Company Information

Clever Inspections

(201) 308-3809
Inspected By:

Andrew Merriweather, NJ State License #24GI00200600
ICN# 73

Wood Destroying Organisms

This report includes a structural pest inspection embedded within the report. All observations in this report that begin with WDO are a part of a NJ State Pest Inspection. Clever Inspections employs Andrew Merriweather, Licensed Structural Pest Inspector ##NJ 62718B. Please note that most WDO observations are related to high moisture conditions that could be conducive to mold-like substances. Clever Inspections is not a mold specialist and recommends consulting with an industrial hygienist or other mold remediation expert if concerned about mold or indoor air quality.

Summary

Marginal Defects

  • G-3 Grounds:

    Downspouts are discharging adjacent to the foundation. This can cause foundation settlement or basement moisture problems. Make sure all downspouts discharge into a proper tight-line system that diverts water at least 5 feet away from the foundation. Have the downspout discharge corrected as needed by a qualified professional.

  • G-5 Grounds:

    The debris and vegetation in the south walkway should be cleared to eliminate conditions conducive to pests and wood destroying insects. Clear the walkway as needed.

  • ED-4 Exteriors and Decks:

    The aluminum siding on the upper level has been fastened with nails through the face - this is not a proper attachment and can allow moisture intrusion behind the siding. Have the siding evaluated and corrected as needed by a qualified professional.

  • ED-11 Exteriors and Decks:

    The wood in the window well in the south walkway is deteriorated and should be removed or replaced to eliminate a condition conductive to wood destroying insects. Consult with a qualified professional and have repairs made as needed.

  • RCG-5 Roof, Chimney, and Gutters:

    The flashing / drip edge is missing or damaged on the eave return at the front of the home. This could allow moisture and pest intrusion. Have the area evaluated and corrected as needed by a qualified professional.

  • RCG-8 Roof, Chimney, and Gutters:

    A rain cap and spark arrestor is recommended for the chimney flue to prevent water damage inside the flue, and to reduce risks of bird and insect entry into the flue.

  • DG-3 Detached Garage:

    Corrosion of the pressed metal ceiling and staining consistent with organic growth on the framing was noted, indicating high moisture levels and poor ventilation in the garage spaces. No ventilation was noted. This will allow corrosion to continue and is a condition conducive to organic growth and pests. Consult with a qualified professional to evaluate and correct the garage ventilation as needed.

  • DG-4 Detached Garage:

    The garage roof is being overgrown by neighboring vegetation. All vegetation should be pruned off the building and roof to eliminate and entry path for pests and to keep the vegetation from holding moisture against the structure, which will prematurely age the materials. Prune the vegetation as needed.

  • DG-5 Detached Garage:

    Organic growth consistent with high moisture and poor ventilation was noted in the garage roof cavity. I tested with a moisture meter and nothing was wet at the time of inspection and no leaks were noted - this is probably older, from before the recent re-roofing. The framing and decking should be treated to prevent further growth and ventilation could be improved. Consult with a qualified mold remediation professional for treatment options and correct as needed.

Minor / Maintenance Items

  • B-12 Bathrooms:

    The tile grout is showing signs of absorbing moisture when running the shower in the 1st and 2nd floor bathrooms. Tile and grout should be regularly cleaned and sealed with grout sealer to minimize water penetration behind the tile - see especially inside shower surrounds - main bath. This should be a routine procedure with tile unless epoxy grout was used. If this grout is not done in epoxy grout plan on annual cleaning and sealing tile grout inside the shower surrounds to prolong the useful life of the tile. Prior to sealing, replace any failing grout and caulking at inside corners. At inside corners, the sanded caulking works well and can be selected to match existing grout.

Improves

  • K-13 Kitchens:

    None of the kitchens have provisions for mechanical ventilation. An exhaust fan that ducts to the exterior at least somewhere in the kitchen is ideal - in this case, the window is the ventilation. Lack of ventilation to the exterior could be inconvenient with cooking odors and moisture. Hire a qualified contractor to further evaluate this installation and install a cooktop fan and exhaust system to the outdoors.

  • L-5 Laundry:

    A moisture alarm with water shut-off features is recommended under the washing machine to protect against accidental leaks in the supply hoses. Pans can be effective when there is a drain, but even these will not protect against a burst supply connector. A moisture alarm with automatic shut-off will. Watts is a brand I have seen installed: Link.