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| Monroe Home InspectionWebsite: http://www.monroehomeinspection.net
Email: vaughn.hill@yahoo.com
Phone: (734) 289-2190
Inspector: Vaughn HIll 
| Property Inspection Report | | Client(s): | Sample Inspection | | Property address: | | | Inspection date: | |
This report is the exclusive property of this inspection company and the client(s) listed in the report title. Use of this report by any unauthorized persons is prohibited. How to Read this Report
This report is organized by the property's functional areas. Within each functional area, descriptive information is listed first and is shown in bold type. Items of concern follow descriptive information. Concerns are shown and sorted according to these types:  | Safety | Poses a risk of injury or death |  | Major Defect | Correction likely involves a significant expense |  | Repair/Replace | Recommend repairing or replacing |  | Repair/Maintain | Recommend repair and/or maintenance |  | Minor Defect | Correction likely involves only a minor expense |  | Maintain | Recommend ongoing maintenance |  | Evaluate | Recommend evaluation by a specialist |  | Monitor | Recommend monitoring in the future |  | Comment | For your information |
Structural Pest Inspection Concerns
Concerns relating to the structural pest inspection are shown as follows:  | Infestation | Evidence of infestation of wood destroying insects or organisms (Live or dead insect bodies, fungal growth, etc.) |  | Damage | Damage caused by wood destroying insects or organisms (Rot, carpenter ant galleries, etc.) |  | Conducive conditions | Conditions conducive for wood destroying insects or organisms (Wood-soil contact, shrubs in contact with siding, roof or plumbing leaks, etc.) |
Click here for a glossary of building construction terms. Contact your inspector if there are terms that you do not understand, or visit the glossary of construction terms at http://www.reporthost.com/glossary.asp Table of Contents General information Exterior Roof Attic Electric service Water heater Heating and cooling Plumbing and laundry Fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys Basement Kitchen Bathrooms Interior rooms Report number: 1291
Inspector's name: Vaughn Hill
Structures inspected: House
Age of building: Est 1913
Time started: 5:00
Time finished: 8:00
Inspection Fee: $200
Payment method: Cash
Present during inspection: Client(s) Realtor never showed up.
Occupied: No
Weather conditions: Rain
Temperature: Cool 63 f
Ground condition: Wet
Front of structure faces: East
Main entrance faces: East
Foundation type: Unfinished basement
The following items are excluded from this inspection: Private sewage disposal system, Security system, Irrigation system, Swimming pool, Hot tub, Private well, Shed, Playground equipment, Sauna, Low voltage outdoor lighting, Central vacuum system, Water filtration system, Water softener system, Built-in sound system, Intercom system, Generator system, Sport court, Sea wall, Outbuildings
1) This property has one or more fuel burning appliances, and no carbon monoxide alarms are visible. This is a safety hazard. Recommend installing one or more carbon monoxide alarms as necessary and as per the manufacturer's instructions. For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05017.html
2) Structures built prior to 1979 may contain lead-based paint and/or asbestos in various building materials such as insulation, siding, and/or floor and ceiling tiles. Both lead and asbestos are known health hazards. Evaluating for the presence of lead and/or asbestos is not included in this inspection. The client(s) should consult with specialists as necessary, such as industrial hygienists, professional labs and/or abatement contractors for this type of evaluation. For information on lead, asbestos and other hazardous materials in homes, visit these websites:
The Environmental Protection Association (http://www.epa.gov)
The Consumer Products Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov)
The Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov)
Footing material: Not visible
Foundation material: Concrete block
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Metal
Driveway material: Gravel
Sidewalk material: Poured in place concrete
Exterior door material: Solid core wood
3) One or more trip hazards were found in sidewalk and/or patio sections due to cracks, settlement and/or heaving. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace sidewalk and/or patio sections as necessary to eliminate trip hazards.
4) One or more outdoor electric receptacles appear to have no ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate to determine if GFCI protection exists, and if not, repairs should be made so that all outdoor receptacles within six feet six inches of ground level have GFCI protection. For example, install GFCI receptacles or circuit breaker(s) as needed.
5) One or more light fixtures are loose or installed in a substandard way. A qualified contractor or electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary so light fixtures are securely mounted and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. 
Photo 24 | |
6) Extension cords are being used as permanent wiring in one or more areas. They should only be used for portable equipment on a temporary basis. Using extension cords as permanent wiring poses a fire and shock hazard, and is an indication that wiring is inadequate and should be updated. Extension cords may be undersized. Connections may not be secure, resulting in power fluctuations, damage to equipment, and sparks that could start a fire. Extension cords should be removed as necessary, or a qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, install additional circuits and/or electric receptacles.
Photo 24 | 
Photo 25 |
7) Gaps larger than four inches were found in one or more guardrails. This is a safety hazard, especially for small children. A qualified contractor should make modifications as necessary so gaps in guardrails do not exceed four inches. For example, installing additional balusters or railing components.
8) One or more outside faucets are missing backflow prevention devices. These devices reduce the likelihood of polluted or contaminated water entering the potable water supply. This condition can occur when an outside faucet is left in the "on" position with a hose connected and the sprayer head turned off. When pressure in the system fluctuates, water can be drawn back into the water supply pipes from the house. If a chemical sprayer is being used with the hose, those chemicals can enter the water supply pipes.
Recommend installing backflow prevention devices on all exterior hose bibs where missing. They are available at most home improvement stores and are easily installed. For more information, visit:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AE113 
Photo 7 Hose bibb | |
9) Perimeter pavement slopes towards structure in one or more areas. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms. Recommend having a qualified contractor make repairs as necessary so perimeter pavement slopes down and away from the structure. 
Photo 15 Sidewalk with poor slope | |
10) One or more gutters are poorly sloped so that significant amounts of water accumulate in them rather than draining through the downspouts. This can cause gutters to overflow, especially when organic debris such as leaves or needles have accumulated in them. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary, such as correcting the slope in gutters or installing additional downspouts and extensions if necessary.
11) One or more electric receptacles appear to have no power. Recommend asking the property owner(s) about this. Switches may need to be operated to make some receptacles energized. If necessary, a qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
12) The perimeter grading slopes towards the structure in one or more areas. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms. Wet soil may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. Recommend grading soil so it slopes down and away from the structure with a slope of at least 5% (10% or better is optimal) for at least 6 feet.
13) One or more downspouts have no extensions, or have extensions that are ineffective. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms, and may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. Repairs should be made as necessary, such as installing or repositioning splash blocks, or installing and/or repairing tie-ins to underground drain lines, so rain water is carried at least several feet away from the structure to soil that slopes down and away from the structure. 
Photo 9 | 
Photo 21 |
14) One or more gutters are damaged. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms, and may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. A qualified contractor should replace or repair gutters where necessary.
15) One or more outside faucets are missing handles. Recommend installing handles where missing. 
Photo 23 Missing handle | |
16) One or more outside faucets aren't anchored securely to the structure's exterior. Fasteners should be installed or replaced as necessary so faucets are securely anchored to prevent stress on plumbing supply lines and possible leaks.
17) One or more minor cracks (1/8 inch or less) were found in the foundation. These don't appear to be a structural concern, but recommend sealing them to prevent water infiltration and monitoring them in the future. Numerous products exist to seal such cracks including:
Hydraulic cement. Requires chiseling a channel in the crack to apply.
Resilient caulks (easy to apply).
Epoxy sealants (both a waterproof and structural repair). 
Photo 11 Crack in foundation | |
18) Soil is in contact with or less than six inches from siding and/or trim. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms. Soil should be graded and/or removed as necessary so there are at least six inches of space between the siding and trim and the soil below. 
Photo 4 | 
Photo 13 |
19) Vegetation such as trees, shrubs and/or vines are in contact with or less than one foot from the structure's exterior. Vegetation can serve as a conduit for wood destroying insects and may retain moisture against the exterior after it rains. Vegetation should be pruned and/or removed as necessary to maintain a one foot clearance between it and the structure's exterior.
Photo 9 | 
Photo 10 Gas meter |
20) Caulk is missing or deteriorated in some areas and should be replaced and/or applied where necessary. For more information on caulking, visit:
The Ins and Outs of Caulking.
21) Minor cracks were found in one or more sidewalk or patio sections. However they don't appear to be a structural concern and no trip hazards were found. No immediate action is recommended, but the client(s) may wish to have repairs made or have cracked sections replaced for aesthetic reasons. 
Photo 18 cracks in sidewalk | |
22) Missing windows on back porch. 
Photo 14 Missing windows | |
23) Window frames damaged on back porch. 
Photo 12 | |
24) Door frame damaged on back porch. 
Photo 22 | |
25) Roof needs cleaned on front and back porch. 
Photo 1 | 
Photo 2 |
Roof inspection method: Viewed from eaves on ladder, Viewed from ground with binoculars, Viewed from windows
Roof type: Hipped
Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Gutter & downspout material: Aluminum
Roof ventilation: Adequate
26) Debris has accumulated in one or more gutters. This is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects since gutters may overflow and cause water to come in contact with the structure's exterior or make water accumulate around the foundation. Gutters should be cleaned now and as necessary in the future. 
Photo 8 Loose gutter | |
27) Because of the roof covering type and/or the configuration of the roof, the inspector was unable to traverse the roof and wasn't able to "fully" evaluate the entire roof.
Inspection method: Traversed, Not inspected
Roof structure type: Rafters
Ceiling structure: Ceiling beams
Insulation material: Cellulose loose fill
Insulation depth: 4in.
Insulation estimated R value: 14
28) Some wiring is loose, unsupported, or inadequately supported. Standard building practices require non-metallic sheathed wiring to be trimmed to length, attached to runners or to solid backing with fasteners at intervals of 4-1/2 ft. or less. Fasteners should be installed within 12 inches of all enclosures. A qualified, licensed electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, trim wire to length and/or install staples as needed. 
Photo 55 | 
Photo 56 |
29) Evidence of "light to moderate" rodent infestation was found in one or more areas. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines this as less than 20 feces per square foot. Rodent infestation may be a safety hazard due to the risk of contracting Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). HPS is a rare (only 20-50 cases per year in the United states) but deadly (40% mortality rate) disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. For example, from sweeping up rodent droppings.
Recommend following guidelines in the CDC's Clean Up, Trap Up, Seal Up article for eradicating rodents, cleaning up their waste and nesting materials, and preventing future infestations. While Hantavirus is believed to survive less than one week in droppings and urine, specific precautions should be taken during clean up. The client(s) may wish to consult with a qualified, licensed pest control operator for eliminating the infestation. A qualified licensed abatement contractor or industrial hygienist could be contacted for clean up. If the infestation was minimal, clean up of rodent waste and nesting materials in non-living spaces (crawl spaces and attics) may not be necessary, or may be performed for aesthetic reasons only (odor and appearance).
30) Stains were visible on the roof structure in one or more areas. These areas were dry at the time of the inspection. The stains may be caused by a past leak. Recommend asking the property owner(s) about past leaks. The client(s) should monitor these areas in the future, especially after heavy rains, to determine if active leaks exist. If leaks are found, a qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
Primary service type: Overhead
Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
Service amperage (amps): 100
Service voltage (volts): 120/240
Location of main service switch: Basement
Location of main disconnect: Breaker at top of main service panel
Service entrance conductor material: Aluminum
System ground: Ground rod(s) in soil
Main disconnect rating (amps): 100
Branch circuit wiring type: Non-metallic sheathed, Knob and tube
Smoke detectors present: Yes
31) Inadequate working space exists for the main service panel. Standard building practices require the following clearances:
An area 30 inches wide by 3 feet deep exists in front of the panel
The panel is at least 5 1/2 feet above the floor
There is at least 6 feet 6 inches of headroom in front of the panel
The wall below the panel is clear to the floor
A qualified contractor and/or electrician should evaluate and make modifications as necessary. 
Photo 41 | 
Photo 42 |
32) One or more clamps that secure the electric service's grounding electrode conductor(s) to the grounding rod(s) appear to be missing. Grounding may be inadequate as a result and may be a safety hazard for shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary.
33) This property has "knob and tube" wiring, which was commonly installed prior to 1950. It is ungrounded, and considered unsafe by today's standards. Over time, the wire's insulation may become brittle and fall apart or wear thin, resulting in exposed conductors and a risk of shock and/or fire. This wiring is also easily damaged by covering it with insulation (a common practice), and incorrectly tapping new wiring into it.
The inspector did not find any energized knob and tube wiring during the inspection. However this is no indication that all the knob and tube wiring has been abandoned. It is not within the scope of this inspection to determine what percentage of this property's wiring is of the knob and tube type, or to determine what percentage of the knob and tube wiring is energized vs. abandoned. A qualified electrician should evaluate this wiring and make repairs or replace wiring as necessary.
Note that some insurance companies may be unwilling to offer homeowner's insurance for properties with knob and tube wiring. Recommend that the client(s) consult with their insurance carrier regarding this.
34) The legend for overcurrent protection devices (breakers or fuses) in the main service panel is missing, unreadable or incomplete. Recommend installing, updating or correcting the legend as necessary so it's accurate. Evaluation by a qualified electrician may be necessary.
Estimated age: 1988
Type: Tank
Energy source: Natural gas
Capacity (in gallons): 40
Manufacturer: A.O. Smith
Model: KGL40980
35) The drain line to the water heater's temperature-pressure relief valve terminates less than 6 inches from the floor. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of explosion. A drain line that terminates less than 6 inches from the floor can result in the water heater exploding if or when the valve opens due to restricted venting. The drain line should be modified, and by a qualified contractor if necessary, so it terminates 6" from the floor.
36) The inner flame shield and outer cover for the water heater combustion chamber are missing, loose, or improperly fitted. This is a potential fire hazard. Repairs should be made as necessary, and by a qualified contractor if necessary, to replace, reinstall or repair the flame shield and outer cover as necessary.
37) Foam insulation on water supply pipe(s) at the top of the water heater has melted due to the heat from the draft hood. This is a safety hazard since this insulation is flammable. The insulation should be trimmed so it is at least a few inches from the draft hood.
38) The estimated useful life for most water heaters is 8 to 12 years. This water heater appears to be at this age or older and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
39) Loose flue pipe at chimney. The results of a loose or leaky vent connection at the chimney include inadequate chimney draft (unsafe heater operation) and leakage of potentially dangerous combustion gases into the building. 
Photo 43 | |
Estimated age: 2004
Primary heating system energy source: Natural gas
Primary heat system type: Forced air
Primary A/C energy source: Electric
Primary Air conditioning type: Split system
Distribution system: Sheet metal ducts
Manufacturer: American Standard
Model: TXCO31c4hpco
40) The last service date of this system appears to be more than one year ago, or the inspector was unable to determine the last service date. The client(s) should ask the property owner(s) when it was last serviced. If unable to determine the last service date, or if this system was serviced more than one year ago, a qualified heating and cooling contractor should inspect, clean, and service this system, and make repairs if necessary. For safety reasons, and because this system is fueled by gas or oil, this servicing should be performed annually in the future. For more information visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05017.html
41) What appears to be asbestos is visible on some ductwork. However, it appears to be intact and not significantly deteriorated. The client may wish to have this material tested at a qualified lab. For information on asbestos hazards in the home, visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/453.html 
Photo 37 | |
42) The furnace did not respond when its controls (thermostat) were operated. This system was not fully evaluated. The client(s) should consult with the property owner(s) as to how it operates and have a qualified heating and cooling contractor evaluate and make repairs if necessary. 
Photo 51 | |
43) The air conditioning system did not respond when its controls(thermostat) were operated. This system was not fully evaluated. The client(s) should consult with the property owner(s) as to how it operates and have a qualified heating and cooling contractor evaluate and make repairs if necessary.
Photo 51 | |
Water pressure (psi): 60
Location of main water shut-off valve: At Meter
Location of main water meter: Basement
Location of main fuel shut-off: At Meter
Water service: Public
Service pipe material: Copper
Supply pipe material: Copper, CPVC
Vent pipe material: Cast iron
Drain pipe material: Plastic
Waste pipe material: Cast iron
44) Copper water supply pipes in homes built prior to 1986 may be joined with solder that contains lead. Lead is a known health hazard, especially for children. Laws were passed in 1985 prohibiting the use of lead in solder, but prior to that solder normally contained about 50 percent lead. The client(s) should be aware of this, especially if children will be living in this structure. Evaluating for the presence of lead in this structure is not included in this inspection. The client(s) should consider having a qualified lab test for lead, and if necessary take steps to reduce or remove lead from the water supply. Various solutions such as these may be advised:
Flush water taps or faucets. Do not drink water that has been sitting in the plumbing lines for more than six hours.
Install appropriate filters at points of use.
Use only cold water for cooking and drinking. Hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water.
Use bottled or distilled water.
Treat well water to make it less corrosive.
Have a qualified plumbing contractor replace supply pipes and/or plumbing components as necessary.
For more information visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5056.html
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead/index.html 
Photo 40 | |
Chimney type: Masonry
45) The masonry chimney's mortar is deteriorated and should be repaired to prevent further, significant deterioration. Recommend having a qualified chimney service contractor or mason evaluate chimney and repair as necessary. This will likely require repointing the mortar. 
Photo 3 | |
46) The masonry chimney crown is deteriorated (cracked or broken) and needs repairs or replacement. The crown is meant to keep water off of the chimney structure. The chimney can be damaged by wet masonry going through freeze-thaw cycles. A properly constructed chimney crown should:
Be constructed using either pre-cast concrete slabs, cast-in-place steel reinforced concrete, solid stone, or metal
Be sloped down from the flue a minimum of 3 inches of fall per foot of run
Extend a minimum of 2-1/2 inches beyond the face of the chimney on all sides
Not directly contact the flue liner (if installed), and this gap should be filled with flexible caulk
Have flashing installed between the bottom of the crown and the top of the brick chimney
A qualified chimney service contractor or mason should evaluate and repair or replace the crown as necessary.
Photo 3 | |
Insulation material underneath floor above: Missing in areas
Pier or support post material: Masonry
Beam material: Solid wood
Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
47) Trip hazard(s) exist at stairs due to non-uniform riser heights. Standard building practices call for riser heights not to vary more than 3/8 inch on a flight of stairs. A qualified contractor should repair or replace stairs so all riser heights are within 3/8 inch of each other. 
Photo 27 | 
Photo 28 |
48) Stairs are unsafe due to a non-standard configuration, such as too-high riser heights and/or too-narrow tread depths. Standard building practices call for riser heights not to exceed eight inches and tread depths to be at least nine inches but preferably 11 inches. Riser heights should not vary more than 3/8 inch on a flight of stairs. A qualified contractor should repair or replace stairs so they conform to standard building practices. 
Photo 26 | |
49) One or more flights of stairs with more than two risers have no handrail installed. This is a safety hazard. A qualified contractor should install graspable handrails that your hand can completely encircle at stairs where missing, and as per standard building practices.
50) Evidence of prior water intrusion was found in one or more sections of the basement. For example, water stains and/or efflorescence on the foundation or floor, water stains at bases of support posts, etc. Accumulated water is a conducive condition for wood destroying insects and organisms and should not be present in the basement. The client(s) should review any disclosure statements available and ask the property owner(s) about past accumulation of water in the basement. The basement should be monitored in the future for accumulated water, especially after heavy and/or prolonged periods of rain. If water is found to accumulate, a qualified contractor who specializes in drainage issues should evaluate and repair as necessary. Typical repairs for preventing water from accumulating in the basement include:
Stains consistent with mold/organic growth on basement walls". Recommend further evaluation/testing by a qualified mold contractor/consultant.
Repairing, installing or improving rain run-off systems (gutters, downspouts and extensions or drain lines)
Improving perimeter grading
Repairing, installing or improving underground footing and/or curtain drains
Ideally, water should not enter the basement, but if water must be controlled after it enters the basement, then typical repairs include installing sump pump(s) or interior perimeter drains. 
Photo 30 Basement wall | 
Photo 36 Stains consistent with mold/organic growth on basement walls". Recommend further evaluation/testing by a qualified mold contractor/consultant. | 
Photo 39 | |
51) One or more JUNCTION BOXES have missing knock out hole plugs. 
Photo 32 Missing knockout plug | |
52) One or more bushings/cable clamps are missing from where wires enter knockout holes in the junction boxes. This is a safety hazard since the wiring insulation can be cut or abraded on the metal edge of the hole(s). A qualified electrician should install bushings/cable clamps where missing.
53) One or more ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) electric receptacles did not trip when tested with the inspector's test instrument. These devices should trip when tested with a test instrument in addition to tripping via the test buttons on the receptacles. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary.
54) One or more leaks were found at water supply lines. A qualified plumber should evaluate and repair as necessary.
55) One or more light fixtures are damaged and/or deteriorated. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair or replace light fixtures where necessary. 
Photo 48 | |
56) No range hood is installed over the range or cook top. Ventilation and/or lighting may be inadequate and moisture may accumulate indoors. Recommend having a qualified contractor install a vented and lighted range hood, with the exhaust fan configured so as to vent outdoors.
57) Minor damage and/or deterioration was found at countertops in one or more areas. The client(s) should evaluate and consider having repairs made, and/or countertops replaced where necessary.
58) Water stains and/or minor water damage was found in the shelving or cabinet components below the sink. The client(s) should evaluate and consider having repairs made. 
Photo 45 | |
59) One or more ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) electric receptacles did not trip when tested with the inspector's test instrument. These devices should trip when tested with a test instrument in addition to tripping via the test buttons on the receptacles. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary.
60) Floor tiles installed in "wet" areas have gaps/cracks in them. The wooden subfloor beneath may be damaged by water intrusion. A qualified contractor should evaluate, make repairs if necessary, and replace flooring with a waterproof floor such as sheet vinyl in wet areas.
61) One or more cabinets and/or drawers are damaged and/or deteriorated. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace cabinets and/or components as necessary. (basement)
62) One or more bathrooms with a shower do not have an exhaust fan installed. Moisture accumulation will occur and may damage the structure. Even if the bathroom has a window that opens, it likely does not provide adequate ventilation, especially during cold weather when the window is closed. A qualified contractor should install exhaust fans as per standard building practices where missing in bathrooms with showers.
63) One or more sink stopper mechanisms are missing, or need adjustment or repair. Stopper mechanisms should be installed where missing and/or repairs should be made so sink stoppers open and close easily. 
Photo 35 Missing stopper | |
64) Water damage was found in the shelving or cabinet components below one or more sinks. A qualified contractor should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. 
Photo 33 | 
Photo 34 |
65) Caulk is missing or deteriorated above one or more bathtubs, where the tub surround meets the tub. It should be replaced where deteriorated and/or applied where missing to prevent water intrusion and damage to the wall structure.
66) One or more toilets have no water supply (basement) and could not be fully evaluated. The shut-off valve(s) may be turned off, or repairs may be necessary. The client(s) should ask the property owner(s) about this, and have a qualified plumber evaluate and repair if necessary.
67) Water leak in basement shower. Shutoff valve out of reach.
68) One or more open ground, three-pronged electric receptacles were found. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, replacing receptacles or correcting wiring circuits.
Grounding type receptacles began being required in residential structures during the 1960s. Based on the age of this structure and the presence of 2-pronged receptacles in some areas of this structure, an acceptable repair may be to simply replace the ungrounded 3-pronged receptacles with 2-pronged receptacles. However the following appliances require grounding type receptacles:
Computer hardware
Refrigerators
Freezers
Air conditioners
Clothes washers
Clothes dryers
Dishwashers
Kitchen food waste disposers
Information technology equipment
Sump pumps
Electrical aquarium equipment
Hand-held motor-operated tools
Stationary and fixed motor-operated tools
Light industrial motor-operated tools
Hedge clippers
Lawn mowers
This list is not exhaustive. Grounded circuits and receptacles should be installed in locations where such appliances will be used. 
Photo 52 | |
69) One or more electric receptacles have reverse-polarity wiring, where the hot and neutral wires are reversed. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. A qualified electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
70) Based on the age of this structure and the appearance of existing smoke alarms, the alarms may be older than 10 years old. According to National Fire Protection Association, aging smoke alarms don't operate as efficiently and often are the source for nuisance alarms. Older smoke alarms are estimated to have a 30% probability of failure within the first 10 years. Newer smoke alarms do better, but should be replaced after 10 years. Unless you know that the smoke alarms are new, replacing them when moving into a new residence is also recommended by NFPA. For more information, visit:
http://www.google.com/search?q=old+smoke+alarms 
Photo 53 | |
71) One or more flights of stairs with more than two risers have no handrail installed. This is a safety hazard. A qualified contractor should install graspable handrails that your hand can completely encircle at stairs where missing, and as per standard building practices.
72) Squeaking or creaking noises occur when walking on one or more sections of flooring. This is usually caused by substandard construction practices where the subfloor decking is not adequately fastened to the framing below. For example, not enough glue was used and/or nails were used rather than screws. In most cases, this is only an annoyance rather than a structural problem. Various solutions such as Squeeeeek No More and Counter Snap fasteners exist to correct this. Repairs to eliminate the squeaks or creaks may be more or less difficult depending on the floor covering, and the access to the underside of the subfloor. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate and repair as necessary. For more information, visit:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=squeaky+floors
73) One or more doors will not latch when closed. Repairs should be made as necessary, and by a qualified contractor if necessary. For example, aligning strike plates with latch bolts and/or replacing locksets.
74) One or more locksets are damaged and/or deteriorated. Locksets should be replaced as necessary.
75) One or more exterior entrance doors are damaged and/or deteriorated and should be repaired or replaced by a qualified contractor. 
Photo 50 | |
76) Trim is damaged and/or deteriorated in one or more areas. Recommend having a qualified contractor replace or repair trim as necessary.
77) One or more light fixtures have missing bulbs and could not be fully evaluated. Bulbs may simply need to be installed, or repairs or replacement may be necessary.
78) Minor cracks were found in ceilings in one or more areas. They do not appear to be a structural concern, but the client(s) may wish to repair these for aesthetic reasons. 
Photo 49 | |
79) Minor cracks were found in walls in one or more areas. They do not appear to be a structural concern, but the client(s) may wish to repair these for aesthetic reasons. 
Photo 47 Small crack in wall | |
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