Company Information

Charles Buell Inspections INC

206-478-7371
charles@buellinspections.com
http://www.buellinspections.com

Inspected by: Charles Buell
WA State Pest License #: 67488
WA State Inspector #: 220

Published Report

ICN# 0000AQ0000

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 WA State Pest Inspection. Charles Buell Inspections INC employs Charles Buell, Licensed Structural Pest Inspector ##67488. Please note that most WDO observations are related to high moisture conditions that could be conducive to mold-like substances. Charles Buell Inspections INC 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.Pest Inspection Standards in Washington State - WAC 16-228-2045 - REQUIRES THAT A DIAGRAM / DRAWING BE PREPARED FOR WOOD DESTROYING ORGANISM (WDO) REPORTS. IF THE PHOTOS AND DESCRIPTIONS IN THIS REPORT ARE INADEQUATE, A DRAWING IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

Summary

Repair/Replace Items

  • GROUNDS-9 ⛺GROUNDS:

    The treated wood typically used in the construction of retaining wall structures is called "ground contact" pressure treated wood. Because the preservative does not typically penetrate to the center of the wood, decay/rot and damage by wood destroying insects can occur over time. This often cannot be determined in a visual inspection. Wood members with typical checking cracks are especially prone to hidden damage. Ground Contact, pressure treated lumber, older than 20 years, should be invasively tested by a qualified party to determine the soundness of the wood. When wood retaining wall structural components need to be replaced, they should be replaced with "foundation grade" pressure treated lumber. Some decay/rot was noted at most of the wood retaining structures around the properly and all should be evaluated and replaced/repaired by a qualified party as deemed necessary. Pictures below are only representative.

    • 🛑 Safety 🔧 Maintenance 👁‍🗨 Monitor 🐞 WDO’s ➕ Upgrade 🔍 Due Diligence
  • BUILDINGEXTERIOR-5 🏡BUILDING EXTERIOR:

    Some of the siding has weathering/deterioration. All siding components should be carefully evaluated as to the need for repairs and repaired as necessary by a qualified party. Proper caulking of siding and trim details should be fully evaluated and caulked/sealed/flashed as deemed necessary. I recommend professional repainting of the home by a qualified painting contractor. Of particular concern is the siding around the sun-room where there is evidence by moisture meter of water in and behind the siding. Some decay/rot was present and hidden damage should be anticipated. Water penetration of the chimney chases is also suspected but not verified.

    • 🛑 Safety 🔧 Maintenance 🐞 WDO’s 🔍 Due Diligence
  • WWDFED-1 West Wood Deck & Front Entryway Deck:

    Both wood deck structures (discussed together for simplification) have numerous issues and no attempt to document all these issues will be made in this report. The following pictures with descriptions are meant to convey the necessity for a full evaluation/repair or likely even replacement of the structures by a qualified deck installation/repair contractor for improved safety. There are issues with:

    • Decay/Rot in support posts
    • Decay/Rot in beams
    • Decay/Rot in floor structures
    • Decay/Rot in guard structures
    • Decay/rot in stairs
    • Failed deck surfaces
    • Ledger not bolted or not adequately bolted
    • Guard not adequate
    • Guard spacings inadequate
    • Stair structures not adequate
    • Stair guard not adequate
    • Guards that would not meet lateral force requirements either at the top rail or at the field (balusters)
    • No solid blocking above beams
    • Missing handrails
    • Inadequate/improper repairs

    These pictures should not be construed to be a complete accounting of the issues. Deck structure replacements typically require permits and sometimes engineering. Discuss with the deck contractor the costs related to these repairs/replacement to your satisfaction and the deck should only be used with great care until proper repairs/replacement is completed.

    • 🛑 Safety 🔧 Maintenance 👁‍🗨 Monitor 🐞 WDO’s ➕ Upgrade 🔍 Due Diligence
  • S1-1 South deck:

    The south deck structure has numerous issues and most are adequately discussed with the other deck narrative--especially as relates to the guard. The following pictures with descriptions are meant to convey the necessity for a full evaluation/repair of the structure by a qualified deck installation/repair contractor for improved safety. There are issues with:

    • Inadequate post attachment
    • Leaking into finish structures below
    • Failed deck surfaces
    • Guard not adequate
    • Guard spacings inadequate

    These pictures should not be construed to be a complete accounting of the issues. Deck structure replacements typically require permits and sometimes engineering. Discuss with the deck contractor the costs related to these repairs/replacement to your satisfaction and the deck should used with caution until proper repairs/replacement is completed.

    • 🛑 Safety 🔧 Maintenance 👁‍🗨 Monitor 🐞 WDO’s ➕ Upgrade 🔍 Due Diligence
  • ROOF-1 ROOF:

    The shake roof surface has reached the end of its useful life and no longer adequately protects the home from damage from the elements. I recommend replacement of the roof by a qualified roofing contractor. I recommend obtaining estimates as to costs of replacement and any associated repairs that might be necessary in conjunction with the replacement.  The pictures below document some of the concerns related to this roof and should not be construed to mean there are no other conditions that need to be addressed. Hidden damage is common with failed roofs. All underlying structures should be evaluated and repaired as deemed necessary in the context of the roof replacement. Extensive patching of the roof is evident and further repairs will be difficult due to overall fragility of the shakes. I recommend factoring replacement of the roof as soon as practical. Confidence is low that the roof is not currently leaking. 

    • 🔧 Maintenance 👁‍🗨 Monitor 🐞 WDO’s 🔍 Due Diligence

Due Diligence

  • GROUNDS-2 ⛺GROUNDS:

    Proper function of underground drains is beyond the scope of this inspection. I recommend that proper function be both determined and maintained. If drains are present and accessible, one method to verify function is to run a hose into them for a prolonged time and see whether water backs up out of the drain. While some can be inspected by remote camera, most sewer scoping companies do not scope these drains.

    • 🛑 Safety 🔧 Maintenance 👁‍🗨 Monitor 🐞 WDO’s ➕ Upgrade 🔍 Due Diligence
  • GROUNDS-7 ⛺GROUNDS:

    There is some decaying wood lying about the property (including tree stumps)--typical of heavily wooded properties. Keeping this debris cleared away from the immediate area of the home is recommended. This decaying wood as it is a source of food and habitat for wood destroying organisms.

    • 🔧 Maintenance 👁‍🗨 Monitor 🐞 WDO’s
  • GROUNDS-11 ⛺GROUNDS:

    This list of wood decay/rot is not specific and is only designed to comply with reporting requirements of the WSDA . More details are provided at specific locations within the report. Wood decay/rot was noted in the following locations in: trees,

    stumps, wood debris around property, landscape timbers, landscape stairs, etc

    • 🔧 Maintenance 👁‍🗨 Monitor 🐞 WDO’s 🔍 Due Diligence
  • BUILDINGEXTERIOR-7 🏡BUILDING EXTERIOR:

    There are some issues with the wood trim that should be evaluated and repaired as deemed necessary by a qualified party in the context of the siding evaluation/repairs and the deck repairs/replacement. There was evidence of patching/repairs, weathering/deterioration, rot/decay, etc.

    • 🔧 Maintenance 👁‍🗨 Monitor 🐞 WDO’s ➕ Upgrade 🔍 Due Diligence

Recommended Maintenance Items

  • ROOF-6 ROOF:

    Most of the gutters need cleaning. I recommend professional cleaning/maintenance by a qualified gutter cleaning company. This cleaning should include downspouts and verification of proper function. 

    • 🔧 Maintenance 👁‍🗨 Monitor 🐞 WDO’s 🔍 Due Diligence
  • ROOF-9 ROOF:

    There is considerable vegetative debris on the roof---mostly on the west side of the roof. I recommend proper removal of this vegetation by a qualified party. Sometimes debris/moss can limit inspection and hide adverse roof conditions, as well as cause damage to the roof. Some amount of hidden damage should always be anticipated. Inspection of the roof by a qualified party after removal is recommended. I recommend that moss never be pressure washed. Pressure washing (whether with air or water) takes years off the life of a roof. It is best to gently sweep moss off during the dry season and to sprinkle laundry detergent on the roof to act as a deterrent to moss growth. Sometimes moss inhibitors are successful---sometimes not. Installation of zinc strips can also aid in keeping moss from becoming invasive.

    • 🔧 Maintenance 🐞 WDO’s 🔍 Due Diligence
  • BB-2 🛀Basement Bathroom:

    I recommend proper caulking of the bases of all of the toilets to the floor---where currently missing. Caulking the base of the toilet helps to stabilize the toilet as well as making cleaning around the toilet easier. Proper caps can be installed on the hold-down bolts as well.

    • 🛑 Safety 🔧 Maintenance 🔍 Due Diligence

Improvements

  • BUILDINGEXTERIOR-8 🏡BUILDING EXTERIOR:

    There are areas that are not properly counter-flashed. All materials, in order to properly shed water, are required to counter-flash materials below them. Missing flashings can lead to water penetration behind the siding and can lead to water penetration of the house sheathing at these locations. Repairs would likely prove difficult but repairs may become necessary in time--this is especially true in areas that are not well protected by overhangs on the south sides of the home. Hidden damage is common, with at least the trim boards. I recommend monitoring and repairs later when it becomes necessary or that proper flashings be installed now by a qualified siding contractor to avoid perhaps more costly repairs later. In the context of repainting the home you might want to consider having proper flashings installed. If flashings are not installed it will be necessary to be vigilant about keeping the connections well caulked and sealed to prevent water intrusion. The big drawback to caulking these connections as opposed to proper flashings is that water that finds its way behind the siding will not have a good pathway out from behind the siding and can cause hidden damage behind the siding. These flashings are obviously less critical in areas well protected by overhangs---as is the case at many locations on this home, but that does not eliminate the "requirement" for them by current building standards or that it increases the risk of hidden damage.

    • 🔧 Maintenance 👁‍🗨 Monitor 🐞 WDO’s ➕ Upgrade 🔍 Due Diligence

Monitor

  • ROOF-2 ROOF:

    Past leaking into the roof structure was noted around the skylights. I recommend monitoring during rains for signs of leaking. Hidden damage is always possible.

    • 🔧 Maintenance 👁‍🗨 Monitor 🐞 WDO’s 🔍 Due Diligence.