Hot water heater flue stack
A hot water flue stack is made out of metal, which can heat up. The area around the opening to the ceiling should have a collar to protect the drywall and to prevent it from coming into contact with the HOT metal flue stack. This was a safety hazard at time of inspection.
Plumbing pipes
Plumbing lines may produce "pin holes" from within the copper tubing, causing a small like hole to occur and corrosion to form outside of the water line. In this photo, two things are wrong:
1. The water line has a small pin hole leak.
2. The shut off valve to the hot water heater should be BLUE.
1. The water line has a small pin hole leak.
2. The shut off valve to the hot water heater should be BLUE.
Cracks and crevices
Cracks and crevices on the exterior wall should be sealed. It is also an indication of uneven settlement of a foundation. But, there are other factors to be consideration before an inspector can make a determination if a foundation is failing.
AC Ducts
It is very important that ALL duct joints in a attic are sealed with a paste called 'mastic'. When the ducts are sealed properly, air loss from the joint connection is reduced to 70%, saving energy costs.
Roof flue stacks
The boots that go around the flue stack can deteriorate causing cracks to form. When the cracks are present, water will drip slowly down the PVC pipe and in between walls of a home. It is very important to order a home inspection to determine if there are any issues with the roofing material. In this photo, if you look closely, there are cracks on the black rubber of the boot. If water comes into contract with the insulation in the attic; the insulation is compromised. When purchasing a home, the condition of the shingles is an important building material to be aware of, and expensive.
Garage doors and openers
Parts to door openers or pieces of the garage door itself should be inspected and tested. In this photo, a main piece of angle metal is damaged on the inside of a garage door. This main piece connects to an arm that controls a gang bolt, which opens and closes the garage door. This piece is conducive to damage because of the wear and tear of using the garage door.
Swimming pools
Swimming Pool lights should be inspected. The cost for the light bulb is over $500; plus draining the pool; and hiring someone to install the pool light. The surface of the pool should be inspected to determine if leaks are present, or if any settling has occurred. The water pump and plumbing is something that needs to be inspected as well, for leaks or functionality, and proper installation.