Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2. Structural System
The structure of this building was inspected in conformity with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice. A copy of these
standards is available on request. Please refer to these standards, and the pre-inspection agreement for a full explanation of the scope and limitations of the
inspection.
* Piers: Masonry
Items
2.0 Fire Blocking
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
There is an open chase that should be fire blocked attic. A chase is a concealed area between floors that provides a
path for vents, pipes, ducts, chimneys, wiring or other utilities to other levels of the home. All openings of these chases
should be properly sealed (fire blocked) with a non-combustible material to slow the spread of fire throughout the home.
Fireblocking is a means of reducing the size of the large openings. Extra minutes and seconds can be a lifesaver in the
event evacuation from fire should ever be necessary.
allowed to accumulate in the vicinity of the crack. If waterproofing is necessary, the service of a licensed water proofing
contractor is recommended.
3. Exterior System
The exterior system on this building was inspected in conformity with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice. A copy of
these standards is available on request. Please refer to these standards, and the pre-inspection agreement for a full explanation of the scope and limitations
of the inspection.
* Eaves: Wood
* Siding: Wood
Items
3.0 Mailboxes
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
The mailbox post is loose in the ground. This condition will only worsen if left unrepaired
(1) The wood siding is loose and damaged in local areas around the home. Examples of this concern can be seen on
the chimney chase. Conditions like this may allow damaging water to enter the interior sections of the home. All exterior
siding should be complete, damage free, weather tight, and properly installed. An attempt should be made to identify the
cause of this condition. Further evaluation by a qualified siding contractor is recommended.
(2) The exterior siding and trim should be cleaned, sealed, caulked and painted as needed. All damaged wood should
be replaced.
3.3 Decks
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
The guardrail for the front deck is is loose. Weak guardrails can break away and create fall injuries to the occupants of
the deck. They should be complete, properly attached, damaged free and be designed to support a 200-pound load
applied in any direction. They should also have no opening greater than 4 inches that will provide a fall hazard to small
children. Further evaluation by a qualified deck contractor is recommended.
(2) Large trees are located very close to the front and rear foundation walls. Their root structures can cause damages to
the structure of the home. Recommend it be a candidate for removal. Further evaluation by an arborist is
recommended.
(2) The fence is loose and damaged in local areas around the yard. Further evaluation by a licensed fencing contractor
is recommended.
4. Roofing System
The roofing system on this building was inspected in conformity with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice. A copy of
these standards is available on request. Please refer to these standards, and the pre-inspection agreement for a full explanation of the scope and limitations
of the inspection.
Items
4.0 Roof System Comments
(1) Age of Roof Covering: The age of the roof covering is unknown. The average life expectancy for this type of shingle
roof covering is approximately eighteen to twenty years. Architectural shingles last longer.
(2) Condition of Roof: The roof is more then halfway thru its predicted life span and the manufactures warranty. It would
be prudent to have a qualified roofing contractor perform a maintenance check and insure all areas are leak free.
4.1 Roof Sheathing
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
Daylight can be seen from openings in the roof sheathing in the attic. Wind driven water can penetrate into this space
and cause damages to the attic and to the interior section of the wall. This gap can also provide an entrance point for
insects and other unwanted vermin. Further evaluation by a licensed roofing contractor is recommended.
The rain gutters are missing. This condition could lead to water entry into the home and promote foundation settlement.
Rain gutters should be present, leak free, firmly attached, clean, unrestricted, undamaged, and correctly sloped; all
needed to promote the proper drainage it receives from the roof and direct it to is more suitable area.
5. Plumbing System
The plumbing system In this building was inspected in conformity with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice. A copy of
these standards is available on request. Please refer to these standards, and the pre-inspection agreement for a full explanation of the scope and limitations
of the inspection.
Items
5.0 Plumbing System Comments
The age of the laundry room 40 gallon electric water heater is 9 years old. Water heaters usually last approximately 10 12 years. Water heaters usually leak at the end of their life span and could damage the surrounding area. Predicting the
frequency or time frame for leakage is impossible.
5.1 Water Heaters
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
(1) The water heater was disabled, water and power were turned off. The successful operation of this water heater
should be demonstrated by either the home owner or a plumbing contractor.
(2) The expansion device needed for the water heater is either missing or was not found. This device is used to prevent
the nuisance activation of the pressure relief valve when the expansion of water takes place when it is heated. Further
evaluation by a licensed plumbing contractor is recommended.
(2) The gas pipe sediment traps normally installed on the following appliances are not properly installed: attic ventilator.
The sediment trap, sometimes called a "drip leg" is a small 3"- 4" piece of pipe turned downwards and has a removable
cap. The responsibility of this trap is to capture any debris traveling in the gas pipe directly above it, by allowing it to fall
down into the trap. It should be installed as close to the gas valve as possible. This way the debris cannot enter into,
and damage the gas valve. This debris can also foul regulators, pilot lights, and burner orifices. Once fouled, the
operation of the valve may stick open and the gas supply will continue to the burners and the flame will not go out as
designed. This condition could lead to an overheated and damaged heat exchanger, and other hazards to the home and
its occupant's. Further evaluation by a licensed plumbing contractor is recommended to install this sediment trap as per
local gas/plumbing codes.
(1) The porcelain sink fixture in the kitchen is damaged. Conditions like this create cut hazards to the occupants of the
home. Conditions like this will only worsen. Sink replacement is recommended.
(2) The sink faucet in the kitchen is loose in its attachment. Conditions like this may allow water pipes to loosen and
leak. Water entry into the surrounding areas is also possible. Recommend this faucet be attached as its manufacture
intended.
5.5 Hose Bibs
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
The exterior hose bib(s) are loose. All hose bibs should be attached to the a solid section of the wall. If left in this
condition, damages could occur if someone pulls on an attached garden hose.
operation prior to closing, you should have the building owner, or a licensed plumber operate the valves to
insure they are leak free, and they fully cycle to both the open and close positions.
Shower pans are visually checked for leakage, but leaks often do not show except when the shower is in
actual use. Determining whether shower pans, tub/shower surrounds are water tight is beyond the scope of
this inspection.
The plumbing system was not checked for lead free piping, fittings and solders.
The location and operation/calibration of anti-scalding devices was not inspected.
Please also refer to the pre-inspection contract for a detailed explanation of the scope of this inspection.
(2) Due to crawlspace limitations, cannot confirm the mateial of the plumbing pipes. Further evaluation by a licensed
plumbing contractor is recommended.
6. Electrical System
The electrical system in this building was inspected in conformity with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice. A copy of
these standards is available on request. Please refer to these standards, and the pre-inspection agreement for a full explanation of the scope and limitations
of the inspection.
Items
6.0 Electrical System Comments
(1) Updating the electrical system to include Ground Fault Circuit Breakers (GFCI) is recommended. Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupters are electrical safety devices that provide protection against electrical hazards in all bathrooms,
garages, kitchens, basements, exteriors and all other wet areas.
(2) Updating the electrical system to include Arc Fault Circuit Breakers on the bedroom circuits is recommended. Arc
Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) are electrical safety devices that provide protection against arcing faults. These devices
recognize characteristics unique to arcing and de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected. They have been
incorporated in the breaker that provides power for the bedroom circuits. They have test buttons similar to a GFCI
breaker and should be checked monthly.
6.1 Distribution Wiring
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
(1) The exterior electrical conduit for the cooling system is loose. The electrical conduit is either a metal or plastic pipe
that has electrical wires inside it. The duties of this conduit are to protect the wires inside them from damages that could
create fire and electrical hazards to the home and its occupants. The conduit should be firmly attached, damage free,
and properly attached to the electrical component it is servicing.
(2) Electrical wires are loose and exposed to the attic furnace; a cable clamp is also missing at this wires penetration
into the furnace. Conditions like this create electrical hazards to the home and its occupants. All electrical wires should
be firmly attached, protected from damages, and properly sealed inside a covered electrical box or approved conduit.
Further evaluation by a licensed electrical contractor is recommended.
(3) The electrical service attached to the bathroom ventilator is loose and exposed. Conditions like this create electrical
hazards to the home and its occupants. All electrical wiring should be firmly attached, protected from damages, and
properly sealed inside a covered electrical box or approved conduit. Further evaluation by a licensed electrical
contractor is recommended.
(4) Abandoned wiring is present in the following locations: attic; there may be more in other areas of the home. These
wires should be appropriately identified and removed. Their history may not be known, and they could be connected to
a live or unsafe circuit. Further evaluation by a licensed electrical contractor is recommended.
(3) The electrical wall receptacles are in need of cover plates in the following locations. microwave. Conditions like
these provide electrical hazards to the home and its occupants. Note! Only a representative number of the receptacles
in the home could be checked. There may be others in need of repairs that were not discovered. Further evaluation by a
licensed electrical contractor is recommended.
7. Heating System
The heating system in this building was inspected in conformity with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice. A copy of
these standards is available on request. Please refer to these standards, and the pre-inspection agreement for a full explanation of the scope and limitations
of the inspection.
* Vents: The visible air vents are intact and are and performing as intended
Furnace
* Distribution Ducts: The visible portions of both return and supply ducts are intact.
Items
7.0 HEATING SYSTEM COMMENTS
Heating Unit Age: The age of the heating system is unknown, but appears to be older. Furnaces last approximately
twenty years. Older furnaces will require a higher level of maintenance and be more prone to major component
breakdown. Predicting the frequency or time frame for repairs on any mechanical device is virtually impossible. If the
heat exchanger fails, carbon monoxide gases may cause hazards to the occupants of the home.
7.1 FURNACE
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
The attic furnace cabinet is damaged. This damaged area is exposing electrical components inside the furnace.
Conditions like this create electrical hazards to the home and its occupants. Further evaluation by a licensed heating /
cooling contractor is recommended.
7.2 FILTRATION
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
(1) The attic furnace air filter is missing. Un filtered air is flowing thru the system. This results in dust accumulation on
the blower, and air conditioning evaporator coils; and eventually will cause them to clog. Once clogged, the designed air
volume cannot move efficiently through the system (even after the filter is replaced.) This results in higher cooling /
heating bills and eventual damages to the A/C compressor and heat exchanger. Unfiltered air will also affect the
environmental conditions in the house. More nuisance dust is deposited inside the ducts and pushed back into the
home. This can aggravate allergies and make it harder to keep the house clean. The filer rack should be adjusted or
modified to firmly secure a good quality filter. The equipment owner's manual should be consulted for a recommended
filter change schedules. A safe rule of thumb is to change the filter monthly.
8. Cooling System
The cooling system in this building was inspected in conformity with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice. A copy of
these standards is available on request. Please refer to these standards, and the pre-inspection agreement for a full explanation of the scope and limitations
of the inspection.
Items
8.0 Cooling System Comments
A/C Condensing Unit Age: The cooling system is approximately 11 years old. This type of cooling system will last
approximately fifteen years. Older systems require a higher level of maintenance and may be more prone to major
breakdown. Predicting the frequency or time frame for repairs on any mechanical device is virtually impossible. If the
compressor fails, or if breakdowns become chronic, replacing the entire system may be more cost-effective than
continuing to undertake repairs.
8.1 Cond Pipe / Pan
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
The auxiliary drain pan installed under the attic furnace is dirty. The duties of this drain and pan are to capture
overflowing water from the above cooling coil and direct it to the outside of the building. To successfully protect the
surrounding areas from expensive water damages, this pan and its drainpipe should be clean, properly installed, and
damage free. Its drainpipe should also be properly installed, be isolated from any other drain, be leak free and
adequately sloped to promote the smooth flow of water without obstructions. Further evaluation by a licensed heating /
cooling contractor is recommended.
As described in your inspection contract, this is a visual inspection limited in scope by (but not restricted to) the following
conditions:
Window mounted air conditioning units are not inspected.
The cooling supply adequacy or distribution balance are not inspected.
The cooling equipment may not be operated when the outdoor ambient conditions have been below 65
degrees within the previous 24 hours.
Please also refer to the pre-inspection contract for a detailed explanation of the scope of this inspection.
9. Interior System
The interior system in this building was inspected in conformity with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice. A copy of these
standards is available on request. Please refer to these standards, and the pre-inspection agreement for a full explanation of the scope and limitations of the
inspection.
* Walls: The interior walls are plumb, intact and are performing as intended.
Items
9.0 Interior System Comments
Note! The home has a crawlspace; crawlspaces may be susceptible to mold growth. To grow, mold needs moisture,
warm temperature, a food source (cellulose), and oxygen; all present in a crawlspace. If present, it should be assumed
that mold spores would migrate to living areas, and therefore become a health problem to those who are allergic.
(Mold inspections are beyond the scope of this home inspection that was performed under the ASHI Standards of
Practice - 13.2 General exclusions: 12. The presence of any environmental hazards including, but not limited to, toxins,
carcinogens, noise, and contaminants in soil, water, and air.)
If you suspect mold, or are sensitive to mold spores, it would be prudent to have the home and its crawlspace further
evaluated by a licensed Environmentalist. More information on this topic can be found by visiting the following website http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldcourse/chapter2.html
9.1 Ceilings
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
Water stains are present on the ceiling(s) in the laundry room. The concern is, the source of this water damaged is
concealed and its location, history and current condition, whether active or not are unknown. The source of the
damaging moisture should be identified and repaired before ceiling repairs are made.
The shims recommended by the manufacturer of the pull down attic stairs were not installed on the perimeter of the
assembly. These shims are used to fill in the gap at the frames interface to the attic structure. To avoid fall hazards to
the occupants of the home, the correct installation of the attic stairs should be verified by the manufactures installation
instructions.
Items
10.0 Insulation
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
The insulation between the floor joist in the crawlspace is loose and falling. This insulation should be improved to
provide the designed efficiency built into the home.
(1) Many of the soffit vents are partially blocked by heavy deposits of paint. This restriction reduces the full area of the
vent and will restrict the natural flow of ventilation air into the attic. Proper ventilation is needed to prevent the buildup
of damaging moisture and heat inside the attic. Conditions like this contribute to aging roof shingles, and deterioration
in the roof structure. Recommend all effected vents be either cleaned or replaced as needed. Further evaluation by a
licensed contractor that specialized in attic ventilation is recommended.
An analysis of indoor air quality is not part of our inspection unless explicitly contracted-for and discussed in
this or a separate report.
Any estimates of insulation R-values or depths are rough average values.Power ventilators cannot be
reached inside tall attics so operating them is beyond the scope of this building inspection.
Please also refer to the pre-inspection contract for a detailed explanation of the scope of this inspection.
Items
11.0 FIREBOX
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
The rear wall panel in the fireplace is damaged. The panel may have to be replaced. A licensed fireplace contractor
should be consulted for repair options.
11.1 FLUE
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
The flue pipe needs cleaning. Further evaluation by a qualified fireplace contractor is recommended.
12. Appliances
Styles & Materials
APPLIANCE DESCRIPTIONS:
APPLIANCE CONDITIONS:
MicrowaveType
intended
* Smoke Detectors: Present but some may not have been checked.
* Dishwasher
* Microwave: Functioning
* Refrigerator / Freezer
* Door Bell
* Smoke Detectors
Items
12.0 APPLIANCE COMMENTS
(1) Clothes Dryer: The dryer receptacle in the home is the type that requires a four prong plug. Be sure to check this
before moving. If your clothes dryer has a three prong plug it will have to be changed to a four prong plug.
(2) New safety standards have smoke detector installed both outside and inside of all sleeping areas. It would be
prudent to update to these standards.
12.1 STOVES & OVENS
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
The cover / lens for the oven light is missing. A cover is needed to protect the electrical circuit and light bulb from
cooking grease and breakage; both resulting in electrical hazards to the home and its occupants. .
Items
13.0 INSULATION
Comments: Service or Repairs Needed
Thermal imaging showed anomalies that may be missing, damaged, or out of place insulation in local areas of the attic
and walls. Conditions like this are responsible for much energy loss and will increase your cooling / heating bills.
Recommend the condition and levels of all attic insulation be further evaluated by a licensed contractor that specializes
in insulating buildings.
Thermal or infrared (IR) cameras can't see through walls or ceilings. Instead, they display colour images based on the surface temperatures of various materials being
viewed. Warmer surface temperatures show up as brighter colours and cooler surface temperatures will show up as darker colours on the IR camera's display. Since IR
cameras display surface temperatures, there must be temperature differences to find issues. The benefit of a full IR scan on a house or building is increased when there is
temperature differential between inside and outside of at least 15 degrees Celsius.
General Summary
Fidelity Home Inspections, LLC
Direct Contact: 678 567-2055
Email: johnbadger@fidelityhomeinspections.com
Website: www.fidelityhomeinspections.com
Kennesaw, Georgia
Customer
William Yang
Address
56 Ormond Street SW
Atlanta Georgia 30315
2. Structural System
2.0
Fire Blocking
2.1
2.2
3. Exterior System
3.0
Mailboxes
Service or Repairs Needed
The mailbox post is loose in the ground. This condition will only worsen if left unrepaired
3. Exterior System
3.1
Siding
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
4. Roofing System
4.1
Roof Sheathing
Service or Repairs Needed
Daylight can be seen from openings in the roof sheathing in the attic. Wind driven water can penetrate into this
space and cause damages to the attic and to the interior section of the wall. This gap can also provide an entrance
point for insects and other unwanted vermin. Further evaluation by a licensed roofing contractor is recommended.
4. Roofing System
4.2
Roof Drainage
4.3
5. Plumbing System
5.1
Water Heaters
5.2
5.3
5.4
5. Plumbing System
5.5
Hose Bibs
Service or Repairs Needed
The exterior hose bib(s) are loose. All hose bibs should be attached to the a solid section of the wall. If left in this
condition, damages could occur if someone pulls on an attached garden hose.
6. Electrical System
6.1
Distribution Wiring
6.2
6.3
7. Heating System
7.1
FURNACE
Service or Repairs Needed
7. Heating System
7.2
The attic furnace cabinet is damaged. This damaged area is exposing electrical components inside the furnace.
Conditions like this create electrical hazards to the home and its occupants. Further evaluation by a licensed
heating / cooling contractor is recommended.
FILTRATION
Service or Repairs Needed
(1) The attic furnace air filter is missing. Un filtered air is flowing thru the system. This results in dust accumulation
on the blower, and air conditioning evaporator coils; and eventually will cause them to clog. Once clogged, the
designed air volume cannot move efficiently through the system (even after the filter is replaced.) This results in
higher cooling / heating bills and eventual damages to the A/C compressor and heat exchanger. Unfiltered air will
also affect the environmental conditions in the house. More nuisance dust is deposited inside the ducts and pushed
back into the home. This can aggravate allergies and make it harder to keep the house clean. The filer rack should
be adjusted or modified to firmly secure a good quality filter. The equipment owner's manual should be consulted
for a recommended filter change schedules. A safe rule of thumb is to change the filter monthly.
(2) The cover for the attic furnace furnace filter is missing. This condition will allow un-filtered air into the system
and clog up the blower wheel and cooling coil. Recommend a cover be installed to prevent this condition.
8. Cooling System
8.1
8.2
9. Interior System
9.1
Ceilings
9.2
9.3
9. Interior System
9.4
escape is needed from fire. Recommend all windows in the home be adjusted so they will operate as intended by
their manufacture.
(2) The window locking devices are not working in local areas around the home. Window locks are security features
of the home and should always be in working order. Recommend all windows in the home be present, and adjusted
or repaired so their locking mechanisms work as the window manufacture intended.
Stairs
9.5
Insulation
10.1
10.2
FIREBOX
11.1
11.2
12. Appliances
12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4
INSULATION
Service or Repairs Needed
Thermal imaging showed anomalies that may be missing, damaged, or out of place insulation in local areas of the
attic and walls. Conditions like this are responsible for much energy loss and will increase your cooling / heating
bills. Recommend the condition and levels of all attic insulation be further evaluated by a licensed contractor that
specializes in insulating buildings.