Report Overview
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS REPORT
For your convenience, the following conventions have been
used in this report.
Major
Concern: a system or component which is considered significantly deficient
or is unsafe. Significant deficiencies need to be corrected and, except for
some safety items, are likely to involve significant expense.
Safety
Issue: denotes a condition that is
unsafe and in need of prompt attention.
Repair:
denotes a system or component which is missing or which needs corrective action
to assure proper and reliable function.
Improve: denotes improvements which are recommended
but not required.
Monitor: denotes a system or component needing
further investigation and/or monitoring in order to determine if repairs are necessary.
Please note that those observations listed under
“Discretionary Improvements” are not essential repairs, but represent logical
long term improvements.
IMPROVEMENT RECOMMENDATION
HIGHLIGHTS / summary
The following is a synopsis of the potentially significant
improvements that should be budgeted for over the short term. Other significant improvements, outside the
scope of this inspection, may also be necessary. Please refer to the body of this report for further details on
these and other recommendations.
THE SCOPE OF THE INSPECTION
All components designated for inspection in the NACHIâ Standards of Practice are inspected, except as may be
noted in the “Limitations of Inspection” sections within this report.
It is the goal of the inspection to put a homebuyer in a
better position to make a buying decision.
Not all improvements will be identified during this inspection. Unexpected repairs should still be
anticipated. The inspection should not
be considered a guarantee or warranty of any kind.
A Home inspection is a
non-invasive visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee,
which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific
components of said dwelling. Components may include any combination of
mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or
portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector,
prior to or during the inspection process.
I. A home inspection is
intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The
inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the
structure and its components on the date of the inspection and not the
determination of future conditions.
II. A home inspection will
not reveal every problem that exists or ever could exist, but only those
material defects observed on the day of the inspection.
1.2. A Material defect is a
problem with a residential real property or any portion of it that would have a
significant adverse impact on the value of the property or that involves an
unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural
element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the normal useful
life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by itself a
material defect.
1.3. An Inspection report shall describe and identify in
written format the inspected systems, structures, and components of the
dwelling and shall identify material defects observed. Inspection reports may
contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for
correction, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals.
Please refer to the pre-inspection
contract for a full explanation of the scope of the inspection.
description of Structure
Foundation: ·Concrete
Block ·Basement
Configuration
Columns: ·Steel
Floor Structure: ·Wood
Joist
Ceiling Structure: ·Joist
Roof Structure: ·Rafters
·Spaced
Plank Sheathing
recommendations / observations
Foundation
·
Monitor: Common minor settlement cracks were
observed in the foundation walls. This implies that some structural movement of
the building has occurred. These cracks did not extend all the way through to
the interior. Cracks of this type should be watched for any sign of additional
movement. In the absence of any sign of ongoing movement, repair should not be
necessary.
Back of House
Side of House
Major Concern:
Repair: Larger than typical
foundation settlement cracking was observed. The amount of movement which has
occurred is not likely to have caused other damage to the structure but this
area should be repaired and continuously monitored. If additional movement
occurs, more costly repairs might be necessary. The rate of movement cannot be
predicted during a one-time inspection. House To Home Inspections recommends
that a certified professional be called to further evaluate and repair.
Front of House. Paneling in basement restricted complete view.
Crack under side basement window extends all the way into interior.
Interior view of major crack above.
·
Improve: Surface
deterioration (spalling, crumbling material) was observed on the back porch
pad. This condition is common in many old homes and does not usually represent
a serious structural concern unless there is substantial loss of material. In
an effort to prevent long-term deterioration, it would be wise to consider
parging (a concrete stucco-like coating) over deteriorated areas. Lot drainage
improvements and elimination of water or roof runoff splashing against
foundation walls as outlined in the Exterior section of this report are also
recommended.
Floors
·
Monitor: The floor structure shows common sagging
and movement. This is usually the result of the age and framing design of the
building. There was not evidence of need for immediate, costly repair.
·
Improve: Main
Steel support columns are not bolted or welded to main support beams
throughout.
Wood Boring Insects
·
Monitor: Although
there was no visible evidence of prior or current termite damage or
infestation, this home is in an area known for termite activity.
Termites can do a substantial amount of damage to the wood structural
components of a home. Any form of wood/soil contact should be avoided.
Controlling dampness in the soil around the perimeter of a home, including
below porches and in crawl spaces, is recommended. Preventative chemical
treatment, performed by a licensed pest control specialist, is also advisable.
limitations of Structure
inspection
As we have described in your inspection contract, this is a
visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the following
conditions:
·
Structural components concealed behind finished
surfaces could not be inspected.
·
Only a representative sampling of visible structural
components were inspected.
·
Furniture and/or storage restricted access to some
structural components.
·
Engineering or architectural services such as
calculation of structural capacities, adequacy, or integrity are not part of a
home inspection.
The inspector is not required to:
Enter any crawlspaces that are not readily accessible or where
entry could cause damage or pose a hazard to the inspector in his or her
opinion.
B. Move stored items or debris.
C. Operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
D. Identify size, spacing, span, location or adequacy of foundation bolting,
bracing, joists or support systems.
E. Provide any engineering or architectural service.
F. Report on the adequacy of any structural system or component.
Observed Limitations:
Access limited in side attic areas due to storage.
Please also refer to the pre-inspection
contract for a detailed explanation of the scope of this inspection.
description of Roofing
Roof Covering: ·Asphalt
Shingle
Roof Flashings: ·Metal
Chimneys: ·Masonry
Roof Drainage System: ·Aluminum ·Downspouts
discharge below grade
Method of Inspection: ·Walked on roof
General Comments
The roof coverings are old and are at or near end of useful
life.
recommendations / observations
Sloped Roofing
·
Monitor: The roofing is near the end of its life.
Watch for leaks and expect to replace the roof soon.
·
Repair: An
area of shingles is severely deteriorated and curled in the back. Damaged or missing roofing material
should be repaired immediately.
·
It is recommended that the present layers of roofing
materials be removed prior to re-roofing. This adds cost of demolition and
debris removal to the re-roof cost.
·
Replace the roof flashing materials when re-roofing to
avoid leaks in these areas.
Chimneys
·
Monitor: The chimney is no longer in service. It
could be removed down to a level below the roof line.
·
Repair: Masonry
chimney is cracked in the attic space. Some mortar joints need repaired.
Gutters & Downspouts
·
Monitor: The downspouts that discharge below
grade level should be monitored. If they are ever suspected to be clogged or
disconnected below grade, they should be redirected to discharge at least five
(5) feet from the building. Foundation leakage adjacent to a downspout is an
indication of a problem below grade. A downspout discharge appears to have been
unearthed in the backyard but, appears that it’s discharge is far enough away
from the house.
Discretionary Improvements
Covering the gutters with a
protective mesh may help to avoid congestion with leaves and debris.
limitations of Roofing
inspection
As we have described in your inspection contract, this is a
visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the following
conditions:
·
Not all of the underside of the roof sheathing is
inspected for evidence of leaks.
·
Evidence of prior leaks may be disguised by interior
finishes.
·
Antennae, chimney/flue interiors which are not readily
accessible are not inspected and could require repair.
·
Roof inspection may be limited by access, condition,
weather, or other safety concerns.
The inspector is not required to:
A. Walk on any roof surface.
B. Predict the service life expectancy.
C. Inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
D. Remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation
of the roof surfaces.
E. Inspect antennae, lightning arresters, or similar attachments.
Observed Limitations:
Storage in attic blocked access to side attic areas.
Chimney had material inside preventing inspection of interior
Please also refer to the pre-inspection
contract for a detailed explanation of the scope of this inspection.
description of Exterior
Wall Covering: ·Brick
Eaves, Soffits, And Fascias: ·Wood ·Aluminum
Exterior Doors: ·Metal
Window/Door Frames and Trim: ·Wood
Entry Driveways: ·Asphalt
·Concrete
Porches, Decks, Steps, Railings: ·Concrete
Overhead Garage Door(s): ·Wood
Surface Drainage: ·Level Grade ·Graded
Away From House
Retaining Walls: ·Block
Positive Attributes
The auto reverse mechanism on the overhead garage door
responded properly to testing. This safety feature should be tested regularly
as a door that doesn’t reverse can injure someone or fall from the ceiling.
Refer to the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for more
information.
General Comments
The exterior of the home has not been well maintained.
Repairs are needed.
recommendations / observations
Exterior Walls
·
Repair: Localized pointing of deteriorated
mortar between the bricks of the exterior walls is advisable in a few locations
to prevent further deterioration.
·
Repair: The siding should be painted in front to
preserve the building.
Exterior Eaves
·
Repair: The fascia throughout should be painted.
Windows
·
Repair: The window frames in various locations
require painting and caulking. Exterior windowsills are cracked in some
locations.
Garage
·
Monitor: The garage floor slab and walls have
typical cracks usually the result of shrinkage and/or settling of the slab.
Floor cracks more than 1/8” high could present a trip hazard.
·
Improve: Shed
is dilapidated in back.
·
Repair: Front storm door closer missing.
Driveway
Monitor: Common minor cracks throughout.
Walkway
·
Repair, Safety
Issue: The walkway along the left
hand side of the home presents a trip hazard. This condition should be altered
for improved safety.
limitations of Exterior
inspection
As we have described in your inspection contract, this is a
visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the following
conditions:
·
A representative sample of exterior components was
inspected rather than every occurrence of components
that were tested.
The inspector is not required to:
A. Inspect or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings,
fences, outbuildings, or exterior accent lighting.
B. Inspect items, including window and door flashings, which are not visible or
readily accessible from the ground.
C. Inspect geological, geotechnical, or hydrological conditions.
D. Inspect recreational facilities.
E. Inspect seawalls, break-walls and docks.
F. Inspect erosion control and earth stabilization measures.
G. Inspect for safety type glass.
H. Inspect underground utilities.
I. Inspect underground items.
J. Inspect wells or springs.
K. Inspect solar systems.
L. Inspect swimming pools or spas.
M. Inspect septic systems or cesspools.
N. Inspect playground equipment.
O. Inspect sprinkler systems.
P. Inspect drain fields or drywells.
Q. Determine the integrity of the thermal window seals or damaged glass.
Observed Limitations:
·
Landscape components restricted a view of some exterior
areas of the house.
·
Storage in the garage restricted the inspection.
·
Access below decks and/or porches was not possible.
Please also refer to the pre-inspection
contract for a detailed explanation of the scope of this inspection.
description of Electrical
Size of Electrical Service: ·Unable To Determine
Service Drop: ·Overhead
Service Entrance Conductors: ·Aluminum
Service Equipment &
Main Disconnects: ·Main Service Rating ???
Amps ·Breakers
