Company Information

Orca Inspection Services LLC

206-713-5715

orcainspect@gmail.com
www.orcainspect.com
Published Report

This is a 1979 residential build that has been significantly renovated in the last year or two. It looks like the building was taken to studs and has a new roofing and siding system, new windows, new electrical system, new heat pump... All the interior finishes look new including kitchens and bathrooms. It feels like a new build other than the crawl space, the garage slab, and exterior drainage. There are a number of smaller recommended repair and maintenance items that are consistent with a well executed new build. A few items stood out: The exhaust vent for the kitchen fan and the unusual pony wall in the crawl space with a rusted metal retaining wall. Please see the complete report for a specific details.

Inspected By:

Dylan Chalk
ICN# 10660AR028

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

  • SAB-3 STRUCTURE AND BASEMENT - Floor, Wall and Ceiling Framing:

    WOOD PONY WALL BELOW GRADE AND FAILING METAL FLASHING

    There is an unusual configuration with a wood wall installed between the crawl space and the garage slab. This wall looks to be below grade and the metal material that is between the soils and the wood is corroded and failing. The wood wall does not seem damaged at this time, but the metal is no longer reliable and could be difficult to replace.

    Recommendation

    I recommend additional inspection of this configuration by a qualified contractor. Implement repairs as recommended. Please note that additional inspection is needed to determine an accurate scope and urgency for repair.

Recommended Maintenance

  • G1-1 GROUNDS - Drainage and Site:

    DOWNSPOUTS DISCHARGE NEAR FOUNDATION

    Downspouts discharge adjacent to the foundation, which can cause foundation settlement or crawl space moisture problems. Make sure all downspouts discharge into a proper, tight-line system that diverts water at least 5 feet away from the foundation.

    ✒️

    • Splash blocks have been used here but these may be inadequate.
    • No water was noted in the crawl space at the time of the inspection.
  • RCAG-4 ROOF CHIMNEYS AND GUTTERS - Gutters and Downspouts:

    GUTTER CLEANING NEEDED

    The gutters are clogged with organic debris and require cleaning to ensure proper control of roof runoff. Clean the gutters and ensure they are unobstructed, leak-free and properly sloped to drain. This is routine house maintenance; I would expect the need to clean gutters and downspouts regularly.

    • The roof and gutters both need cleaning. This will be regular maintenance with all the trees around.
  • RPAWDO-2 RODENTS, PESTS, AND WOOD DESTROYING ORGANISMS - Wood Destroying Organisms:

    REMOVE CELLULOSE AND CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS FROM THE CRAWL SPACE

    Wood and cellulose debris were 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 construction materials and wood debris.

Improve Or Upgrade Items

  • L-3 LAUNDRY - Washer:

    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. Please also note that appliance manufacturers recommend replacing supply hoses every 5 years to reduce the risk of failure.

Items for Monitoring

  • G1-2 GROUNDS - Drainage and Site:

    CORRUGATED SUBSURFACE DRAIN PIPE NOTED

    This is a common product that can have limited useful service life. These drains are designed to capture roof runoff and divert the water away from the building. This pipe cannot be reliably cleaned due to the corrugations and softer plastic. It is generally more prone to clogging and crushing. No signs of failure were noted during the inspection. Monitor during heavy rains.

Future Projects

  • E-4 EXTERIOR - Siding and Trim:

    SIDING MOUNTING BLOCKS MISSING

    Some of the penetrations in the siding lack adequate mounting blocks. For penetrations in the building envelope such as hose bibs and holes with a 1½ inch diameter or larger, such as dryer vents, a block shall be installed around the point of penetration. Blocking should be a minimum 3 in.. radius greater than the radius of the penetration. The main purpose of mounting blocks is so that if termination covers, such as a fan cover, are broken or damaged, they can be replaced without needing to dismantle the exterior siding system.

    ✒️

    • To install a block around an existing penetration, it may be necessary to cut the block into two pieces. If you wish to correct this, weather-cut the trim to fit it into place. Install flashing over the top of the trim block. Penetrations through a building envelope are made to accommodate needs such as hose bibs, dryer and furnace vents, electrical conduit, etc. It is important to restore the weather-resistant barrier of the home after cutting a hole for the penetration.