Chapter 25 – Additional Comments & Some “Over and Over Again Notes”

Let us now turn our attention to odors.

The smell of gas could be an indication of a leaking appliance.

Odd, musty, gassy smells in a home could be an indication of toxic mold.

Contact an industrial hygienist to take samples so smells or odors can be identified.  If the mold inspector’s report is returned with hazardous or toxic molds identified, the hygienist will provide guidance on how to remediate this hazard.
On the side bar are additional resources for testing and remediation.  These sites are excellent resources for additional information about mold and allergens.  In the spirit of full disclosure the kit are usually free but the lab work is not.

Pet stains and odors can be detrimental to a successful home sale.  Just as we become oblivious to settlement cracks and the other little idiosyncrasies in our homes, pet odors can also become “subjectified”.

There are enzyme-based products on the market that claim to eliminate pet urine odors.  I have no experience with this and am not able to recommend any particular product.  In extreme cases replacement of floor coverings, baseboards, wallboard and subflooring may be the only solution.  Professional painters may have advice for this issue

______________________________

“OVER AND OVER AGAIN NOTES”

Here are a few of the “Over and over again notes” common to home inspection reports.  The notes came directly out of our computer digital library.

Note:  The xxx switch of the x-gang set was unidentifiable.

Note:  The xxx light fixture did not illuminate.  The bulb may be burned out.

Note:  The outlet at xxx indicated “Hot/Neutral reversed.”

Note:  The outlet at xxx indicated “Open Ground.”

Note:  The outlet at xxx indicated “Dead.”

Note:  The test/reset function of the G.F.C.I. outlet was not operable at the time of this inspection.

Note:  The outlet over the sink was not G.F.C.I. protected.

Note:  Exposed wiring was noted at xxx

Note:  No air gap could be identified for the dishwasher.  The air gap device prevents the potential for the backflow of wastewater into the appliance.

FYI:   Maximum pressure is recommended at or below 80 lbs. to help prevent leaks and ruptures of plumbing lines and fixtures.

Note:  The closer should be adjusted to close and latch the fire door between the garage and living space.

Note:  All penetrations through this firewall to the living space should be sealed.

Note:  The water heater pressure relief valve terminates at xxx and should be redirected to the exterior of the building.

Note:  No seismic strapping was installed on the water heater.

Note:  The smoke detector was not operable at the time of this inspection.  The battery may be dead.

Note:  No doorstopper was installed.  The knob hits the wall.

Note:  The carpet needs to be stretched.

Note:  An irregularity was noted in the level of this floor.

Note:  The cold air return filter should be cleaned or replaced.

Note:  The distance between the fireplace door opening and flammable material should be at least 18”.

FYI:   A locked double deadbolt lock could be a hazard in the event of an emergency if the key is not available.

Note:  Wood-to-earth contact was noted at xxx.

Note:  Efflorescence was noted in the concrete perimeter foundation.

Note:  The insulation material appears to have been installed upside down.  The manufacturer’s installation instructions generally indicate the vapor barrier should face towards the living space.

Note:  Due to personal items and furniture, a thorough inspection could not be made of all areas.

______________________________

BONUS PHOTOS from the wide, wonderful world of home inspections.

Click here to move on to
Chapter 26 – Conclusion & Resources