HOME MAINTENANCE INSPECTION REPORT:

The home maintenance inspection performed is a limited visual inspection to identify major systems and components in need of repair.  The inspection will include the following systems: 

• Roof inspection for damage, hail, age concerns, gutter condition
• Attic inspection for moisture concerns, insulation issues, pest concerns
• Foundation Inspection for visible concerns, settlement issues, grading or drainage issues
• Crawlspace/Basement Inspection for moisture issues, pest concerns
• Heating and Cooling System Inspection for age, performance or maintenance concerns
• Gas Leak Check on exterior and interior exposed gas lines and fittings
• Carbon Monoxide Test on heating system and gas burning appliances
• Plumbing System Inspection for any visible leaks and evaluation of water heater age and condition
• Electrical Safety Inspection, including GFCI outlets, electric panel interior, and any visible safety concerns
• Smoke Alarm and CO Detector Inspection and testing
• Garage Door Inspection and Test for safety concerns

The evaluation will be based on observations that are primarily visual and non-invasive. The inspection and report are not intended to be technically exhaustive. This written report is a summary of observations and unbiased opinions and is based on the experience of the inspector.This Inspection Report outlines and defines the areas of the home that were inspected.

INSPECTION CATEGORIES:

1) Maintenance Item - These are regular maintenance items typical for many homes, or items that should be monitored for performance or future concerns. In the opinion of the inspector, repair or replacement to these items is not urgent, but will likely be needed in the near future. 

2) Repair Recommendation - The item, component or unit was inspected/tested, and is not functioning as intended.   Repair or replacement is needed by a qualified specialist.

3) Immediate Action/Evaluation Recommendation - The item, component or unit shows concerns that, in the opinion of the inspector, requires immediate action for safety and/or to prevent damage to the property, or needs to be further evaluated by a qualified professional. 

SCOPE AND TERMS OF INSPECTION:
This confidential report is furnished for the use of the client only. It is not intended to be relied upon for any purpose by any other party not named on the report and Inspection Agreement. This inspection was performed in accordance with and under the terms of a Home Inspection Agreement. The agreement was signed and agreed upon before the preparation of this report and a signed copy of the agreement is available upon request. Scott Home Inspection conducts all inspections according to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. The complete standards can be reviewed at the following location; www.scotthomeinspection.com/ASHI_standards-ethics.pdf 

LIMITATIONS:
Limitations exist in any home inspection. The inspector cannot see behind walls or behind hidden areas in the home. The belongings of the current occupant of the home are not moved to view areas underneath or behind such belongings. Additionally, the inspection is not a test for hazardous materials, such as asbestos, lead paint, mold, or other environmental hazards.  If the inspector observes materials which inspector believes may contain hazardous materials, the Inspector will recommend further testing and evaluation. Any comments, notes or recommendations made by the inspector are informational only, and Client understands that only proper hazardous testing can determine whether any actual hazardous materials are present. The inspector is also not qualified to detect the presence of Chinese Drywall.  Nothing herein shall be construed so as to require the inspector to observe or to warn Client as to potential hazardous materials.  Any investigation concerning the existence or possible existence of potentially hazardous materials in any form is beyond the scope of the inspection services offered by Scott Home Inspection.  

READING YOUR INSPECTION REPORT
The inspection report from Scott Home Inspection is cloud based allowing for sharing of the report and easy navigation through sections.  Click to expand the image below to give you tips and help on reading and navigating through this report.

The materials, styles and components present and observable are described as follows:

The following items were Inspected and Observed, with any Recommended Actions noted:

The roof system, gutters-downspouts, attic, and attic ventilation were inspected where components were fully accessible.   

• The roofing material was inspected for concerns with wear and age, potential hail damage or other damage, and any flashing or roof penetration concerns.
• Gutters and downspouts were inspected to ensure proper drainage away from the home and foundation.
• Metal flue pipes and chimneys were visually inspected for physical condition and flashing concerns.
• The attic was inspected to determine if moisture concerns are present, assess insulation concerns, ventilation adequacy, and review any visible structural issues.

The roof inspection is not intended to predict how long the roof will last or if it will leak, and is not a warranty. All roofs should be inspected annually in order to detect and address concerns to ensure the roof will perform for the typical life span.  Expect to make minor repairs to any roof.

The below ground drain lines for downspouts do not appear to drain above grade, and it is unable to determined if drains will function properly.  As a maintenance item, you should monitor these areas, and periodically clean out these lines with a drain-snake, to keep drainage flowing away from the foundation of the home.

An inspection was made in the attic for evidence of animal droppings and nesting.  These are areas that are commonly inhabited by critters and pests. A home inspection is not a complete pest-inspection, but if you suspect certain unwanted critters in your home, a further evaluation from a qualified pest specialist is recommended in the future.

The materials, styles and components present and observable are described as follows:

The following items were Inspected and Observed, with any Recommended Actions noted:

A visual inspection of the exterior surfaces was performed around the home to include the exterior surface material, soffit/fascia surfaces, doors and windows, and other exterior surface areas including:

• The exterior wall covering, trim, and flashing were visually inspected for concerns related to installation, paint/stain condition, damage and general maintenance issues.
• The entry doors to the home were tested and inspected by operating the doors, checking the lock and latch, inspecting the weather-stripping, inspecting any screens present and checking for any physical damage.
• The exterior of the windows were visually inspected for signs of cracked glass, damaged screens, caulking around edges and seams, paint or finish deterioration, and general concerns.
• The driveway and exterior concrete surfaces around the home were walked and inspected for surface deterioration, trip hazards, poor slope or drainage and any general areas of concern.
• The surface grading and drainage was inspected to determine if areas exist that will adversely affect the home.

The outside of the home should be routinely checked.  Exteriors need regular maintenance to stay sealed against the weather.  There can be hidden damage when the exterior is not sealed or is poorly finished, damaged or decayed.  Heavy vegetation should be kept trimmed since it can cause or hide damage.

The grading and drainage around the home was inspected with no visible concerns present at this time.

The materials, styles and components present and observable are described as follows:

The following items were Inspected and Observed, with any Recommended Actions noted:

The foundation, basement, and crawlspace components were inspected where present and accessible for any visible structural concerns, settlement issues, or grading and drainage issues.

Limitations can exist on any foundation inspection since much of the structural components can be hidden or buried, or covered with insulation or a finished area.  We do our best to observe all visible areas and look for any sign of structural concerns.  We are not structural engineers, and therefore, if we do see areas of concern we may recommend further evaluation by an engineer to assess the area of concern.

An inspection was made of the basement and/or crawlspace for evidence of animal droppings and nesting.  These are areas that are commonly inhabited by critters and pests. A home inspection is not a complete pest-inspection, but if you suspect certain unwanted critters in your home, a further evaluation from a qualified pest specialist is recommended in the future.

The materials, styles and components present and observable are described as follows:

The following items were Inspected and Observed, with any Recommended Actions noted:

The central heating and cooling systems for the home were visually inspected and tested, with testing including the following:

• Turning on the systems at the operating controls and ensuring the systems operated.
• Inspecting the distribution systems, and applicable flues and chimneys, where present.

Regular service of an HVAC system is important for efficient operation and to achieve maximum life from equipment; equipment can fail at any time without warning; most manufacturers recommend annual service.

An ambient air test at the combustion equipment was performed with a device that detects harmful levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO).  No harmful levels were detected at the time of the inspection.

The thermostat for the HVAC was tested and is operating properly, with no concerns noted.  This is for your information.

The materials, styles and components present and observable are described as follows:

The following items were Inspected and Observed, with any Recommended Actions noted:

The plumbing system and components in the home were tested and inspected for any visible leaks, and the water heater was evaluated for age, condition, and operational concerns.

The main fuel shut-off is at the gas meter outside.  No visible concerns or odor of gas leaks were noted at this time.  Note that we do not operate gas valves.

The main water shut-off was inspected, with no visible concerns noted.  This can be used to turn all of the water off to the home in the event of a plumbing emergency or when plumbing repairs are needed. Note: we do not operate shut off valves - the inspection is a visual review for leaks.

The materials, styles and components present and observable are described as follows:

The following items were Inspected and Observed, with any Recommended Actions noted:

The electrical system and components in the home were inspected, including testing of GFCI outlets for safety, inspection of the electric panel interior, and Smoke Alarm and CO Detector Inspection and testing.  Any visible electrical safety concerns will be noted.

The main electrical panel was located and the exterior housing was observed and is in good condition. The main electrical service disconnect can be used to shut off all power to the home in the event of an electrical emergency or when electrical repairs are needed.

The interior of the electric panel(s) was inspected, with no concerns noted at this time.

The bathroom outlets are protected all on the same circuit by one GFCI outlet. These outlets should be tested monthly to ensure they are operating properly. If power goes out at one of the bathrooms, it is likely that this GFCI needs to be reset. This is for your information.

Smoke detectors are present in the home, located on each floor and within each bedroom, as recommended.  Monthly testing of the units is recommended, along with annual battery replacement. Additionally, replacement of the units is recommended once older than 10 years of age, according to the National Fire Protection Association.  This helpful resource has important tips related to smoke alarm safety.

CO detectors are currently present in the proper locations. Colorado state law requires that all homes being purchased are required to have Carbon Monoxide Alarms installed by the seller.  This is a requirement for homes that have a fuel-fired heating system or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage.  The CO Alarm(s) must be installed within 15 feet of the entrance to each sleeping room. This can be in a hallway outside bedrooms.  If bedrooms are located on more than one level, then a separate CO alarm must be installed outside each bedroom area on each level.  This inspection includes a review of the presence of CO alarms, and includes pressing the 'test' button to verify operation.

The materials, styles and components present and observable are described as follows:

The following items were Inspected and Observed, with any Recommended Actions noted:

The garage door is the largest moving object in the home.  It can cause severe injury if it malfunctions, and should be checked monthly.  As a part of our inspection process, we will test the auto-reverse sensors for the garage door opener.  We do not test the down pressure setting on the door to determine if the door will reverse when met with resistance, as this can cause damage to the door if the down pressure setting is not properly set.  However, this is a safety feature that should also be checked periodically.  It is recommended that you test the down pressure setting on the garage door upon move-in, following the door opener manufacturer's specific testing procedure.

The garage door(s) reverse(s) when the photo-sensor beam is broken.  This is a safety check performed, to test the safety feature of the door opener(s). 

We do not test the down pressure setting on the door to determine if the door will reverse when met with resistance, as this can cause damage to the door if the down pressure setting is not properly set.  However, this is a safety feature that should also be checked periodically.  It is recommended that you test the down pressure setting on the garage door upon move-in, following the door opener manufacturer's specific testing procedure.