Home Inspection Sublette Rd Colorado Springs CO

The inspector observed exposed nails on the roof covering. This condition could allow moisture to penetrate the roof component. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

The combustion exhaust flue was dented/damaged at the time of the inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

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.

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.

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 insulation is thinner than current thermal resistance (R-value) standards.

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

A loose wire end and/or splice was located. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The exterior of garage door has one or more damaged panels. A qualified contractor should inspect and repair as necessary and according to current standards.

The exterior of the garage door has damaged weather stripping. A qualified contractor should inspect and repair as necessary and according to current standards.

The siding and/or trim was damaged in areas of the exterior.

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

The distance between the bottom of wood components and the ground surface (or grade) was not sufficient. In locations that have little or no snow, the distance should be no less than 8 inches. In locations with significant lasting snow, the bottom of wood elements should be no less than 8 inches above the average snow depth.

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

Peeling/missing paint was present in areas.

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

The siding and/or trim appeared to be rotted in areas. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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 damaged or deteriorated weather stripping at the time of the inspection. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised.

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 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 exterior foundation wall had horizontal crack(s). Horizontal cracking can be a result of excessive hydrostatic pressure in the soil. In this case, the horizontal crack is on the exterior and above ground. Recommend monitoring the crack and possibly sealing the concrete before it gets worse.

There were deteriorated flooring components visible at the deck. Depending on the severity of the deterioration, use of the deck should be cautiously monitored.

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

There were deteriorated structural components visible at the deck. Depending on the severity of the deterioration, use of the deck should be cautiously monitored.

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

Some or all deck components were constructed using improper fasteners (ie nails or screws). Specific nails or screws must be used with proper shear force and withdrawal force ratings, and are generally galvanized 2 1/2 inch.

A qualified contractor should 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(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 inspector was unable to verify that the door was fire rated . This may be considered a fire safety hazard. The door between the garage and the house should be a solid wood door at least 1-3/8 inches thick, a solid or honeycomb-core steel door at least 1-3/8 inches thick, or a 20-minute fire-rated door. This means that should a fire occur in garage, the occupant door does not afford protection until firemen arrive. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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.

An opening was in the drywall or gypsum board of the garage.

The wall to separate the garage and living areas, including an attic wall, should be fire-rated. This wall must be covered with at least 1/2-inch thick (and preferably 5/8-inch thick Type X) gypsum board or equivalent applied to the garage side.

Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair and seal all openings as necessary.

Garage ceiling showed signs of current or past moisture intrusion. Moisture intrusion is visibly noted by the presence of water stains or efflorescence but can not tell whether the issue is active without further water testing.

Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate, and if active, make repairs as necessary to prevent further damage and/or mold.

Garage walls showed signs of current or past moisture intrusion. Moisture intrusion is visibly noted by the presence of water stains or efflorescence but can not tell whether the issue is active without further water testing.

Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate, and if active, make repairs as necessary to prevent further damage and/or mold.

The garage floor had surface spalling in areas. This condition will continue to degrade if not corrected. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The weather stripping at the garage door is damaged or insufficient.

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

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 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.

The garage had one or more outlets without GFCI (or ground fault circuit interrupter) protection.

GFCI protection is required for all 15- and 20-amp receptacles, including outlets for refrigerators, sprinkler systems, garage door openers, and washing machines – some items may not be protected on purpose due to the potential for them to go unnoticed and cause damage. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

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

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 carpet was stained in areas. 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 window had a sill and/or surround that was damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Windows installed in the home appeared to be worn or aged. This apparent condition can mean the windows are deteriorated or difficult to operate, and can also mean they are not consistent with current efficiency standards. They were possibly original and were either at or near their serviceable lifespan. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified contractor and budgeting for potential future replacement.

The sealant was damaged, deteriorated or otherwise insufficient around the window. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.

The cable faceplate was loose. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

An interior handrail was not continuous throughout an interior stairway.

Handrails for stairs must be continuous for the full length of the stairway.

At the interior stairs, the handrail had spacing between components that were too far apart. Spacing of more than 4 ” could allow a child or pet to fall through. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected.  A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

Carbon monoxide detectors were not installed within a specified distance of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes. The inspector recommends installation of carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate locations. Colorado House bill 1091 became effective on July 1, 2009 that requires Carbon Monoxide detectors to be installed in most properties that has a fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage.

There are no carbon monoxide detectors on the lower or upper level.

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.

A supply register was missing the cover. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection was provided for kitchen electrical outlets. Although GFCI protection of kitchen circuits may not have been required at the time 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 kitchen 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.

An outlet did not provide Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection. Although GFCI protection of circuits may not have been required at the time in which this home was built, safe building practices have improved with the passage of time and building standards have changed to reflect current understanding. The inspector recommends updating the existing electrical circuits to include GFCI protection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The concrete floor in the garage was cracked.

A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.

The weather stripping at the garage door is damaged or insufficient.

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

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.

One or more electrical outlet(s) were wired incorrectly with the hot and neutral wires being reversed. While the outlet still provides power to electronic equipment, a shock hazard has been created as there is still electricity running through the hot wire when the switch is off. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary according to current standards.

An outlet or switch box was loose in the garage at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.

I observed a damaged window screen.

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

I observed a missing window screen.

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

The windows could not be opened, possibly from being painted. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.

The windows were worn and past they’re life expectancy. A qualified contractor should evaluate then repair or replace as advised.

An exterior entry door did not close easily.

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

A defect was noted at a light fixture in the garage. Not installed properly.

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

A bulb was not working at the time of inspection. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and replace the bulb or make necessary repairs to the fixture/switch.

The walls had signs of a previous repair.  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 toilet won’t flush unless the lever is held down briefly.  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.

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

The door swings open or closed by itself.  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 toilet was leaking at the floor.  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 GFCI outlet was defective and would not reset. 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 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.

An opening in the panel was missing a filler plate. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair and replace as necessary.

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.

Loose wires, not live, we’re present in the panel. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.

The piping to the water heater is missing flex tubing to prevent the piping from breakage in case the concrete floor heaves or settles.

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 heating system did fire and appeared to be in serviceable condition at the time of the inspection. However, the appearance of the flames during operation indicated that gas combustion was not correct. Cleaning, servicing and/or certification of the HVAC system by a qualified contractor is recommended and repaired or replaced as necessary.

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.

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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.

The wood stove fireplace was dirty at the time of inspection. Recommend cleaning from a qualified contractor.