FOURSEASONS INSPECTIONS

              A pressurized water line (the copper piping)  should not be placed over the main electrical service panel,  especially with a coupling joint.  If this pipe were to get bumped hard or spring a leak the resulting mix of water spray and 240Volt electric could be deadly.  It is a code violation and potential fire and electrocution hazard.

The remedy is a simple plumbing repair.

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When a plywood crawl space hatch was opened it was discovered that the space had never been insulated, costing the homeowners extra utility expense and creating cold and hot spots in the room above.  The dryer vent had also been discharged into the space providing moisture for molds, termites and carpenter ants. 

Remedy:  vent the dryer to the exterior and install insulation.

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This chimney was still sound but could be on its way out if some maintenance issues didn’t get addressed.  Moss ( not shown) was deteriorating the alkaline mortar due to its organic acids.  It needed cleaned and monitored.  The concrete washcap had been patched with a neoprene roof caulk which filled up some holes but didn't really protect the concrete . Also, the flue tile was open.  Birds like to stand on these tile in the winter because warm air (furnace gas) comes out.  They pass out from the fumes, can fall into the chimney, and create odors and blockages, including carbon monoxide issues.  

Remedy:  install a full aluminum cap with bird screen to preserve the chimney and prevent this type of flue problem.

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The shutoff under this sink had been leaking for some time and had created the perfect environment for mold.  This specimen was dark and slimy, fitting the description for Stachybotrys Chartarum,  one of the two more toxic mold species found in this area.. This was in an otherwise immaculate, upscsale home.

The remedy for small areas of  all types of mold is to "kill and encapsulate."  Spray with a 20% bleach solution, stop the source of moisture (but do not use fans! . . .they just disperse the spores) and carefully wipe up (avoid  vacuuming/dispersing the wet or dry material, and always wear rubber gloves, safety glasses, and a double cartridge, approved mask). Consult  also the website for the Center for Disease Control.

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The furnace installer turned this condensate tube down into the floor drain.  In the winter this tube and drain can be dry for months and the water level in the trap can decrease due to evaporation.  This breaks the water seal in the drain, and the down turned tube can allow sewer gases to be distributed throughout the home via the heating system.

Solution:  cut off the pipe elbow and pour a large glass of water down the drain a few times  each winter.

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The small white wire near the dirt is a circuit that was added later to operate a yard lite.  The installer used an interior rated cable which will deteriorate from UV rays and temperature extremes.  Some wet day this deterioration will result in an electrical short with possibly dangerous consequences.

Remedy is to have a licensed electrician replace the wire with UF rated cable which is suitable for exterior burial.

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                                    Residential:                           

RCS-Residential Components and Systems. Full  color report with annotated photos. $299.00  for a 3br, 2ba newer home.

NCx-New Construction; done in phases at progress milestones; usually one to five inspections, about $125 each.

IAQ-Indoor Air Quality, varies.

SPx-Special (septic, pool, sauna, solar, etc), varies.

 The Seller's Walkthrough- I carefully walk you through your home and point out the items the buyer's inspector will likely tag you for.  You can then repair the items yourself, or negotiate them at closing.  This considerably shortens the "deficiencies" found by the buyer's inspector and gives your home a competitive advantage in the market.  It allows you to research the issues and not be caught off guard by a list to remedy. No report. Usually $169.00.

Commercial:

PCA- Property Condition Assessment per ASTM 2018.

 SMS- Site Monitoring Service: for institutional property holders. Starting at $95.00.