The inspector observed stains on the shingles in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The combustion exhaust flue was dented/damaged at the time of the inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The chimney was missing a cricket. Chimneys wider than 36 inches should have a “cricket” installed. A cricket is a tented flashing that diverts water to the sides of a chimney and prevents water from being able to pool or pond in the high side crevasse. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
Gutters had moderate general corrosion visible. Corrosion is generally a sign of poor sloping or drainage, and continued corrosion will eventually result in leaking gutters.
This condition may cause problems by introducing 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. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
Gutters had severe general corrosion visible and may be at or near the end of their useful life. Corrosion is generally a sign of poor sloping or drainage, and continued corrosion will eventually result in leaking gutters.
This condition may cause problems by introducing 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. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
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.
Gable vent was damaged, which could allow pests to enter.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Wasp nest on gable vent. A qualified pest control professional should investigate and repair or replace as necessary.
Minor cracking was visible on the driveway in areas. Monitoring is the minimum recommendation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The exterior of garage door has one or more damaged panels. A qualified contractor should inspect and repair as necessary and according to current standards.
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.
The siding/trim had a swollen appearance due to moisture intrusion.
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.
An exterior electrical outlet was not working. 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.
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 is connected to a garden hose. The hose could not be removed to inspect the faucet’s current operation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and 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.
When the hose bib is activated on the outside of the home water begins to appear over the foundation wall and pouring into the outside of the home. A qualified plumber should investigate and repair or replace as necessary.
The exterior foundation wall had cracks at the corner. 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.
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.
The lawn sprinkler system appeared to be damaged and/or leaking at time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary according to current standards.
The door frame 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.
The inspector was unable to verify that the door was fire rated . This may be considered a fire safety hazard. The door between the garage and the house should be a solid wood door at least 1-3/8 inches thick, a solid or honeycomb-core steel door at least 1-3/8 inches thick, or a 20-minute fire-rated door. This means that should a fire occur in garage, the occupant door does not afford protection until firemen arrive. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An opening was in the drywall or gypsum board of the garage.
The wall to separate the garage and living areas, including an attic wall, should be fire-rated. This wall must be covered with at least 1/2-inch thick (and preferably 5/8-inch thick Type X) gypsum board or equivalent applied to the garage side.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair and seal all openings as necessary.
The garage door was hard to lift or the spring(s) did not support the weight of the door when tested.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A light bulb did not respond to controls in the garage.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The door had a loose handle or knob. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
The window had a crank handle that was damaged or not working properly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The window had a missing crank handle. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The window did not lock 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.
Some windows had damaged or missing screens. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An electrical outlet was not working. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Light switch in primary bathroom activates switches in front right bedroom and the downstairs living room. Nearly a third of the houses outlets and fixtures operate from the light switch in the primary bedroom. This is grossly incorrect and brings to question the quality of the wiring throughout the home. A qualified electrician should be retained to investigate and repair and replace as necessary.
A faceplate for an electrical switch was missing. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
At the interior stairs, the handrail was missing. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Laminate in the kitchen counter top was chipped or damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The counter top was swollen and beginning to blister. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An electrical outlet was loose in the wall. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The window did not lock properly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The food waste disposer was missing the wiring connector (clamp and bushing). A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The dishwasher door fell open when not supported indication weak or damaged springs. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The dishwasher drain line came out from a low location and did not discharge into a higher drain pipe. Dishwasher drain lines require a “high loop” in the line in order to drain properly. A “high loop” may have been hidden behind the appliance itself. The high loop in the drain hose is to keep water from settling in the hose to prevent any odors from backing up into the dishwasher. Food or debris may become stuck in the line and smell or mold if not corrected. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
There was no ventilation (exhaust fan or openable window) In the laundry area. Normally an exhaust fan or an openable window is needed for proper ventilation. 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 was vented using a flexible plastic vent which is not approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL). Flexible plastic dryer vent is more likely to accumulate lint than a smooth metal vent creating a potential fire hazard. Excessive lint accumulation can increase drying time and shorten the dryers lifespan. The inspector recommends replacing the plastic vent with a properly installed UL approved dryer vent. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The door would not latch when closed, and may need adjustment at the strike plate to latch properly. 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 tub/shower area had deteriorated or missing sealant (caulking or grout) at the corners and/or floor. Sealant is needed at wall corners inside the shower, corners from tub to wall, and along the floor perimeter. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The shower/bathtub faucet was weak in volume and/or pressure. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An improper material appears to be used to supply gas at the property. Galvanized steel, copper, brass or CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) are primary materials used in most areas, but some utilities specifically prohibit the use of copper. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate further and repair or replace as needed.
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.
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.
The grounding rod is not flush with or below grade level. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The combustion air supply for this appliance was not present. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make necessary corrections according to current standards.
Fresh air supply is recommended by manufacturers for efficient operation of fuel burning appliances. Years ago, the air could come from inside or outside the building, however, more recent standards prefer for combustion air to come from the outside only.
The heating system did fire and appeared to be in serviceable condition at the time of the inspection. However, the appearance of the flames during operation indicated that gas combustion was not correct. Cleaning, servicing and/or certification of the HVAC system by a qualified contractor is recommended and repaired or replaced as necessary.
The inspector observed signs of a possible active leak in the crawlspace.
There were not passive vents installed for the crawlspace at the time of inspection. If a crawlspace is not a conditioned air space, it is recommended to have passive vents in order to maintain satisfactory heat and humidity levels.