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.
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.
- 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 exterior deck floor had one or more deck boards that stick up and create a trip hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A stairway of more than 3 steps or drop of over 30″ was missing a handrail.
4.21.1 – Roof Drainage – Downspouts & Extensions
Downspouts were missing in areas of property. This condition may cause problems by introducing excessive amounts of moisture to the soil beneath the foundation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection was not provided for all the garage electrical outlets. A qualified contractor should evaluate and implement according to current standards.
Although GFCI protection of garage circuits may not have been required at the time in which this property was built, GFCI protection is now required for all 15- and 20-amp receptacles in a garage, 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.
The drywall was cut out for an access hole. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The interior ceilings 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 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 had a noticeable hump or rise. 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 floors showed signs of minor damage and wear, particularly in high-traffic areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
A light fixture was missing. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
The sink in the basement mechanical room was not securely mounted at the time of the inspection. suggest a qualify contractor repair replace is 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 counter top needs caulking with silicone along the back splash. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Hot and cold controls appeared to be reversed at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace supply lines as needed.
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 ceilings had signs of previous repair. 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 counter top needs caulking with silicone along the back splash. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The drywall wall, ceiling, and/or trim was not finished properly. This may be one or more of the following: loose sections, missing pieces, missing caulking and/or paint, or poor application of any of the wall, ceiling, finishing components. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The floor covering was not sealed at the edges and may allow moisture intrusion. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A GFCI outlet was defective and will not reset once tripped. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The water supply valve was corroded at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The bathroom exhaust fan was weak. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A transition piece was missing between two sections of flooring. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Sharp screws / fasteners we used at the electrical panel cover. This could be potentially hazardous if the screws puncture a live electrical wire. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The size of the service to the main or secondary panel was less than 100 amps which is the minimum for modern day electrical demands. 200 amp is the current standard on most newer homes. If additional electrical components need to be added, it may require updating and replacing the main electrical panel. If this is a concern or the client requires additional information the inspector would recommend contacting a qualified electrical contractor to further evaluate before the inspection objection period.
Determining the electrical service capacity is outside the scope of a general home inspection according to the InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) standards of practice. The inspector does not measure/calculate the amperage or voltage of the property according to these standards.
The main water shutoff valve was missing the knob or lever. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The property water supply pressure measured at the exterior faucet or laundry appliance hose bib. Property water supply pressure exceeded the 80 pounds per square inch (PSI) limit considered the maximum allowable by generally accepted current standards. Excessively high water pressure can stress connections in the plumbing system and appliances is likely to cause leaks.
A qualified contractor should install a pressure regulator or evaluate and repair or replace one as necessary.
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.
Based on the age of the cooling system it is recommended that it be cleaned and serviced and certified (if possible) by an HVAC professional.
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.
The air-conditioner refrigerant suction line (large, insulated) exterior wall penetration should be sealed to prevent moisture and insect intrusion. 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.
Signs of leaking, corrosion, or rusting were present at the visible refrigerant lines connected to the evaporative coil. Leaking from this location may possibly have a compounded effect on the components beneath it which typically includes the furnace heat exchanger. Delays or failure to correct this issue may cause extended damage. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Based on the age of the heating system it is recommended that it be cleaned and serviced and certified (if possible) by an HVAC professional.
Air supply ducts were not sealed. Ideally all ducts are sealed with mastic in order to be more energy-efficient. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
The HVAC system air filter was not properly secured. This condition reflects a lack of regular maintenance of the HVAC system. Clogged filters can restrict air flow 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 filter, as well as cleaning, servicing and evaluating of the HVAC system by a qualified HVAC professional and repair or replace as necessary.
Indications of movement/settling of the concrete floor were present in the basement area. This may be a compromise to the structural integrity of the foundation or structure of the house 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 720-706-8540 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.