Repairs

• RPWDO-1 Rodents, Pests and Wood Destroying Organisms:

  Wood and cellulose debris was noted in the crawl space. This can encourage wood destroying organisms such as subterranean termites. Removal of all cellulose debris from the crawl space is recommended to eliminate conditions conducive to wood destroying organisms.

• EG-2 Exterior/Garage:

  Visual inspection of the fiber cement siding installation showed the need for repairs as well as some installation details that are not consistent with modern manufacturers installation requirements. This is typical for this age of construction. Some of the items noted can be repaired or improved, while others simply are the way they are until a larger re-siding is needed. Consult with a qualified contractor to further investigate the siding and repair as recommended to prolong the useful life of the siding. Examples of observations noted during inspection include:

  • Siding run right to the horizontal flashing and sealed. This is not recommended but difficult to fix at this point. I would caulk and seal the crack in the siding - east side above door.
  • Siding to concrete contact is not recommended - a minimum 1- 2 inch clearance should be maintained. This will be difficult to correct at this point.
  • Siding with inadequate clearance to grade - should be 6 inches to soils - try and improve grading at the front side.
  • The siding is in contact with the decking. This is not ideal and could trap moisture on the siding.
  • Missing back flashings at butt joints - these flashings can be retrofit on exposed sides of the building with metal flashing tabs or maintained with caulking.
• RA-1 Roof/Attic:

  Clean organic debris from the roof to ensure unrestricted paths for roof drainage. This is routine maintenance that should be part of a regular maintenance schedule for the HOA.

• RA-2 Roof/Attic:

  Signs of air leakage around the skylight chambers were found inside the attic today. Air-sealing air leakage points is recommended to reduce risks of condensation and water damage around the skylight and to conserve energy.

• HCFV-3 Heating, Cooling, Fireplaces and Ventilation:

  The ductwork for the bathroom fans is uninsulated in the attic space. This can cause condensation during cold weather and is less energy efficient. Replace these with insulated exhaust ducts or insulate to R-8 or better.

• K-1 Kitchen:

  The kitchen has no provisions for ventilation. An exhaust fan that ducts to the exterior is required at least somewhere in the kitchen - in this case, all you have is the window for ventilation, which is marginal. Lack of ventilation to the exterior could be inconvenient with cooking odors. Hire a qualified contractor to further evaluate this installation and install a cooktop fan and exhaust system to the outdoors.

• FB-1 Family Bathroom:

  The loose toilet in the downstairs bath needs to be reset and the wax ring and flange should be replaced to prevent hidden plumbing leaks. This is a simple job unless the bolts that fasten the toilet also require repair. Sometimes, loose toilets can even be shimmed for a tight and proper seal by qualified plumbers and sometimes simply caulking can help. Hire a licensed plumber to further evaluate and repair.

• CS-3 Crawl Space:

  Crawl space vents are currently blocked by insulation in places. Implement repairs as needed to ensure vents are unobstructed. Use cardboard baffles to hold insulation up away from the vents.