Inspection Detail
Roof
Attic, Insulation and Ventilation
Exterior
Attached Garage
Interior, Doors, Windows
Kitchen
Laundry
Bathroom
Plumbing
Electrical
Water Heating Equipment
Heating
Cooling
Structural Crawlspace
Limited Mold Inspection
Premier Partners
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.
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.
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.
The insulation is not uniform: thicker in areas, thinner in areas, or possibly missing in some areas.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
A gas appliance flue pipe had improper clearance from combustible materials. This type of vent requires a minimum clearance of one inch. This condition is a potential fire hazard.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The driveway surface was spalling in areas. This condition will continue to degrade if not corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Siding showed cracking and or damage in one or more places. Recommend monitoring, and if the problem exacerbates, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The siding was in direct contact with the roof covering materials in some areas at the time of inspection. This condition can cause deterioration of the bottom edge of the siding at these locations. Ideally, there should be a minimum clearance of at least 1 1/2 inches from the bottom of the siding material to the top of the roof covering material. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified contractor to repair or replace.
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.
The eaves had gaps at the edges between soffit panels or roof sheathing which allows insects to enter the attic.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
Dense vegetation was present around the house in areas. This condition limited and restricted my visual inspection. Dense vegetation and landscaping up against or near the house foundation and exterior walls may be prone to water penetration and insect infestation. Trimming, pruning and some landscaping is recommended by a qualified contractor
The dryer vent had a flap that was stuck open. The clothes dryer vent may be clogged which is a potential fire hazard. This may also allow rodents or insects to enter the interior. Recommend qualified contractor should evaluate and clean, repair, or replace as necessary.
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 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 pet door was installed in the garage occupant door. This compromises the firewall and the fire rating of the door. A qualified contractor should valuate and repair or replace as necessary.
An interior wall in the garage was damaged.
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.
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.
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 microwave light was not working. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The floor had a noticeable lean or rise. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The countertop did not butt evenly against the wall (out of square). Proper waterproofing at a wall or backsplash may be affected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or 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 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 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.
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 furnace was short-cycling (repeated start-up and shut-down within minutes of each other) at the time of the inspection. Most systems should run about 2-3 cycles per hour. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
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.
The disconnect means was not within sight and not readily accessible from the equipment. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
No soil cover was installed at the time of the inspection. Soil covers help reduce humidity levels in crawlspaces by limiting moisture evaporation into the air from soil. Reducing humidity levels can help reduce the chances for mold growth and deterioration of structural components. A qualified contractor should evaluate and install a soil cover as necessary.
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.
Evidence of a possible mold like substance was observed. We did not inspect, test or determine if this growth is or is not a health hazard. The underlying cause is moisture. It is recommended to consult a mold inspector or mold remediation specialist to determine if further action is needed. Further analysis by a mold remediation specialist is recommended. Axium recommends our premier partner – Mold Removal Express. They can be contacted at 720-464-1555
There were several cracks in the crawlspace 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
There is no insulation on the crawlspace exterior walls or floor system. Heat loss can occur more on this property than one that is properly insulated. A qualified contractor should evaluate and install as necessary.
A crawlspace vent was obstructed or covered at the time of inspection. This may prevent proper ventilation into the crawlspace. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The following areas, systems, or components had visible mold growth, the presence of moisture or moisture intrusion, and/or conditions that are conducive to mold growth:
(DESCRIBE)
A qualified mold mitigation contractor should evaluate further and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
Quantity and concentration of Penicillium/Aspergillus spore types:
This score indicates the likelihood that spores of Penicillium or Aspergillus present in the indoor sample originated from indoor sources. A high score suggests that there is a high probability that Penicillium or Aspergillus is originating indoors, such as from active mold growth. A low score indicates that the spores present are more likely to have originated from outdoor sources and come inside through doors and windows, carried in on people’s clothing, or similar methods. Penicillium and Aspergillus are among the most common molds found growing indoors and are one of the more commonly found molds outside as well. Their spores are frequently present in both outdoor and indoor air, even in relatively clean, mold-growth-free, indoor environments. Additionally, their levels vary significantly based upon activity levels, dustiness, weather conditions, outside air exchange rates, and other factors.
We recommend that you consult with an EPA certified mold mitigation company if you are not familiar with how to locate and safely remove mold growth or how to identify and correct moisture problems that may exist.
Recommend contacting a qualified mold mitigation company for further evaluation of the moderate or high levels of Penicillium/Aspergillus that were identified in the air sample that was taken at the time of the inspection. A recommendation for a local company is Spectrum Cleaning and Restoration at 720-316-6850.
Quantity and concentration of Cladosporium spore types:
This score indicates the likelihood that spores of Cladosporium present in the indoor sample originated from indoor sources. A high rating indicates that there is probably a source of Cladosporium spores in this location. Cladosporium is one of the most commonly found molds outdoors and is also frequently found growing indoors. Even more so than Penicillium and Aspergillus, spores from Cladosporium are generally present in outdoor and indoor air, even in relatively clean, mold-growth-free, indoor environments. Its levels also vary based upon activity levels, weather conditions, dustiness, outside air exchange rates, and other factors.
We recommend that you consult with an EPA certified mold mitigation company if you are not familiar with how to locate and safely remove mold growth or how to identify and correct moisture problems that may exist.
Recommend contacting a qualified mold mitigation company for further evaluation of the moderate or high levels of Cladosporium spore types that were identified in the air sample that was taken at the time of the inspection. A recommendation for a local company is Spectrum Cleaning and Restoration at 720-316-6850.
Quantity and concentration of basidiospores:
This score indicates the likelihood that basidiospores present in the indoor sample originated from indoor sources. Basidiospores are extremely common outdoors and originate from fungi in gardens, forests, and woodlands. It is rare for the source of basidiospores to be indoors because basidiospores are produced by a group of fungi that includes mushrooms and other “macrofungi” (and are not technically molds). Their concentrations can be extremely high outdoors during wet conditions such as rain. Nevertheless, in certain conditions basidiospores can be produced indoors, and a high rating indicates that there is probably a source of basidiospores indoors. One reason basidiospores are important is that they can be an indicator of wood decay (e.g. “dry rot”), a condition that can dramatically reduce the structural integrity of a building.
We recommend that you consult with an EPA certified mold mitigation company if you are not familiar with how to locate and safely remove mold growth or how to identify and correct moisture problems that may exist.
Recommend contacting a qualified mold mitigation company for further evaluation of the moderate or high levels of Basidiospores that were identified in the air sample that was taken at the time of the inspection. A recommendation for a local company is Spectrum Cleaning and Restoration at 720-316-6850.
Quantity and concentration of “marker” spore types:
This score indicates the likelihood that certain distinctive types of mold present in the indoor sample originated from indoor sources. Certain types of mold are generally found in very low numbers outdoors. Consequently, their presence indoors, even in relatively low numbers compared to Penicillium, for example, is often an indication that these molds are originating from growth indoors. When present, these mold types are often the clearest indicator of a mold problem. Note, however, that the absence of marker spore types does not mean that a mold problem does not exist in a house; it just means that if a problem is present, it either involves types of mold that are more commonly found both indoors and outdoors, or that the spores from these molds were not airborne at the time of sampling.
Stachybotrys:
Distribution: Stachybotrys is ubiquitous in nature. This genus contains about 15 species.
How it is spread: Stachybotrys produces wet slimy spores and is commonly dispersed through water flow, droplets, or insect transport, less commonly through the air.
Where it is found outdoors: Stachybotrys is found in soils, decaying plant debris, decomposing cellulose, leaf litter and seeds.
Where it is found indoors: Stachybotrys is common indoors on wet materials containing cellulose such as wallboard, jute, wicker, straw baskets, and other paper materials.
We recommend that you consult with an EPA certified mold mitigation company if you are not familiar with how to locate and safely remove mold growth or how to identify and correct moisture problems that may exist.
Recommend contacting a qualified mold mitigation company for further evaluation of the moderate or high levels of “Marker” spore types – Stachybotrys, that were identified in the air sample that was taken at the time of the inspection. A recommendation for a local company is Spectrum Cleaning and Restoration at 720-316-6850.
