Company Information

Orca Inspection Services LLC

(206) 713-5715

http://www.orcainspect.com

Inspected by: Dylan Chalk
WA State Pest License #: 65540
WA State Inspector #: 365

Overall, this house is a late 1990's build that is above average for age and type. The house has some nice updates including a newer heat pump, recent crawl space clean-up, some newer kitchen appliances and interior paint. Due to the age of the house, a new owner should expect the need to pick away at some additional updates in the near term including some siding and exterior painting work and updating the older roof. Please see the full report for specific details.

ICN#  10579AR005

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. Orca Inspection Services LLC employs Dylan Chalk, Licensed Structural Pest Inspector ##65540. Please note that most WDO observations are related to high moisture conditions that could be conducive to mold-like substances. Orca Inspection Services LLC 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

Major Concerns

  • RCG-1 Roof, Chimney and Gutters:

    This roof is done in an architectural grade or dimensional grade composition shingle. The roof looks to be in the last phase of its useful service life. While it is impossible to predict when roof replacement will be needed, roof replacement is recommended in the near term, to ensure reliable performance. Examples of specific observations noted during inspection include:

    • A damaged section of roofing was noted above the entry
    • Extensive granule loss was noted at the lower roof where upper downspouts drain
    • In a few places, fiberglass mat of the shingles is exposed. This may be pressure washing damage.
    • A nail pop was noted in the roofing above the garage
    • A torn shingle was noted above the garage
    • Fasteners are starting to loosen up causing shingles to lift and nail pops
    • No drip edge flashing was installed. These are now required as of 2012.
    • Minor deterioration noted a plumbing vent flashing
    • Shingles noted on the south face, upper roof.
    • Roofing shingles are missing in a number of places for the ends of the barge rafters. This can lead to wood decay in this exposed trim.


    Recommendation

    Hire a qualified roofing contractor to further evaluate this roof and update as recommended. It is possible a few more years of life can be eked from this roof, but it is an unreliable phase of its useful life.

Repairs

  • G-4 Grounds:

    The entry deck stairs are in the last phase of their useful service life. These are pretty exposed to the weather and are now 21 years old. I noted evidence of prior repairs to the base of a number of the posts at the stair landing and this entry side of the deck. In addition there is some localized wood decay in the stairs as well as stain failure. Implement repairs as needed until these stairs are rebuilt. Examples of observations noted during inspection include:

    • The entry stairs are missing a graspable handrail
    • The entry stairs need to be re-stained
    • Localized wood decay noted at the entry stairs - see posts and decking
    • Decay noted at the wood railing at the entry side of the front porch
  • I-4 Interior:

    Water damage noted on the windowsill in the large east bedroom. This could be from leaving the window open or it could be from window leakage. This was dry at the time of inspection. Repair swollen trim as desired and monitor during the rainy season to better determine if this is a window leak, or just the window being left open during rainstorms.

  • K-4 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, the window is the ventilation. 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.

  • A-4 Attic:

    The exhaust ductwork for the bathroom fans are disconnected in the attic and requires repair to ensure fan exhaust is properly venting to the exterior. Having exhaust fans venting into the attic can cause lead to seasonal condensation and moisture controls problems and could damage the attic building materials. Repair to ensure proper discharge of air to the exterior and be sure exhaust ductwork is insulated to R-8 or better to reduce risks of seasonal condensation.

    • The bath fan vent over the family bathroom is disconnected in the attic.

Improve Or Upgrades

  • LF-1 Laundry Facilities:

    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.