Inspection Detail
Roof
Attic, Insulation & Ventilation
Exterior
Interior, Doors, Windows
Bathroom
Bathroom 2
Heating
Heating – Other
Cooling
Plumbing
Water Heating Equipment
Electrical
Structural Basement
Mold Inspection
Gutters were full of debris 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.
One or more combustion appliance exhaust flue(s) exhibited heavy corrosion. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary.
The insulation is thinner than current thermal resistance (R-value) standards.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The driveway/walkway 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.
A walkway was not properly sealed against a foundation wall and may allow excess moisture to enter. Recommend a qualified contractor and repair or replace as needed.
The driveway or walkway has a negative slope and drains towards the house. This condition is prone to water penetration into the house structure. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
There were signs of indications of major cracking at the driveway. This condition could be a trip hazard. 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.
Grade has eroded or was poorly back-filled near foundation wall, patio, or stairway.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Components of the eaves, facia, and/or soffit was warped, swollen, or had peeling paint which are signs of water damage. The materials will eventually begin to rot if left untreated or cause has not been corrected.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The paint was peeling or cracking in one or more areas of the eaves.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
An entry door had a broken or cracked glass pane. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An exterior entry door had a gap at the bottom of the door. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
Visible exterior foundation walls appeared deteriorated in areas at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The property had ceiling materials that may contain asbestos. Ceiling tiles or popcorn texture were manufactured or installed using asbestos as late as the early 90s.
In the past, asbestos fibers were added during the production to strengthen and increase durability. Materials that contain asbestos, when intact and in good condition, is generally considered non-friable and is not hazardous. Heat, water, weathering or aging can weaken asbestos materials to the point where it is considered friable. Friable material includes any material containing more than 1 percent asbestos that can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder with hand pressure. This includes previously non-friable material which has been damaged to the extent that it may be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure and can also be made friable during its removal. Friable materials can release asbestos fibers into the air. Once in the air, asbestos fibers present a health hazard to people who inhale those fibers.
The walls showed signs of minor damage and wear. 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.
The paint was peeling in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The tiles on the ceiling were sagging. 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 property had tiles that may contain asbestos. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. Flooring, including sheet vinyl, vinyl or asphalt floor tiles and any associated paper-like backing, mastic, adhesive or glue, may contain asbestos. In the past, asbestos fibers were added during the production of flooring materials to strengthen the flooring and to increase its durability. Flooring that contains asbestos, when intact and in good condition, is generally considered non-friable and is not hazardous. Heat, water, weathering or aging can weaken flooring to the point where it is considered friable. Friable material includes any material containing more than 1 percent asbestos that can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder with hand pressure. This includes previously non-friable material which has been damaged to the extent that it may be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure and can also be made friable during its removal. Friable materials can release asbestos fibers into the air. Once in the air, asbestos fibers present a health hazard to people who inhale those fibers.
The carpet was loose or baggy and may need to be restretched. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The floor covering was damaged in several areas at the time of the inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.
The door was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The door was missing. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The door would not close using reasonable force. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.
The windows in the building appeared to be original and were either at or near their serviceable lifespan. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified contractor and budgeting for potential future replacement.
The window had a cracked or broken glass pane. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The window could not be opened at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
One or more electrical outlets were not grounded. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The inspector observed many two-prong outlets throughout the property. These are outdated outlets that should be upgraded to three-prong outlets with proper grounds. A qualified contractor should evaluate then repair or replace as advised.
One or more light fixtures/bulbs were not working at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
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 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.
There was no heat source installed in the basement. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The inspector observed many two-prong outlets throughout the property. These are outdated outlets that should be upgraded to three-prong outlets with proper grounds. A qualified contractor should evaluate then repair or replace as advised.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The counter top needs caulking with silicone along the back splash. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The sink drain stop was missing, damaged or did not operate properly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The inspector observed many two-prong outlets throughout the property. These are outdated outlets that should be upgraded to three-prong outlets with proper grounds. A qualified contractor should evaluate then repair or replace as advised.
One or more bulbs was not working in the bathroom at the time of inspection.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Flexible drain lines can clog, leak or fail. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The toilet was loose at the floor. This condition typically is caused by loose bolts or nuts and/or missing floor seals. Loose toilet can result in leaks, water damage, and mold, as well as damage to the toilet, water supply lines, bolts, and drainage pipes. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The secondary drain line was capped, missing or not routed to a drain. If the primary drain line becomes blocked, this condition could cause condensation to not drain properly and possibly damage the unit. The inspector recommends installing a secondary drain or installing an over flow protection device. A qualified contractor should evaluate then repair or replace as advised.
The property had duct insulation or tape that may contain asbestos. Materials, including sheet vinyl, vinyl or asphalt floor tiles and any associated paper-like backing, mastic, adhesive or glue, may contain asbestos. In the past, asbestos fibers were added during the production of flooring materials to strengthen the flooring and to increase its durability. Flooring that contains asbestos, when intact and in good condition, is generally considered non-friable and is not hazardous. Heat, water, weathering or aging can weaken flooring to the point where it is considered friable. Friable material includes any material containing more than 1 percent asbestos that can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder with hand pressure. This includes previously non-friable material which has been damaged to the extent that it may be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure and can also be made friable during its removal. Friable materials can release asbestos fibers into the air. Once in the air, asbestos fibers present a health hazard to people who inhale those fibers. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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 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.
The electric baseboards did not respond to user operating controls and was considered not operational at the time of the inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.
The main water shutoff valve was corroded.
The valve is not and was not operated during the scope of a home inspection.
Recommend 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 gas-fired water heater has a B vent exhaust flue with improper clearance from combustible materials. This type of vent is double walled and requires 1-inch minimum clearance. This condition is a potential fire hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The temperature pressure relief valve was missing a pipe at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Some or all circuit breakers were a brand different from the main panel brand. Circuit breakers made by different manufacturers vary in design, therefore panel manufacturers require their own manufactured breakers to be used. Select brands are interchangeable, and there are some “semi” universal breaker types or panel types.
Using incompatible breakers in the panel of another manufacturer may result in poor connections which can create a potential fire or shock/electrocution hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
Efflorescence (white powdery substance) on the wall indicates moisture is in contact with the concrete or masonry. This does not necessarily indicate that intrusion will occur. I recommend checking the gutters and the downspout drain lines for proper operation. Also, a water proofing paint could be applied to the interior side of the wall if necessary. Efflorescence is found on many properties without water intrusion occurring inside the property. But, it should alert you to the possibility that future steps may be needed. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
One or more light fixtures in basement were not properly installed/secured. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.
