and install a proper extension, to properly route drainage away from the foundation, usually at least 6 feet.

The house showed signs of shifting on the foundation. Further analysis by a licensed structural engineer is recommended.

One or more vent covers were damaged. A damaged vent assembly can allow entry of water, air, or rodents into vent ducts or home. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The guard/hand rail was loose and should be secured. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected. 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.

An interior door rubs at the door frame when closing. This may mean the door or frame is out of square or that hinges may not be installed properly.

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 window was not considered a functional window.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

One or more electrical outlets were not grounded. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

One circuit was installed improperly with multiple GFCI outlets or breakers. This configuration prevents the GFCI outlets from resetting properly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The smoke detector did not work when tested. A qualified person should repair or replace as needed. The existing smoke detectors were tested if present, but they are only noted as to presence and operation as of date of inspection. Smoke detectors may work today but not work when you need them to work. This is why it is important for you to test them on a regular basis, monthly at least. Smoke detectors are recommended by the U.S. Product Safety Commission to be installed inside each bedroom and adjoining hallway and on each living level of the property and basement level.

The property had tiles and linoleum 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 to 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.

The oven display was damaged in somewhat illegible at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed

Laminate in the kitchen counter top was chipped or damaged.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

There is a leak at the cold water. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The tub spout should be sealed at the wall to prevent moisture intrusion in to the wall component. A qualified contractor should evaluate then repair or replace as advised.

The tub/shower area had deteriorated or missing sealant (caulking or grout) where the shower wall rests on the tub and/or at the inside corners. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The piping to the water heater is missing flex tubing to prevent the piping from breakage in case the concrete floor heaves or settles.

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.

An infrared inspection of the building envelope from the interior revealed a temperature anomaly in the insulation and or the presence of moisture intrusion. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

NOTE: Many factors can affect the ability to detect any anomalies including indoor air temperature, outside air temperature, shade/time of day, weather conditions, humidity levels, insulation type, exterior siding type, and more.