Home Inspection W Myrtle St Fort Collins CO

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.

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.

Peeling paint was present in areas.

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

The siding and/or trim appeared to be rotted in areas. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The surface of the exterior door was damaged or in poor condition.

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

An entry door had damaged or deteriorated weather stripping at the time of the inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

A screen door was missing at the time of inspection.

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

An exterior light fixture or light bulb was missing. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary according to current standards.

One or more window screens were damaged or deteriorated.

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.

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 tree limbs that are in contact with the roof or hanging near the roof should be trimmed. Evaluating trees lies beyond the scope of the general property inspection.

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

Large trees near the house have branches which overhang the property. Falling branches due to conditions such as wood decay, high winds or heavy snow loads may cause injury, death or damage. Significant weakening of large branches by conditions such as core decay may not be visible by persons without special training. Consider having these trees evaluated by a qualified arborist. Evaluating trees lies beyond the scope of the general property inspection.

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

Deck structure was improperly supported. This may be that support posts were connected to the structure (girder, beams) laterally using lag bolts, or beams are incorrectly notched to posts. The beam(s) should be installed on top of or notched partially on top of the support posts. This is a structural defect that may result in injury if not corrected.

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

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

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

The living room cabinet door was damaged at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

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

The ceilings showed evidence that moisture was entering from behind possibly including damage and deterioration.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The interior walls showed evidence that moisture was entering from behind possibly including damage and deterioration.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

There were “nail pops” visible on the interior ceilings.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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

The door frame was damaged and repairs had been made. 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.

One of the basement windows had a 2×4 screwed into the trim of the window blocking access to o the exterior. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace.

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 on the main floor. 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 light fixture was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

A faceplate for a junction box was missing. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

One or more light bulbs were not working at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

An interior handrail was not continuous throughout an interior stairway.

Handrails for stairs must be continuous for the full length of the stairway.

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.

The smoke detector was missing. A qualified person should 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 hallway register cover was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace.

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.

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.

Some windows had damaged or missing screens.  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.

There was some cracks in the basement slab.

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 door surface was damaged.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The bathroom exhaust fan did not work.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

There were “nail pops” visible on the interior ceilings.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

A GFCI outlet was not grounded and did not trip when tested. A GFCI requires a ground wire to route electricity when tripped. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The switch plate had a cracked or damaged cover.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The counter top was chipped or damaged.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The bathtub drain stop was damaged, missing or did not operate properly.  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 walls showed signs of minor damage and wear.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The interior walls showed evidence that moisture was entering from behind possibly including damage and deterioration.  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 window was not considered a functional window.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Flexible drain lines can clog, leak or fail. Flex lines design includes multiple folds in which moisture may become trapped and mold may grow.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The sink drain was missing a P-Trap.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

A shower supply arm was loose in the wall.  This will cause caulking/sealant to deteriorate at an accelerated rate and may allow water to enter the wall. Over time, this could potentially put added stress on the plumbing connections and develop a leak. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace it as necessary.

The toilet won’t flush unless the lever is held down briefly.  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.

The electric meter base was loose at time of inspection. 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.

An opening in the panel was missing a filler plate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair and replace as necessary.

The 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.

The TPRV pipe did not conspicuously terminate within 6 inches of the floor. This may allow high pressure hot water to cause unnecessary damage. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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.

The blower motor, wheel, and/or cabinet appeared to be dirty at the time of inspection. Blower fans/wheels are subjected to constant dirt, dust, and lint and can become overly dirty when not cleaned on a regular basis and even faster if the air filters are not changed regularly.

A qualified contractor should evaluate, clean, and service as necessary, and certify the unit is in good working order.

The reservoir appeared to be leaking at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.