IMPROVE: Today’s deck construction, support, and attachment standards typically call for proper footings, 6X6 posts, and 1/2 inch bolts securing deck to the beam and the house. Not all of these elements appear to be present. Consider upgrading deck to current standards.
Excellent catch! I should have mentioned in my post that they had a very large amount of caulking at one of the beams indicating that they had previous problems. One of those DIY caulking jobs where more is always better!
I appreciate your insight and this was addressed in the report.