Billings Home Inspections is pleased to submit the enclosed report. This report is a professional opinion based on a visual inspection of the readily accessible areas and components of the building. This report is neither an engineering inspection nor an exhaustive technical evaluation. An engineering inspection or a technical evaluation of this nature would cost many times more and take days, if not weeks, to complete.

Please understand that there are limitations to this type of visual inspection. Many components of the property are not visual during the inspection and very little historical information (if any) is provided in advance of, or even during, the inspection, While we believe we can reduce your risk of purchasing a property, we can not eliminate it, nor can or do we assume it. Even the most comprehensive inspection cannot be expected to reveal every condition you may consider significant to ownership. In addition to those improvements recommended in our report, we recommended that you budget for unexpected repairs. On the average, we have found it necessary for you to set aside a percentage of the value of the home on an annual basis that will be sufficient to cover unexpected repairs. This maybe 1 % for a modest home and a higher amount, say maybe 3 % or so, for a more complex and /or an older home with aging systems and some deferred maintenance.

Your attention is directed to your copy of the Pre-Inspection Agreement. It more specifically explains the scope of the inspection and the limit of our ability in performing this inspection. The Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the National Association of Certification Home Inspectors (NACHI) prohibit us from making any repairs or referring any contractors. We are not associated with any other party to the transaction of this property, except as may be disclosed by you.

The information provided in this report is solely for your use. Billings Home Inspections will not release a copy or this report, nor will we discuss its contents with any third party, without your written consent.

We know you had many options in your choice of an inspection company. Thank you for selecting us. We appreciate the opportunity to be your choice in the building inspection industry. Should you have any questions about the general conditions of the house in the future, we would be happy to answer these. There is no fee for your 1st telephone consulting call. Additional calls may incur additional fees. Our inspection fees are based on a single visit to the property. If additional visits are required for any reason, additional fees will be assessed.
 

The following items or areas are not included in this inspection: areas that could not be traversed or viewed clearly due to lack of access; solar roofing components. Any comments made regarding these items are made as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not provide an estimate of remaining life on the roof surface material, nor guarantee that leaks have not occurred in the roof surface, skylights or roof penetrations in the past. Regarding roof leaks, only active leaks, visible evidence of possible sources of leaks, and evidence of past leaks observed during the inspection are reported on as part of this inspection. The inspector does not guarantee or warrant that leaks will not occur in the future. Complete access to all roof and attic spaces during all seasons and during prolonged periods of all types of weather conditions (e.g. high wind and rain) would be needed to do so. Occupants should monitor the condition of roofing materials in the future. For older roofs, recommend that a professional inspect the roof surface, flashings, appurtenances, etc. annually and maintain/repair as might be required. If needed, the roofer should enter attic space(s). Regarding the roof drainage system, unless the inspection was conducted during and after prolonged periods of heavy rain, the inspector was unable to determine if gutters, downspouts and extensions perform adequately or are leak-free.

The report is not intended to be conclusive regarding the life span of the roofing system or how long it will remain watertight in the future. The inspection and report are based on visual and apparent conditions at the time of the inspection. Unless prolonged and extensive rain has fallen just prior to the inspection, it may not be possible to determine if active leakage is occurring. Even Then, numerous features may conceal active leakage. Usually not all attics are readily accessible for inspection. The client is advised to inquire about the presence of any roof leaks with the present owner.
IF Required, Only Qualified, License personnel Should Carry Out Any Repairs Needed.
All roofs require periodic maintenance to achieve typical lifespans, and should be inspected annually. Expect to make periodical repairs to any roof on a routine basis with replacement at the end of the roof's material Useful Service Life, which may not be equal to its Design Life.
CONCLUSIONS MADE BY THE INSPECTOR DO NOT CONSTITUTE A WARRANTY, GUARANTY, OR POLICY of INSURANCE.

The inspector performs a visual inspection of accessible components or systems at the exterior. Items excluded from this inspection include below-grade foundation walls and footings; foundations, exterior surfaces or components obscured by vegetation, stored items or debris; wall structures obscured by coverings such as siding or trim. Some items such as siding, trim, soffits, vents and windows are often high off the ground, and may be viewed using binoculars from the ground or from a ladder. This may limit a full evaluation. Regarding foundations, some amount of cracking is normal in concrete slabs and foundation walls due to shrinkage and drying. Note that the inspector does not determine the adequacy of seismic reinforcement. 

Unless specifically included in the inspection, the following items and any related equipment, controls, electric systems and/or plumbing systems are excluded from this inspection: detached buildings or structures; fences and gates; retaining walls; underground drainage systems, catch basins or concealed sump pumps; swimming pools and related safety equipment, spas, hot tubs or saunas; whether deck, balcony and/or stair membranes are watertight; trees, landscaping, properties of soil, soil stability, erosion and erosion control; ponds, water features, irrigation or yard sprinkler systems; sport courts, playground, recreation or leisure equipment; areas below the exterior structures with less than 3 feet of vertical clearance; invisible fencing; sea walls, docks and boathouses; retractable awnings. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. 
 

The following items are not included in this inspection: security, intercom and sound systems; communications wiring; central vacuum systems; elevators and stair lifts; cosmetic deficiencies such as nail-pops, scuff marks, dents, dings, blemishes or issues due to normal wear and tear in wall, floor and ceiling surfaces and coverings, or in equipment; deficiencies relating to interior decorating; low voltage and gas lighting systems. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not evaluate any areas or items which require moving stored items, furnishings, debris, equipment, floor coverings, insulation or similar materials. The inspector does not test for asbestos, lead, radon, mold, hazardous waste, urea formaldehyde urethane, or any other toxic substance. Some items such as window, drawer, cabinet door or closet door operability are tested on a sampled basis. The client should be aware that paint may obscure wall and ceiling defects, floor coverings may obscure floor defects, and furnishings may obscure wall, floor and floor covering defects. If furnishings were present during the inspection, recommend a full evaluation of walls, floors and ceilings that were previously obscured when possible. Carpeting and flooring, when installed over concrete slabs, may conceal moisture. If dampness wicks through a slab and is hidden by floor coverings that moisture can result in unhygienic conditions, odors or problems that will only be discovered when/if the flooring is removed. Determining the cause and/or source of odors is not within the scope of this inspection. 

As we have discussed and as described in your inspection contract, this is a visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the following.

1) Portions of the plumbing system canceled by finishes and/or storage (below sinks etc.) below the structure, or beneath the ground surface are not inspected.

2) Water quantity and water quality are not tested unless explicitly contracted for and discussed in this or a separate report.

3) Clothes washing machine connections are not inspected.

4) Interior of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible are not inspected.

5) Water conditioning systems, solar water heaters, fire and lawn sprinklers, and private waste disposal systems are not inspected unless explicitly contracted for and discussed in this or a separate report.

Please refer to the pre-inspection contract for a detailed explanation of the scope of this inspection.

The following items are not included in this inspection: solar water heating systems; circulation systems. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not provide an estimate of remaining life on water heaters, does not determine if water heaters are appropriately sized, or perform any evaluations that require a pilot light to be lit.

The following items are not included in this inspection: generator systems, transfer switches, surge suppressors, inaccessible or concealed wiring; underground utilities and systems; low-voltage lighting or lighting on timers or sensors. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not determine the adequacy of grounding or bonding, if this system has an adequate capacity for the client's specific or anticipated needs, or if this system has any reserve capacity for additions or expansion. The inspector does not operate circuit breakers as part of the inspection, and does not install or change light bulbs. The inspector does not evaluate every wall switch or receptacle, but instead tests a representative number of them per various standards of practice. When furnishings, stored items or child-protective caps are present some receptacles are usually inaccessible and are not tested; these are excluded from this inspection. Receptacles that are not of standard 110 volt configuration, including 240-volt dryer receptacles, are not tested and are excluded. The functionality of, power source for and placement of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is not determined as part of this inspection. Upon taking occupancy, proper operating and placement of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be verified and batteries should be changed. These devices have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every 10 years. The inspector attempts to locate and evaluate all main and sub-panels. However, panels are often concealed. If panels are found after the inspection, a qualified electrician should evaluate and repair if necessary. The inspector attempts to determine the overall electrical service size, but such estimates are not guaranteed because the overall capacity may be diminished by lesser-rated components in the system. Any repairs recommended should be made by a licensed electrician. 

The following items are not included in this inspection: humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters; solar, coal or wood-fired heat systems; thermostat or temperature control accuracy and timed functions; heating components concealed within the building structure or in inaccessible areas; underground utilities and systems; safety devices and controls (due to automatic operation). Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not provide an estimate of remaining life on heating or cooling system components, does not determine if heating or cooling systems are appropriately sized, does not test coolant pressure, or perform any evaluations that require a pilot light to be lit, a shut-off valve to be operated, a circuit breaker to be turned "on" or a serviceman's or oil emergency switch to be operated. It is beyond the scope of this inspection to determine if furnace heat exchangers are intact and free of leaks. Condensation pans and drain lines may clog or leak at any time and should be monitored while in operation in the future. Where buildings contain furnishings or stored items, the inspector may not be able to verify that a heat source is present in all "liveable" rooms (e.g. bedrooms, kitchens and living/dining rooms).

LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT:
Cautionary Statement; We normally operate on-site laundry equipment. Washers and dryers have special safety concerns to owners. During our inspection, we attempt to check the utility connections, supply of hot and cold water, grounded electrical receptacles and some safety devices. During our inspection we endeavor to verify that the equipments operates properly, however we do NOT verify the proper operation of ALL safety devices and other built in safe guards. This is a job for an appliance specialist.

Please be aware that with any appliance being used everyday, owners often forget, or over look the potential hazards that are present in these day-to-day helpmates. All laundry equipment operates both with electricity and high speed motors and rotating drums. Because of the combination of water and electricity along with high-speed rotation, all laundry equipment should be respected. PLEASE SECURE ALL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUALS FROM PRESENT OWNERS OR THE MANUFACTURERS. Virtually all manufacturers have this consumers information available to you-contact the respective manufacturer.

Please instruct all children that these appliances are potentially hazardous and they should not be played with, nor should anyone under any circumstances, place a hand inside any operating laundry equipment.

LIMITATIONS OF APPLIANCES INSPECTION:

As we discussed and is described in your inspection contract, this is a visual limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the following conditions.

Thermostats, timers and other specialized features and controls are not tested.

The temperature calibration, functionality of timers, effectiveness, efficiency and overall performance of appliances is outside the scope of this inspection.

Please refer to the pre-inspection contract for a detailed explanation of the scope of this inspection.

The following items are not included in this inspection: swimming pool bodies; equipment on timers, remote controls or sensors; underground or concealed piping; motorized covers; waterfalls and related equipment; Ozone generators; ultraviolate light systems; filter backflushing mechanisms. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not disassemble filters, remove pool covers, nor determine if swimming pool bodies, filters or skimmers leak, nor determine if swimming pool bodies are level. 

The following items are not included in this inspection: spa bodies; equipment on timers, remote controls or sensors; underground or concealed piping; motorized covers; waterfalls and related equipment; Ozone generators; ultraviolate light systems; filter backflushing mechanisms. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not disassemble filters, nor determine if spa bodies, filters or skimmers leak, nor determine if spa bodies are level. 

The following items or areas are not included in this inspection: areas that could not be traversed or viewed clearly due to lack of access; areas and components obscured by insulation. Any comments made regarding these items are made as a courtesy only. The inspector does not determine the adequacy of the attic ventilation system. Complete access to all roof and attic spaces during all seasons and during prolonged periods of all types of weather conditions (e.g. high/low temperatures, high/low humidity, high wind and rain, melting snow) would be needed to do so. The inspector is not a licensed engineer and does not determine the adequacy of roof structure components such as trusses, rafters or ceiling beams, or their spacing or sizing. 

Some attic areas were inaccessible due to the lack of permanently installed walkways, the possibility of damage to insulation, low height and/or stored items. These areas are excluded from this inspection. We conducted our typical attic inspection by walking through the attic areas as much as possible, in what we call the " random walk" methodology. This method of inspection is not intended to cover every square foot of the attic area, nor will it. Further we could not recreate the route of a random walk even if we tried. We do arrive at an overall impression of the attic's condition developed during this random walk inspection and extrapolate it to the entire attic area. In all the attics area shows normal wear and tear for a home of this age.