January 11, 2005

Mr. John Homebuyer
111 Old House Road
Middletown, New York 11777

Inspection Site: 112 New House Lane, Pleasantville, New York
Inspection Date: October 18, 2004

Congratulations ! You are considering the purchase of a new home!

Thank you for selecting Long Island Home Inspection Consultants to perform your building inspection for you.

We invite you to checkout our website www.longislandinspection.com . Our website is packed with great information about the various components that make up a house or building.

If you attended the inspection, our inspector has already provided you with a verbal report and discussion of his findings. We would like to continue our relationship with you, even after you have closed on your new property. If you haven't done so already, please tell us your email address so we can periodically remind you of important maintenance advice to keep your home/office in great condition year round and prolong the life of all components.

The following report is designed to highlight significant defects uncovered during the inspection and provides maintenance suggestions to protect and prolong the life of the area discussed.

The inspection has been performed in accordance with A merican Society of Home Inspectors' (A.S.H.I.) standards. It is intended only as a general guide to help the client make his or her own evaluation of the overall condition of the home and is not intended to reflect the value of the premises, nor make any representation as to the advisability of purchase. The report expresses the personal opinions of the experienced inspector, based upon his visual impressions of the conditions that existed at the time of inspection only. The inspection and report are not intended to be technically exhaustive or to imply that every component was inspected or that every possible defect was discovered. No disassembly of equipment, opening of walls, moving of furniture, appliances or stored items, or excavation is performed. All components and conditions, which by nature of their location are concealed, camouflaged or difficult to inspect are excluded from the report. We can provide an excellent overview of the property, but may not find every defect; or uncover every possible risk, whether visible or not.

The inspection report should not be construed as a compliance inspection of any governmental or non-governmental codes or regulations. The report is not intended to be a warranty or guarantee of the present or future adequacy or performance of the structure (we can not predict the future), its systems or their component parts. This report does not constitute any expressed or implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for use regarding the condition of the property and it should not be relied upon as such. Any opinions regarding adequacy, capacity or expected life of components are general estimates based on information about similar components and occasional wide variations are to be expected between such estimates and actual experience

We certify that our inspectors have no interest, present or contemplated, in this property or its improvements. To the best of our knowledge and belief, all statements and information in this report are true and correct.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONGRATULATIONS!

Welcome ....... 1-2

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................... 3

OFFICE USE ONLY: PAID BILL ............................... 4
OFFICE USE ONLY: BILL ............................... 5

EXTERIOR ............................... 6-8

PHOTOS .......................... 8A

TERMITE REPORT ............................... 9

INTERIOR

Structure and Foundation ............................... 10-11
Attic or Crawl Spaces ............................... 12
Plumbing/Heating/Electrical Systems ............................... 13-17
Rooms ............................... 18

GENERAL NOTES ............................... 19-21

SUMMARY ............................... 22

January 11, 2005

Mr. John Homebuyer
111 Old House Road
Middletown, New York 11777

Inspection Site: 112 New House Lane, Pleasantville, New York
Inspection Date: October 18, 2004

Inspection Fee: $ _________
Total Amount Paid: $

PAID IN FULL…THANK YOU!

 

EXTERIOR
ITEM	MATERIAL	RECOMMENDATIONS
• Street Sidewalk	Concrete	Repair lifted and cracked sections of sidewalk to eliminate tripping hazard. Cut tree root to prevent future maintenance of this type.
• Driveway	Concrete	Repair cracks in driveway surface as needed .
• Front Walkway	Concrete/Slate	Point worn mortar joints on front walkway as needed.
• Front Stoop	Brick	Repoint mortar joints on front stoop as needed.
• Entry Doors	Wood	Replace all exterior door locks as a security measure. Replace/repair hardware as necessary on front door. Trim rear door to operate properly. Adjust doorknob hardware and strike plates so that doors will latch properly.
• Railings	Wrought Iron	This area was found to be in serviceable/satisfactory condition at time of inspection.
• Chimney	Stucco	Install chimney cap to prevent water, or animal entry. Contact chimney sweep to clean chimney on an annual basis. At time of cleaning the interior of the flue liner, which was not visible at time of inspection, should be inspected.
• Roof	Asphalt Shingle	The estimated age of the roof is under 5 years. Transfer guarantee on this recently installed roof, if applicable. Periodic inspection of all roofed and flashed areas is advisable as a preventative maintenance.
• Flashing	Copper/Aluminum	Paint rusted metal flashing with rust inhibitor and monitor for further rusting, which would necessitate replacement. Wall-to-roof flashing on east side of house is installed improperly and may allow leakage during heavy rain. Ideally, it should be installed beneath the shingles.
• Gutters/Leaders	Aluminum	Direct all leaders away from house for positive drainage. Proper management of gutter/leader system is important for preventing soil erosion and possible damage to foundation/structure as well as for helping to keep the basement/crawl area dry. At least twice a year gutters, leaders, and downspouts should be cleaned and checked for proper alignment and connection. As part of normal home ownership, check system during rain for leaks and proper drainage.
•  Exterior Walls	Frame	The quantity and type of insulation installed in exterior wall cavities could not be determined due to enclosed nature of walls. Obtain owner representation as to the type of insulation used to determine if any health hazards or deficiencies exist.

• Siding	Stucco/Cedar Shingle/ Clapboard	This house has been sided with an exterior insulation and finish system using synthetic stucco as the finish material. Proper installation and maintenance techniques of stucco finish are critical. Flashing and detailing at windows, doors, and wall-to-roof sections are the primary concerns. Improper installation can lead to water entering and collecting within the wall structure causing rot from the inside out. Patch cracks in stucco finish to prevent water entry. There are signs that the finish-coat on the stucco has not adhered properly. This may be able to be spot-repaired or it may eventually be necessary to remove defective finish-coat entirely and apply a new one. Portions of stucco siding are installed without the benefit of a weep screed at the bottoms of walls. A weep screed allows any water that has accumulated within walls to drain out. The absence of one may trap water, which can in turn lead to damage to the interior of wall, as well as possible mold growth, none of which can be visible unless the wall is opened up. The patio on the east side can cause back-splash water damage to wood shingle siding. Power wash siding to remove dirt sediment and discoloration.
• Masonry	Cement Block	This area was found to be in serviceable/satisfactory condition at time of inspection.
• Trim	Wood	Scrape and paint all wood trim. Replace rotted trim where necessary. Rot was observed on wood window frames and portions of other trim.
• Paint	Waterbase	Periodic repainting will be required as part of normal homeowner maintenance.
• Caulk	Silicone	Maintain caulking around all windows and window frames. Scrape off old caulking where needed. Recommend using silicone caulk, which has longer life expectancy.

• Storms / Screens	Aluminum/ Thermopane/Screens	Check for proper quantity of storm and screen inserts prior to closing.
• Sidewalk	N/A	Not Applicable
• Side Stoop	N/A	Not Applicable
• Window Wells	Masonry	Install window well covers on existing window wells to help prevent water seepage and the accumulation of debris.
• Rear Walk	Concrete	Repair cracks in rear walkway as needed. Repair uneven sections of rear walkway to eliminate tripping hazard.
• Rear Stoop	Concrete	This area was found to be in serviceable/satisfactory condition at time of inspection.
• Deck	N/A	Not Applicable
• Grading	Level	Re-pitch soil away from foundation to aid in positive drainage. Soil should slope away at 1 inch per foot for 5 to 8 feet to help prevent seepage into basement. Masonry areas in contact with house should be sealed periodically with caulking or mortar to help prevent seepage. When these areas are resurfaced, they should be pitched away from the foundation to better aid in positive run-off.
• Landscape	Trees	Prune shrubs and trees presently in contact and/or overhanging structure. Trees that are close to the building can cause damage to the foundation and other parts of structure. Removal of said trees is recommended. Maintain a 6 to 12 inch gap between shrubbery and side of dwelling.
• Patio	Brick/Concrete/ Slate	The patio on the east side of the house is in poor condition. Its reconstruction is necessary at this time. Removal is also an option.
• Pool	N/A	Not Applicable
• Fences	Stockade	V erify ownership of perimeter fencing and maintain where applicable.
• Retaining Walls	N/A	Not Applicable
• Access Buildings	N/A	Not Applicable
• Bulkhead	N/A	Not Applicable
• Garage	3 Car - Detached	Portions of the garage were inaccessible due to excessive storage. No representation as to conditions that were inaccessible can be made. A careful re-inspection of garage space is needed prior to closing when vacant to check for any hidden damage, defect or insect infestation. Garage doors will require repair or replacement due to damage. Lubrication and replacing of missing door hardware is also needed. Rot and other damage were also observed around the structure.

January 11, 2005

Mr. John Homebuyer
111 Old House Road
Middletown, New York 11777

Inspection Site: 112 New House Lane, Pleasantville, New York
Inspection Date: October 18, 2004

TERMITE INSPECTION REPORT

Based on careful visible inspection of accessible areas and on sounding of accessible structural members, both termite activity and termite damage were observed at time of inspection. Since a previous treatment has been done we recommend to retreat affected areas only. (Exterminate as per chemical manufacturer's recommendations and in accordance with recognized practices and guidelines set forth by the “D.E.C.” Department of Environmental Conservation and the “E.P.A.” Environmental Protection Agency). If present owner has existing guarantee, transfer and employ to rectify situation. Test b orings should be made on all structural members and framing to check for latent damage. Institute repairs as necessary. Annual termite inspections are recommended as a preventative maintenance measure. We cannot represent the absence or presence of termites and other wood destroying insects or resulting damage within closed walls or sealed floors. Damage was observed on window frame of garage, on main support girders near stairs in basement, and mud shelter tubes, which are indicative of activity, were observed in basement bathroom. Replacement of sill plate with new pressure-treated lumber was also observed in the basement bathroom, indicating prior correction of previous damage. Drill marks were observed on both stoops indicating prior treatment. The basement is partially finished. Framing behind finished materials was not visible for inspection. Since concrete block foundations are particularly vulnerable to termite infestation, the need for regular termite inspections cannot be understated. Obtain documentation of termite treatment history, if any, from present homeowner.

Thank you.

Long Island Home Inspection Consultants

____________________________
Terence Kursawe
ID#C1811196

INTERIOR STRUCTURE AND FOUNDATION
ITEMS	DESCRIPTION	RECOMMENDATIONS
• Termites	See Remark	Based on careful visible inspection of accessible areas and on sounding of accessible structural members, both termite activity and termite damage were observed at time of inspection. Since a previous treatment has been done we recommend to retreat affected areas only. (Exterminate as per chemical manufacturer's recommendations and in accordance with recognized practices and guidelines set forth by the “D.E.C.” Department of Environmental Conservation and the “E.P.A.” Environmental Protection Agency). If present owner has existing guarantee, transfer and employ to rectify situation. Test b orings should be made on all structural members and framing to check for latent damage. Institute repairs as necessary. Annual termite inspections are recommended as a preventative maintenance measure. We cannot represent the absence or presence of termites and other wood destroying insects or resulting damage within closed walls or sealed floors. Damage was observed on window frame of garage, on main support girders near stairs in basement, and mud shelter tubes, which are indicative of activity, were observed in basement bathroom. Replacement of sill plate with new pressure-treated lumber was also observed in the basement bathroom, indicating prior correction of previous damage. Drill marks were observed on both stoops indicating prior treatment. The basement is partially finished. Framing behind finished materials was not visible for inspection. Since concrete block foundations are particularly vulnerable to termite infestation, the need for regular termite inspections cannot be understated. Obtain documentation of termite treatment history, if any, from present homeowner.
• Other Pests	None	There were no visible signs of other insects at time of inspection, however, periodically monitor structure for carpenter ants, termites, and/or other pests during warmer months. Contact a qualified pest control company if necessary.
34.Dry Rot	No Visible Signs	Not Applicable
35. Water Entry	See Remark	Spaces in the house that are below ground level may be subject at any time to water infusion from the exterior. While every effort is made to identify signs of past or present water entry, it is generally not possible to guarantee an underground area will remain dry, especially when finished walls conceal the building foundation from view. There is evidence of seepage in the basement area. Check Exterior Recommendations #1 through #32 for possible remedies. If necessary, treat foundation walls with waterproofing compound or contact qualified waterproofing company. Efflorescence was observed on foundation walls in the basement. Efflorescence is a white powdery residue, which indicates that at some time, water has seeped through the basement walls. The exterior cellar doors may be a source of water entry during rain. Add waterproofing to doors if problem develops. The efficacy of the floor drain in the basement could not be determined. The water stains observed on the basement ceiling (the first floor sub-floor) have resulted from interior water leakage from above. While the stains did not appear to be active during the time of inspection, ongoing monitoring is advised.
36. Foundation	Cement Block	Due to the enclosed nature of the basement, portions of the foundation, girder, and column system were not visible for inspection. However, those areas that were observed appeared to be satisfactory. Painted foundation walls may be hiding cracks or other defects. Should cracking become apparent, contact a foundation specialist for recommendations and repairs. Repair cracks as necessary.
37. Girders	Wood	Termite damaged main girder material should be replaced in order to renew structural integrity.
38. Columns	Steel Lally	When termite damaged materials are replaced, the temporary jack posts can be removed.
38A. Miscellaneous	_	_

ITEMS	DESCRIPTION	RECOMMENDATIONS
•Insulation	Fiberglass	The average depth of insulation in the uppermost attic area was approximately 3 to 4 inches. The average depth of insulation observed in accessible knee-wall spaces was approximately 1 to 2 inches. Install layer of unfaced insulation throughout attic floor areas to a total thickness of six inches minimum (R-19).
• Floor	None	Not Applicable
• Ventilation	Gable/Ridge	Attic ridge ventilation is present. Wind-driven rain and/or snow can sometimes enter the attic through this opening. It depends on the quality of installation and product. Deficiencies in this area are not always readily apparent during a visual inspection. It is recommended to periodically check the attic during or right after the above described weather conditions. Open closed gable vent to allow for improved air ventilation in attic area.
• Water Leaks	No Visible Signs	Not Applicable
• Access	Hatch	This area was found to be in serviceable/satisfactory condition at time of inspection.
43A. Electric	N/A	Not Applicable
43B. Storage	N/A	Not Applicable
43C. Misc.

ITEMS	DESCRIPTION	RECOMMENDATIONS
44. Fixtures	See Remark	Recommend clearing all drain lines as a precautionary measure.
	Kitchen	Plastic bags wrapped around drainpipe are a poor attempt at a repair. A more permanent repair should be effected.
	1 st Floor Bathroom	The toilet was not working. The shower handle was missing. Re-test shower fixture after replacement of handle.
	2 nd Fl Kitchen	Replace improper “S” trap with a proper trap installation.
	2 nd Floor Bathroom	The sink in this room was not hooked up and therefore, could not be tested.
	3 rd Floor Bathroom	The tub faucet should be above the flood-rim of the bathtub to eliminate cross-connection, which could lead to bacterial contamination of tap water. The tub faucet was also not working. The toilet was not functional. The sink drain was clogged. Contact a qualified licensed plumber to review and repair as necessary.
	Hall Bathroom	The toilet was not operational.
	Basement Bathroom	Hot water pressure at the sink was weak.
	Laundry Sink	The drain pipe from the sink is improperly sloped and will not allow for proper drainage. The pipe is also disconnected at the main house drain.
• Drain Lines	Galvanized/PVC	Future replacement of galvanized water pipe can be anticipated as galvanized piping has a tendency to either rust through or close-up internally as a result of corrosion; thereby, restricting water flow. PVC drain lines in this house may be hazardous in the event of fire and are usually noisy during operation. Avoid using harsh drain cleaners with PVC piping .
• Waste Lines	Cast Iron	Waste piping in this house is original. They could be prone to clogging and restricted flow because of internal corrosion. Future repair or replacement may be required.
• Supply Piping	Copper/Galvanized	Insulate exposed cold water piping to eliminate condensation. Insulate hot water pipes to conserve energy. Comments in #49A regarding galvanized piping apply here as well. Low water pressure at a fixture will be a possible indication of the need for galvanized supply pipe replacement. Dielectric fittings may need to be installed at joints between copper and galvanized steel pipes to prevent galvanic corrosion of pipes.
• Plumbing Valves	Brass	Label plumbing valves for identification purposes. Monitor encrusted valves for leakage, which would necessitate replacement.
• Water Supply	Municipal	The municipal water supply is located in the basement. The incoming water line is made of copper.

• Water Heater	Tankless Coil/ STATE/40 Gallon/Oil	The hot water heater was shut-down at time of inspection and therefore not tested. It should be evaluated by a qualified heating technician prior to closing. Extend relief valve to within six inches of the floor for safety. There are indications that the relief valve has purged. This indicates a problem with the valve or with the water heater. Consult with a qualified heating technician for further review. The average lifespan of a water heater under normal conditions is between 5 and 10 years. It is possible that this unit may require replacement within 5 years. Generally, water heaters do not need replacement unless they leak. Check with owner for documentation on the installation date of water heating equipment. Hot water for the dwelling is currently provided by the tankless coil inside the steam boiler. Limited hot water supply can be anticipated with this type unit unless coupled to storage tank. Consider replacing unit with separate, self-contained, fuel efficient hot water heater. Adjust water temperature (temperature above 120 degrees may scald). Temperature readings taken at faucets exceeded 200 degrees. The piping arrangement between the tankless coil and the hot water heater may not be optimum. Evaluation by a qualified heating technician is also recommended.
• Heating System	RELIANCE/ Steam Boiler/1 Zone Proof	Although this unit was operating at time of inspection, due to age of unit, future replacement can be anticipated. Renew seal in area where vent stack intersects chimney. A carbon monoxide test was performed on this house and readings were elevated in the flue at time of inspection. This is usually an indication that the system requires cleaning and adjustment, but final determination should be made by a qualified heating technician. Periodic testing is recommended as a safety precaution. Scorch marks on the front of the boiler can be attributed to past flame roll-out. The piping arrangement on the boiler equalizer is not optimum. The efficiency of the unit may be able to be improved by a re-arrangement of the pipes. Relief vents at the ends of the steam mains should be at the end of the horizontal lengths of both mains and not on vertical return piping. This will also improve the operation of the system. It is recommended to place heating equipment under a service contract to receive regularly scheduled maintenance. Have the contract take effect a day or so before closing and arrange to have a heating technician present during a final walk-through to inspect and service equipment. Be sure to have an understanding as to which equipment and services will be covered under the contract.
• Burner	Oil	Condition and quantity of buried oil tank on exterior of house could not be determined at time of inspection. It is strongly recommended to test tank and/or surrounding soil for possible leaks. Recommend discontinuing use of existing tank and installation of an above-ground storage tank to eliminate potential environmental hazard.
• Humidifier	N/A	Not Applicable
• Heat Pipes	Iron	Insulate exposed heating pipes where none currently exist, for maximum efficiency of system. Dielectric fittings may need to be installed at joints between copper and iron pipes to prevent galvanic corrosion of pipes. Consult with a qualified heating technician for further review. Surface temperatures of steam heating pipes can reach levels high enough to present a risk of burn injury. It is recommended to install protective installation around exposed steam pipes. Also, a significant amount of heat is lost on uninsulated pipes. Insulating will also greatly increase the efficiency of the heating system. Steam pipes can be prone to leakage at joints and should be checked periodically for the same. Some water stains on basement ceilings appear to be caused by past leakage.
• Cool/Heat Ducts	N/A	Not Applicable
• Radiation	Radiators	When tested, no heat rose from the heaters located from several of the heaters located throughout the house. Consult with a qualified heating technician for further review. No permanent heat source was observed in the kitchen. Heaters in the second floor west bedroom were disconnected. Surface temperatures of steam heating pipes can reach levels high enough to present a risk of burn injury. It is recommended to install protective installation around exposed steam pipes. Also, a significant amount of heat is lost on uninsulated pipes. Insulating will also greatly increase the efficiency of the heating system. Steam pipes can be prone to leakage at joints and should be checked periodically for the same. Water stains on basement ceiling appear to be caused by past leakage.
• Electric Service	100 Amp, 120/240 Volt	The main electric service panel is located in the basement. Fuses are used in this dwelling for electrical over-current protection. Many lenders will not underwrite a house with fuses. It is recommended to replace fuse panels with a single 150 or 200 Amp circuit breaker panel. There are several unsafe wiring practices in use, which will need to be addressed if the electrical service upgrade is not performed immediately. Several wires have been tapped off of main wire connections in panels. Sub-panel has two fuses that are over-rated for the wire connected to them, which is a fire hazard and that panel is not grounded either. The panel also has sections of copper pipe installed in place of cartridge fuses to defeat over-current protection, which is also a fire hazard. Replace outlets that do not hold plugs tightly. Loose outlets/switches should be securely tightened to their receptacle boxes. Replace any missing outlet/switch plates. Replace all two wire outlets with three wire grounded outlets for added safety. The installation of a proper ground wire may be required. Contact a qualified licensed electrician to repair open ground outlets as needed. Correct hot/ground reversed wiring at outlets on west kitchen wall. Install GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt) outlets in kitchen countertop area, bathrooms, and exterior locations for safety. All GFCI outlets should be properly grounded. Replace defective GFCI outlet in first floor bathroom. Test all GFCI outlets monthly.
• Electric Wiring	Copper/Bx/Fuses
• Central Air	N/A	Not Applicable
63. Wall A/C Units	N/A	Not Applicable
•  Fireplace	See Remark	The fireplace in the living room has been walled-over and could not be evaluated.

INTERIOR ROOMS
ITEMS	RECOMMENDATIONS
• Living Room	Mold growth, which was observed in the living room closet, is typically caused by repeated exposure to excessive moisture/water. All building materials contaminated by mold should be treated with a biocide and/or replaced if necessary, after positive determination and correction of this exposure. Wallpaper that has been painted over will be difficult to remove.
• Side Sun Room	Replace old wood casement window with energy-efficient thermopane windows.
• Dining Room	See previous comment #65.
• Kitchen	The window on the west wall of this room displayed evidence of a failed seal. Typically a window with a failed seal will accumulate condensation between the panes. This means that while the window will still function as a normal window, the enhanced insulative properties of the glass are gone. The only repair is replacement. It is possible that other currently satisfactory windows that are the same age may experience seal failure in the future. It should also be noted that when such a window has condensation stains between the panels, it could never be cleaned. Replace missing countertop tiles.
• Rear Sun Room	This area was found to be in serviceable/satisfactory condition at time of inspection. See General Notes .
• Bathroom	Install electronic exhaust fan vented to exterior to remove excessive moisture.
• 2 nd Floor (3) Bedrooms	The water stains on the southeast bedroom closet and the second floor kitchen area ceiling do not appear to be active during the time of inspection, however it is recommended to monitor stained areas during and after heavy rain. Water damage was observed on wood trim on the ceiling of the northeast bedroom. It appears that this may have been caused by a flood on the third floor.
• 2 nd Floor Bathroom	Replace glass tub/shower doors or enclosure with safety glass or plexiglass for safety. Extensive repairwork has been performed on the shower tiles. Internal wall damage may be present. Vinyl floor tiles are not securely attached to the floor. This may be related to flooding, which was described in Comment #70.
• 3 rd Floor (2) Bedrooms	This area was found to be in serviceable/satisfactory condition at time of inspection. See General Notes .
• Bedroom Bathroom	This area was found to be in serviceable/satisfactory condition at time of inspection. See General Notes .
• Hall Bathroom	The fiberboard panel tub surround has deteriorated and will require replacement.

General Notes

• As this inspection was conducted during daylight hours, the effectiveness of exterior lighting could not be determined. Repair existing or add where necessary for safety.
• Condition of cesspool/septic system could not be determined at time of inspection; however, anticipate maintaining, cleaning and/or replacement.
• Sunken areas in backyard may in fact be collapsed cesspool. Further determination of this would require investigative work from a cesspool company.
• Water supply valves to the washing machine should always be turned off when the washer is not in use. Otherwise the washer hoses, which contain live water pressure, could rupture at a most inopportune time, potentially causing significant water damage.
• Clogged dryer vents are a leading cause of home fires. Dryer vent should be disassembled and cleared of accumulated lint upon occupancy and periodically as part of normal maintenance. A clean dryer vent will improve the efficiency of the dryer as well.
• The flooring in this building consists of wood, tile, and carpet.
• The walls and ceilings in this building are plaster, sheet rock, panel, stucco, wood, fiberboard, tile, and suspended ceiling.
• The windows are vinyl double hung thermopane, vinyl slider, and wood casement.
• Settled or sunken floor areas appeared to be related to age as opposed to defect, however, this could not be accurately determined at time of inspection. Since all floors and ceiling were closed, same should be watched carefully for any indication or further movement, which may necessitate extensive repairs.
• No determination can be made as to the surface condition of any flooring that is covered by finished materials.
• No determination can be made as to surface condition of wood flooring that is covered by carpeting.
• Clean or replace carpeting throughout.
• No representation can be made as to the condition of the wall surfaces beneath the wood paneling. Use caution if removing wall covering to avoid damaging underlying wall surfaces.
• Ceilings above suspended ceiling should be checked for damage, looseness, defects, etc., which may require repair.
• Ceilings above tile ceilings should be checked for damage, looseness, defects, etc., which may require repair.
• Stucco that has been applied to walls and ceilings will be difficult to maintain or remove.
• Trim doors throughout to operate properly. Install missing doorstops to prevent damage to walls.
• Adjust doorknob hardware and strike plates so that doors will latch properly.
• Maintain caulking around all interior and exterior seams of the tub/shower area with bathroom silicone caulking to prevent possible moisture penetration.
• Install a complete smoke detection system in dwelling. Test and repair or replace any smoke detectors from previous occupant. Install carbon monoxide detectors as well for additional safety.
• A carbon monoxide test was performed on this house and readings were slightly elevated in flue at time of inspection. See Comment #54-55. Periodic testing is recommended as a safety precaution.
• Obtain Certificate of Occupancy on house including any needed permits.
• Due to excessive storage and/or furnishings in some areas, it would be advisable to recheck this house when it is vacant and all areas visible and accessible.
• Adjust/lubricate window hardware as necessary.
• Recommend replacement of old windows with high quality thermopane units to reduce maintenance and retard heat loss.
• Lead paint was widely used in houses built prior to 1978 and is a known health hazard. Recommend having this house tested for lead paint, and if present, abate as necessary.
• Molds affect individuals differently, and while most common molds can be safely removed without the assistance of a professional, some molds are toxic and the average homeowner should not attempt the abatement of these types of mold. Laboratory testing would be necessary to identify the different types of mold. Abatement of toxic mold, which may require removal of building materials, is an expensive process and should be done by qualified professionals. Contact this office if mold testing is desirable.
• When recommendations have been made for repairs and/or service, we suggest you contact a qualified tradesperson prior to closing so actual costs involved can be anticipated.
• All mechanical equipment should be maintained under contract and/or on a regular basis as prescribed by manufacturer.
• There is no representation made in this report as to the conclusion of environmental analysis, if performed, such as air quality (radon or urea formaldehyde levels, pollution or noxious gases); or the quality of water and/or soil. A full spectrum of environmental testing is available and includes: radon, water, electro magnetic fields, etc. With exception to those mentioned as performed in this report, the remaining tests were not performed.
• Recheck this structure immediately prior to closing for things that may have changed since the inspection or were inaccessible due to furnishings and/or storage. All mechanical systems should be checked for malfunctions. All windows and doors should be checked for proper operation. All finished walls, floors, and ceilings should be checked for damage. All plumbing fixtures should be checked for proper operation, etc.
• This inspection has been performed in accordance with American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) standards. A copy of the ASHI standards will be provided at the client's request.

SUMMARY

This house has been generally well constructed and maintained within reason. Work is needed to put house into proper condition. Anticipate ongoing maintenance as part of normal home ownership.