Residential Report

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This report presents the results of our inspection of the above referenced property performed on April 1, 2008.  This report is based on a visual inspection of the accessible areas of the property.  The scope of this inspection conforms to the current Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors and the State of Illinois Office of Banks and Real Estate.  Only those items whose condition is specifically reported on in this report are included in the scope of this inspection.  Items not specifically reported in this report are not part of the scope of this inspection.  This report should not be construed as a guarantee or warranty as to such condition. Any comments made with respect to insect damage are offered as a result of visual inspection of structural members only and should not be construed as representing an inspection for wood destroying insects. 

Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, security systems and sprinkler systems are not included in this inspection.  Safety devices such as these should be checked regularly. 

The information contained herein constitutes the entire report of the inspection of the premises and supersedes any oral discussions, comments or opinions made in connection therewith.  This report is intended for your sole use.  No other party should make any decisions on the basis of this report. 

You should be aware that any structure built prior to 1978 has the potential of containing lead based paint.  Lead based paint poses a potential health hazard.  This inspection did not include any investigation for lead based paint.  If this is an issue of concern, we recommend that you consider having this property tested. 

Please refer to the Home Inspection Contract Agreement document for details as to what items are excluded from this inspection. 

I hope this report serves your needs.  Please feel free to contact us if there any questions.

Tony Ross

President, Alta Inspection Services
Illinois License # 450.000393


2 – General Information 

Name of Inspector:  Tony Ross

Start time of inspection:  2:15 PM   Finish time:  4:30 PM

Present at Inspection:            Buyer’ Representative

            Buyer’s Agent

            Seller

            Seller’s Agent

Is the home occupied:   Yes       

Main front entry is facing:  south

Recent rain:  yes

Estimated outdoor temperature:  38 degrees Fahrenheit

Skies:  overcast

Style of home:  2 story

Age of home: 17 years

3 – Roof 

Roof style:  Hip

Roof seen from: Ground, ladder & windows  

Number of Layers of roofing: 1  

Estimated age of roof: 17 years                      

Estimated remaining life of roof: 2-8 years 

Roofing material:  Cedar Shingles           
Comments:  Sections of the shingles are curling up.  There is some deterioration at shingle ends.  Some ridge shingles have been replaced. 

Flashing and Joint material: Galvanized steel/tin or copper           
Comments: Visible flashing appears sound 

Gutters and Downspouts:  Aluminum
Comments:  The gutter system appeared to be in serviceable condition at the time of inspection.  Keep gutters clean and seams sealed to allow proper control of run-off.  Recommend extending downspouts 3-5 feet away from home to improve drainage. 

Chimney material:  2- Masonry.  There are cracks in the concrete chimney cap.  These are not a structural concern but should be sealed to prevent moisture penetration. 

Soffits and Fascia:  Wood   

Limitations of Inspection:  Visible and accessible components only.


4 – Exterior 

Siding:  Brick           
Comments:  There are step cracks on sections of the exterior brick walls.  This is typically caused by settling or movement of the footings.  Recommend painting steel lintels above windows to inhibit rusting. 

Window material:  Clad wood             
Comments: Anderson®.  Appear functional 

Window Type:  Casements 

Window Glazing:  Double pane   

Window screens: yes.  

Exterior Door material: wood and metal           
Comments: The exterior doors appeared serviceable at the time of inspection. 

Walks, Driveway, Steps and Railing:             
Comments:  Appear functional  

Trim material:  Wood & aluminum           
Comments:  Appears sound 

Garage door opener: 
Comments:  The garage door did not reverse when restrained.  Recommend this be corrected as needed for safety.

 5 – Foundation & Structure 

Foundation wall material:  Concrete 

Basement Floor:  Concrete 

Structural wall material:  Wood studs 

Structural floor framing:  2 x 12 x 16 o.c. 

Structural beam material:  steel     

Structural column material:  steel   

Foundation Comments:  Settling cracks in foundations occur as a result of past movement in the walls and/or footing and are very common.  Comments made in this report regarding foundation cracks are based solely on observations made at the time of this inspection and are not based on any engineering evaluations.  Future movement of the foundation can occur with changes in soil conditions or foundation loads, which cannot be foreseen.  If you have continuing concerns about the foundation we recommend you seek the counsel of a professional engineer. 

Basement Drainage System:  Floor drain and sump pump.  House has three sumps.  One sump is used to collect sanitary waste and pumps to the sanitary drain system.  Other two sumps are used to collect ground water and should pump outside.  One ground water sump discharges to sanitary drain system in violation of town ordinance.  Pump discharge should be routed outside.   

Site Drainage:  Fill in low spots around the foundation to promote run-off well away from foundation. 

Basement ventilation System:  Windows.  Recommend keeping window wells clear of debris to allow for proper drainage.  This is best done by covering the window wells with plastic covers.  

General Foundation and Structural Notes:   There is evidence of prior seepage in sections of the basement.  Recommend discussing any past seepage problems with seller.  

Limits of Inspection: 60% of the basement is finished.  The foundation inspection is limited to only accessible and visible areas of the foundation walls.


6 – Electrical

Wiring type:  Conduit, NM & BX 

Wiring:  Copper 

Main Panel:  Volts – 240V, Amps - 200 amp
Location: basement 

Circuit protection:  circuit breakers                  

Room for expansion:  yes   

Exterior service and meter:  3 conductors underground 

Interior light fixtures:  OK 

Outlets: The Ground Fault (GFI) devices for the outside (front & rear) do not trip when faulted and should be replaced for safety. GFCI Receptacles:  Ground fault devices/receptacles in main panel, bathrooms & kitchen test OK.  Retest each month.  Recommend converting outlets in wet bar to GFCI for added protection.

Electrical Comments:  One basement circuit (NW corner) is wired with type NM (Romex) wiring.  This is not in strict compliance with local electrical code requirements.  

Limitations of Inspection:  Visible and accessible components only.


7 – Plumbing 

Water Supply: City   

Sewer Supply: City 

Main water line material:  Copper   

Supply water line material:  Copper            
Comments:  The main supply comes under ground from the city

Main shutoff valve:  Meter Interior water pressure:  Water pressure was adequate throughout the home. 

Interior waste lines:  Cast iron, PVC
Comments:  Overhead sewer    

Type of Water Heater:  Gas 2-50 gallon.  Manufactured 2004           
Comments: Bradford White®.  The flue connection pipe does not maintain sufficient distance (usually 6") from combustible materials.  Recommend this be corrected for safety. 

Limitations of Inspection:  Visible and accessible components only. 


8 – Heating 

Type of system: Gas Forced Air. Bryant® (2) 

Estimated age of units: 17 years        

Estimated remaining life of units: 1-3 years 

System capacity:  2 @ 125,000 BTU each 

Number of Zones:  2. Supply air ducts are equipped with dampers to allow supply air distribution to be regulated. 

Filters: 2-16 x 25 x 1 - Change filter elements regularly. 

Thermostats:  2- Electronic
Comments:  The furnaces are original with the home.  There is a considerable buildup of rust in the heat exchanger areas.  Unable to verify the integrity of the heat exchanger.  Recommend a thorough cleaning and inspection be performed prior to closing to ensure safe operation and optimum efficiency.

Limits of Inspection:  Most of the heat exchanger is not visible and is not represented in this inspection report.

Fireplaces: 2           
Material: masonry           
Fired by: gas/wood           
Flue: clay tile            
Comments:  There is a considerable buildup of combustion products in the fireplace chimney.  Recommend a thorough cleaning and checking by a chimney sweep.

9 – Air Conditioning 

Equipment: Electric powered, central. Lennox® (2) 

Age of units: 17 years  

Estimated remaining life of unit: 1-2 years 

Comments:  Outside temperature is too cold to safely operate A/C units.  The A/C units should be operated and checked before closing if possible.

10 – Bathroom(s)

Powder room:  OK 

Hall/Bedroom Bathrooms:  OK 

Master Bathroom:  OK            

General Comments: The whirlpool tub and pump operated properly at the time of inspection.  The access for pump is in adjacent bedroom. Bathroom vent duct in attic should be extended up to roof vent to insure proper venting.

11 – Interior 

Flooring:  Tile and wood 

Wall material: Drywall   

Ceiling material: Drywall 

Doors: Wood 

Trim: Wood 

Handrails:  Wood            

Comments:  There are minor drywall blemishes, cracks, nail pops and open seams. Moisture stains at the MBR skylights were observed.  No significant drywall damage was apparent.  Recommend discussing these stains with the seller.

12 – Insulation/Attic

Type of Insulation:  Walls: 3 ½ inch fiberglass batts = R-11; Attic: 6-10 inches fiberglass = R-19 

Attic Framing: 2 x 8 x 16 o.c.        

Attic Ventilation System: Attic area shows signs of excessive moisture buildup due to inadequate ventilation and high indoor humidity.  Recommend adding additional roof vents and monitoring indoor humidity levels.  There are mold/mildew stains on sections of the roof decking.            

Comments: Recommend adding 8” more fiberglass or cellulose insulation to attic area. 

Limitations of Inspection: Sections of the attic space are inaccessible. Visible and accessible components only.


13 – Kitchen and Appliances 

Oven/Range:  Electric/Gas Whirlpool & GE®.  Appears functional 

Dishwasher: Kitchen Aid®.  Appears functional. 

Sink: Appears serviceable. 

Garbage Disposal:  The electrical wire connection for the disposal is not connected properly to the unit.  This should be corrected as needed for safety. 

Counters:  Appear functional 

Refrigerator: Sub Zero®.  Appears functional. 

Laundry: Kenmore washer & dryer (gas)-OK. Laundry area has hookup for gas or electric dryer.            

Comments:  All appliances, counters and cabinets appear to be adequate.

14 – Summary 

Smoke / fire detectors were not tested as part of this inspection.  Check these prior to occupancy and twice a year thereafter.

Effective January 1, 2007, the Illinois Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Law mandates CO detectors in all single and multi family residences with CO generating sources.  Detectors must be installed with in 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes.  

Remind the sellers to leave behind the owner's manuals for the equipment and appliances.

 

ASHI Member

ASHIASHI's goals are to build customer awareness of the importance of quality home inspections and enhance the professionalism of home inspectors.

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