A plumbing vent did not extend far enough above the roof. A plumbing vent should extend a minimum of 10″. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
Vent pipe damaged At plumbing vent extension through roof. Recommend qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The mortar crown was damaged, cracked or deteriorated at the time of inspection. This condition could allow moisture to penetrate the chimney. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The chimney had deteriorated mortar joints at the time of inspection and may require repairs such as “tuck-pointing” or “re-pointing”. This is a common maintenance task for masonry. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The flashing at the chimney was inadequately sealed. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The gutters were missing in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The driveway needs gravel or backfill in some areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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 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.
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.
The screen door was damaged or deteriorated at the time of inspection.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
An entry door had areas of peeling paint. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Latch stuck On lower level French doors. Unable to open second door. Recommend qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
An exterior light fixture or light bulb was missing. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary according to current standards.
No Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection was provided for the exterior electrical outlets. Although GFCI protection of exterior circuits may not have been required at the time in which this property was built, modern building and safety standards now require them. This is a reflection of the current understanding of the potential hazards. The inspector recommends updating the existing exterior electrical circuits to include GFCI protection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and implement 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 walkway(s) have a negative slope and drains towards the home in areas. This condition is prone to water penetration into the home structure. 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.
One or more exterior faucet was loose in the wall. The faucet should be securely fastened to the wall using appropriate screws depending on the material at the location of the faucet. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Pipes had minor surface rust at the gas meter. Monitoring and contacting a qualified professional to further evaluate for repairs is recommended
Cold pour joints were present in one or more areas of the visible exterior foundation wall. A “cold pour joint” is where separate successive pours of concrete meet during building construction and have cured at different times and/or temperatures. They are normal, but on occasion are leak points that may need sealing or repair. Cold pour joints in concrete, defined here, are often mistaken for structural damage, cracking, or movement in buildings. Should these joints become further deteriorated, we recommend a qualified contractor evaluate further for any repairs or replacements.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Cracked or split boards were present at the deck. This condition is a structural defect and potential safety hazard.
A qualified contractor should 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.
A support post was not properly rested on a concrete footer or missing metal connection hardware. This may put the wood in direct contact with the moisture on the ground and accelerate any potential deterioration.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The deck had visible indications of bare or worn out surfaces. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Loose fasteners For Joist hangers were present in some areas of the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The guard/hand rail was loose and should be secured. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A radon mitigation system vent should be exhausting at or above the roof gutter line. Primary concerns for improper ventilation are exhausting below and openable window or vent. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The fence was damaged or deteriorated at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate further 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 ceiling and/or walls showed various signs of minor defects at numerous locations including all or some of the following: damage, cracks, holes, previous repairs, and/or improper repairs. A representative number of pictures were taken to provide an example. Should any of these issues appear excessive we recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace items as necessary.
The drywall wall, ceiling, and/or trim was not finished properly. This may be one or more of the following: loose sections, missing pieces, missing caulking and/or paint, or poor application of any of the wall, ceiling, finishing components. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There appeared to be heat stains on some of the ceilings.
There appeared to be some damage to the interior flooring in areas. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The floor had a noticeable hump or rise as well as dips. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The floor squeaks when stepped on. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A transition piece was missing between two sections of flooring. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The tile floor had missing or damaged grout. 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 sliding/folding door would fall off the track when operated. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A window had a sash that was difficult to slide or operate to get opened/closed. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The window had a sash that was unable to be closed without excessive force, possibly from being painted or nailed shut. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An electrical outlet was broken/damaged. 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.
An electrical outlet had loose contacts and no longer holds a plug securely. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A light fixture was not inspected because the switch could not be located. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
At the interior steps, the risers were taller than acceptable standards. The risers exceeded 7 3/4″ in height. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The gas fireplace did not respond to available controls and was not operational. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The glass at the fireplace had a cloudy appearance. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Tuck pointing needed At brick work around fireplace. Recommend qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Gas shut off valve difficult to access. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The fireplace controls (wall switch, remote control, or other methods of igniting flames) could not be located. Recommend asking sellers to verify the safe and proper operation of the fireplace. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The cabinet hinge was loose and not securely fastened. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Counter has wear and tear, scratches. Recommend qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The stove/oven knob was damaged and did not operate properly. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A cook top burner was not igniting at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The refrigerator was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The laundry room did not have an exhaust fan or an openable window. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.
There were “nail pops” visible on the interior walls. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The tile floor had missing or damaged grout. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The counter top needs caulking with silicone along the back splash. 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.
Caulking in the shower/tub area was deteriorated at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The shower door or glass panel had a gap or seam large enough to allow water through. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The hot water in the shower did not get over 100 degrees whereas the nearby faucets did. This may indicate that either the mixing valve (safety feature to limit potential scalding) or control cartridge needs adjustment to achieve a hot shower. There may be a more significant issue, that only further evaluation can reveal.
Hot and cold supply was installed correctly and the property’s overall hot water temperature was within an acceptable range.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There was not an exhaust fan in the bathroom. An exhaust fan or an openable window is needed for proper ventilation.
Some bathroom designs may require installing an exhaust fan in addition to an openable window to achieve proper ventilation.
Should proper ventilation rely solely on an openable window, the window may need to be opened during adverse weather conditions for the ventilation to happen. Using an exhaust fan is the recommended alternative.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The window did not close completely. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The counter top had facing that was loose in some areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The sink basin was loose and not secured properly to the base countertop. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The bathtub was cracked or damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
With at least 2 plumbing fixtures running water, there was a noticeable drop in the water flow after the toilet was flushed. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Missing drain line At the tub at the time of inspection. Not completely installed. Recommend qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Sediment /color in water. Water recommended for sampling for filtration. Recommend qualified contractor evaluate 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.
An electrical distribution panel was missing a front cover allowing access to live wires. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
One or more circuit breakers have two wires that are connected to a breaker designed for only one wire. This is known as a “double-tap” and is a defective condition. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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 thermostat was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
No heat Came from baseboard when tested. Recommend qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Indications of movement/settling of the concrete floor were present in the basement area. 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
There were minor to moderate cracks in the basement 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
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.
Water damage was visible in the crawlspace floor structure around plumbing lines. There may be a past or current leak in the nearby drain or supply lines that could further stain or rot wood if not corrected.
Splice/Junction box was missing a cover plate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace 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.
Signs of repairs were present in the floor structure. Recommend current home owners for more information. Should repair appear to be of poor quality or failing, we recommend a qualified contractor evaluate further and repair or replace as needed.
The floor structure did not appear to be properly supported at the time of inspection. Floor joists should have proper hangars with proper fasteners and correctly installed on top of support posts. Types of wood and length of spans may determine the requirement for additional supports within each span. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate further and repair or replace as needed.
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.
Insulation installed in the crawlspace had paper or foil backing facing the wrong direction. Thermal insulation should always be installed with the paper or foil backing toward the source of heat. Reversal (backing on the cold side) may result in problems from the formation of excessive condensation. Excessive condensation may cause damage to property materials from decay or result in the development of microbial growth which can cause health problems in some people. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
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.
Splice/Junction box was missing a cover plate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Drain pipes in the crawlspace were leaking in areas at the time of inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A bushing or connector at the wellhead was disconnected at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.