april - cities’ inspection
TRANSCRIPT
1 cities’ inspection service, inc.
April 23, 2012
Dear Home Seller,
On April 6, 2012, Cities’ Inspection Service, Inc. completed a home inspection of the property
located at 123 Oak Drive, Somewhere, Minnesota for you. Doug Hastings did all the fieldwork
related to this project. Doug used the national home inspection protocol; the American Society
of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice.
The method used for this inspection was visual. There was no destructive analysis or technical
testing of any building component. The project excluded all environmental health hazards, such
as concealed mold, mildew and fungal growth; and any insect and vermin infestations.
The purpose of this inspection was to observe the physical condition of this building. The intent was
to identify defects or conditions that adversely affected the structure and its components. This
report contains the results of the inspection.
These definitions were used in this report:
⦿ Functional component was performing its intended function; installation and
condition were appropriate for age and use.
⊙ Minor Defect component deficiency was insufficient to be major defect; but it requires
repair, normal maintenance, or a safety improvement.
⊗ Major Defect component was not performing its intended function and requires repair
or replacement.
2 cities’ inspection service, inc.
Exterior
Description of Exterior
This home is located in a suburban neighborhood and is positioned on a sloped site. The building is a
two level single family home with an attached two car garage. The structure is approximately 43 years
old and, for the purpose of this report, the front entry door faces south. The weather condition, at the
time of the inspection, is fair.
The walls are covered with one layer of wood lap and wood panel siding which are approximately 43
years old. The windows are casement and double hung with insulated glass and are not original to the
house. The roof is steep sloped; there are two layers of asphalt composition shingles and the materials
are approximately 22 years old. The components are viewed by walking on the roof.
⦿ Functional
⊙ Minor Defect
⊗ Major Defect
A. Grounds Observations
Explanation of Problems 1. Landscape grading ⊗ inadequate drainage swale & negative slope (west side) / flat
grade (under deck) / possible ponding of water in egress window well (east side)
retaining walls ⦿ fence ⦿ shed ⦿
2. Hardscape walks ⦿ steps ⦿ patio ⦿ driveway ⦿
3. Utilities / other electric service ⦿ gas meter ⦿ outlets/fixtures ⦿ water faucets ⦿
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A1. Proper slope
A1. Negative slope / poor drainage swale
A1.
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A1. Ponding water in egress window well / no drain pipe
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B. Building Exterior Observations
Explanation of Problems 1. Wall covering siding ⊙ warped & worn wood / deteriorated bricks / decayed wood (on
roof) windows ⦿ doors ⦿ deck ⊗ missing middle beam posts / painted wood floor boards
2. Roof covering shingles ⊗ split shingles / loose nails / old / short useful life (less than 2
years) flashing ⊗ improper vent pipe cover (remove rain cap) chimney ⊗ deteriorated bricks & mortar overhangs ⊙ inadequate amount overhang ventilation
3. Garage walls ⦿ window ⦿ fire barrier ⦿ floor slab ⊗ pitted, cracked & settled concrete / ponding water overhead door ⦿ service door ⦿ roof ⊙ family room attic nailed shut & not visible
Probability of Moisture Intrusion grounds high walls low roof high
Limitations to Exterior Observations o Leaking insulated window and door glass air seals may not be visible, because of outside air
temperature. o Fireplace chimney flue tiles are inaccessible and condition is not visible (gas pipe insert).
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B1. Decayed piece of wall siding
B1. Missing deck beam posts
B2. Split roof shingles
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B2. Split shingles
B2. Broken wall shingles
B2. Loose nails
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B2. Remove plumbing vent cap
B2. Moisture damaged chimneys
B2. Deteriorated chimney bricks
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B2. Deteriorated chimney bricks
B2. Deteriorated chimney bricks
B3.
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Structure
Description of Structure
The foundation is concrete block with no visible insulation. This home has no crawl space. The floor
systems are solid wood joists and subfloor with rim joist insulation. The above ground walls are wood
frame; the type, depth, and condition of insulation are not visible. The attic is constructed with wood
truss rafters and solid wood sheathing. There is approximately 8” of fiberglass attic insulation without a
vapor retarder. The attic is viewed from access opening because of low headroom.
⦿ Functional
⊙ Minor Defect
⊗ Major Defect
C. Structure Observations
Explanation of Problems 1. Foundation stairs ⊗ non continuous (from top to bottom step) handrail walls ⊙ limited view insulation ⊙ not visible floor slab ⦿ moisture ⊙ prior mold remediation in rec room drain tile ⊙ partial new drain tile system (portion of rec room) with battery
backup sump pump / balance of basement not drain tiled (sump basket with holes)
2. Floors joists ⦿ insulation ⦿ posts/beam ⦿ moisture ⊙ limited view
3. Walls walls ⦿ insulation ⊙ not visible moisture ⊙ not visible
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4. Roof rafter’s ⦿ chimney ⦿ moisture ⊙ water stained sheathing insulation ⦿ ventilation ⦿ vent pipes ⊗ improperly vented or unvented bath exhaust fan
Probability of Moisture Intrusion foundation medium (grading) floors low walls low roof medium (old roof shingles)
Probability of Failure foundation low floors low walls low roof low
Limitations to Structure Observations o Foundation is 90% covered and condition not visible. o Floors are 100% covered and condition not visible. o Wall structure is 100% covered; wood decay and molds are not visible. o Family room attic is 100% inaccessible and condition not visible.
C1. Non continuous handrail
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C1.
C1. Basement moisture
C1. New rec room drain tile
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C4. Improperly vented or unvented bath fan
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Electrical
Description of Electrical
The public utility service is overhead and the voltage is 110/220. There is one 150 amp main electrical
panel and it is approximately 43 years old. The service entrance wires are aluminum, the main
disconnect is circuit breaker and it is located on the north basement wall. The branch circuit distribution
wiring is copper with circuit breakers.
⦿ Functional
⊙ Minor Defect
⊗ Major Defect
D. Electrical Observations
Explanation of Problems 1. Main panel size ⦿ condition ⦿ grounding ⦿ wiring ⊗ melted wire insulation / double tapped circuit breakers /
unapproved circuit breakers
2. Subpanel condition ⦿ grounding ⦿ wiring ⦿
3. Outlets/fixtures basement ⦿ attic ⦿ smoke detector ⊙ old / replace with battery backup hard wired smoke detector
Limitations to Electrical Observations o None.
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D1. Melted & double tapped wires
D1.
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Plumbing
Description of Plumbing
The main water supply is public and the visible pipe material is copper. The interior water pipes are
copper. The main water shutoff valve is located in the basement bedroom closet. The gas water heater
is 40 gallons and is approximately 2 years old. The public underground sewer pipe is not visible; the soil
stack is cast iron. The drain and vent pipes are copper. The appliance fuel supply is natural gas and the
main shutoff valve is located at the exterior utility meter.
⦿ Functional
⊙ Minor Defect
⊗ Major Defect
E. Plumbing Observations
Explanation of Problems 1. Water supply main pipe ⦿ interior pipes ⦿
2. Waste pipes soil stack ⊗ leaking cast iron to copper connections drain/vent pipes ⦿ floor drain ⦿ laundry tub ⦿
3. Gas piping interior pipes ⦿ appliances ⦿
4. Water heater storage tank ⦿ vent pipe ⦿
5. Appliances water softener ⦿ clothes washer ⦿ clothes dryer ⦿
Probability of Failure Water pressure low Plugged sewer low Water heater low
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Limitations to Plumbing Observations o Condition of underground sewer pipe is not visible.
E1. Leaking connections
E1. Leaking connections
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Mechanical
Description of Mechanical
The central heating is forced air furnace. The fuel source is natural gas and the system is approximately
10 years old. There is a central air conditioner that is approximately 17 years old.
⦿ Functional
⊙ Minor Defect
⊗ Major Defect
F. Mechanical Observations
Explanation of Problems 1. System jacket ⦿ heat exchanger ⦿ distribution ⦿ vent/flue pipes ⦿
2. Air conditioner condenser ⦿ compressor ⊙ cold weather & not viewed operating / not visible piping ⦿ wiring ⦿
3. Other electronic filter ⦿ humidifier ⦿
Probability of Failure Heating low Air conditioner unknown
Limitations to Mechanical Observations o System heater exchanger is 100% inaccessible and condition is not visible. o Air conditioner is not viewed operating due to cold weather conditions.
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Interior
Description of Interior Rooms
There are 5 bedrooms and 4 baths. The basement is completely finished. There is a basement bedroom
that meets egress specifications.
⦿ Functional
⊙ Minor Defect
⊗ Major Defect
G. Interior Room Observations
Explanation of Problems 1. Rec room walls/ceiling ⦿ floor ⦿ windows ⦿ doors ⦿ outlets/fixtures ⦿ heating ⦿
2. Basement bedroom walls/ceiling ⦿ floor ⦿ window ⦿ doors ⦿ outlets/fixtures ⦿ heating ⦿ smoke/CO ⊗ smoke detector too close to ceiling (lower to 6”)
3. Basement bath walls/ceiling ⦿ floor ⦿ door ⦿ outlets/fixtures ⦿ heating ⦿ fixture/faucet ⦿ water pressure ⦿ cabinet/top ⦿ exhaust fan ⦿
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4. Kitchen walls/ceiling ⦿ floor ⦿ windows ⦿ door ⦿ outlets/fixtures ⦿ heating ⦿ fixture/faucet ⦿ water pressure ⦿ cabinet/top ⦿
5. Kitchen appliances refrigerator ⦿ stove ⦿ dishwasher ⊙ no dishwasher drain pipe air gap disposal ⊙ worn shredder plate microwave ⦿ exhaust fan ⦿
6. Living/dining walls/ceiling ⦿ floor ⦿ windows ⦿ door ⦿ outlets/fixtures ⦿ heating ⦿
7. Family room walls/ceiling ⦿ floor ⦿ windows ⦿ door ⦿ outlets/fixtures ⦿ heating ⦿ fireplace ⊙ gas insert & flue tiles not visible
8. Main bath walls/ceiling ⦿ floor ⦿ door ⦿ outlets/fixtures ⦿ heating ⦿ fixture/faucet ⦿ water pressure ⦿ cabinet/top ⦿ exhaust fan ⦿
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9. Half bath walls/ceiling ⦿ floor ⦿ door ⦿ outlets/fixtures ⊗ no outlet heating ⊙ none fixture/faucet ⦿ water pressure ⦿ cabinet/top ⦿ exhaust fan ⦿
10. Master bath walls/ceiling ⦿ floor ⦿ window ⦿ door ⦿ outlets/fixtures ⦿ heating ⦿ fixture/faucet ⦿ water pressure ⦿ cabinet/top ⦿ exhaust fan ⊙ none
11. Upper bedrooms walls/ceiling ⦿ floor ⦿ windows ⦿ door ⦿ outlets/fixtures ⦿ heating ⦿ smoke/CO ⊗ improperly located carbon monoxide detector
12. Den walls/ceiling ⦿ floor ⦿ window ⦿ door ⦿ outlets/fixtures ⦿ heating ⦿
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13. Hallways/entries walls/ceiling ⦿ floor ⦿ window ⦿ door ⦿ outlets/fixtures ⦿ heating ⦿ smoke detector ⦿ stairs ⦿
Probability of Moisture Intrusion Ceiling low Walls low Floor low
Limitations to Interior Observations o Only appliances listed in this report are included in this inspection. o Fireplace chimney flue tiles are 100% inaccessible and condition is not visible.
D5. Example dishwasher drain pipe air gap
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G5. Shredder plate
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Conclusions
⊗ Major Defects
A. Grounds
Earth grade does not slope away from the foundation (basement moisture). B. Building Exterior
Missing wood deck beam posts.
Damaged and worn roof shingles; short useful life (less than 2 years).
Deteriorated chimney bricks and mortar.
Cracked, settled, and worn garage floor. C. Structure
None. D. Electrical
Melted main panel wire insulation, double tapped and unapproved circuit breakers. E. Plumbing
Leaking basement waste pipe (soil stack) connections. F. Mechanical
None. G. Interior Room
Improperly vented main bath exhaust fan.
⊙Minor Defects
A. Grounds
None. B. Building Exterior
Worn wall siding and deteriorated front wall bricks.
Painted wood deck floor boards.
Unapproved rain cap on roof vent pipe.
Minimal amount overhang vents (ice dams). C. Structure
None. D. Electrical
No half bath outlet. E. Plumbing
No dishwasher drain pipe air gap.
Worn disposal shredder plate. F. Mechanical
None.
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G. Interior Room
Non continuous basement stair handrail.
Replace all hard wired smoke detectors that do not have battery backup. Test all smoke detectors for proper operation every 6 months. Lower basement smoke detector to a minimum of 4” from the ceiling.
State law requires a carbon monoxide detector within 10’ all bedrooms.
Potential Defects
1. Not visible or limited view:
Fireplace chimney flue tiles (metal liner)
Family room attic (access nailed shut)
Underground sewer pipe (inaccessible)
Owner disclosed rec room mold remediation work was done, extent and completeness of work is not visible.
2. Not viewed operating:
Air conditioner (too cool)