We get asked this question a lot! What should I fix first?
Especially when it comes to the Marginal Summary of our reports.
DEFECTIVE ITEMS REPORTED
When looking at the Defective Items List in Our Reports; One must look at what items
are safety hazards that would be detrimental to the life of your family. (Life or death) issues:
Remember all Defective Items Should Be Repaired or Replaced by a Qualified Contractor!
Here is how a person can determine sequence of repairs:
*This is just an example and is not an exhaustive list.
All Defective items need to be repaired and the order is up to the owner of
the report of how such repairs are dealt with.
Furnace:
1. The heat ex-changer on the furnace is cracked which would cause carbon monoxide poisoning which can cause death.
2. There is inadequate clearance between the furnace flue and combustible materials which could cause fire.
Plumbing:
1. Gas Service Lines: Black iron piping and copper tubing; Copper tubing and flare fittings are no longer approved
for use with natural gas. Again a Gas Leak potential.
2. CSST: Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing: Must be electrically bonded to prevent burn through in the event of
a nearby lightening strike. CSSTSafety.com
Electrical:
1. The main lugs are double tapped in a 100 amp panel. Electrical fire.
2. 120 VAC Branch Circuits: Copper; Rodent damage to the wiring in the panel was observed. Fire Hazard.
Fireplace:
1. Broken fire brick liners were observed. This can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or fire in the home.
2. Heavy creosote deposits in the flue of your fireplace chimney. This is a fire hazard.
These Defective Items need repair in a timely fashion due to their immediate damage
of other systems in your home or to the outside of your home that could put a real pinch
in your pocket book!
Plumbing:
- Main Water Shutoff: Water pressure was measured at nearly 100 PS I. This is
excessive, and is likely to cause damage to the plumbing system, and components. Recommend modifications
as needed to lower the water pressure to 40 to 60 PS I.
- Water Lines: Copper The piping above the water heater leaks. Recommend repairs. This can cause mold and water damage.
Roof:
- Roof Surface Material: 3 tab asphalt and fiberglass composition shingles
The entire rear slope of the roof is covered with worn out tarps and batten strips. This is a temporary repair.
The front slope of the roof shows signs that it is at the end of it’s life: wind damaged shingles, brittle shingle
tabs and overall granule loss was noted. Recommend replacement of the roof by a qualified roofing contractor.
If this is not repaired in a timely manner; there is a huge host of issues. Ceiling water stains, mold and mildew…etc
- Gutters: PVC Several gaps in the gutters were observed. These leak. Recommend repairs.
Recommend installing gutters and downspouts on the back of the house.
Lots and Grounds:
- Exterior Surface Drain: Buried foundation drainage tubes Recommend locating the discharge end of the
foundation drainage tubes, and keeping them clear of mud and debris. Prevent Basement flooding..etc.
A large hole surrounding a drain termination at the southwest corner was observed. This is a tripping hazard.
Recommend repairs as needed to minimize the risk while keeping the drain functional.
Defective Items always need to be looked at first. Your decision on what to repair first starts with
how it will affect the life of your family! All defective items need
to be repaired in a timely manner and done by a qualified contractor!
LASTLY REMEMBER YOUR MARGINAL ITEMS DO NOT NEED TO BE IGNORED!
Marginal Items in the summary of our reports need to be repaired or replaced in a manner to immediately prevent
deterioration, further damage, and continued damage at which time moves the repair timeline into the defective summary!
All these reasons are WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE A HOME INSPECTION DONE BY:
ESTABLISHED IN 1999!
YOU WILL GET THE SPRADLING HOME INSPECTION DIFFERENCE!
