A space below ground level is referred to as a basement type area. Garage floor was partly or entirely below exterior soil level and is therefore a basement type garage. Maintain this area as you would any other basement area.

Testing Garage Overhead Door Operators

Garage overhead door operators require periodic maintenance to maintain safe operation. Electric overhead operators are checked for function and safety during the inspection. Modern garage overhead door operators have two safety reversal means, Contact Reversal and Non Contact Reversal. Contact Reversal is when the garage overhead door hits an obstruction and the operator should reverse for safety. Non Contact Reversal is when the electronic eye detects an obstruction without the garage overhead door hitting an object and the operator should reverse for safety.

The Contact Reversal of the garage door operator is tested using a 1.5 inch obstruction on the floor at the center point of the door. If the Contact Reversal requires correction this is typically accomplished by a simple adjustment on the operator but other corrections could also be necessary. See operator owners manual for additional details.

The Non Contact Reversal is tested by obstructing the electronic eyes, if installed properly, while the electric operator is closing the garage overhead door. The installed height of the electronic eyes varies slightly by manufacture but most typically advise installing the electronic eyes no more than six inches above the floor. If the electronic eyes require adjustment this is typically accomplished by remounting or correcting the aim of the eyes but other corrections could also be necessary. See overhead door operator owners manual for additional details. If the electronic eyes are out of alignment the operator will not close the garage overhead door without pushing and holding the wired push button until the garage overhead door is fully closed.

Regarding Plumbing System Thermal Expansion: 

Thermal expansion occurs when a tanked water heater operates without any plumbing valves open for a period of time. If the property water meter has a check or backflow preventer valve installed it will prevent the expanding contained water from flowing backwards through the water meter. This expansion causes the water heater pressure relief valve to open briefly releasing a small amount of water if an expansion control device is not present or not working properly. If the pressure relief valve on the water heater opens and does not seal closed properly then active leaks and subsequent damage may occur.

Regarding Plumbing System Pressure Reducing Valves:  

The pressure reducer or pressure regulator in a plumbing system is designed to reduce the water pressure to a reasonable level in an effort to help prevent damage to the plumbing system. For most areas if the utility water pressure is greater than 80 PSI (pounds per square inch) a pressure reducer is needed. For some areas with extremely high utility pressure multiple pressure reducers may be needed installed in series. Pressure reducers are typically factory set for 50 PSI and property water pressure is expected to be between 30 PSI and 80 PSI. Inspector notes presence of pressure reducer when observed. Pressure readings for plumbing system are not part of the inspection performed. 

Regarding calculating the load of a central system:

Several factors are considered when performing a load evaluation for central heating and cooling systems to determine the appropriate size system for the area served. Factors such as installed ductwork, insulation, ceiling height, basement area served, if present, shade, climate zone along with size, number and placement of windows have to be taken into account before sizing a system. The inspector does not calculate the load of a central heating and cooling system during the performed inspection. The inspector also does not confirm that the installed ductwork is appropriately sized to serve the the installed central heating and cooling equipment. Properly maintain the ductwork system to meet your comfort needs and to allow system to operate properly. 

Regarding Vented Fireplaces or Fireplaces with a Flue

This type of fireplace will exhaust directly to an exterior area in an effort to reduce or eliminate smoke, fumes and carbon monoxide build up in the interior living space areas. You should become familiar with care and maintenance procedures for any installed fireplace as some procedures will be specific to what type of fireplace is installed. If you choose not to learn about the care and maintenance requirements for the installed fireplace, you should have a competent qualified chimney specialist check and inspected the fireplace before initial use and then as directed by the chimney specialist thereafter. Properly maintain any fireplace as needed for proper function and safety.

What is an electrical system?

The electrical system consists of an electrical service, distribution equipment and branch wiring. The electric metering equipment is usually at the electrical service. Distribution equipment is most often one or more installed breaker panels and the branch wiring runs to all equipment, receptacles, lighting outlets and devices such as the light switches. The inspection report focuses on wiring operating between 100-250 Volts. Most low voltage wiring is excluded from the performed inspection. Low voltage items such as a heating and cooling thermostat are operated in order to determine the function of such equipment.

There are now a wide variety of lighting bulbs or lamps that will fit into lighting fixtures. Some choices may not be appropriate for some lighting fixtures. It is beyond the scope of this inspection to verify each lamp or bulb is appropriate for the installed lighting fixture. The inspector recommends that you review the bulb or lamp installations for each fixture correcting as needed for safety and function. Common errors include 100 watt bulbs installed in fixtures rated for 60 watt max bulbs and interior rated bulbs installed at exterior or damp locations. Other types of errors also exist.

The following opinion was based on an inspection of the readily accessible and visible portions of the electrical system. The Inspector is responsible for checking a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles. Electrical installation conditions and functional issues requiring correction should be performed by a competent licensed electrical contractor. Most, if not all, electrical corrections should be considered a safety concern.

What is Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Protection?

AFCI protection is designed to help reduce the chance of fire when a specific type of malfunction occurs at installed electrical outlets. This protection detects unintended electrical arcs and disconnects the power before the arc starts a fire.

Most, but not all, homes will have a need for additional AFCI protection based on varied municipal enforcement and the numerous changes for which areas require AFCI protection. Evaluate your risk exposure. Consider adding AFCI protection where needed for improved safety, particularly where construction was completed 2002 or later.

Modern Locations Where AFCI Protection is Known to Improve Safety for 15 and 20 Amp Electrical Circuits:

For all 15 and 20 ampere single phase residential electrical circuits serving outlets and devices in Kitchens, Family Rooms, Dining Rooms, Living Rooms, Parlors, Libraries, Dens, Bedrooms, Sunrooms, Recreation Rooms, Closets, Hallways, Laundry Areas, or similar rooms or areas.

Testing AFCI Function

The inspector uses push button at AFCI breakers, where installed, to confirm AFCI protection trips. Once tripped, the inspector checks indexed electrical circuits to determine where AFCI protection is present or missing.

Obvious locations lacking AFCI protection are listed in the body of the report.

Obvious broken, non working and improperly wired AFCI receptacles or breakers are listed in the summary of the report. Evaluate your risk exposure.

What is Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Protection?

GFCI protection is designed to help reduce the risk of being shocked when using electricity in certain areas.

Most, but not all, buildings will have a need for additional GFCI protection based on varied municipal enforcement and the numerous changes for which areas require this type of protection. Evaluate your risk exposure. Consider adding GFCI protection for 15 and 20 ampere electrical circuits where needed for improved safety.

Modern Locations Where GFCI Protection is Known to Improve Safety for 15 and 20 Amp Electrical Circuits:

• all electrical receptacles at Bathrooms, Crawl Spaces, Exterior Areas, Garages, Unfinished Basements
• all electrical receptacles serving Kitchen Counter Surfaces
• all electrical circuits for Dishwashers
• all electrical circuits for Hydro Massage Tubs
• all 120 V electrical receptacles at Laundry Areas
• all electrical receptacles near Showers or plumbing Sinks (within 6 feet/arms reach)
• all 3 wire electrical receptacles installed on 2 wire circuits (such as at older homes)
• all electrical receptacles at accessory buildings (OUTBUILDINGS) that have a floor located at or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms

Testing GFCI Function

The inspector uses an electrical tester at receptacles that simulates a remote ground fault current to confirm which areas lack proper GFCI protection at electrical receptacles.

Obvious locations lacking GFCI protection are listed in the body of the report.

Obvious broken, non working and improperly wired GFCI receptacles or breakers are listed in the summary of the report.

Regarding Lighting Switch Locations:

While exact placement of lighting switches is considered a design issue, installing lighting switches at appropriate locations is useful to improve safety. Generally, a light switch would be located within arms length of the entry point of a room so that the lighting for the room you are entering may be switched on from an area near the doorway. Installing a switch at an inconvenient location, such as on the hinge side of a door, would not be desirable. Where the stairway between floor levels has six risers or more, a wall switch would be located at each floor level and at each landing level that includes an entryway to control the lighting for the stairway. Evaluate your need in regard to lighting switch locations. Consider updating switch locations for improved safety if desired.

Regarding Testing Smoke Alarms:

After installing smoke alarms, test weekly and replace batteries when needed. Properly replace smoke alarms when not functioning correctly and at least every ten years. Smoke alarms should be at least the photoelectric type and dual sensor photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms are available, and preferred. Refer to installation and care instructions for proper locations and periodic maintenance.

Recommended attic insulation depth above living spaces for this area of the country is R-38 to R-60 to help lower utility costs. This recommendation comes from the US Department of Energy. Evaluate your comfort level and utility costs correcting insulation depth if needed. 

Inspector informational note regarding crawl space ventilation. 

Crawl spaces either should be properly ventilated or properly encapsulated. Encapsulated crawl spaces must have a conditioned air space. When ventilating a crawlspace it is important to have proper intake and exhaust venting to provide adequate cross ventilation. Monitor crawl space air for excess moisture and condensation properly correcting if necessary to meet your needs.

Regarding foundation vents. 

Foundation vents at ventilated crawl spaces should be open when the outdoor temperature is above freezing. If you feel you must close the foundation vents, they should only be closed for very low temperatures and then promptly reopened when the outdoor temperature rises above freezing. Our moderate climate for this area is known for outdoor temperatures typically being in the 40s to 60s f during the day in the winter. Leaving the foundation vents closed for weeks or months, in some instances, may damage the floor framing due to excess humidity and fungal growth. 

Inspecting decks which are also known as wooden porches.

Decks and their attached steps are inspected for structural integrity, fall prevention and possible entrapment openings. Concealed areas such as deck footers are not included in the inspection. Most inspected decks will be ready for some correction or upgrade due to age, wear or improper construction. For any areas ready for upgrade, you should evaluate your risk exposure properly correcting as needed for improved structural integrity and improved safety.

Any deck needing correction should be further reviewed and corrections performed by a Competent Qualified Deck Contractor as the deck inspection performed in this report is not meant to discover every possible correction that a deck might need.

Each deck should be properly stained to prolong deck life. A solid deck stain is preferred as it will also protect the deck from sun light damage.

Two useful sources for deck information may be found at the following websites:

https://knoxcounty.org/codes/pdfs/construction_info/DeckInformation.pdf

https://www.strongtie.com/solutions/deckcenter

Walkway was serviceable, fulfilling its function.