Alta Inspection Services
6045 Stonewall Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60516
630-852-0993
Inspection Report for Property at: Anywhere USA
Private Home Inspection for: Sample
Date:
Customer’s Home Phone Number:
This report presents the results of our inspection of the above referenced property performed on…. . 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 # 050000393
2 – General Information
Name of Inspector: Tony Ross
Client’s Agent:
Name:
Company:
Phone:
Seller’s Agent:
Name:
Company:
Phone:
Payment:
Paid by Check:
Check #:
Amount: $
Thank You
Start time of inspection: 9:00 am Finish time: 12:10 pm
Present at Inspection:
Buyer
Buyer’s Agent
Seller’s Agent
Is the home occupied: No
Main front entry is facing: north
Recent rain: none
Estimated outdoor temperature: 43 degrees Fahrenheit
Skies: cloudy
Style of home: 2 story
Age of home: 40-5- years (addition 9 years)
3 – Roof
Roof style: Gable
Roof seen from: Walk on
Number of Layers of roofing: 1
Estimated age of roof: 9 years
Estimated remaining life of roof: 6-11 years
Roofing material: 240 lb Fiberglass/Asphalt Shingles
Comments: There are 4-5 broken/wind damaged shingles on south side of roof. These should be
replaced.
Flashing and Joint material: Galvanized steel/tin or aluminium
Comments: There is evidence of roof leakage at roof to wall interface above north bedroom. There is no drip edge flashing at edge of roof to soffit interface.
Gutters and Downspouts: Aluminium
Comments: The gutter system appeared to be clogged with leaves at the time of inspection.
*Recommend adding gutters and downspouts to areas without them to improve the perimeter drainage. 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: Metal (4). Keep the chimney cap screened well sealed to exclude birds & moisture. One chimney is composed of Transite®. This is a known asbestos containing material that is generally considered non friable.
Soffits and Fascia: Wood. There are sections of the soffit that have large gaps without screens. This will harbor birds and other animals. There is evidence of birds nesting in front area of home.
General roof comments: *Recommend keeping the tree branches trimmed away from roofing to prevent future damage to roofing materials.
Limitations of Inspection: Visible and accessible components only.
4 – Exterior
Siding: Wood
Comments: Sections of the siding are in contact with the soil. This could lead to insect infestation or deterioration. Sections of the wood in front (NE) are rotting at the base. There is an animal damaged area of siding on the north side that has been covered with screens.
Window material: wood
Comments: Pella & Weather Shield â
Window Type: Double Hung and 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: One of the garage door springs is broken and should be replaced for safety. The concrete floor of garage is cracked and damaged.
General Exterior Comments: Sections of the wood decking on the balcony are rotted and should be replaced as needed for safety.
5 – Foundation & Structure
Foundation material: Concrete Basement Floor: Concrete
Structural wall material: Wood studs
Structural floor framing: 2 x 10 x 16 o.c.
Structural beam material: wood Structural column material: wood
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: sump pump. The sump pump discharge is run with a garden house. This should be routed with a proper size pipe to the outside.
Site Drainage: Slopes away
Basement Ventilation System: Windows. The basement window is covered with dirt. Recommend a proper window well be installed.
General Foundation and Structural Notes: Sections of the home foundation are of poured concrete slab on concrete footings. No evidence of any structural instability was observed. There is a shallow space below the sub floor of the bedroom wing. There is evidence of prior seepage in sections of the basement. Recommend discussing any past seepage problems with seller.
Limits of Inspection: 80% of the basement is finished. The foundation inspection is limited to only accessible and visible areas of the foundation walls & components.
6 – Electrical
Wiring type: Conduit, NM & BX Wiring: Copper
Main Panel: Volts – 240V, Amps - 200 amp
Location: MBR closet and laundry closets (2 sub panels)
Circuit protection: circuit breakers
Room for expansion: yes
Exterior service and meter: 3 conductors underground
Interior light fixtures: OK
Outlets: Outside (NE) outlets are not grounded properly. These should be corrected for safety. The outside GFCI outlet at back patio door would not reset and should be replaced.
GFCI Receptacles: Ground fault receptacles in kitchen, bathrooms and outside test OK. Retest each month. Recommend converting outlets in garage to GFCI for added protection.
Electrical Comments: Some basement circuits are wired with type NM wiring. This is not in strict compliance with local electrical code requirements. Missing switch plates and/or receptacle covers were noted in the basement. These should be installed for safety. There are wire splices in wiring in the large sub panel. This is not an appropriate wiring practice.
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: Appears functional
Type of Water Heater: Gas 50 gallon. Manufactured 1997
Comments: Rheem â
Limitations of Inspection: Visible and accessible components only.
8 – Heating
Type of system: Gas Forced Air. Borg Warner & Carrier â
Estimated age of units: 10-19 years
Estimated remaining life of units: 0-10 years
System capacity: 2 @ 65,000 BTU, 1- 60,000 BTU & 1-50,000 BTU
Number of Zones: 4.
Filters: 16 x 25 x 1 - Change filter elements regularly.
Thermostats: 1 Mechanical & 3 Electronic
Comments: The MBR furnace is a higher efficiency type equipped with induced draft and electronic ignition. The attic furnace has a significant amount of rust and carbon buildup on the draft hood and components. Gas leaks were detected at elbow on attic furnace & shut off valve on left basement furnace. These should be sealed for safety. There is evidence of birds entering the flue pipes of basement furnaces. There does not appear to be adequate fresh air to attic furnace. There is a buildup of scale and corrosion on humidifier components. These units should be serviced and repaired as needed to insure proper operation.
Recommend having the furnaces checked by a professional heating contractor and repaired or replaced as needed to insure safe & proper operation.
*Consider having the furnace duct work professionally cleaned.
It is recommended that a thorough cleaning and inspection of the heating systems be made each year by a qualified heating contractor to ensure safe and proper operation.
Limits of Inspection: Most of the heat exchangers are not visible and are not represented in this inspection report.
Fireplace:
Material: masonry
Fired by: gas only
Flue: metal
Comments: The igniter is not working and the fireplace is not operational.
9 – Air Conditioning
Equipment: Electric powered, central. 3-York & 1-Carrier â
Age of units: 9-19 years
Estimated remaining life of system: 0-6 years
Comments: The AC system cooled down properly at the time of inspection.
10 – Bathroom(s)
Second Floor Bathroom: OK
Hall Bathroom: OK
Master Bathroom: The toilet is not secure at the base. This should be repaired.
General Comments: All fixtures are functional.
11 – Interior
Flooring: Tile and wood. There is a damaged section of sub floor in NE bedroom. This should be repaired as needed. Sections of the wood floor need refinishing.
Wall material: Drywall
Ceiling material: Drywall. There is water damage to north bedroom ceiling.
Doors: Wood
Trim: Wood
Handrails: Wood. The rail at the top of 2nd floor stairway is loose.
Comments: The interior of the home appears to be in adequate condition.
12 – Insulation/Attic
Type of Insulation: Walls: 3 ½ inch fiberglass batts = R-11
Attic: 5-8 inches fiberglass = R-17
Attic Framing: 2 x 6 x 16 o.c.
Attic Ventilation System: adequate
Comments: Recommend adding 8” more fiberglass or cellulose insulation to attic areas where possible. There is evidence of rodent activity in the attic.
Limitations of Inspection: Sections of the attic space are inaccessible.
Visible and accessible components only.
13 – Kitchen and Appliances
Oven/Range: Electric GE â. The left rear burner did not heat up. The fan is noisy.
Dishwasher: GE â. Appears functional.
Sink: The fixture drips at the stem of fixture.
Garbage Disposal: Appears functional.
Counters: Appear functional
Refrigerator: GE â. Appears functional.
Laundry: Laundry area has hookup for gas or electric dryer. The dryer vent empties into the attic and should be routed outside.
Comments: All appliance, 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.
Recommend at least one functional Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector be installed in the home for safety.
The sprinkler system and the security system were not checked as part of this inspection. Recommend having seller or installer demonstrate proper operation and maintenance.
Remind the sellers to leave behind the owner's manuals for the equipment and appliances.
