The roof was covered with debris in areas. This condition could trap moisture and conceal damage. Latent defects may exist. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The roof covering, in areas, appeared to be installed improperly. 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.
The siding and/or trim in areas was missing paint.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
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 siding/trim had a swollen appearance due to moisture intrusion.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Minor cracking was visible on the walkway(s) in areas. Monitoring is the minimum recommendation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The walkway(s) 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.
Consideration should be given to trimming or even removing large tree(s) located close to the structure. We suggest consultation with a tree specialist. 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.
One or more vent was missing a screen. A damaged vent assembly can allow entry of water, air, or rodents into vent ducts or home. Recommend a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The guard/hand rail had horizontal railings. This creates a climbing risk and a fall or injury could occur if not corrected. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Downspout extensions were dented or damaged in some areas at the time of inspection. This condition can cause a blockage and potential build up of moisture intrusion into the soil next to the foundation walls. This in turn can potentially cause hydro-static pressure against the foundation walls and create adverse results. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified contractor to repair or replace.
Excessive debris was present in the roofing at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The interior walls have signs of repairs. Recommend asking the current homeowner for more information. Recommend further evaluation from a qualified contractor should the repairs be excessive or of visibly poor quality.
The drywall in some areas revealed the tape and nail bed. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The flooring had seams that were wide or inconsistent possibly indication loose flooring or poor installation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The floors showed signs of minor damage and wear, particularly in high-traffic areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The window had a cracked or broken glass pane. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
At the interior stairs, the handrail hand horizontal railings. This creates a climbing risk for children. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
At the interior stairs, the handrail hand horizontal railings. This creates a climbing risk for children. 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 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 floors showed signs of minor damage and wear – particularly in high traffic areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Hot and cold controls appeared to be reversed at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace supply lines as needed.
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.
The floor covering was not sealed at the edges and may allow moisture intrusion. 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 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.
A transition piece was missing between two sections of flooring. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There was cracking around some windows on the interior (where the window meets the wall). A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The floors showed signs of minor damage and wear – particularly in high traffic areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The toilet continually “runs” after flushing. This generally means the interior tank components are not working properly. 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.
Tree branches were in contact with the service drop at the time of the inspection. Suggest a qualified contractor trim tree branches back to prevent damage during inclement weather in snow storms. suggest a qualified contractor trim tree branches back to prevent damage during inclement weather in snow storms.
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.
The property contained a pit for a sump pump, but no pump was installed. The water level in the sump pit at the time of the inspection was higher than what is considered acceptable. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
A sump pump system protects the property from water intrusion by discharging rising groundwater or by routing surface drainage via the property perimeter drain to the pit, from where it is discharged by the pump to the exterior of the property or to a waste pipe or storm drain. Sump pumps require periodic maintenance to ensure that they work when they’re needed and should be tested on an annual basis to ensure they are in working order. The pumps can be tested by lifting the float, but to avoid potential shock/electrocution hazard testing should be performed using a tool which will not conduct electricity. Pumps have a filter that should be cleaned during routine maintenance.
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.
Based on the age of the cooling system it is recommended that it be cleaned and serviced and certified (if possible) by an HVAC professional.
Due to the current conditions at the time of inspection, the air conditioner is recommended to be cleaned, evaluated, and serviced by a qualified contractor. Consult with your real estate agent for your available options prior to closing.
Based on the age of the heating system it is recommended that it be cleaned and serviced and certified (if possible) by an HVAC professional.
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 heating system did fire and appeared to be in serviceable condition at the time of the inspection. However, the interior of the cabinet was dirty. Cleaning, servicing and/or certification of the HVAC system by a qualified contractor is recommended and repaired or replaced 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 heating system did fire and appeared to be in serviceable condition at the time of the inspection. However, the interior of the cabinet was dirty. Cleaning, servicing and/or certification of the HVAC system by a qualified contractor is recommended and repaired or replaced as necessary.
The crawlspace vapor barrier was damaged in some areas, which compromises its effectiveness in reducing moisture and/or radon levels. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Splice/Junction box was missing a cover plate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.