TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

            1. GENERAL NARRATIVES 2,890 words

·      Introduction, 2

·      Moisture Intrusion, 2

·      Timely Evaluation, 2

·      Home Age, 2

·      Winterized Property, 3

·      General Maintenance, 4

·      HOA Disclaimer, 5

·      Unique Non-compliant Home, 6

·      Old or Historic Home, 6

·      Notice to Absent Clients, 7

·      No Certificate of Occupancy, 7              

             

          2. EXTERIOR 15,805 words

 

   EXTERIOR 1           

·      General Observations, 2

o  Address Identification, 2

o  Home Views, 2

o  Slope of Building Site, 2

o  Expansive Soil, 3

o  Snow, 5

·      Building Permits, 5

·      Natural Hazards, 6

o  Flood, 6

o  Hurricane, 7

o  Earthquake, 8

o  Wildfire, 8

o  Hazardous Wildlife, 9

·      Hillside Excavation, 9

·      Tree Problems, 9

·      Play Apparatus, 11

·      Sauna, 11

·      Grading and drainage, 11

·      Driveway, 14

o  Driveway materials, 14

o  Driveway Condition, 14

·      Walkways, 17

o  Materials, 18

o  Condition, 18

·      Bridge, 20

o  Bridge Condition, 20

o  Attachment to home, 20

o  Planking material, 21

o  Planking Condition, 21

o  Guardrail Material, 22

o  Planking Condition, 21

o  Guardrail Material, 22

o  Guardrail Condition, 22

·      Retaining Walls, 25

o  Retaining Wall Materials, 25

o  Retaining Wall Condition, 26

·      Vegetation at Exterior walls, 27

·      Radon Riser, 28

·      Exterior Faucets, 28  

·      Exterior outlets, 30

o  General Outlet Condition, 30

o  GFCI Outlets, 30

o  GFCI-protected Outlets, 31

o  Non-GFCI Outlets, 32

·      Window & Door Exteriors, 35

o  Window Conditions, 35

o  Window Screens, 37

o  Door Conditions, 38

o  Door & Window Conditions, 41

·      Exterior Lighting, 43

·      Window Wells, 44

·      Exterior Trim, 45

o  Exterior Trim Material, 45

o  Exterior Trim Condition, 45

o  Fascia Material, 47

o  Fascia Condition, 47

o  Soffit Material, 48

o  Soffit Condition, 48

·      Wood-destroying Insects, 50

 

   EXTERIOR  2 10,890 words

·      Decks, 2

o  General Condition, 2

o  Locations, 3

o  Structure Material, 3

o  Structure Condition, 4

o  Foundation, 4

o  Structural Framing, 5

o  Hardware, 6

o  Attachment to Home, 7

o  Finish Coating Condition, 8

o  Planking material, 9

o  Planking Condition, 9

o  Guardrail Material, 10

o  Guardrail Condition, 10

·      Exterior Stairway, 13

o  Foundation & Structure, 13

o  Handrail, 14

o  Width, 17

o  Risers, 17

o  Treads, 18

·      Balcony, 18

o  General Condition, 18

o  Attachment to the Home, 19

o  Structural Integrity, 20

o  Finish Coating, 20

o  Planking material, 21

o  Planking Condition, 21

o  Guardrails, 22

·      Patio, 25 

o  Location, 25

o  Description, 25

o  General Condition, 26

o  Surface Deterioration & Damage, 27

o  Patio Cover or Roof, 28

·      Porch, 28

o  Locations, 29

o  General Conditions, 29

o  Foundation, 30

o  Structural Condition, 30

o  Stairway Condition, 31

·      Fence & Gate, 33

o  General Condition, 33

o  Posts, 34

o  Barriers, 36

o  Gates, 38

·      Irrigation Systems, 38

·      Water Features (ponds, streams, fountains, etc.), 39

   EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS 10,620 words

·      Exterior wall Membrane, 2

·      EIFS, 3

·      Stucco, 3

·      Terminations, 4

·      Cracking, 4

·      Damage, 5

·      Brick, 6

·      Type of Construction, 6

·      Brick Condition, 7

·      Cracking, 7

·      Deterioration, 8

·      Damage, 9

·      Air Space Ventilation, 10

·      Lintels, 11

·      Miscellaneous Brick, 12

·      Wood Siding, 12

·      Type, 12

·      Condition, 13

·      Damage, 14

·      Deterioration, 14

·      Installation, 14

·      Finish Coatings, 15

·      Composite Siding, 16

·      General Condition, 16

·      Installation, 16

·      Cementicious Lapped Siding, 19

·      Vinyl Siding, 20

·      Wood Shingles, 22

·      Log Veneer, 24

·      Aluminum siding, 25

·      Artificial Stone, 27

·      Stucco-Cement, 27

·      Asbestos Shingle, 31

 

                3. STRUCTURE

 

   GENERAL FOUNDATION 1,250 words

• Combination Foundation, 2
• Visible Footings, 2
• Cone of Compression, 2
• Bowed Foundation Wall, 3
• Concrete Cracks, 3
• Damp-proofing, 3
• Anchor Bolts, 4
• Foundation Holes, 5

   FOUNDATION WALLS 5,060 words

·      Cone of Compression, 2

·      Concrete Foundation Walls

o  General Foundation Wall Condition, 2

o  Cracked Foundation Wall, 3

o  Recommending a Foundation Repair Contractor, 3

o  Recommending a Structural Engineer, 5

o  Out of Flat or Level, 7

o  Grade Beam, 7

o  Caisson Construction, 8

o  Surface Condition, 8

o  General Condition, 9

·      Concrete Masonry Units (CMU), 10

o  Foundation Cracks, 10

o  Cracks in Mortar, 11

o  Cracks in Block, 12

o  Surface Condition, 12

o  Cell Contents, 12

·      Brick Foundation walls, 12

o  Basement, 12

o  Crawlspace, 13

·      Mortared Stone Foundation Walls, 14

·      Stone Rubble Foundation Wall, 14

o  Stone Rubble Foundation Condition, 15

·      Stone Wall Condition, 15

·      ICF Foundation Walls, 16

o  ICF Wall Condition, 16

·      Terra Cotta Foundation Walls, 17

o  Condition, 17

·      Wood Frame Foundation, 17

o  Condition, 17

   CRAWLSPACE 5,925 words

·      Crawlspace Access, 2

·      General Condition, 3

·      Crawlspace Floor, 4

·      Moisture Intrusion, 4

o  Efflorescence, 4

o  Stains, 5

o  Visible Moisture, 6

o  Undermining, 7

o  Odor, 8

·      Floor Framing, 9

o  Floor Structure Configuration, 9

o  Joist Condition, 11

o  Fasteners & Hardware, 13

o  Decay, 14

o  Microbial Growth, 15

·      Structural Supports, 16

o  Grade Beam, 17

·      Connections and Fasteners, 17

·      Sloped Floor, 18

·      Floor Sheathing Condition, 19

·      Moisture Intrusion, 20

·      Evidence of Fire, 21

·      Plumbing, 22

o  Water Supply Pipes, 23

o  Drain, Waste and Vent Pipes, 23

o  Traps, 24

o  Gas, 24

·      Electrical, 25

·      Ducts, 26

·      Insulation, 27

o  Floor Structure Insulation, 28

o  Insulation Conditions, 28

o  Wall Insulation, 29

·      Crawlspace Venting, 30

·      Debris Accumulation, 30

·      Pest, 30

  BASEMENT 9,431 words

·      Basement Configuration, 2

·      General Condition, 2

·      Egress, 4

·      Floating Walls, 5

·      Insulation, 6

o  Floor Insulation, 7

o  Wall Insulation, 7

·      Ducts, 8

·      Floor Framing, 9

o  Floor Structure Configuration, 8

o  Floor Framing Condition, 9

o  Support Posts, 11

o  Joists, 11

o  Fire, 13

o  Fasteners, 14

o  Misc., 14 

·      Floor Sheathing, 15

·      Plumbing, 16

o  Water Supply Pipes, 16

o  Drain, Waste and Vent Pipes, 17

o  Traps, 18

o  Gas, 18

o  Sump Pump, 19

·      Electrical, 20

·      Moisture Intrusion, 21

·      Cone of Compression, 25

·      Building Permits, 25

·      Debris accumulation, 26

·      Odor, 26

·      Basement Floor, 26

o  Floor Material, 26

o  Floor Condition, 27

·      Pest, 28

 

   SLAB-on-GRADE 1,238 words

• Description
• Slab Condition
• Moisture Intrusion

                

            4. ROOF

 

  ROOF 1 11,130 words

·      General Comments, 2            

·      Method of Evaluation, 3

·      Roof Structure, 3

o   Roof Structure Description, 3

o   Roof Configuration, 4

o   Roof Components OK, 5

o   Sagging Ridge, 5

o   Sagging Rafters, 6

o   Sheathing Condition, 7

·      Roof Membrane, 8

o   Underlayment Material, 8

o   Underlayment Condition, 9

o   Underlayment Installation, 10

·      Roof Drainage System, 10

o   Drainage System OK, 10

o   Gutters System Configuration, 11

o   Gutter Condition, 11

o   Downspouts, 13

·      Roof Flashings, 15

o   Kick-Out Flashing, 17

o   Chimney Flashing, 18

o   Skylight Flashing, 19

o   Vent Flashing, 20

o   Roof-To-Wall Flashing, 21

o   Valley Flashing, 22

o   Roof-Edge Flashing, 23

o   Combustion Exhaust Flue, 24

o   Plumbing Vents, 25

o   Ridge/Roof Vents, 26

·      Crickets, 26

·      Miscellaneous Roof Problems, 27

o   Overhanging Tree Limbs, 27

o   Skylights, 28

o   Ice Dams, 28

o   Debris Accumulation, 30

o   Poor Pitch Transition, 28

o   Wildlife Damage, 28

·      General Comments on Roofs, 30

o   Home Inspectors Do Not Certify Roofs As Leak-Proof, 30

o   Roof Leakage, 231

o   Roof Pitch, 31

o   Roof Lifespan, 31

   ROOF-COVERING MATERIALS 25,913 words

·     General Roof Comments, 2

·     Composition Asphalt Shingle, 3

o   Description, 4

o   Disclaimer, 4

o   Warranty, 4

o   Number of Layers, 4

o   General Condition, 6

o   Deterioration, 7

o   Batch problem 8

·     Damage, 9

o   Wind & Hail, 9

o   Mechanical, 10

o   Cracking/splitting, 10

o   Granule loss, 12

o   Installation, 12

o   Fasteners, 13

o   Flashing, 14

o   Low Slope, 16

o   Bonding  17

o   Discoloration, 18

·     Roll Roofing, 19

o   Description, 19

o   General Condition, 19

o   Damage, 20

o   Deterioration, 20

o   Low Slope, 21

·     Metal Roofs, 21

o   Description, 21

o   Installation, 22

o   Low Slope, 22

o   Fasteners, 22

o   General Condition, 23

o   Damage, 23

o   Trim, 24

o   Seams, 24

o   Corrosion, 25

o   Metal Shingles, 26

o   Snow Guards, 26

·     Built-up Roof, 26

o   Description, 27

o   General Condition, 27

o   Built-up Roof Drainage, 28

·     Parapet Wall, 29

o   Description, 29

o   Parapet Wall Condition, 30

·     Wood Shake Roof, 31

o   Reference, 31

o   Description, 33

o   Roof Sheathing, 34

o   Roof Membrane, 35

o   Installation, 35

o   Starter Course, 36

o   Field shakes, 36

o   Fasteners, 37

o   Flashing, 38

o   General Condition, 38

o   Curling/Cupping, 39

o   Damage/Deterioration, 39

o   Decay, 40

o   End of Useful Life. 40

·     Wood Shingles, 41

o   Reference, 41

o   Description, 43

o   Roof Sheathing, 44

o   Roof membrane, 44

o   Installation, 45

o   Starter Course, 45

o   Field Shingles, 45

o   Fasteners, 46

o   Flashing, 47

o   General Condition, 48

o   Curling/cupping, 48

o   Damage/Deterioration, 49

o   Decay, 50

o   End of Useful Life, 50

·     Concrete Tile, 50

o   Description, 50

o   Disclaimer, 50

o   Underlayment Material, 51

o   Underlayment Condition, 52

o   Underlayment Installation, 53

o   Roof Sheathing Material, 53

o   Tile Installation, 54

o   Starter Course 54

o   Fasteners, 54

o   Tile Installation, 55

o   Tile Roof Condition, 55

o   Cracks, 56

o   Damage, 56

o   Aging, 57

·     Underlayment/Battens, 58

·     Clay Tile, 58

o   Description, 59

o   Disclaimer, 59

o   Underlayment, 59

o   Roof Sheathing, 61

o   Tile Installation, 62

o   Starter Course, 62

o   Fasteners, 62

o   Field Tile, 63

o   Tile Condition, 63

o   Cracks, 64

o   Damage, 64

o   Aging, 65

o   Underlayment/battens, 66

·     Slate, 367

o   Description, 67

o   Manufacturing Variations, 67

o   General Condition, 38

o   Type of Installation, 67

o   General Condition, 68

o   Slate tile condition, 69

o   Starter Course, 70

o   Fasteners, 71

o   Slate Installation, 72

o   Flashing, 73

o   Cleaning, 73

o   Snow Guards, 74

o   Repairs, 74

·     Composite Slate, 75

·     Vinyl Roof Description, 76

·     Thermoplastic Roofing (TPO), 77

·     Green Roof, 78

·     EPDM, 79

 

 

 

            5. PLUMBING

   PLUMBING 1 11,870 words

·      General Water Supply, 2

·      Water Source, 2

·      Potable Water Condition, 2

·      Water Pressure, 2

·      Main Water Supply Pipe, 3

·      Main Supply Pipe Material, 3

·      Main Supply Pipe Condition, 4

·      Main Shut-Off Location, 4

·      Main Shut-Off Condition, 5

·      Distribution Pipe Material, 5

·      Distribution Pipe Condition, 7

·      Distribution Pipe Bonding, 10

·      Pressure Regulator, 10

·      Leak Detection System, 11

·      DWV Pipes, 11

·      DWV Pipe Material, 11

·      DWV Pipe Condition, 12

·      Damaged/Leaking Waste Pipes, 12

·      1Open Sewer, 12

·      Improper Conditions, 13

·      Traps, 13

·      Clean-Out Locations

·      Vent Pipes

·      Clean-Out Locations, 14

·      Vent Pipes, 15

·      Water Filter Types, 17

·      General Gas Components, 19

·      Type of Gas Used For Fuel, 19

·      Propane Tank Condition, 19

·      Main Gas Shut-off Location, 20

·      Gas Pipe Material, 21

·      Gas Pipe Condition, 22

·      Gas System Observations, 23

·      Gas Water Heater, 24

·      Description, 24 

·      Location, 25

·      Label Information, 26

·      Capacity, 28 

·      General Condition, 28

·      Leakage, 30

·      Exterior Condition, 31

·      Gas & Water Shut-Offs, 31

·      Fuel Supply, 32

·      Response to Controls, 32

·      Burn Chamber, 33

·      Exhaust Flue, 34

·      Draft Diverter, 35

·      Combustion Air Supply, 37

·      Pressure Relief Valve, 37

·      TPR Discharge Pipe, 38

·      Drip Pan, 39

·      4Water Pipe Connections, 40

·      Drain Valve, 40

·      Expansion Tank, 41

·      Dormant Water Heater, 41

 

   PLUMBING 2 7,210 words

• Electric Water Heater, 2
• Description, 2
• Electrical Connections, 2
• Description, 3
• Tankless Water Heater, 3
• Description, 3
• Tankless Water Heater Condition, 4
• Tankless Problems, 6
• On-Demand Water Heater, 7
• Description, 7
• Response to Controls, 7
• Sewage Disposal System, 8
• Sewage System Type, 8
• Description, 8
• Leach Field, 10
• Private Well, 11
• Description, 11
• General Condition, 11
• Well House, 12
• Well Head, 12
• Pressure Tank, 13
• Main Water Shut-Off, 14
• Pressure Control Switch, 14
• Well Sub-Panel, 15
• Pump, 16
• Sump Pump, 16
• Description, 16
• Pump Location, 17
• Condition, 17
• Sewage Ejector Pump, 18
• Description, 18
• Location, 18
• Condition, 18
• Fire Suppression System, 19
• Solar-Powered Systems, 19
• General Plumbing Comments, 20

    6. ELECTRICAL

   ELECTRICAL 1 14,075 words

• Older Electrical System, 2
• Overhead Service Drop
• Service Conductor Condition, 2
• Service Conductor Clearances, 3
• Drip Loop, 5
• Point of Attachment, 6
• Service Entrance, 6
• Weatherhead, 7
• Mast, 7
• Underground Service, 8
• Electric Meter, 8
• Electric Meter Location, 8 
• Electric Meter Installation, 9
• Electric Meter Condition, 9
• Main Electrical Service Panel, 10
• Main Panel General Condition, 11
• Main Panel Location, 12
• Main Panel Access, 13
• Main Panel Manufacturer, 14
• Main Panel Type, 16
• Main Panel Amperage Rating, 17
• Main Disconnect, 18
• Main Disconnect Location, 18
• Main Disconnect Type, 18
• Main Disconnect Amperage rating, 18
• Main Disconnect Conditions, 19
• Main Panel Exterior Condition, 20
• Main Panel Interior Condition, 21
• Dead Front Cover Condition, 22
• Main Panel Labels, 23
• Circuit Label, 23
• Manufacturer’s Label, 23
•  Service Entrance Conductor, 24
• Conductor Ratings, 24
• Service Entrance Conductor Size & Material, 25
• Main Panel Rating Defects, 26
• Main Panel Wiring, 26
• Type of Wiring, 26    
• Wiring Defects, 28
• Service Grounding, 30
• General Grounding Conditions, 29
• Driven Rod, 30
• Water Pipe, 31
• Ufer Ground, 31
• Equipment Grounding & Bonding, 31
• General Grounding & Bonding Conditions, 32
• Circuit Breakers, 33
• Circuit Breaker General Conditions, 33
• Bad Brands, 33
• Circuit Breaker Defects, 34
• Main Panel Observations, 35
• Fused Service Panel, 36
• Branch Wiring, 36
• Switches, 38
• Outlets, 38
• GFCI & AFCI, 39
• Conventional Outlets, 40
• Ungrounded System, 41
• Demand Control System, 42
• Section Introduction, 42

   ELECTRICAL 2 6,181 words

• Sub-panel, 2
• Description, 2
• General Condition, 2
• Location, 3
• Access, 4
• Manufacturer, 5
• Amperage Rating, 6
• Exterior Condition, 7
• Interior Condition, 8
• Dead Front Cover, 9
• Labels, 10
• Feeder Conductors, 11
• Amperage Rating, 11
• Disconnect, 12
• Type, 13
• Amperage Rating, 13
• Disconnect Conditions 13
• Rating Defects, 14
• Sub-panel Wiring, 14
• Type of wiring, 14
• Wiring Defects, 16
• Sub-panel Grounding, 17
• General Conditions, 17
• Driven Rod, 18
• Water Pipe, 19
• Ufer, 19
• Equipment Grounding & Bonding, 19
• General Conditions, 19
• Circuit Breakers, 21
• General Conditions, 21
• Bad Brands, 21
• Circuit Breaker Defects, 21
• Sub-panel Observations
• Fused sub-panel

    7. HEAT

   HEAT 1 12,185 words

• Forced-air Furnace Fuel, 2
• Gas-Fired, 2
• Oil-Fired, 2
• Forced-air Furnace Thermostats, 3
• Thermostat, 3
• Forced-air Furnace, 4
• Multiple Furnaces, 4
• Furnace Location, 4
• Furnace Accessibility, 4
• Attic Furnace Defects, 5
• Furnace General Condition, 5
• Furnace Operation, 7
• Furnace Shut-Offs, 7
• Furnace Label, 8
• Air Filter Location, 9
• Air Filter Condition, 10
• Electronic Air Filter, 11
• Furnace Exterior Condition, 12
• Furnace Interior Condition, 13
• Exhaust Flue, 13
• Draft Diverter, 16
• Fuel Pipe Condition, 17
• Condensate Drain, 17
• Combustion Chamber Condition, 19
• Combustion Air, 19
• Blower, 20
• Humidifier, 21
• Duct Condition, 22
• Return Air Condition, 23
• Oil-Fired Furnace Defects, 24
• Boiler, 25
• System Description, 25
• Response to Controls, 26
• Boiler General Condition, 26
• Oil-Fired Boiler Defects, 28
• Boiler Location, 29
• Shut-Offs, 29
• Label Information, 29
• Boiler Manufacturer, 30
• System Temperature and Pressure, 30
• System Temperature, 31
• System Pressure, 31
• Exhaust Flue, 32
• Draft Diverter, 34
• Boiler Exterior, 34
• Pressure Relief Valve, 34
• Discharge Pipe, 35
• Air Vent, 37
• Fuel Pipe Condition, 37
• Circulation Pump, 38
• Boiler Interior, 38
• Combustion Chamber, 39
• Combustion Air Supply, 39
• Expansion Tank, 40
• Radiant In-Floor Distribution, 41
• Hot Water Baseboard Distribution, 41
• Hot Water Re-Circulation System, 42
• General Observations, 42
• Carbon Monoxide, 43
• Heating system efficiency, 43

   HEAT 2 4,045 words

• Electric Baseboard, 2
• Electric Wall Heater, 2
• Electric Stand-Alone Room Heater, 3
• Radiant Electric Heating, 3
• Floor Heater, 4
• Description, 4
• Floor Heater Condition, 4
• Exhaust Flue, 5
• Gas-Fired Wall Heater, 6
• Description, 6
• Wall Heater Condition, 6
• Wall Heater Exhaust Flue, 7
• Pellet Stove Description, 8
• Gas Fireplace Condition, 8
• Wood Stove Description, 9
• Wood Stove Condition, 10
• Wood-Burning Fireplace Description, 12
• Wood-Burning Fireplace Condition, 12
• Masonry Heater, 14
• Wood-Burning Insert Condition, 15

     8. COOLING 5,475 words

• AC System, 2
• Description, 2
• Label Information, 2
• AC Temperature Gradient, 3
• AC General Condition, 4
• AC System Response, 5
• Air Temperatures, 6
• AC Electrical Disconnect, 7
• AC Refrigerant Lines, 8
• AC Efficiency Rating, 8
• AC Compressor, 9 
• Operation, 9
• Compressor Housing, 9
• Cabinet Location, 9
• Pad & Enclosure, 10
• Exterior Condition, 10
• AC Evaporator Coils, 11
• Air Filter, 11 
• Location, 12
• Condition, 12
• Condensate Disposal, 13
• Whole-House Fan, 14
• Description, 14
• Location, 15
• Operation, 15
• Winterization, 16
• Evaporative Cooler, 16
• Description, 16
• Condition, 18
• Operation, 19
• Evaporative Cooler Ducts, 19
• Wall-Mounted AC, 20
• Window-Mounted AC, 20

     9. INTERIOR 11,210 words

   GENERAL INTERIOR

• General Interior, 2
• Interior Condition, 2
• Rodent Infestation, 3
• General Wear And Deterioration, 4
• Odor, 4
• Doorbell, 4
• Signs Of Interior Flooding, 5
• Environmental Hazards, 5
• Asbestos, 5
• Lead Paint, 7
• Radon, 7
• Indoor Air Quality, 8
• Fire & Co Protection, 8
• Smoke Detectors, 9
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors, 10
• Fire Suppression System, 11
• Wall Insulation, 11
• Type, 11
• Thickness, 12
• Ceiling Fan, 12
• Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV), 13
• Interior Lighting, 13
• Interior Trim, 14
• Interior Doors, 16
• Condition, 16
• Hardware, 17
• Exterior Doors, 18
• Condition, 18
• Hardware, 19
• Sliding Glass Doors, 19
• Windows, 22
• General Condition, 22
• Wood, 23
• Vinyl, 24
• Aluminum, 25
• Fiberglass, 26
• Steel-Frame, 26
• Various Types & Materials, 27
• Storm Windows, 28
• Window Sill/ Jamb Condition, 28
• Window Trim, 29
• Floors, 30
• Wood, 30
• Carpet, 33
• Tile, 34
• Vinyl, 34
• Registers, 34
• Walls, 35
• Cracking, 35
• Damage & Deterioration, 36

   GENERAL ROOM TEMPLATE 13,010 words

• Room General Condition, 2
• Floors, 3
• Floor General Condition, 2
• Carpet, 3
• Tile, 4
• Vinyl, 4
• Wood, 5
• Poor Workmanship, 6
• Floor Registers, 7
• Wall Condition, 7
• Cracking, 7
• Damage & Deterioration
• Nail Pops, 9
• Poor Workmanship, 9
• Ceilings, 9
• Damage, 9
• Moisture Damage, 10
• Poor Workmanship, 11
• Interior Trim Components, 11
• Room Interior Doors, 12
• Door Condition, 12
• Door Operation, 12
• Hardware, 13
• Exterior Door, 14
• Door Condition, 14
• Door Operation, 15
• Hardware, 15
• Sliding Glass Door, 18
• Windows, 20
• General Condition, 20
• Tempered Glass Requirements, 22
• Window Operation (By Type), 22
• Window Trim, 23
• Sill Condition, 23
• Jamb Condition, 24
• Skylight Condition, 25
• Electrical Outlets, 26
• Switches, 28
• Light Fixtures, 29
• Ceiling Fans, 30
• Smoke Detectors, 31
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors, 32
• Thermostat, 33
• Baseboard Heaters, 33
• Hot Water Baseboard, 33
• Electric Baseboard Heater, 34
• Wall Heaters, 34
• Electric Wall Heater, 35
• Gas Wall Heater, 35
• Gas Fireplace, 36
• Wood-Burning Fireplace, 37
• Wood-Burning Insert, 40
• Wood-Burning Stove, 40
• Description, 40
• Condition, 41
• Pellet Stove, 43
• Gas-Fired Floor Heater, 44
• Description, 44
• Exhaust Flue, 44
• Wood-destroying insect, 45

     10. KITCHEN 14,910 words

• Kitchen Inspection, 2
• General Condition, 2
• Gas Range, 2
• Burners/Igniters, 3
• Fuel, 3
• Electric Range, 4
• Gas/Electric Combination Range, 4
• Range Defects, 5
• Damage, 5
• Oven, 5
• Inoperable Components, 6
• Exhaust Hood, 6
• Downdraft, 7
• Cooktop, 8
• Gas Cooktop, 8
• Electric Cooktop, 8
• Built-In Oven, 9
• Lighting, 10
• Electrical Outlets, 11
• GFCI Outlets, 11
• Conventional Outlets, 12
• Switches, 14
• Sink, 15
• General Condition, 15
• Faucet, 15
• Under-Sink Plumbing, 17
• Plumbing General Condition, 17
• Supply Pipes, 17
• Traps, 18
• Air Admittance Valve, 19
• Garbage Disposal, 19
• Dishwasher, 20
• Salamander Broiler, 22
• Counters, 22
• Cabinets, 23
• Floors, 25
• General Condition, 25
• Tile Floors, 25
• Wood Floors, 26
• Vinyl Floors, 28
• Wall Condition, 28
• Cracking, 28
• Damage & Deterioration, 29
• Ceilings, 30
• Damage, 30
• Moisture Damage, 30
• Poor Workmanship, 31
• Windows, 31
• General Condition, 31
• Tempered Glass Requirements, 33
• Window Operation (By Type), 34
• Window Trim, 35
• Sill Condition, 35
• Jamb Condition, 36
• Skylight Condition, 37
• Interior Trim, 39
• Kitchen Interior Doors, 39
• Door Condition, 39
• Door Operation, 40
• Hardware, 41
• Kitchen Door To Exterior, 41
• Door Condition, 41
• Door Operation, 42
• Hardware, 42
• Sliding Glass Doors, 44
• Ceiling Fans, 46
• Baseboard Heaters, 47
• Hot Water Baseboard, 47
• Electric Baseboard Heaters, 47
• Wall Heaters, 47
• Electric Wall Heater, 47
• Gas Wall Heater, 48
• Electric Radiant Heating, 49
• Gas Fireplace, 49
• Wood-Burning Fireplace, 50
• Description, 50
• Fireplace Defects, 51
• Wood-Burning Insert, 52
• Wood Stove, 53
• Description, 53
• Condition, 54

     11. BATHROOMS 13,450 words

• Section Introduction, 2
• Bathroom Configuration, 3
• Bathroom General Condition, 3
• Electrical Outlets, 4
• GFCI Outlets, 4
• Conventional Outlets, 5
• Switches, 7
• Light Fixtures, 8
• Cabinets, 9
• General Condition, 9
• Hardware Condition, 9
• Cabinet Damage, 9
• Counters, 11
• Sink, 12
• Faucet, 13
• Water Volume, 14
• Under-Sink Plumbing, 15, 
• Plumbing General Condition, 16
• Supply Pipes, 16
• Traps, 16
• Air Admittance Valve, 18
• Hot Water Recirculation Device, 17
• Toilet, 17
• Type, 17
• Condition, 19
• Damage, 20
• Operation, 21
• Leaks, 22
• Bidet, 23
• Tub, 23
• General Condition, 23
• Whirlpool Tub, 25
• Bathroom Shower, 25
• Heat Source, 27
• Ventilation, 28
• Bathroom Windows, 29
• Condition, 31
• Operation (By Type), 31
• Trim, 33
• Sill Condition, 33
• Jamb Condition, 34
• Skylight Condition, 35
• Floor Condition, 37
• General Floor Condition, 37
• Floor Condition By Type, 37
• Wall Condition, 41
• Cracking, 42
• Damage & Deterioration, 42
• Ceiling Condition, 43
• Damage, 43
• Moisture Damage, 43
• Poor Workmanship, 44
• Interior Trim Components, 45
• Interior Doors, 45
• General Condition, 45
• Hardware, 46

 

     12. BEDROOMS 11,965 words

• Bedroom General Condition, 2
• Floor Condition, 2
• Carpet, 3
• Tile, 4
• Vinyl, 4
• Wood, 4
• Poor Workmanship, 6
• Register Condition, 6
• Wall Condition, 7
• Cracking, 7
• Damage & Deterioration, 8
• Poor Workmanship, 9
• Ceiling Condition, 9
• Damage, 9
• Moisture Damage, 9
• Poor Workmanship, 10
• Nail Pops, 11
• Bedroom Trim Components, 11
• Bedroom Interior Doors, 12
• Door Condition, 12
• Door Operation, 12
• Hardware, 13
• Exterior Door, 14
• Door Condition, 14
• Door Operation, 14
• Hardware, 15
• Sliding Glass Door, 16
• Windows, 18
• General Condition, 18
• Tempered Glass Requirements, 20
• Operation (by type), 21
• Window Trim, 22
• Sill Condition, 22
• Jamb Condition, 23
• Skylight Condition, 24
• Electrical Outlets, 25
• Switches, 27
• Light Fixtures, 28
• Ceiling Fans, 29
• Smoke Detectors, 30
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors, 31
• Baseboard Heaters, 31
• Hot Water Baseboard, 31
• Electric Baseboard Heater, 32
• Wall Heaters, 33
• Electric Wall Heater, 33
• Gas Wall Heater, 33
• Gas Fireplace, 34
• Wood-Burning Fireplace, 35
• Wood-Burning Insert, 37
• Wood-Burning Stove, 37
• Description, 37
• Condition, 38
• Pellet Stove, 40

     13. STAIRWAYS 4,525 words

• General Stair Condition, 2
• General Defects, 2
• Sloped Handrail Assembly, 3
• Horizontal Guardrail Assembly (Stairs), 6
• Horizontal Guardrail Assembly (Interior Balcony), 7
• Stairway Width, 8
• Projections, 9
• Risers, 9
• Treads, 10
• Headroom, 12
• Landings, 12
• Stairway Lighting, 13
• Exterior Lighting, 14
• Means of Egress

     14. LAUNDRY ROOM 10,880 words

• Laundry Room General Condition, 2
• Dryer Venting, 3
• Vent Condition, 3
• Material Type, 4
• Termination, 4
• Dryer Gas Shut-Off, 6
• Electrical Outlets, 6 
• 240-Volt Dryer Outlet, 6
• 120-Volt Outlets, 7
• Switches, 9
• Light Fixtures, 10
• Sink, 11
• General Sink Condition, 11
• Undersink Plumbing, 12
• Supply pipes, 12
• Traps, 13
• Air Admittance Valve, 14
• Room Ventilation, 15
• Window Condition, 15 
• Tempered Glass Requirements, 18
• Operation Defects by Type, 18
• Window Trim, 19
• Sill Condition, 19
• Jamb Condition, 20
• Skylight Condition, 21
• Interior Doors, 22
• Condition, 22 
• Operation, 23
• Hardware, 24
• Exterior Doors, 25
• Condition, 25 
• Operation, 25
• Hardware, 26
• Sliding Glass Door, 27
• Floor Condition (by type), 29
• Register Condition, 33
• Wall Condition, 33
• Cracking, 33
• Damage & Deterioration, 34
• Poor workmanship, 35
• Ceiling Condition, 36
• Damage, 36
• Moisture Damage, 36
• Poor workmanship, 37
• Smoke Detectors, 38
• Baseboard Heaters, 38
• Electric Baseboards Heaters, 38
• Hot water Baseboard, 39

     15. ATTIC 9,200 words

• Attic Access, 2
• Access Location, 2
• Method of Evaluation, 3
• Provisions for Access, 4
• Attic Insulation, 4
• General Insulation Information, 4
• Insulation Type, 6
• Insulation Thickness, 7
• Attic Insulation Defects, 8
• Attic Ventilation, 9
• Approaches To Attic Ventilation, 9
• Ventilation Condition, 10
• Attic Ventilation Devices, 10
• Chimney Condition, 12
• Clearance to Combustibles, 12
• Non-Combustion Exhaust Vents, 13
• Bathroom Exhaust Vent, 13
• Laundry Exhaust Vent, 14
• Dryer Exhaust Vent, 14
• Range Exhaust Vent, 15
• Plumbing Pipes, 15
• Visible Roof Framing, 15
• Truss Roof, 16
• Description and Disclaimer, 16
• Installation Problems, 16
• Improper Installation
• Contact with Interior Walls, 17
• Trusses out of Plumb, 17
• Inadequate connections, 17
• Poor Workmanship, 18
• Conventional Framing Methods, 19
• Framing General Condition, 19
• Rafters, 19
• Engineered Lumber for Rafters, 20
• Engineered Rafter Condition, 20
• Connections & Fasteners, 21
• Ridge, 22
• Roof Sheathing, 23
• Sheathing Material, 23
• Condition, 21
• Lighting, 22
• Wiring, 24
• Wiring Condition, 24
• Fire Damage, 26
• Miscellaneous Attic Problems, 26
• Pest Entry, 26
• Wood-destroying Insects, 28
• Debris Removal, 28

     16. CHIMNEY 3,145 words

• Chimney Foundation Condition, 2
• Chimney General Condition, 2
• Abandoned, 3
• Evidence of Fire, 3
• Spark Arrestor, 3
• Inadequate Clearance, 3
• Poor Condition, 4
• Stone Chimney, 5
• Stone Chimney Condition, 5 
• Brick Chimney, 5
• Brick Chimney Condition, 5
• Stucco Chimney, 6
• Stucco Chimney Condition, 7
•  
• CMU Chimney, 5
• CMU Chimney Condition, 8
• Cricket, 8
• Roof Flashing, 9
• Chimney Cap, 10
• Mortar Cap, 10
• Sealant Needed, 10
• Cracking, 10
• Damage/ Deteriorated, 10 
• Missing, 11
• Chimney Flue, 11
• Flue Material, 11
• Flue Tile Condition, 11
• Flue Needs Cleaning, 12
• Flue Not Visible, 12
• Flue Obstructions, 12
• Miscellaneous Problems, 13
• Too Low, 13
• Tall Chimney Needs Bracing, 13
• Chimney Too Close to Valley, 13

     17. GARAGE 11,355 words

• Garage Description, 2
• Garage General Condition, 2
• Garage Floor Condition, 3
• Cracking, 3
• Settling, 4
• Damage, 5
• Curb 5
• Water Heater, 6
• Garage Walls (interior), 6
• Interior Wall-covering Materials, 6
• Interior Wall Condition, 7
• Firewall Condition, 7
• Moisture/Mold, 8
• Garage Ceilings, 10
• Ceiling Condition, 10
• Ceiling Fire Barrier Condition, 11
• Firewall Condition- Wall & Ceiling, 12
• Garage Roof, 13
• Truss Roof Framing, 13
• Conventional Roof Framing, 14
• Rafters, 14
• Engineered Lumber for Rafters, 15
• Engineered Rafter Condition, 16
• Electrical Outlets & Switches, 16
• GFCI Outlets, 16
• Conventional Outlets, 17
• Switches, 19
• Garage Lighting, 19
• Interior Lights, 20
• Exterior lights, 21
• Electrical Defects, 22
• Vehicle Door, 23 
• General Condition, 23
• Door Panels, 24
• Door Springs, 25
• Door Tracks, 25
• Rollers, 25
• Automatic Opener, 26
• Number of Openers, 26
• General Operation, 27
• Door connection Bracket, 27
• Automatic Opener Switch, 28
• Automatic Reverse, 28
• Auto-reverse Sensors, 29
• Manual Disconnect, 30
• Door to Home Interior, 31
• Door condition, 31
• Door Operation, 32
• Door Hardware, 32
• Conventional door to exterior, 34
• Door condition, 34
• Door Operation, 34
• Door Hardware, 35
• Stairs to Living Space36
• Handrail, 36
• Treads & R
• Risers, 37

18. FIRE DOOR INSPECTION 2,025 words

Inspection Limitations, 2

·       Proper Operation, 2

·       Missing, Damaged or Worn components, 4

·       Breach of Integrity, 5

·       Improper Modifications, 5

·       Non-compliant Conditions, 6

 

·       19. LOG HOME 15,240 words
Disclaimers,  2

·       Log home type,  4

·       Log profiles,  4

·       Floor structure,  6

·       Log support posts,  10

·       Wall logs,  11

·       Log extensions,  12

·       Corner notches,  13

·       Wall log condition,  14

·       Lower log condition, 17

·       Checking,  19

·       Wood decay,  21

·       Window sills,  22

·       Gasket material,   23

·       Chinking methods,  24

·       Chinking condition,  26

·       Settling allowance,  30

·       Windows,  32

·       Doors,  33

·       Partition walls,  34

·       Staircase,  35

·       Porch roof,  36

·       Loft,  36

·       Mechanical adjustment,  37

·       Plumbing,  38

·       Roof framing,  39

·       Finish Coating, 41

 

20. POOL & SPA 6,250 words

·       Vessel, 2

o  Chemical Damage, 2

o  Surface damage, 2

o  Vinyl liner, 3

o  Tile, 3

o  Grout, 4

·       Deck, 4

o  Coping stone, 4

·       Components, 5

o  Skimmer, 5

o  Drains, 5

o  Air venturi, 5

o  Ladder, 6

·       Control systems, 6

o  Circulation time clock, 6

o  Fireman/Delay switch, 7

·       Electrical system, 7

o  Main disconnect, 7

o  Circuit Protection, 8

o  GFCI protection, 8

o  Conductors, 9

o  Connections, 9

o  Lights, 10

·       Heating system, 11

o  Gas or Oil, 12

o  Venting, 12

o  Combustion chamber, 13

o  Safety devices,  14

·       Pump, 14

o  Pump description, 14

o  Pump condition, 15

·       Filters, 16

o  Air relief valve, 17

o  Filter media, 18

o  Backwash, 19

o  Sight glass, 19

·       Plumbing system, 19

o  Metal pipes, 19

o  PVC pipes, 20

o  Fittings, 20

o  Control valves, 20

o  Isolation valves, 21

o  Drain, 22

o  Flow meter, 22

o  Automatic fill system, 22

·       Automatic sanitation, 22

o  Sanitizer type, 23

o  Automatic meters, 23

o  Chemical storage, 24

·       Pool Covers, 25

o  Cover type, 26

o  Cover condition, 25

·       Water Quality, 26

·       Barrier system, 27

 

21. GREEN BUILDING, 9, 300 words

·       Value Engineering, 2

·       Enhanced Efficiency Building Systems, 3

·       Thermal Insulation, 3

o  Attic insulation thickness, 5

o  Wall insulation , 5

·       Strawbale home, 6

o  Wall plaster, 7

o  Moisture, 8

·       Moisture Control, 8

o  Air leakage, 9

·       Water Conservation, 10

o  Indoor water conservation, 10

·       Irrigation and Landscaping, 11

·       Wind control, 11

·       Solar Heating & Cooling, 12

o  Passive solar, 12

o  Active solar, 13

o  Home directional orientation, 15

o  Windows, 15

o  Solar shading, 16

o  Thermal mass, 16

·       Solar air-heating system, 18

·       General space heating, 18

o  Furnace efficiency, 18

·       Solar Thermal (Water Heating), 19

o  System description, 19

o  System condition, 20

·       Indoor Air Quality, 21

o  Humidity levels, 21

o  Heating-related, 23

o  HEPA filter, 23

o  Tightly built home, 24

·       Lighting, 24

o  Types of lighting, 25

o  Bulb types, 26

·       Energy conservation, 26

·       Home flooring, 27

o  Hard surfaces, 27

·       Low VOC materials, 28

·       Energy/ healthy products programs, 28