Campbell Property Inspections

Website: http://www.MainesHomeInspector.com
Email: Jeff@MainesHomeInspector.com
Phone: (207) 441-9802 · (877) 467-4624
FAX: (207) 512-1024
RR 4 Box 7452 
Gardiner, Maine 04345
Inspector: Jeffrey Campbell

 

INSPECTION REPORT FOR
Client(s): SAMPLE CLIENT
Property address: 123 SAMPLE STREET
WATERVILLE, ME 04901
Inspection date: 01/26/05
This report published on 2/20/2005 12:21:05 PM EST

View summary page

This report is the exclusive property of this Campbell Property Inspections 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 shown in bold type. Items of concern follow descriptive information and are shown as follows:
SafetyPoses a risk of injury or death 
Major defectCorrection likely involves a significant expense 
Repair/ReplaceRecommend repairing or replacing 
Repair/MaintainRecommend repair and/or maintenance 
Minor defectCorrection likely involves only a minor expense 
MaintainRecommend ongoing maintenance 
EvaluateRecommend evaluation by a specialist 
MonitorRecommend monitoring in the future 
CommentFor your information 
Concern items are sorted by the types listed above. Click here for a glossary of building construction terms.

Table of Contents
General information
Exterior
Roof
Electric service
Heating and air conditioning
Attic
Plumbing and laundry
Basement
Interior rooms


General information Return to table of contents  
Overview: Single family Cape located at 123 Sample St., Waterville, Maine
Wood frame construction on full foundation with vinyl siding and composition roofing.

Overview: The home is in good overall condition with average construction, maintenance and repair practices. The main concerns are the condition of the roof, the existance of ice damming (lack of ventilation in attic), and outdated electrical wiring.
Report number: JSC05006
Time started: 08:30
Time finished: 12:00
Inspection Fee: $250.00
Present during inspection: Buyer, Realtor
Occupied: Yes
Age of building: 52-55
Type of building: Single familyCape Design
Weather conditions: Snow
Temperature: Cold
Ground condition: Wet, Frozen
Main entrance faces: South
Foundation type: Unfinished basement
The following items are excluded from this inspection: Shed


Exterior Return to table of contents  
Footing material: Not visible
Foundation material: Poured in place concrete
Apparent wall structure: Wood frame
Wall covering: Vinyl
Driveway material: N/ASnow/ice covered
Exterior door material: Solid core woodMetal Storm Doors
1) 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.
2) Existing vinyl siding in fair condition requiring minor repairs due to typical dings/dents/cracks. Recommend additional caulking/sealing around vertical joints and abutting trim, side entry roof in particular.

Photo 4
Siding - gaps allowing moisture penetration
 
3) The substructure of the deck is excluded from the inspection due to limited access because of the low height.
4) One or more outside faucets were not evaluated due to their being winterized, and are excluded from this inspection.
 


Roof Return to table of contents  
Roof inspection method: Viewed from eaves on ladder, Viewed from ground with binoculars
Roof type: Gable
Roof covering: Asphalt or fiberglass composition shingles
Estimated age of roof: 15-20
Gutter & downspout material: None
Roof ventilation: Inadequate
5) One or more chimney flues don't have a screened cover installed. Screened covers prevent the following:

  • Fire hazard from wood fire sparks and embers exiting flues
  • Wildlife (birds, rodents, racoons, etc.) entering flues
  • Rainwater entering flues and mixing with combustion deposits, creating caustic chemicals which can corrode flues
  • Rainwater entering flues and causing damage to terracotta flue tiles from freeze-thaw cycles

    Recommend having a qualified chimney service contractor install screened cover(s) where missing. Screens should have holes 1/4" or larger.
  • 6) The roof was completely obscured by snow and couldn't be fully evaluated. Severe ice dams have formed indicating lack of proper ventilation in attic. Ice dams may lead to moisture intrusion under the shingles and into the home resulting in staining of walls & ceilings or worse.

    Photo 3
    Front Porch Roofing - Ice Dams

    Photo 5
    Roof - Ice damming
    7) This asphalt or fiberglass composition roof has two or more layers of roofing materials. When this roof is replaced, recommend a complete "tear off", where all existing layers of roofing are removed before installing new roofing materials. With each layer of material added to a roof, the new roof material's lifespan is reduced as follows:

  • 30+ years - First roof
  • 15-20 years - Second layer on existing roof

    Removing existing roofing materials will significantly increase the cost of the next roof.

    Photo 6
    Roofing - Ice Dams & curling/lifting shingles

    Photo 16
    Roofing - Deteriorated shingle & Ice Damming
  •  


    Electric service Return to table of contents  
    Primary service type: Overhead
    Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
    Service amperage (amps): 200
    Service voltage (volts): 120-240
    Location of main service panel: Basement
    Location of main disconnect: Breaker at top of main panel
    Service conductor material: Aluminum
    Main disconnect rating (amps): 200
    Branch circuit wiring type: Non-metallic sheathed
    Smoke detectors present: Yes
    8) Older existing wiring is frayed/worn in various areas and should be review/repaired by qualified, licensed electrician. This older two wire (ungrounded) wiring is reflected in the "Open-Ground" conditions indicated in several outlets throughout the home where standard three prong outlets are used. It is also noted that two prong outlets also exist i the home. Recommend further review/upgrade as required.

    Photo 8
    Basement Wiring Frayed (old)

    Photo 13
    Basement Wiring - frayed (old)
    9) Service drop wires are less than 3 feet from windows, doors, balconies or decks. Recommend having a qualified, licensed electrician and/or the utility company evaluate and repair.
    10) An insufficient number of smoke detectors are installed. Recommend installing additional smoke detectors as necessary so a functioning one exists in each hallway leading to bedrooms, and in each bedroom. For more information on smoke detectors visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html
    11) 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. Two breakers are labeled "BAD"
     


    Heating and air conditioning Return to table of contents  
    Heating system energy source: Oil
    Heat system type: Forced air, Baseboard, Hot water, Circulating pump, Standard efficiency
    Distribution system: Sheet metal ducts, Metal pipe
    Brand & model: New Yorker S 154 AP
    12) The oil fired hot water boiler (est. 1985) used in conjunction with older hot air furnace (to deliver hot air only) appears to be in good operating condition. Some corrosion noted at coil, monitor conditions. However, due to age and unconventional setup, recommend review by qualified heating contractor. Second floor utilized hot water baseboard heat, while first floor is hot air derived from hot water pipes run to older hot air furnace/fan.

    Photo 7
    Boiler - Corrosion Present

    Photo 9
    Hot Air Fan/Blower portion of boiler/furnace combo
    13) Recommend that this system be inspected, cleaned, serviced and repaired if necessary by a qualified heating and cooling technician annually in the future.
    14) Recommend buying oil tank replacement insurance, available from many full-service oil dealers. This can cover up to 100% of the replacement costs of an oil tank and costs approximately $1 to $1.50 per month.

    Photo 10
    Oil Tank - some seepage at filter
     
     


    Attic Return to table of contents  
    Inspection method: Not inspectedLimited access, finished
    Roof structure type: Rafters
    Insulation material: Fiberglass roll or batt
    15) Gable end and soffit/eave ventilation noted. However, the condition of roofing and existence of ice damming indicates poor ventilation causing warmer temperatures in attic areas causing snow to melt and re-freeze when reaching colder soffit/eaves. Evaluation of ventilation is recommended to prevent further ice damming issues.
    16) Due to finished nature of the second floor of a cape home, attic space is limited to eave storage behind knee wall. Access limited.
     


    Plumbing and laundry Return to table of contents  
    Location of main water shut-off valve: Basement
    Location of main water shut-off valve: Basement
    Location of main water meter: Basement
    Location of main fuel shut-off: Basement
    Visible fuel storage systems: Basement
    Water service: Public
    Service pipe material: Copper
    Supply pipe material: Copper
    Vent pipe material: Cast iron
    Drain pipe material: Plastic, Cast iron
    Waste pipe material: Cast iron
    17) Clothes washer drain has flexible connection which allows piping/trap to lean excessively, limiting the effectiveness of the trap and drain. Recommend repair to avoid overflow.

    Photo 12
    Laundry Drain connected via flexible connection falling to side.
     
    18) No expansion tank is installed on this structure's water supply system. Expansion tanks are recommended when a structure is serviced by a public water supply system & the structure's water system is "closed" via a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV), Check Valve, or Back Flow Preventer. No room for expansion exists in this type of system. Thermal expansion occurs when water is heated during non-use periods. In a closed system with no provision for expansion, its effects may include:

  • Backflow into the water main
  • Damage to water heater connections, gas water heater flue tubes & pumps serving washers & dishwashers
  • Leaking faucets
  • "Weeping" of water through the water heater temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valve
  • Noisy water hammer in the pipes.

    Expansion tanks can eliminate these problems by giving water a place to go when thermal expansion occurs. When a water heating cycle ends, or when any fixture is opened within the system, the impact of thermal expansion is reduced, & water drains out of the expansion tank back into the system. Recommend having a qualified, licensed plumber install an expansion tank as per standard building practices.
  • 19) Sump pump drain is connected to main sewer line vs. piped to exterior. This is noted due to possible expense caused by higher sewer bills.

    Photo 11
    Sump Pump drain connected to Sewer line.
     
    20) Combination cast iron and plastic piping make up drain/waste system.

    Photo 2
    Cast Iron (painted Galvanize) and plastic drain/waste piping.
     
     


    Basement Return to table of contents  
    Insulation material underneath floor above: Fiberglass roll or batt
    Pier or support post material: Steel
    Beam material: Built up wood
    Floor structure above: Solid wood joists
    21) No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection device is visible for the sump pump electric supply. Recommend having a qualified, licensed electrician determine if a GFCI protection device (receptacle or circuit breaker) exists for the sump pump and install one if missing to reduce the danger of electric shock.
    22) Existence of worn/frayed wiring present. See Electrical Section for details.
     


    Interior rooms Return to table of contents  
    23) One or more open ground, 3-pronged receptacles were found. This is a safety hazard and poses a risk of electric shock. Recommend that a qualified, licensed electrician evaluate and make repairs as necessary. For example, replacing receptacles or correcting wiring circuits.

    Grounded 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 grounded 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.
  • 24) No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices (receptacles or circuit breakers) are visible in the kitchen or bathrooms. GFCI devices help prevent electric shocks in areas that may have water present. Recommend having a qualified, licensed electrician install GFCI protection for receptacles over counter tops and around sinks as per standard building practices.
    25) Handrail(s) are missing from one or more flights of stairs with more than two risers. This is a safety hazard. Recommend having a qualified contractor install graspable handrails that your hand can completely encircle at stairs with more than two risers where missing.
    26) (Basement) Gaps larger than 4" were found in one or more guardrails. This is a safety hazard, especially for small children. Recommend that a qualified contractor make modifications as necessary, such as installing additional balusters, so gaps in guardrails don't exceed 4".
    27) This home was built before 1978, when laws were enacted in the US preventing the use of lead paint in residential structures. Lead paint may be present, and is a known safety hazard, especially to children but also to adults. It may cause brain damage and retarded mental and physical development, among other things. The paint found in and around this structure appeared to be intact and most likely encapsulated by more recent layers of paint that's not lead-based. However, recommend following precautions as described in the following links to Consumer Products Safety Commission website articles regarding possible lead paint.

    What You Should Know About Lead Based Paint in Your Home: Safety Alert - CPSC Document #5054

    CPSC Warns About Hazards of "Do lt Yourself" Removal of Lead Based Paint: Safety Alert - CPSC Document #5055
    28) Several windows are difficult to open (dry) or do not stay in open position suggesting mechanical failure along counter weight mechanism. Dining window will not latch properly, requires adjustment. Second floor bedroom windows lacking locking devices. Recommend repairing window(s) so they open/close easily.

    Photo 14
    Window - disconnected from lifting mechanism
     
    29) Second floor bedroom door is delaminated and requires repair. One or more closet doors require adjustment.
    30) Leak at drain under sink. Recommend repairing leak.
    31) The weatherstrip around one or more exterior entry doors is damaged and/or deteriorated. Recommend replacing weatherstripping at entry door(s) where necessary.
    32) Ceiling panel at Dining and Stair is sagging. No immediate signs of moisture, however this is in the area of the porch roof and excessive ice damming. Recommend monitoring and review/repair by qualified professional should condition worsen.

    Photo 15
    Sagging ceiling at Dining/stair area
     
    33) Caulk needs repair around the base one or more tub faucets. Recommend applying a bead of caulk around the base of tub faucets where necessary.
    34) Recommend removing old caulk and applying a new bead of tub-tile caulk where tub meets wall/floor surface to prevent water damage to wall materials.
    35) Heat Vent Ducts appear closed in Kitchen & Dining, limiting heat. Monitor conditions to determine if additional heat is required or current conditions are acceptable.
     
    Thank You for choosing Campbell Property Inspections, "Maine's Home Inspector!"

    If you have any questions concerning this report, please feel free to call.

    This report was published with ReportHost, the premier web-based inspection report writing service. For more information visit http://www.reporthost.com