The roof covering material was damaged/deteriorated in some areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
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.
The exterior wall covering is beginning to deteriorate or has deteriorated.
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.
A common maintenance task for brick masonry is the repair of mortar joints. The longevity of mortar joints will vary with the exposure conditions and the mortar materials used, but a life span of more than 25 years is typical. The longevity of brick, however, may well exceed 100 years. Consequently, occasional repair of the mortar joints is expected over the life of the brick masonry. It is our observation that the most common reason for repointing brick masonry is to improve water penetration resistance. Repointing deteriorated mortar joints is one of the most effective and permanent ways of decreasing water entry into brickwork. This is because the most common means of water entry into a brick masonry wall is through de-bonded, cracked or deteriorated mortar joints. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair all areas as necessary.
Mud tubes are present at the exterior at the time of inspection. Mud tubes are generally formed by wood destroying insects. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
There were signs of moderate cracking on the walkway(s) in areas. Cracks that progress to a separation of 1/4″ and more would be an indication of settlement, heaving, or structural problems. Cracks may present a tripping hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
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.
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 outside water faucet is connected to a garden hose. The hose could not be removed to inspect the faucet’s current operation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The foundation had vertical cracks in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary before your inspection objection deadline.
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.
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.
The garage door was hard to lift or the spring(s) did not support the weight of the door when tested.
Recommend a qualified contractor 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 carpet was loose or baggy and may need to be restretched. 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 door had missing or damaged floor guides. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Window blinds were damaged at the time of inspection. This may be that the plastic was broken or missing or the blinds did not operate properly. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
A light fixture was not inspected because the switch could not be located. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
One or more light bulbs were not working at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The smoke detector was not secured properly to ceiling/wall. A qualified person should repair or 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 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 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.
The sink drain pipe was leaking at the time of inspection. 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.
The diverter valve that diverts water from the tub spout to the shower head was leaking while in the shower position. This may be an indication of the valve beginning to fail.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Tiles on the wall in the bath/shower area had missing or damaged grout. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The bathroom exhaust fan was noisy when on. The noise was likely a sign of damage. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Carpeting was used as a floor covering material in the tub, shower, and/or toilet areas. The carpet is bound to get wet from steam/vapor from the shower, splashing, and water dripping off a body. Carpet tends to act as a sponge and soak up the moisture, which gives mildew and molds an opportunity to grow and spread. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and replace the floor covering materials as needed.
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.
The sink drain line was clogged or drains slowly. 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.
A control valve at the sink was leaking during operation at the time of inspection.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The tub/shower area had deteriorated or missing sealant (caulking or grout) where the shower wall rests on the tub and/or at the inside corners. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The sink drain pipe was rusted. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The finish on the faucet is damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The distribution panel had inadequate clear space that is 3 feet deep, 30 inches wide, and 6′ 6″ in height in front of the equipment. 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.
Unused circuit-breaker panel opening was missing filler plate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair and replace as necessary.
Screws / fasteners were missing at the electrical panel cover. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The water heater was at or beyond its warranty and/or expected life expectancy.
The water heater age was determined by the photo included in this report. According to the U.S. Department of energy, these major appliances are intended to run for between 8 and 12 years. Be advised that every water heater will age differently relative to the following life span factors: water quality, mineral buildup, frequency of flushing, the volume of water utilized, size of the tank, brand, and quality of water heater. Although it was operating at the time of the inspection, the inspector can not determine the remaining life of the water heater.
The secondary drain line was capped 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 condensation line was missing a trap. This condition allows conditioned air to escape through the condensation line. A qualified contractor should evaluate then repair or replace as advised.
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.
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.
The concrete floor in the basement was moderately cracked indicating settlement, heaving or structural problems. Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
Axium recommends our premier partner – Level Engineering. They can be contacted at 720-706-8540
19.5.1 – Moisture Intrusion
The visible areas of the basement showed signs of possible previous moisture intrusion and/or deterioration. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace 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