Inspection Detail
Roof
Attic, Insulation and Ventilation
Exterior
Carport
Attached Garage
Interior, Doors, Windows
Kitchen
Laundry
Bathroom
Plumbing
Electrical
Water Heating Equipment
Heating
Cooling
Mold Inspection
Premier Partners
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.
The roof was covered with debris in areas. This condition could trap moisture and conceal damage. Latent defects may exist. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The inspector observed exposed nails on the roof covering. This condition could allow moisture to penetrate the roof component. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The drip edge flashing along the rake/eave was missing in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The vent flashing, used to protect areas of the roof from moisture intrusion, had exposed/inadequately sealed nails. 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.
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 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.
The attic has was located in the garage, however, it is not fire rated material.
One or more engineered truss 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. Axium recommends our premier partner – Level Engineering. They can be contacted at 720-400-8148 or online at www.axiuminspections.com/structural-engineer.
Signs of previous water penetration or intrusion into the attic. Water marks or stains were observed. Recommend asking seller if there’s any recent incidents that have been documented or mitigated.
Further evaluation is recommended.
Rusty nails often signal excess condensation build-up due to poor ventilation. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate further to repair or replace as needed.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
There appeared to be debris, cardboard, plastic, wood, etc. on the insulation. This configuration could lead to a possible mold environment. The inspector recommends that it be removed.
Bathroom vent duct terminated in the attic and did not vent to the exterior of property.
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.
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 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.
The siding and/or trim in areas was missing paint.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Peeling paint was present in areas.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
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.
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) were deteriorated or was eroded 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 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 foundation had vertical cracks in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary before your inspection objection deadline.
The exterior foundation wall had settlement crack(s.) A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. Axium recommends our premier partner – Level Engineering. They can be contacted at 720-706-8540 or online at www.axiuminspections.com/structural-engineer.
It appears that the radon exhaust vent is not sealed and that may allow radon gases into the interior.
Downspout(s) are missing the proper 6 ft. extensions. 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.
I observed a major structural defect at the carport.
Not bolted or touching the ground. Not leveled.
Recommend having a qualified contractor 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.
A door in the garage area was missing a strike plate at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
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.
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.
A light bulb did not respond to controls in the garage.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
7 – Interior, Doors, Windows
7.2.1 – Ceilings & Walls
The ceiling was bowed or bulges in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Minor cracking was visible on the interior ceilings. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Minor cracking was visible on the interior walls. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There appeared to be heat stains on some of the ceilings.
Indications of movement/settling of the floor were present in the areas 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.
The door had a damaged or missing doorstop. 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.
Although the 3-prong outlets installed in this property typically indicate a property with grounded branch wiring, this property had no grounding system installed to protect devices such as switches and electrical outlets. Although this condition may have been commonly considered safe or acceptable at the time the property was originally constructed, as general knowledge of safe building practices has improved with the passage of time, building standards have changed to reflect current understanding. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
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.
A GFCI outlet was defective (did not trip when tested). A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The dishwasher control panel was illegible, inoperable, or damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The dishwasher was loose and not properly secured to the counter top or cabinets. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The oven had excess grease or was dirty at the time of inspection. Excess grease may be a fire hazard. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and clean as needed.
Some windows had damaged or missing screens. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
A dyer vent connection was installed in the laundry area. The dryer vented into a canister. This condition is improper and inadequate and may result in excessively high humidity levels in the home. Excessively high humidity can damage home materials or components and may encourage the growth of microbes such as mold. This condition can also result in the accumulation of lint, which is a potential fire hazard. The inspector recommends proper installation of an Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) approved dryer vent for safety reasons. Dryer vents should be cleaned annually to help ensure that safe conditions continue to exist.
The door had a damaged or missing doorstop. 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.
The sink drain line was clogged or drains slowly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The shower diverter did not divert all of the water to the shower and a stream of water passed though bathtub spout when the shower was on. 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 main water shutoff valve was missing the knob or lever. 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.
There was a 90-degree elbow fitting installed at the top portion of the TPR valve discharge pipe on the water heater. This pipe should terminate straight down within 6” of the floor and not have any threads or fittings prior to that point. Any fittings should be an approved material and configuration. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The furnace exhaust flue pipe was sealed improperly at the time of the inspection. Flue pipe connections should be sealed by 3 or more screws as most tapes (or tape adhesives) are not able to resist prolonged exposure to high heat.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
Air flow to the air-conditioner condenser coils was restricted by vegetation, dirt, or debris. The unit should be cleaned and anything restricting air flow in or around the air conditioner should be removed in order to maintain cooling system efficiency and avoid problems from overheating of the compressor.
The exterior compressor unit was not level. Over time, this may result in noisy fan operation, damage to the fan bearings and a shortened fan lifespan, or it may result in movement of the compressor housing which can cause leaks in refrigerant lines resulting in expensive service. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
