3 – Attic, Insulation and Ventilation
3.3.1 – Attic Moisture Intrusion
Attic Moisture Intrusion 1
WATER INTRUSION – INSULATION

Visible signs of water intrusion in the attic are present on insulation. Water intrusion can lead to more costly repairs and increase damage if not corrected. The extent of intrusion or how often it occurs could not be determined. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

3.3.2 – Attic Moisture Intrusion
Attic Moisture Intrusion 2
WATER INTRUSION – STRUCTURE

Visible signs of water intrusion in the attic are present on rafters, trusses, or roof decking. Water intrusion can lead to more costly repairs and increase damage if not corrected. The extent of intrusion or how often it occurs could not be determined. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

3.4.1 – Insulation in Attic
Insulation in Attic 1
TOO THIN

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

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

 4 – Exterior – Condo/Townhome
4.1.1 – Exterior Doors
Exterior Doors 1
DAMAGE – DEADBOLT

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

4.1.2 – Exterior Doors
Exterior Doors 2
DAMAGE – DOOR

The door appears to be damaged. This is possibly from excessive force such as ramming the door when locked, or from heavy usage. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

4.1.3 – Exterior Doors
Exterior Doors 3
DAMAGE – SCREEN DOOR
HANDLE LATCH NOT WORKING WELL

The screen door was damaged or deteriorated at the time of inspection.

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

4.1.4 – Exterior Doors
Exterior Doors 4
MISSING – HARDWARE

Hardware was missing at an exterior entry door.

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

4.5.1 – Vegetation, Grading & Drainage
Vegetation, Grading & Drainage 1
NEGATIVE GRADING

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.

4.6.1 – Decks & Balconies
Decks & Balconies 1
Decks & Balconies 2
WOOD ROT – FLOORING

Rotted or deteriorated wood was visible at the deck flooring.  This condition is a structural defect.

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

4.7.1 – Storage Closet
Storage Closet 1
DAMAGED DOOR

Door surface or structure to the storage closet was damaged the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

 6 – Interior, Doors, Windows
6.2.1 – Ceilings & Walls
Ceilings & Walls 1
Ceilings & Walls 2
Ceilings & Walls 3
DAMAGED – MULTIPLE ITEMS
MULTIPLE AREAS THROUGHOUT PROPERTY

The ceiling and/or walls showed various signs of minor defects at numerous locations including all or some of the following: damage, cracks, holes, previous repairs, and/or improper repairs. A representative number of pictures were taken to provide an example. Should any of these issues appear excessive we recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace items as necessary.

6.2.2 – Ceilings & Walls
Ceilings & Walls 4
DAMAGED – WALLS
CIGARETTE SMOKE STAINS

The walls showed signs of minor damage and wear.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

6.3.1 – Floors
Floors 1
MISSING – FLOOR COVERING MATERIAL

Floor covering materials were  missing at interior areas. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and install as necessary.

6.4.1 – Doors
Doors 1
Doors 2
MISSING – DOOR

The door was missing.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

6.5.1 – Windows
Windows 1
BROKEN SEALS

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.

6.5.2 – Windows
Windows 2
WONT STAY OPEN

A window sash would not stay up/open at the time of inspection. The window may have had damaged spring rails or springs that were damaged or weak. If this is an older counterweighted window, the counterweights may need to be adjusted. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace it as necessary.

6.6.1 – Electrical Outlets
Electrical Outlets 1
LOOSE – OUTLET

An electrical outlet was loose in the wall. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

6.6.2 – Electrical Outlets
Electrical Outlets 2
NOT GROUNDED – OUTLET

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

6.6.3 – Electrical Outlets
Electrical Outlets 3
Electrical Outlets 4
OUTLET HOT AND NEUTRAL REVERSED

One or more electrical outlet(s) were wired incorrectly with the hot and neutral wires being reversed. While the outlet still provides power to electronic equipment, a shock hazard has been created as there is still electricity running through the hot wire when the switch is off. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary according to current standards.

6.7.1 – Electrical Fixtures & Switches
Electrical Fixtures & Switches 1
FAN MISSING/BROKEN CHAIN

The ceiling fan had a missing or damaged chain.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

6.8.1 – Stairways & Railings
Stairways & Railings 1
SPINDLE SPACING OVER 4″

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.

6.8.2 – Stairways & Railings
Stairways & Railings 2
STAIR SQUEAKS

The stair floor squeaks when stepped on.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

6.9.1 – Smoke & CO Detectors
Smoke & CO Detectors 1
CO DETECTOR MISSING

Carbon monoxide detectors were not installed within a specified distance of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes. The inspector recommends installation of carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate locations. Colorado House bill 1091 became effective on July 1, 2009 that requires Carbon Monoxide detectors to be installed in most properties that has a fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage.

There are no carbon monoxide detectors on the lower or upper level.

6.9.2 – Smoke & CO Detectors
Smoke & CO Detectors 2
DETECTOR “BEEPS”

A smoke or CO detector was beeping at the time of inspection, and likely has low battery life or the detector itself may be defective. Recommend further evaluation of all detectors to repair or replace as needed.

6.10.1 – Installed Heat Source
Installed Heat Source 1
MISSING REGISTER COVER
MOST AREAS

A supply register was missing the cover. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

6.11.1 – Fireplace Wood-Burning
Fireplace Wood-Burning 1
CLEANING NEEDED

The visible areas of the firebox and chimney flue were dirty at the time of the inspection. Most of the chimney flue was inaccessible and was not inspected. Dirty flues are potential fire hazards and should be cleaned by a professional. Recommend having the chimney evaluated by a C.S.I. (Chimney Safety Institute) -qualified chimney sweep.

6.11.2 – Fireplace Wood-Burning
Fireplace Wood-Burning 2
DAMAGED MANTLE

Damage tile. Recommend qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

 7 – Kitchen
7.3.1 – Ceilings & Walls
Ceilings & Walls 1
Ceilings & Walls 2
DAMAGED – WALLS

The walls showed signs of minor damage and wear.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

7.4.1 – Floors
Floors 1
FLOOR SQUEAKS

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

7.4.2 – Floors
Floors 2
FLOOR DAMAGED

There appeared to be some damage to the interior flooring in areas. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

7.5.1 – Cabinets & Counters
Cabinets & Counters 1
DAMAGED – CABINET FLOOR

The cabinet floor was damaged. This may be from excessive leaking pipes, condensation, or even leaking cleaners stored in cabinet over the years.

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

7.5.2 – Cabinets & Counters
Cabinets & Counters 2
WORN FINISH

Counters or cabinetry had a finish that was worn or peeling. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

7.6.1 – Electrical Outlets
Electrical Outlets 1
NO GFCI PROTECTION

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.

7.8.1 – Electrical Fixtures & Switches
Electrical Fixtures & Switches 1
NOT WORKING – BULB

A fixture or bulb was not responding to switches at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

7.13.1 – Dishwasher
Dishwasher 1
NOT OPERATIONAL
POWER OFF

The dishwasher was not operational at the time of inspection.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

7.13.2 – Dishwasher
Dishwasher 2
DAMAGED

Smoke stains

7.14.1 – Range/Oven/Cooktop
Range/Oven/Cooktop 1
NOT WORKING – OVEN
BREAKER OFF

The oven was not working at the time of inspection.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

7.14.2 – Range/Oven/Cooktop
Range/Oven/Cooktop 2
Range/Oven/Cooktop 3
DAMAGED

Smoke stains

7.17.1 – Refrigerator
Refrigerator 1
DAMAGED

The refrigerator was damaged.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

7.17.2 – Refrigerator
Refrigerator 1
Refrigerator 2
NOT COOLING PROPERLY

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

7.17.3 – Refrigerator
STRONG ODOR
 8 – Laundry
8.4.1 – Exhaust Fan
NO VENT NO WINDOW

The laundry room did not have an exhaust fan or an openable window. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

8.11.1 – Dryer Vent Piping
Dryer Vent Piping 1
DISCONNECTED

A dyer vent connection was installed in the laundry area. The dryer vent connection had become disconnected and should be reconnected to properly route the dryer exhaust to the exterior. Failure to reconnect the vent may result in unsatisfactory conditions from excessive humidity and lint accumulation in the home. Excessively high humidity can damage home materials or components and may encourage the growth of microbes such as mold. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

 9 – Bathroom
9.3.1 – Exhaust Fan
Exhaust Fan 1
NOISY

The bathroom exhaust fan was noisy when on.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

9.4.1 – Ceilings & Walls
Ceilings & Walls 1
Ceilings & Walls 2
DAMAGED – WALLS

The walls showed signs of minor damage and wear.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

9.5.1 – Floors
Floors 1
FLOOR DAMAGED

There appeared to be some damage to the interior flooring in areas. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

9.7.1 – Electrical Outlets
Electrical Outlets 1
OBSTRUCTED – OUTLET

An electrical outlet was obstructed with paint, debris or foreign object. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

9.8.1 – Electrical Fixtures & Switches
Electrical Fixtures & Switches 1
Electrical Fixtures & Switches 2
DAMAGED – SWITCH

The switch was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

9.9.1 – Cabinets & Counters
Cabinets & Counters 1
CAULKING – SINK

The counter top needs caulking with silicone around the sink.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

9.12.1 – Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing Fixtures1
LEAK – DIVERTER VALVE

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.

9.12.2 – Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing Fixtures2
LEAK – TUB CONTROL VALVE

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.

9.14.1 – Tub, Shower Area
Tub, Shower Area 1
STAINED, DIRTY

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.

9.15.1 – Fixture Valve Installation And Temperature
Fixture Valve Installation And Temperature 1
WATER NOT HOT

The hot water in the shower did not get over 100 degrees whereas the nearby faucets did. This may indicate that either the mixing valve (safety feature to limit potential scalding) or control cartridge needs adjustment to achieve a hot shower. There may be a more significant issue, that only further evaluation can reveal.

Hot and cold supply was installed correctly and the property’s overall hot water temperature was within an acceptable range.

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

 10 – Bathroom 2
10.2.1 – Doors
Doors 1
MISSING – DOOR

The door was missing.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

10.4.1 – Ceilings & Walls
Ceilings & Walls 1
DAMAGED – WALLS

The walls showed signs of minor damage and wear.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

10.5.1 – Floors
Floors 1
FLOOR DAMAGED

There appeared to be some damage to the interior flooring in areas. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

10.9.1 – Cabinets & Counters
Cabinets & Counters 1
CAULKING – SINK

The counter top needs caulking with silicone around the sink.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

 11 – Plumbing
11.3.1 – Water Supply & Distribution Systems
Water Supply & Distribution Systems 1
Water Supply & Distribution Systems 2
POLYBUTYLENE

Property distribution pipes were polybutylene.

Polybutylene piping similar in appearance to the piping in this home has been the subject of a national class action lawsuit involving certain polybutylene plumbing systems and polybutylene yard service lines installed between July 1, 1978-July 31, 1995. While scientific evidence is scarce, it is believed that oxidants in the public water supplies, such as chlorine, react with the polybutylene and acetyl fittings causing them to scale, flake and become brittle.  Micro-fractures result and the structural integrity of the water distribution system is compromised. The system may become weak and fail without warning causing damage to the building structure and personal property.

Throughout the 1980’s lawsuits were filed complaining that allegedly defective manufacturing and installation caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.  Although the manufacturers have never admitted that this material is defective, they agreed to fund the Class Action settlement with an initial and minimum amount of $950. As of May 2009 the class is now closed and no further funds are available.   A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

 12 – Electrical
12.2.1 – Distribution Panels
Distribution Panels 1
MISSING – PANEL DOOR, MANUFACTURERS LABEL

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.

 13 – Water Heating Equipment
13.1.1 – General Information
OLDER THAN 10 YEARS

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.

13.8.1 – Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve
Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve 1
Temperature & Pressure Relief Valven2
SLOPED – UPHILL

Pipe flowed uphill and may create additional or excessive pressure in the tank during a pressure-relief emergency.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

13.13.1 – Water Temperature
Water Temperature 1
WATER TEMPERATURE LOW

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.

 14 – Heating
14.6.1 – Cabinet
Cabinet1
SAFETY SWITCH TAPED SHUT

Safety switch taped shut. System will not trip on on without tape in place. Recommend qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

14.9.1 – Air Filter
Air Filter 1
VERY DIRTY

The HVAC system air filter was very dirty or clogged. This condition reflects a lack of regular maintenance of the HVAC system. 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 heating and cooling 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.

14.12.1 – Heating System Ignition & Operation
SHORT CYCLING

The furnace was short-cycling (repeated start-up and shut-down within minutes of each other) at the time of the inspection. Most systems should run about 2-3 cycles per hour. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

 16 – Structural Crawlspace
16.2.1 – Soil Vapor Barrier
Soil Vapor Barrier 1
BARRIER DAMAGED

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.

16.3.1 – Moisture Intrusion
Moisture Intrusion 1
MOISTURE INTRUSION
DRAIN BACK UP POSSIBLE

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.

16.6.1 – Insulation
Insulation 1
NOT SECURED LOOSE

The crawl space insulation is not properly secured and loose in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

16.7.1 – Ventilation
Ventilation 1
OBSTRUCTED

A crawlspace vent was obstructed or covered at the time of inspection. This may prevent proper ventilation into the crawlspace. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.