RE-SALE
HOMES
VERMICULITE
Hidden under some cellulose insulation was the original vermiculite
insulation. Some of it contains asbestos and is considered a
health hazard if disturbed. Visit Health Canada website for
more information. (www.hc-sc.gc.ca)
ASBESTOS INSULATION
Old abandoned boiler and piping wrapped in asbestos insulation.
Licensed
contractors must be hired to remove large amounts of asbestos,
which can be very expensive. It is not consider harmful if cover
or coating is not damaged and has not become air borne. Visit
Health Canada website for more information. (www.hc-sc.gc.ca)
OIL TANK
Outside oil tank under a pool deck on a poor foundation and
11 years old. Some insurance companies require replacement of
oil tanks more than 10 years old. Check with your insurance
companies requirements before purchasing.
ATTIC LEAK
Water leak in roof due to cracked and curled old roof shingles.
If not repaired moisture will rot roof sheathing and rafter
and further damage to insulation and wall structure may result
from water.
FLOOR JOIST FAILURE
Floor joist was wrongly notched on bottom then wood joist cracked
and failed. Floor joists should never be notched on the bottom.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
Two wires taped together. All wire connections must be in electrical
box and must be accessible. Scorch mark on floor joist shows
the hazard has caused problems previously.
KNOB AND TUBE ELECTRICAL
Old style knob and tube wiring connected to outlet. Most insurance
companies will require removal or inspection of old knob and
tube wiring by licensed electrician.
FURNACE HUMIDIFIER
Leaking humidifier on a furnace is common. Most people do not
know they have to do maintenance on them. Nothing is done usually
until it leaks like this one. Newer designs do work much better.
Always turn them off in the summer.
NEW
HOMES
BATHROOM
EXHAUST
The black plastic duct is the exhaust duct for a bathroom fan.
The duct is very long and has a sag in it. When I poke the duct
it feels heavy which means there is probably water sitting in
the duct. Because the duct is so long the warm moist air cools
and condenses before it reaches the outside and the moisture
flows to the low spot.
DOWNSPOUT
This downspout was located at the front entrance and the homeowner
complained that water dripped a lot. Can you see the problem?
If you look close you can see the downspout pipe is outside
the elbow causing lots of leakage.
FOUNDATION WALL LEAK
Owner has many water leaks in the basement including form ties
and at floor/wall seam. This is evidence of a significant amount
of water against the foundation walls. The sump pump should
be running almost continuously but it was not. After reviewing
some construction photos it was apparent sand was used instead
of drain rock around footing drain and drains were not working
properly. It is always a good idea to take photos or video during
construction.
FOUNDATION WALL CRACK
Large foundation crack at bottom left of door.
Severe enough crack to require further investigation of the
soil conditions below house. This crack has widened but also
shows differential movement. Most new homes have minor foundation
cracks from minor movement in the first year. The home warranty
program requires the builder to repair cracks wider than 6mm.
GUTTERS
Excessive amounts of standing water shows there is poor slope
on the gutter and must be repaired by builder. Also, something
I am finding much more of, the gutter supports are spaced too
far apart. Manufacturers state to install supports every 2 feet
maximum.
FLOOR JOIST CRACK
Photo shows a severe crack in the floor joist in a crawl space.
It was probably installed already cracked, which went unnoticed.
FLOOR JOIST NOTCHED
Floor joist cut to accommodate furnace exhaust pipe. Floor joists
should never be notched at the bottom and only 1/3 joist depth
on top. There are maximum hole diameters to accommodate electrical
wires as well.
ELECTRICAL PANEL
An electrical wire going into the panel has no support or protection
from the sharp edge of the metal panel.
ROOF GAP
View of where the garage roof meets the house. Rainwater from
house roof is being directed into garage attic. Someone missed
adding some flashing. This is not visible from the ground. An
inspector will do his best to see the entire home.
SHINGLES SHORT
Roof shingles do not extend into gutter far enough and there
is no drip edge or fascia board covering. Moisture will run
on to the fascia board and sheathing and quickly rot.
SIDEYARD
STANDING WATER
This is a gravel area between houses where I dug down about
4 inches and found water. The area must drain properly before
gravel is placed so water is not ponding then a 1 or 2 inch
layer of stone placed for looks. This ponded water will drain
towards your foundation and could leak in through cracks.
WALL STUD CRACK
This is a structural support stud wall in the basement with
a severe crack.
SEWER VENT DISCONNECTED
Sewer vent stack not connected in the attic.
The cap on the vent stack can cause slow draining sinks and
cause traps to empty and allow sewer gas in house.
ROOF SHEATHING WET
Dark area on roof sheathing is moisture from condensation. The
area is above a bathroom where warm moist air could be leaking
into attic and there is no soffit ventilation. The builder is
responsible to investigate the problem and remedy the situation
under the warranty.
WINDOW
MOLD
High humidity in the house during cold weather has caused condensation
on windows and the moisture has caused mold growth on window
sills. During an inspection we will give you suggestions on
how to alleviate this problem.
"Your Trusted Home Advisor"
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