Exterior

Step #ComponentComments
120Exterior FinishFunctional. Brick veneer
123CaulkingMarginal. The caulk between the brick and the lower portion of the window frame is cracking on the south and west sides.  Recommend upgrading.
125Soffits/Fascia Functional. Soffits & fascia are aluminum/vinyl covered.
126Exterior trimFunctional. Wood.
128Window frames & trimFunctional. Vinyl clad sashes.
132Gutter & DownspoutsFunctional. Metal. 
134Electric/OutletsFunctional. GFCI outlet(s).
136Hose Bibb(s)Functional. Frost free faucet.  The garden hose should be removed in the cold weather months so that the water can be allowed to drain out of the faucet.
138OtherMarginal. Dryer vents.  Clean the lint out of the dryer vent.
 

Exterior Doors

 
The exposed side of exterior doors needs to be painted or properly stained and varnished to prevent discoloring and delimitation.  Weather stripping is a must to prevent drafts.
 
Step #ComponentComments
160Front EntranceFunctional. Metal.
164Garage pedestrianGarage pedestrian
166Sliding doorFunctional. Vinyl clad
168French doorFunctional. Vinyl clad
170Storm doorsFunctional.

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Site Conditions/Exterior Drainage


Ideally water should flow away from the house.
Step #ComponentComments
140Grade/Slope Functional. Adequate.
144Downspout DrainageFunctional. The system drains into an underground system; and; The system drains on the ground.  Downspout extensions and/or splash blocks should be positioned to properly divert water at least 5 feet away from dwelling. 

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Interior

 
Step #ComponentComments
410DoorsFunctional. Locks checked; knobs checked; pocket doors; flush; wood doors.
420WindowsFunctional. Casement; wood windows; insulated glass.
430WallsFunctional. Drywall.
440ClosetsFunctional. Doors; Shelves.
450CeilingsFunctional. Drywall.
460FloorsFunctional. Ceramic/quarry tile; vinyl/sheet goods; carpet.
470StairwellsFunctional. No improper conditions noted.
480Handrails & RailingsFunctional.
490OtherFunctional. Central Vacuum System.
495Washer & DryerFunctional. Maytag washer and gas dryer.  The units are older.

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Electrical System

 
Step #ComponentComments
800Exterior ServicesFunctional. Underground service with a; exterior meter.
801Grounding                       Functional. Water pipe; Exterior rod.  The exterior grounding rods are usually buried in the ground and difficult to verify.  A wire was observed entering the ground in the area of the service entry.
802Panel Location There are two 200 amp panels in the basement with one main shut off.  One panel is located in the well room and does have capacity for expansion.  The other panel is located in the lower NE room.  Both panels are wired as a sub panel which is correct.
806Main Service WiresFunctional. aluminum; copper.  Main service entry cable to the well room panel is 4/0 gauge aluminum wire.  Main service entry cable to the lower NE room panel is 3/0 gauge copper wire.
808Main DisconnectFunctional. 200 amp.  Located in a separate disconnect.  Seller reports that the original power source was 3 phase with a converter to single phase.  The power supply has been changed to single phase which is the type of power that a residence would need.  The markings on the disconnect box have not been upgraded.
810Main PanelFunctional. Square-D; 200 amp rating; 120/240 volts.  2 panels
812System Amp Capacity200.
814Branch Wiring ConductorsFunctional. Copper wire connected to; breakers; Branch wiring is non-metallic wires.
816SwitchesFunctional.
818FixturesFunctional.
820OutletsFunctional. Three prong outlets.
822Smoke detectorsSafety Concern.  Smoke detector tested at main and lower doesn't respond to test button.  Recommend repair or replacement.
824Carbon monoxide detectorsRecommend carbon monoxide detectors in sleeping areas and where there are gas appliances.

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Heating/Cooling Systems


Recommend a clean & check inspection annually on all furnaces and boilers
 
Step #ComponentComments
900Heating TypeForced warm air.
902Manufacturer (heating)Lennox.  Approximate age 15 years.  Model number G21Q4-80.
903Fuel SupplyFunctional. Gas.
905Burners/ElementsNV. Jet burners.
906VentingFunctional. PVC.
907Thermostat/ControlsFunctional. Single set type.
908Auto, Safety ControlsFunctional. The carbon monoxide (CO) levels of the exhaust gases was checked at the exterior exhaust discharge and found to be 20 ppm which is an indication of whether the unit is burning the fuel completely.  This is a acceptable CO level.
911Heat ExchangerNot Inspected. Not accessible.  The heat exchanger was not accessible because of the design of the unit.  An annual clean & check inspection by a HVAC contractor should include a check of the heat exchanger.
912FilterFunctional. Space Guard filter.  Manufacture recommends filter be changed yearly.
914Ductwork/DistributionFunctional. Distribution acceptable; metal.
920Manufacturer (cooling)Lennox.  15 years old
925Cooling SystemFunctional. Electric; central/split system.  Cooling measured at 14 degree difference: supply and return air (typically 14 to 22 degrees).  Actual temperatures measured:  56 & 70.

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General Plumbing

 
Step #ComponentComments
700Water SourcePrivate. Private wells and private septic systems should be inspected by qualified person prior to closing.
702Main Water Service LineFunctional. Galvanized steel.
704Main Shut-off ValveYes. Located at well tank.
706Supply PipingFunctional. Copper.
708Functional water flowYes.
710Piping supportsFunctional.
712Cross Connections observedNo.
714Drainage PipingFunctional. PVC/ABS plastic.
716Functional waste drainageYes.
718Clean-outYes. Floor.
720VentingFunctional. Vent stacks thru the roof.
722Fixtures                        Functional. Laundry tub; Bar sink.

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Foundation/Basement

 
Step #ComponentComments
850Description Full basement; mostly finished.  The finishing materials covering the basement structure has hampered the evaluation of such components as the wall, support beams and floor structure.  Any evaluation of the basement structure will be based on and limited to any exposed areas.
852Foundation WallsMarginal. Concrete.  The front wall of the house was cut out to form a doorway to a room below the front entry.  The concrete header above the doorway is cracked.  There does not appear to be any major movement to the header and it appears to have with stood the test of time.  If the crack is of concern, it can be repaired with epoxy.
854Basement FloorsFunctional. Concrete.
856Bearing Structure Functional. Steel I-beams; Steel support posts.
858First Floor DesignFunctional. Wooden joists; Plywood sub floor.
859Box Sill Functional. Insulated.
860Moisture Evidence? No. No evidence of moisture in the accessible portions of the wall on the day of the inspection.
862Floor Drains Functional.
864Sump Pit/Pump Not Inspected. The sump and pump were installed under the stairwell.  There was not discharge pipe for the pump.  The sump well was dry.

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Kitchen

Step #ComponentComments
302Sink/FaucetDefective-Summary.  The faucet leaks into the sink at the handle.  Recommend repair or replacement
304DisposalFunctional. ISE.
306Dishwasher Functional. Kitchen Aid; Air gap in the drain line.
308Range/OvenFunctional. GE; electric.
310CooktopFunctional. gas.
312Microwave OvenFunctional. Sharp;  The unit heats water.  The accuracy of the temperature controls and timers is beyond the scope of this inspection. 
314Exhaust Fan/Range HoodFunctional. Vented outside.
316Refrigerator/FreezerNot Inspected. Amana; ice/water dispenser.  The refrigerator was unplugged and an outlet was not visible
318ElectricalFunctional. GFCI(s) present.
320CabinetsFunctional. Plastic laminate.
324Counter TopsFunctional. Solid style material.
330Floor Functional. ceramic tile.
 

Lower Level Kitchen

 
Step #ComponentComments
302.2Sink/FaucetFunctional. Stainless steel; Double style sink.
304.2DisposalFunctional. ISE.
308.2Range/OvenFunctional. Maytag; gas.  Gas stoves require extra care in cleaning the burners periodically.
310.2CooktopMarginal. Gas.  The front burners of the Jenn Air grills were slow to light.
314.2Exhaust Fan/Range HoodFunctional. Vented outside.  Part of the grill
316.2Refrigerator/FreezerNot Inspected. Hotpoint.  Refrigerator was shut off.
318.2ElectricalFunctional. GFCI(s) present.
320.2CabinetsFunctional. Plastic laminate.
324.2Counter TopsFunctional. Formica material.
330.2Floor Functional. Vinyl/sheet goods.

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Attic Ventilation & Insulation

 
Step #ComponentComments
951Attic Accessed at:Closet; garage. 
952Attic typeFull.
954Attic Entry DoorMarginal. Scuttle door.  The ceiling style attic scuttle entry door in the hall closet should be insulated with 6 inches of fiberglass or 2 inches of Styrofoam to save energy.
956StructureFunctional. Trusses.
958Sheathing - DeckingFunctional. OSB board.  Stains on the sheathing at the discharge of the low slope area, see roof section.
960VentilationFunctional. Ridge vent; soffit vents.
964InsulationFunctional. Blown/loose; fiberglass.  Insulation was 14 inches which is an R-factor of 38
968Electrical ConditionsFunctional. No improper conditions.

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Fireplaces &Their Flues

 
Step #ComponentComments
600LocationMain Level; Living Room.
610FireboxGas logs; prefab/metal.  This unit is equipped with gas logs that did not have a pilot light.  Lighting the gas log required log matches which the inspector did not have.   Recommend inspection by local gas supplier. Or heating contractor.  The firebox was functional and can be covered back to a wood burner.
620Damper operatedFunctional.
630FlueFunctional. Metal.

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Water Heater - Softener


The life span of a water heater varies based upon the water conditions and how the unit was used.
 
Step #ComponentComments
750Manufacturer                Rued; 50 gal.  Two water heaters connected in series.   15 years old
752Fuel Supply Functional. Gas.
754Operations/Connections Functional. No improper conditions noted.
756VentingFunctional. PVC piping.
758Relief Valve PipingFunctional. No improper conditions noted.
760Water temperatureFunctional. Water temperature was 120 degrees.  The recommended temperature is 120 to 130 degrees.
770Observations & ConditionThe water heaters are older, but still functional at the time of the inspection.  The remaining life of the water heater is difficult to determine.  Monitor the unit for water leakage and consult a plumber when necessary.
780Water SoftenerMarginal-Needs Repairs in Near Future.  The water was checked at hot cold water of the lower bathroom sink with a "Water Check" strip and found to have 7 grains of hardness which indicates that the softener is not softening completely and may adjustment.  Recommend a further evaluation and necessary repair by a water treatment specialist.

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Roofs, Flashing & Chimneys


OBJECTIVE:  Inspection for visible evidence of whether or not the roof covering is in a watertight (leak free) condition.
 
Step #ComponentComments
20Method of Inspection"Walked" the roof.
22Main Roof

Functional. Composition shingles; Hip design.  Medium slope.  1 layer.  Roof covering is approximately 2 years old as stated by the owner.

At the north end of the garage roof there is a slope transitional area on the roof that has a flat pitch to it.  There is metal flashing under the shingles because the slope is too low for the type of shingle used.  There is also a patch of rubber membrane in the junction of the house roof and the very short wall of the garage.  The rubber membrane has been caulked heavily and the caulk has cracked.  There are no stains on the short garage wall behind the patch.  There is a dried stain on the sheathing where the low slope area discharges, which was probably from a leak before the new roof was added.  Recommend monitoring this area for leakage in the future.

34ValleysFunctional. Gas.
38FlashingsMarginal. Metal.  There are two diverter flashings on the rear wall of the garage at the discharge of the low slope area described in the main roof section.  With the morning dew water is seeping past the diverter flashing and splashing on the deck.  Recommend monitoring and sealing edges to move water to the gutter.
40SkylightsFunctional. Raised frame.  Number of lights 2
42Roof PenetrationsFunctional.
46Chimneys/Flues DesignMarginal. Brick; metal flue.  The concrete chimney cap is cracked and will allow water to enter the brick, recommend sealing the crack to prevent keep moisture out of the brick structure.

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Porches, Steps & Decks

 
Step #ComponentComments
180Porch 1Private. Private wells and private septic systems should be inspected by qualified person prior to closing.
182Porch 2Functional. Galvanized steel.
186DeckFunctional. Rear; open; wooden structure; steps.
190StepsFunctional. Front; Concrete.
192ColumnsFunctional. Brick
194DrivewayFunctional. Asphalt; Concrete.  Asphalt driveways should be coated periodically with a sealer.
195SidewalksFunctional. Concrete.
197Hot TubNot Inspected. The hot tub was located in a 3 seasons room off the master bedroom.  There was no water in the tub and it was not inspected.  Use caution to control the moisture in the 3 season’s room.  The use of the exhaust fan is recommended.
199General ObservationsThere is a steel pipe protruding from the ground in the SW corner of the house on the front side.  Recommend consulting with the seller as to its function.

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Bathrooms

 

Bathroom Laundry

 
Step #ComponentComments
500LocationThree quarter bath; main level; off laundry.
505Fixtures-Sink/BasinFunctional. Single sink vanity.
510Fixtures-Faucet Functional.
515Fixtures-ToiletFunctional. Two-piece.
520Fixtures-Bathtub/ShowerFunctional. Shower stall.
525Bathtub/shower surroundFunctional. 3 panels surround.  The glass shower surrounds have a history of leaking.  The seals should be maintained and can be replaced. 
530VentilationFunctional. Exhaust fan.
535ElectricalFunctional. GFCI circuit present.
 

Bathroom Hall

 
Step #ComponentComments
500.2LocationFull bath; main level; hall.
505.2Fixtures-Sink/BasinFunctional. Single sink vanity.
510.2Fixtures-FaucetFunctional.
515.2Fixtures-ToiletFunctional. Two-piece.
520.2Fixtures-Bathtub/ShowerFunctional. Tub/shower.
525.2Bathtub/shower surroundFunctional. One piece unit.
530.2VentilationFunctional. Exhaust fan.
535.2ElectricalFunctional. GFCI circuit present.
 

Bathroom Master

 
Step #ComponentComments
500.3LocationFull bath; main level; off bedroom. 
505.3Fixtures-Sink/BasinFunctional. Double sink vanity.
510.3Fixtures-FaucetFunctional.
515.3Fixtures-ToiletFunctional. One-piece.
520.3Fixtures-Bathtub/Shower

Functional. Whirlpool tub; surround.  Recommend disinfecting the pump and piping on a routine basis.

A portion of the circulating pipes where observed and found to be acceptable.  The electrical to the pump is protected with a GFCI breaker.  The GFCI should be tested on a regular basis.

520.3aFixtures-ShowerFunctional. Shower stall.
525.3Bathtub/shower surroundFunctional. One piece unit.
530.3VentilationFunctional. Exhaust fan; window.
535.3ElectricalFunctional. GFCI circuit present.
 

Bathroom Lower Level

 
Step #ComponentComments
500.4LocationHalf bath; lower level.
505.4Fixtures-Sink/BasinFunctional. Single sink vanity.
510.4Fixtures-FaucetFunctional.
515.4Fixtures-ToiletFunctional. Two-piece.
 530.4VentilationFunctional. Exhaust fan.
535.4ElectricalFunctional. GFCI circuit present.

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Garage

 
Step #ComponentComments
250Garage Type:                4-car; attached.
260Foundation Functional. Concrete.
262Sill plates Functional. Elevated.
264FloorFunctional. Concrete.
265WindowsFunctional.
266Vehicle DoorsFunctional. 4 doors; metal; overhead.  Rust on the interior of the second door from the south
267Pedestrian DoorsDefective-Summary.  The door jamb of the south door is soft and rotted and was wet from the dew dripping off the roof.  See the main roof section and the roof flashing section.  Recommend repair
267aPedestrian Doors #2Marginal. The brick molding on the northwest service door of the garage is soft where the molding is below the concrete sidewalk.  Anticipate repair
268Opener(s)Functional. 4 openers; pressure sensitive reverse.
270FirewallFunctional. Separation between garage and house wall and ceiling.
272Electrical Functional.
275Heat SourceFunctional. Space heater, gas
278OtherThere are two water pipes that are routed through the garage to the sink in the NW corner.  Recommend taking precautions to prevent freezing.  The sink was functional

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