OVERVIEW

 

            The report that follows has been prepared from the perspective of what an owner of this property would benefit from knowing.  Thus, it discusses many things beyond those which are of immediate concern.  Therefore, the report needs to be read in its entirety to understand fully all the information that has been obtained.

 

            For your convenience, we have prepared the following overview of the condition of the major systems of the house.  Please refer to the appropriate section of this report for a more detailed discus­sion of these systems.

 

      ITEM

CONDITION1

 REPAIRS

TYPICAL?3

 

 

0

1

2

3

4

5

NEEDED?2

 

STRUCTURAL

 

 

 

 

Foundation

SR

+

 

Framing

SR

ü

 

Porches/Decks

SR

ü

 

Outbuildings

SR

ü

 

EXTERIOR

 

 

 

 

Roofing

 

 

 

 

Chimney

 

 

 

Cladding

SR

-

 

ELECTRICAL

 

 

 

 

Capacity

 

+

 

Wiring

SR

+

 

PLUMBING

 

 

 

 

Piping/Fixtures

SR

ü

 

Sewer

SR

ü

 

HEATING/AC

 

 

 

 

Unit(s)

SR

+

 

Distribution

SR

ü

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTERIOR

SR

ü

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAFETY

SR

ü

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL

SR

ü

 

 1        On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being best.

 2        ü indicates repairs are needed within the next year, SR means SEE REPORT for more details.

 3        ü indicates the component and/or condition is typical for a building of similar age and construction type, a positive

           sign (+) indicates that it is above average, and a negative sign (-) indicates that it is below average.

 

 

Corrective Work

 

            Because of their present condition and because of the cost of their repair or replacement, the following are high priority items that will need your immediate attention:

 

PROBLEM         

COST ESTIMATE

1.       Repair and replace clapboard siding, cornice trim, fascia, soffits, cornerboards, window frames

$4000 - $6000

2.       Caulk and paint siding and trim

$4000

3.       Align and repair front porch

$4000 - $8000

4.       Brace and straighten bowed exterior wall

$1000 - $3000

5.       Insulate first floor area

$1000 - $2000

6.       Insulate heating/AC ducts

$500 - $1000

7.       Install GFCIs, repair ungrounded circuits, replace knob and tube wiring, add outlets, check wiring

$2000 - $3000

 

Further  investigation

 

            During our inspection we were not able to fully evaluate the condition and/or operation of the following items:

 

1.       Moisture levels in exterior wall cavities.

2.       The sufficiency of the heating system.

 

We recommend that these items be investigated further, before assuming ownership of the property.

 

General Condition

           

            Although this is an older home, it has been constructed with quality materials and workmanship.  It is generally in good condition.  With attention to the items mentioned in this report,  this home should offer many years of relatively trouble‑free occu­pancy.

 

INTRODUCTION

                                                                       

            At your request, a structural and mechanical inspection of the above property was performed on September 19, 1996.  The report that follows has been prepared based on that inspection.  The inspection was performed by and report written by William A. Stanton, P.E.

 

            Criterium - Stanton Engineers offers two types of residential inspections; the Standard Inspection and the Comprehensive Inspection.  Essentially, the Standard Inspection relies on visual evidence available at the time of the inspection, while the Comprehensive Inspection relies on visual evidence plus analysis, invasive testing, and extended, on-site evaluation to reach its conclusions.  Further detail regarding these two types of inspections can be found in Appendix D of this report.

 

            Based on discussions prior to our inspection, you have chosen the Standard Inspection.  Our inspection and the report that follows were conducted in accordance with the Standard Inspection.

 

            For your reference while reading the report, the following definitions may be helpful:

 

Excellent -

Component or system is in “as new” condition requiring no rehabilitation and should perform in accordance with expected performance.

Good -

Component or system is sound and performing its function, although it may show signs of normal wear and tear.  Some minor rehabilitation work may be required.

Fair -

Component or system falls into one or more of the following categories:  a) Evidence of previous repairs not in compliance with commonly accepted practice, b) Workmanship not in compliance with commonly accepted standards, c) Component or system is obsolete, d) Component or system approaching end of expected performance.  Repair or replacement is required to prevent further deterioration or to prolong expected life.

Poor -

Component or system has either failed or cannot be relied upon to continue performing its original function as a result of having exceeded its expected performance, excessive deferred maintenance, or state of disrepair.  Present condition could contribute to or cause the deterioration of other adjoining elements or systems.  Repair or replacement is required.

 

            All ratings are determined by comparison to other buildings of similar age and construction.  Further, some details of workmanship and materials will be examined more closely in higher quality home where such details of workmanship and materials become more relevant.

 

            Appendix C contains the actual inspection field notes which contain additional information.  These should be considered part of the overall evaluati