professional home inspections, inc.
303.329.0014
303.329.9068 fax
Confidential
VISUAL INSPECTION REPORT
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SUBJECT PROPERTY |
East 23rd Avenue Denver, Colorado |
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FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF |
Client's name |
REAL ESTATE AGENTS
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SELLING AGENT |
LISTING AGENT |
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CONSTRUCTION TYPE
Brick two story built approximately 1910. The front of the house faces south.
INSPECTION CONDITIONS
The house was occupied and furnished at the time of inspection. The client attended the inspection.
At the time of inspection it was 52E and clear.
The property was inspected on Saturday, May 18, 2002 at 8:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.
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INSPECTED BY: |
G. Thomas Martin, pres. |
The following rating system and abbreviations are used throughout this report. See the comments for descriptive information and recommendations.
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A . . . RATING |
ACCEPTABLE |
* STANDARD DESIGN * STANDARD BUILDING PRACTICE * MEETS INTENDED NEEDS * IMMEDIATE ATTENTION NOT VISIBLE |
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? . . . RATING |
QUESTIONABLE |
* NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY * NON-STANDARD BUILDING PRACTICE * RECOMMEND SPECIALIST EVALUATION * MAY NEED REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT * APPROACHING END OF USEFUL LIFE * POSSIBLE FIRE OR SAFETY HAZARD |
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U . . . RATING |
UNACCEPTABLE |
* FIRE OR SAFETY HAZARD * UNACCEPTABLE DESIGN * DOESN'T OPERATE * NOT SERVING INTENDED PURPOSE * NEEDS REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT |
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COMMENTS |
IMMEDIATE ATTENTION |
UNDERLINED COMMENTS ARE CONDITIONS THAT WE FEEL WARRANT IMMEDIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION BY THE APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTOR |
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N |
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NOT ABLE TO INSPECT DUE TO CONDITIONS THIS SHOULD BE MADE ACCESSIBLE OR OPERATIONAL SO IT CAN BE CHECKED FOR ANY DEFICIENCIES THAT MAY EXIST. |
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NA |
NOT APPLICABLE |
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NORMAL EXPECTED LIFE |
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REFERS TO THE NORMAL LIFE EXPECTANCY OF THIS TYPE OF MATERIAL OR COMPONENT ACCORDING TO INDUSTRY STANDARDS. ACTUAL SERVICEABLE LIFE WILL DEPEND ON WEATHER, INSTALLATION, USE, AND PROPER MAINTENANCE. |
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SSR |
SEE SPECIAL REPORT |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ENCLOSED IN THE BACK OF THE MAILED
COPY OF THIS REPORT |
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VISUAL INSPECTION REPORT Condition EXTERIOR GROUNDS A . . . SIDEWALKS ? . . . DRAINAGE BY HOUSE |
COMMENTS: The irrigation system is not included in this inspection. The sprinkler heads should be set so they don’t irrigate any closer than 5' to the foundation. Check with the owner or installation company about the operation and winterization of this system. Consider removing the tree near the foundation. The roots could damage the foundation or block the sewer pipes. Some of the grading around the house should be sloping
better to divert the water away from the foundation. See the Appendix on Surface Water Control |
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EXTERIOR STRUCTURE A . . . FOUNDATION A/? . . . WALL STRUCTURE Type: solid masonry ? . . . FRONT PORCH/DECK ? . . . railings & steps A . . . BACK PORCH/DECK ? . . . railings & steps A . . . SIDING Type: brick and cedar shingles A . . . WINDOWS Type: single pane wood with storm sash A . . . TRIM ? . . . HOSE SPIGOTS no . . . RECEPTACLES |
The loose brick on the west porch wall needs to be relayed. There is no hand rail along the front steps to grab onto if someone slips on the ice. The upper back porch railings are spaced more than the 4 inches apart. Consider installing additional railings to protect very small children. See the Appendix on Steps & Railings. The loose brick arch over the north upper window should be repaired. The eroded brick joints and cracks should be tuck pointed to prevent water penetration. Some of the insect screening is missing or damaged. The loose and missing window glazing putty may need to be replaced. To loose and leaking hose spigot should be repaired. The hose spigots are not the frost-free type. They should
be turned off inside and drained during freezing weather. |
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A . . . ELECTRICAL PANEL Type: circuit breaker A . . . SERVICE CABLE Type: overhead aluminum 100 . AMP/240 VOLT SERVICE A . . . CIRCUIT PROTECTION A . . . CIRCUIT WIRING Type: copper A . . . GFCI PROTECTION MAIN ELECTRIC CUTOFF North outside wall |
The high-voltage transmission line that is touching the chimney should be relocated immediately by Excel Energy. |
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ROOF SYSTEMS A . . . ROOF COVERING Type: asphalt shingle inspected from on the roof 25-30 years normal expected life 1 years approximate age A . . . FLASHING A/? . . . GUTTER/DOWN SPOUTS Type: galvanized & aluminum |
The galvanized porch rain gutters are starting to rust through and leak. The debris should be cleaned out of the gutters. Down spout extensions and splash blocks are needed to
carry the water away from the foundation.
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? . . . HEATER FLUE . . . . masonry A . . . ample height ? . . . FIREPLACE FLUE . .. . masonry A . . . ample height |
The loose brick on the chimney should be repaired. This is an unlined chimney that can allow the flue gas moisture to erode the mortar joints. We recommend having it evaluated and smoke tested by a chimney specialist to determine if it needs to be lined. Consider installing a spark arrester and rain cap on the
fireplace flue to protect the roof and trees from flying embers. It will also
keep the birds and squirrels out. |
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ATTIC A . . . ROOF STRUCTURE Type: 2" X 4" rafters A . . . ROOF SHEATHING Type: boards covered with OSB wafer board A . . . VENTILATION Inspected from the access hole ? . . . INSULATION 5" Blown fiberglass yes signs of leakage A . . . flue clearance A . . . WIRING no. . . EXHAUST VENTS |
Adding the additional insulation needed to bring the total insulating value up to at least an R-36 should pay for itself in a couple of years with reduced heating costs and added comfort. There is evidence of previous leakage in the attic.
Presumably this was corrected with the installation of the new roof. Check
this area during a heavy rain or when the snow is melting to determine if
additional repairs are needed. |
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BEDROOM SE upstairs ? . . . DOORS A . . . WINDOWS A . . . REGISTERS ? . . . RECEPTACLES |
None of the doors upstairs latch properly. None of the electrical receptacles upstairs are properly grounded. The receptacles should be properly grounded. |
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BEDROOM SW upstairs ? . . . DOORS A . . . WINDOWS A . . . REGISTERS ? . . . RECEPTACLES |
Consider covering the rough ceiling with drywall. Some of the leaded glass panes are damaged. Consider contacting James Dutchik of
Plethora Leaded Glass at (303) 321-5395 or (303) 257-9846 mobile to rebuild
these windows. |
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BATHROOM upstairs A . . . DOORS A . . . WINDOWS A . . . FLOORS A . . . REGISTERS A . . . SINK & FAUCET A . . . plumbing ? . . . TUB A . . . shower walls ? . . . faucets A . . . VENTILATION A . . . TOILET ? . . . RECEPTACLES |
The epoxy finish on the bathtub is starting to peel off. The bathtub spigot does not have an air gap above the flood rim. This creates a cross connection that could contaminate the public water supply if the city water pressure is lost. A licensed plumber should install a different type of faucet to correct this. The receptacles should be properly grounded. |
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BEDROOM NW upstairs ? . . . DOORS A . . . WINDOWS A . . . REGISTERS ? . . . RECEPTACLES |
The extension cord wiring to the closet light should be removed. |
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FOYER A . . . ENTRANCE DOOR A . . . CLOSET DOOR A- . . . WINDOWS A . . . FLOOR A . . . RECEPTACLES |
When refinishing this door, consider using a finish that has ultra violet inhibitors. Store a spare key in the double cylinder lock or close by so no one is locked in during an emergency. |
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LIVING ROOM A . . . DOORS A . . . WINDOWS A . . . REGISTERS A . . . RECEPTACLES ? . . . FIREPLACE N. . . creosote in flue |
This fireplace was designed for coal burning. It should not be used for burning wood. It may be sufficient for an approved gas log if the unlined chimney is smoke tested and found to be gas tight. |
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DINING ROOM A . . . DOORS A . . . WINDOWS A . . . REGISTERS ? . . . RECEPTACLES |
The plaster is cracked and starting to separate from
the lath. We recommend covering this
was dry wall before it falls. The wires should be reversed on the receptacle to
eliminate the reverse polarity. |
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BATHROOM main floor A . . . DOORS A . . . WINDOWS A . . . FLOORS A . . . REGISTERS A . . . SINK & FAUCET A . . . plumbing A . . . TUB & SHOWER A . . . shower walls A . . . faucets A . . . caulking A . . . VENTILATION A . . . TOILET ? . . . RECEPTACLES |
The receptacles should be properly grounded. |
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KITCHEN A . . . DOORS A/? . . . WINDOWS A . . . FLOOR A . . . REGISTERS A . . . CABINETS A . . . COUNTER TOPS A . . . SINK & FAUCET 126E hot water temperature A . . . PLUMBING no. . . EXHAUST SYSTEM A . . . DISPOSAL A . . . RECEPTACLES |
The broken window glass in the mud room should be replaced. Consider installing an outside venting exhaust fan over the gas burning stove.
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INTERIOR A . . . FLOOR COVERING Type: oak & ceramic tile ? . . . WALLS & CEILINGS Type: plaster A/? . . . RAILINGS & STEPS A . . . SMOKE DETECTORS no. . . SAFETY GLAZING |
Prior to moving, felt protectors should be installed on the bottom of the furniture to prevent scratching the oak flooring. The inspection of the interior components is limited due to the placement of furniture and storage of personal property. Once these things are moved, check for any deficiencies such as nail holes that were not apparent during this inspection. The plaster is cracked and starting to separate from the lath. Make sure children do not eat the paint. Given the age of this house, it may contain lead. I noticed pets have been living in this house. An enzyme type deodorant, such as Odormute or Expel, can be effective in managing animal odors. These products are usually sold at pet stores. Consider calling Bob Hamilton of Stink Inc. About these odors 303.761.5414 . There is low head clearance on the basement stairway. We recommend installing carbon monoxide detectors. Safety glazing is not installed in all potentially
hazardous locations. |
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LAUNDRY ROOM A . . . DOORS A . . . WINDOWS A . . . SINK & FAUCET A . . . DRYER HOOK UP Type: electric A . . . DRYER VENT A . . . RECEPTACLES no. . FLOOR DRAIN |
I did not observe a floor drain in this room. Periodically check the hoses to the washing machine. If they become swollen or corroded, they should be replaced immediately. Consider using hoses that are reinforced with wire mesh. The spigots to the washing machine should be turned off when the washing machine is not in use. A single handle mixing valve can be installed to make this an easy one lever operation. |
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BASEMENT & CRAWLSPACE ? . . . FOUNDATION Type: brick ? . . . SIGNS OF MOISTURE A/? . . . FLOOR STRUCTURE Type: 2" x 10" wood joists & concrete slab A . . . FLOOR SLAB no. . . SUMP PUMP no . . INSULATION A . . . WIRING A . . . RECEPTACLES |
The moisture seeping through the wall has washed away the quick lime that is essential to hold the mortar together and properly support this structure. We recommend having a structural engineer who specializes in older masonry buildings evaluate this and design repairs that are needed to insure a safe, stable and adequate structure. Consider contacting Atkinson-Noland & Associates, Inc.(303) 444-3620 Powder post beetles have affected the wood in the laundry room and in the wood basement flooring. A licensed pest control specialist or entomologist should evaluate the deteriorating wood and check the rest of the house for wood destroying organisms to determine if a treatment is needed and if there is any other damaged wood that needs to be repaired or replaced. Consider calling L.C. Keenan, at Professional Entomological Services Technology, Inc. 303.466-7055. The center wall needs additional support where the doorjamb has settled. There is evidence
of moisture infiltration. Establishing better grading around the foundation,
keeping the rain gutters clean, and discharging the roof runoff away from the
foundation is indicated to manage this.
Can’t be careful not to store anything they could be damaged by water
in the floor safe. Be sure to learn
the combination to operate this. |
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PLUMBING A . . . WATER SUPPLY PIPING Type: galvanized & copper A- . . . WATER PRESSURE/FLOW A . . . DRAIN & VENT PIPING Type: cast iron & ABS plastic A . . . functional drainage ? . . . LEAKS A . . . HOT WATER HEATER Make: Craft Master Fuel: natural gas 12-15 years, normal expected life 4 years, heaters approx. age 40 . . . gallon storage capacity ? . . . VENTING A/? . . . SAFETY CONTROLS A . . . GAS PIPING MAIN WATER CUTOFF VALVE South basement
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The leaking main water valve should be repaired and the leaking valve to the west hose spigot should be repaired. The rust and mineral deposits in the galvanized piping are constricting the flow of water. This condition can generally be improved by replacing some of the horizontal sections of galvanized piping with copper tubing. A clean out should be installed on the hot water heater brick chimney. There is a slow leak coming from the fittings above the hot water heater that may require repair. There is no floor drain in the vicinity of the hot water heater should it ever develop a leak. Consider replacing this hot water heater before it becomes too old and develops a leak. A licensed plumber should correct the plumbing deficiencies noted in this report and any others he may find necessary for a safe and adequate plumbing system. Consider contacting Hydro Physics at (303) 806-0622 or ARS at (303) 360-6886 to video this sewer. |
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HEATING SYSTEM A . . . HEATING EQUIPMENT Make: Air-Ease Fuel: natural gas fired Type: forced air furnace A . . . blowers 25-30 years, normal expected life 27 years, systems approx. age A . . . VENTING A . . . SAFETY CONTROLS A . . . CLEARANCES A . . . COMBUSTION AIR A- . . . GAS PIPING A . . . DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM A . . . THERMOSTATS MAIN GAS CUTOFF VALVE Southeast corner
outside wall |
This heating system is functional at this time, but it has already served past its normal expected life. Given its advanced age, it should be thoroughly inspected at least once a year. The high low limit switch needs to be adjusted to keep the furnace from cycling off and on the high limit. There is a gas leak from the cutoff valve. A licensed contractor may be able to correct this by applying new stopcock grease and tightening the nut. A qualified, licensed heating contractor should correct the heating deficiencies noted in this report and any other deficiencies he may find necessary to insure a safe and adequate heating system. Laboratory analysis might show that the original heating
lines are covered with asbestos. OSHA
regulations can prohibit contractors from working on this system until any
asbestos found in this room is removed by a certified asbestos contractor.
See the Appendix on Asbestos. |
Please feel free to call Tom Martin at 303.329.0014 if you have any questions about this report.