The image I studied was from an outdoor receptacle. This particular image shows the receptacle not being a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) receptacle.
Each outdoor receptacle must be not more than 6 feet from the ground (which this is).
This receptacle additionally does not have a weather proof cover.
All 15 Amp and 20 Amp, 120/240 Volt outdoor receptacles must have a weatherproof enclosure and must also have a “while-in-use” cover.
In short, this receptacle needs to be changed to a GFCI receptacle and a cover needs to be added.
When inspecting Dryer vents, I’m looking for if its actually connected to the dryer. Also what type of Duct is being used. Flexible, ribbed ducting should not be used. It should exhaust to the exterior and not exceed 35 feet. It should be as straight as possible. Anytime there is a 90 degree turn this reduces the maximum length by 5 feet. Duct joints should be sealed and Screws or fasteners should not protrude more than 1/8 of an inch inside the duct.
This is an image of a vent leading into the garage. The vent screen is rust and pretty much destroyed, reporting this as a defect. This defect could lead to an infestation of unwanted rodents into the property. This needs to be further examined by a professional.
Vinyl siding is the most common type of exterior cladding that I will encounter during an exterior home inspection. Vinyl siding is durable, attractive, easy to install and easy to maintain if installed properly. The pro’s of Vinyl siding; durable, will not fade, will not rust, easy to maintain if properly installed, provides a supplement rain screen and does not dent easily. The con’s of vinyl siding; in extreme weather like high heat the siding can melt or become distorted, in extreme cold it can become brittle and crack, if not properly installed it can trap water and cause water damage to the structure and it does not provide any type of insulation. During inspection, check for ripples in the siding, distortion or buckling of the siding, properly installed vinyl siding should move freely from side to side and the material behind the siding should have a paper or house wrap to protect from water damage.
The photo shows clogged gutters. When the gutters become clogged rain water will be unable to be diverted away from the house. The water will back up and spill over the edge of the gutters. The water will fall close to the house and foundation potentially causing foundation damage, basement flooding as well as mold and mildew.
When inspecting ceramic tile or stone flooring there are simple but critical things to remember. These types of floors appear to be sturdy, they repel oil and water, while being relatively easy to clean. A ceramic tile or stone floor can add appeal to the home suggesting flooring longevity as well as low maintenance. Common pitfalls with tile or stone floors are that they need a close look. Every tile should be inspected for unevenness, loose or splitting pieces and cracked or discolored grout lines. Grazing is fine surface cracking of the tile indicating that the tiles were cooled too quickly making them more susceptible for dirt discoloration. These floors should have an oil and water sealant, scratching should be minimized and they should be cleaned with stone soap and water.
Make sure you get a qualified roofing professional to lay your roof. This homes roof was installed without flashing. Flashing, step flashing, and other types of roof flashing protect a roof from leaks. … Although roof flashing is occasionally fabricated from plastic, roofing felt, or rubber, it is usually made of rust- resistant metalgalvanized steel, aluminum, or copper.
This is a fireplace that has been closed off. It could be sealed better to prevent bugs or rodents from entering or exiting the openings. Overall, it is okay due to the fact that it can not be used in it’s current state.
Cool roofs differ from asphalt roofs due to reflecting the sun’s radiant energy. Benefits include longer lifetime, energy efficiency, lower peak energy demands and rebates. Different styles of cool roofs can include coatings, cool roof asphalt shingles, or single ply. Cool roofs can help keep the interior of the home or building cooler during warmer months.
Upon my inspection of the hot water heater, I observed the hot water heater in the garage. The name of the manufacturer was Rheem. The age of the hot water heater was indicated by the serial number and dates it to 2016. All components of the hot water heater were in good condition.
Upon my inspection of the water and waste water service, it is determined that it is serviced by the community system. The main water supply line and the type of material of the pipe was not visible. The water pressure was good. The shut off valve located by the hot water heater and making shut off valve was operable.
This photo is a picture from under the sink and it has its issues. Like; it appears to be leaking at the p trap, although it can’t be seen its leaking from the garbage disposal unit.It Also show that the dish washer drain tube is not properly installed, it lacks the loop at the high point. so the potential for cross contamination all these issues should be look in to and addressed.
An inspection was done of the kitchen sink to ensure the hot and cold water was in working condition. The sprayer was also determined to be in working condition. The water was left on for approximately 5 minutes to ensure there were no blockages in the drain line.
Upon roof inspection, one gutter on the side of the front dormer was found to have no end cap and allowing water to flow onto the upper roof. This not only defeats the purpose of having the gutter in place but it also greatly increases the risk of water entering the home between the shingles and dormer. This problem should be addressed immediately.
Garage- During a Garage inspection it is important to look for any defects in the integrity of the trusses.This includes the alteration of the trusses, bearing points,fasteners and connectors. If you find that there have been alterations to the trusses as well other deficiency’s, these should be noted on your report along with a recommendation that a Structural Engineer evaluate these issues.
The component Im inspecting is a handrail. The handrail is missing balusters. The handrail is very weak. The whole system must be replaced. It is a safety hazard and violation. The spacing between the balusters and to far apart as well.
The article I read was about clogged filters. The article explained that clogged filters causes a blockage of air flow. It also cause the filter to drip and thats how you can tell if a filter is clogged or not.
When inspecting a chimney. I start at the top. I look at the chimney cap, to see if it has properly been installed. I also look for heavy rust, cracks, holes or vulnerable spots on it. I start to look up and down the exterior of the chimney. Looking to make sure the footing is thick enough and if there is any cracks in the mortar. Depending on the geographical location, I check to see if the chimney is secured to the home. So that if there are any earth quakes that it won"t just break away and fall possibly injuring or killing anyone. After I have checked the exterior. I go inside and check the damper. I see what type it is and make sure that it opens and closes correctly. I look into the flue or stack to see if there is any type of build up, cracks, damage, or any openings that could let smoke, fire, or fumes into the dwelling. if i see any of these things on the interior or exterior. I make recommendations on weather to fix, seal, or rebuild the chimney.
Pictured is an electric hot water heater located under a counter in the kitchen of a lake cabin. The electric water heater has a switch on the appliance that turns the water heater on and off. The switch was in the off position at the time of the inspection. The Inspector did not turn on the water heater switch and did not test the water heater. The electric water heater brand is Kenmore, and had a 20 gallon capacity. The water heater operates with one heating element powered by a 110 volt power source. The water heater appeared to be manufactured in 1990. The tank had no signs of leakage or rust. The water heater had a TPR valve installed with no signs of leaking, but no extension pipe was installed. This is a scald hazard and the Inspector recommends that a pipe be added that terminates no more than 6 inches from the floor. The water pipes serving the water heater were material not approved for this use, namely they consisted of laundry hoses. The Inspector recommends the water hoses be replaced with approved water pipes. The electric power for the water heater was supplied through a romex cable. Several defects were observed; 1) The ground for the romex cable was not connected to the water heater. This is safety hazard. 2) The romex cable outer covering was removed and the cable clamp is attached to the wires. This is a safety hazard. In some locations, accepted wiring practices enclose the power cable in flexible conduit. The Inspector recommends a licensed plumber and a licensed electrician review the condition of the plumbing and wiring of the water heater and make corrections prior to operating the water heater.
Reference to InterNACHI reference library image, Insulation & Energy, Air Leakage Areas: I learned to identify the locations of air leakage in a home and recommend possible solutions. Leakage areas are where the interior of the home and exterior of the home are separated by the wall, roof, and/or floor members. In platform framing, one common area of leakage is where the wall framing rests on the floor platform. Wall corners also are areas of leakage. The foundation and wall/floor area is a source of leakage. The area where the roof meets the wall is another area of leakage. In all cases, the photo recommends adding caulk to seal from air leakage.
