Company Information

Orca Inspection Services LLC

206-713-5715

orcainspect@gmail.com
http://www.orcainspect.com
Published Report

This is a roughly 22 year old house that is in above average condition for age and type. The building has been well maintained and has had a new roof installed in the last week. There is a small recommended maintenance and repair list. The heat pump here is original, so that is an older system that will eventually require updating but it performed well to testing during inspection. Please see the complete report for specific details.

Inspected By:

Dylan Chalk, WA State License #365
ICN# 10660AR009

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

Repairs

  • DPB-1 Decks, Porches and Balconies:

    TUNE-UP DECK REPAIRS / MAINTENANCE NEEDED

    Tune-up repairs are needed to the decks. This building has two decks on the back side of the building. The decks seems to have had some updates since the original build. Examples of specific observations noted during the inspection include:

    Repairs

    • The posts for the small deck are in soil contact and vulnerable to wood decay. Updating these posts will eventually be needed. The south post had some minor decay that I could access.

    Improvements

    • The 4x4 deck railing posts are notched - this weakens the railing system and is not recommended. This is common in older deck guard systems.
    • The graspable handrail for the deck stairs is not the correct profile - an improved graspable handrail is recommended for the back deck stairs.

    Notes

    • The large deck has a better footing system than the small deck.
    • Several decking boards seem to be recently updated

    Recommendation

    Hire a qualified contractor to further evaluate and implement repairs and improvements as recommended to ensure safe and reliable performance and to prolong the useful life of the decking systems here.


  • A-2 Attic:

    INACCESSIBLE ATTIC AREA

    Part of the attic was not accessible - see the 2nd floor. Additional attic accesses are recommended so that all of the attic spaces can be accessed and inspected. Install additional access hatches as needed and re-inspect the inaccessible areas of the attic. Standards recommend an access opening of 30 inches x 22 inches when there is greater than 30 sq/ft of attic space.

    ✒️ - I looked several times in the closets and could not find an access for the 2nd floor.

Recommended Maintenance

  • G1-1 Grounds:

    TREE AND VEGETATION PRUNING

    Pruning trees, branches and vegetation away from the building is recommended. Where trees, branches and large shrubs can provide rodent access to the roof, a minimum 6-foot clearance is recommended as many rodents can jump 6-feet. All vegetation, including smaller landscaping such as grasses, flowers and shrubs should be kept 1-foot off the house to eliminate contact which could trap moisture against the building.

  • E-1 Exterior:

    JOINT FLASHING DETAILS

    The end joints between pieces of siding are missing joint flashings. These are recommended behind the end joints in the siding for a weather-proof detail. In the absence of these flashings, keep end joints sealed with caulking. Caulking is an approved method for sealing these joints, but is higher maintenance, less reliable and more unsightly. Attached are some photos and diagrams showing how butt joint flashings can be retrofit.

  • RPWDO-2 Rodents, Pests and Wood Destroying Organisms:

    REMOVE CELLULOSE DEBRIS FROM THE CRAWL SPACE

    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. This should include the removal of all wood storage.

Improve Or Upgrade Items

  • RCG-2 Roof, Chimney and Gutters:

    UPPER DOWNSPOUTS DRAIN ONTO LOWER ROOF

    Several of the downspouts on the upper gutter system are terminating onto the lower roof. This is industry standard practice but it will prematurely deteriorate the roofing shingles in these locations and it is not recommended by many shingle manufacturers. I recommend extending the downspouts into lower gutters to better protect the roof.

  • LF-2 Laundry Facilities:

    MOISTURE ALARM RECOMMENDED

    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.