Sample inspection report

1.1 Major Step flashing lifted at the chimney

The metal flashing where the chimney meets the roof has lifted along the east side, and the sealant over it is cracked. Daylight is visible along about 60 cm of the joint. There is a faint stain on the attic sheathing below, which suggests water has already found its way in.

Suggested: Have a roofer re-flash the chimney and check the sheathing beneath. Do this before the wet season, and look at the attic again once it has been repaired.

1.2 Maintenance Moss on the north slope

Moss is growing on the north-facing asphalt shingles and some granule loss shows in the gutter. The shingles are flexible and were not curling at the time of inspection.

Suggested: Clean off the moss gently and keep the gutters clear. Do not pressure wash the roof.

2.1 Repair Downspout discharges at the foundation

The rear downspout ends directly against the foundation wall, and the soil slopes toward the house at that corner. Water from the roof is being delivered to the same wall that encloses the crawl space.

Suggested: Extend the downspout so it discharges well away from the wall, and regrade the soil so it falls away from the house.

2.2 Maintenance Window sealant cracked, east wall

The sealant around two east-facing windows has cracked and separated from the trim. No moisture was found with the meter at the interior of those windows.

Suggested: Remove the old sealant and re-seal. Check again next spring.

3.1 Major Damp soil, ground cover missing on the east half

About half of the crawl space floor has no polyethylene cover and the soil was damp to the touch. The moisture meter read high on the floor joists near the east wall. No active leak was seen, and there is no mould that we could identify from a visual review.

Suggested: Correct the roof water at the east wall first (see 2.1). Then have a contractor install a continuous ground cover, with sealed seams, and monitor the space through a wet winter.

3.2 Repair Old water stain on a joist at the bathroom drain

A dry stain on one floor joist sits under the main bathroom drain. The joist was firm and the meter read normal. This looks like an old leak that has stopped.

Suggested: Ask the seller what repair was done. Check the area again after the first heavy use of the bathroom.

4.1 Safety Two wires under one breaker

In the main panel, a breaker that is not rated for two conductors has two wires under its terminal. This can loosen the connection over time and create heat.

Suggested: Have a licensed electrician correct the circuit, usually by adding a breaker. Ask the electrician to look over the rest of the panel at the same visit.

4.2 Repair Two-prong receptacles on the upper floor

Several bedroom receptacles accept only two-prong plugs and have no ground connection. They worked when tested with a plug-in tester.

Suggested: Plan to have an electrician replace the wiring or upgrade the circuits, depending on what is behind the walls.

5.1 Major Knob-and-tube wiring at the attic floor

Original ceramic knob-and-tube wiring is visible in part of the attic and is partly covered by blown insulation. Other circuits have been replaced with modern cable.

Suggested: Have an electrician map which circuits are still live on the old wiring. Ask your insurer how they treat it before you remove subjects. See the guide on knob-and-tube wiring.

5.2 Repair Bathroom fan duct ends inside the attic

The duct from the upstairs bathroom fan stops in the attic and does not reach the exterior. Frost and damp stains show on the underside of the roof sheathing nearby.

Suggested: Extend the duct to a proper roof or wall termination. Check the sheathing again after one winter.

6.1 Monitor Grey polybutylene (Poly-B) supply piping

Grey Poly-B supply pipe is present at the water heater and in the crawl space. There was no moisture at the fittings we could see. The pipe is hidden in the walls elsewhere.

Suggested: Poly-B is known to fail at fittings, so plan for replacement. Ask your insurer and a plumber about timing and cost.

6.2 Maintenance Slow drain, main-floor bathroom sink

The sink drained slowly and gurgled. This is common and often a partial blockage in the trap.

Suggested: Clean the trap. If it recurs, have the drain line looked at.

7.1 Monitor Hot water tank is old

The data label gives a manufacture date that makes the tank old for its type. It was working, and there was no corrosion at the base or leak under the tank.

Suggested: Budget for replacement. A tank at this age can fail without much warning.

8.1 Repair Loose handrail at the basement stairs

The basement handrail moves when pushed and its brackets are fastened into drywall only.

Suggested: Re-fasten the brackets into the framing.

8.2 Safety No smoke alarm in the upstairs hall

No smoke alarm was found in the upstairs hallway outside the bedrooms. The alarm on the main floor was working when tested.

Suggested: Install smoke alarms where needed, and carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas. Check with the fire authority or your insurer about requirements.