Home Inspection Emerson St Denver CO

The roof covering material was damaged/deteriorated in some areas.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The metal drip edge along rake/eave is missing.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

Gutters were bent and/or damaged at the time of the inspection.

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.

Cracking as well as movement was present in the siding at the time of  inspection.

Monitoring the masonry walls of the house is needed. Although masonry can deform elastically over long periods of time to accommodate small amounts of movement, large movements normally cause cracking.

Cracking can result from a variety of problems:

• Differential settlement of the foundation
• Drying shrinkage
• Expansion and contraction due to ambient thermal and moisture variations
• Improper support over openings
• The effects of freeze-thaw cycles
• The corrosion of iron and steel wall reinforcement
• Differential movement between building materials; expansion of salts
• The bulging or leaning of walls.

Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

Siding showed cracking in one or more places. Recommend monitoring, and if problem exacerbates, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

There were signs of previously repaired damage.

Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

Vegetation was present around the builing in areas against the foundation. This vegetation and landscaping up against or near the house foundation and exterior walls may be prone to water penetration and insect infestation. This could also cause foundation damage. Recommend trimming, pruning and some landscaping is recommended by a qualified contractor

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 soffit was damaged in one or more areas.

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 exterior light fixture was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary according to current standards.

A window had cracked glass or cracked windowpane.

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

A vent had a screen that was clogged with debris and could prevent proper air flow.

A fresh air vent to a gas burning appliance with clogged screen may affect the performance of the appliance.

A bathroom exhaust with a clogged screen may restrict air flow, resulting in excess condensation for the unit.

A qualified contractor should inspect and repair as necessary and according to current standards.

Downspout(s) are missing 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 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.

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 ceilings showed signs of minor damage and wear.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The walls showed signs of minor damage and wear.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The ceilings showed evidence that moisture was entering from behind possibly including damage and deterioration.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Moderate cracking was visible on the interior ceilings.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Moderate 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 ceilings had signs of previous repair.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The walls had signs of previous repair.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The door was damaged.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The door had a damaged handle or hardware. 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 revealed daylight in areas when latched which may indicate missing or damaged weatherstripping.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The door was sealed shut between rooms. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The window had a sill that was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Sealant was damage deteriorated around the window. Recommend a qualified contractor repair or replace as necessary.

The window trim was damaged at the time of inspection.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

A few electrical outlets were broken/damaged. 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.

An electrical outlet was wired incorrectly with reversed polarity. This could create an electrical shock hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

A switch plate was missing the switch. Recommend either a proper cover or replacing the switch. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

One or more light bulb was not working at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

The ceiling fan did not work. 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.

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 supply register supplied lower to no detectable air than adjacent vents at the time of inspection.  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 cabinet floor was damaged. This may be from excessive leaking pipes, condensation, or even leaking cleaners stored in cabinet over the years.

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

An electrical outlet had a missing faceplate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection was provided for bathroom electrical outlets. Although GFCI protection of bathroom circuits may not have been required at the time of in which this property was built, as general knowledge of safe building practices has improved with the passage of time building standards have changed to reflect current understanding. The inspector recommends updating the existing bathroom electrical circuits to provide GFCI protection. This can be achieved by:

1. Replacing the current standard outlets with GFCI outlets.

2.  Replacing the first circuit outlet located closest to the main electrical service panel with the GFCI outlet

3.  Replacing the breaker currently protecting the electrical circuit that contains these outlets with the GFCI breaker.

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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.

The tile was missing caulking or grout where the tile rests on the tub and/or at the inside corners. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

No hot water pressure was present in the tub/shower. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

An electrical outlet was to close to the floor. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection was provided for bathroom electrical outlets. Although GFCI protection of bathroom circuits may not have been required at the time of in which this property was built, as general knowledge of safe building practices has improved with the passage of time building standards have changed to reflect current understanding. The inspector recommends updating the existing bathroom electrical circuits to provide GFCI protection. This can be achieved by:

1. Replacing the current standard outlets with GFCI outlets.

2.  Replacing the first circuit outlet located closest to the main electrical service panel with the GFCI outlet

3.  Replacing the breaker currently protecting the electrical circuit that contains these outlets with the GFCI breaker.

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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.

The counter top needs caulking with silicone along the back splash.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The counter top needs caulking with silicone around the sink.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The sink drain pipe was leaking at the time of inspection.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The furnace cabinet interior at the blower chamber had moisture damage from a condensation leak. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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 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 ductwork was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The blower 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 thermostat was damaged and didn’t seem operational  tA qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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.

There was damage to the air-conditioner condenser coil fins. This limits the ability to dissipate heat. Further damage to the coil fins should be avoided in order to maintain cooling system efficiency and avoid problems from overheating of the compressor. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The main water supply pipe was three-quarter inch galvanized pipe. This is an outdated material and as corrosion reduces the diameter of the pipe interior, water flow will be increasingly restricted. All galvanized pipe in the property may need to be replaced soon. The Inspector recommends that before the expiration of your Inspection Objection you consult with a qualified plumbing contractor to discuss options and costs for replacement if necessary.

The panel lid was broken and loose. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace.

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.

Screws / fasteners were missing at the electrical panel cover. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The sub electrical distribution panel is a Federal Pacific Electric FPE panel. These panels have a reputation for being problematic and further evaluation by a qualified electrician is recommended. FPE panel breakers are known to fail to trip at a much higher rate than standard panels. When a breaker fails to trip, the breaker and other components, including wires, may overheat and melt. The panel itself could overheat and catch fire. A qualified contractor should evaluate and 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.

Excessive lint and debris was built up in the  pilot ignition compartment. Recommend further evaluation and proper cleaning by a qualified professional.

The fireplace had damaged chamber. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Excessive lint and debris was built up in the  pilot ignition compartment. Recommend further evaluation and proper cleaning by a qualified professional.

The mortar on the foundation walls was failing. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace.

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.

Damaged or exposed wiring was discovered. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The outlet was missing a faceplate. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair a replace as needed.

Plumbing supply/drain piping was corroded at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.