Storage/personal items restrict access to interior: Storage/personal items restrict access to various interior components; therefore, the inspection of such components is limited.
Storage/personal items restrict access to exterior: Storage/personal items restrict access to various exterior components; therefore, the inspection of such components is limited.
Vegetation/leaves limit inspections of exterior components: Vegetation/leaves limit inspections of various exterior components; therefore, the inspection of such components is limited.
Snow/ice limit inspections of exterior components: Snow/ice limit inspections of various exterior components; therefore, the inspection of such components is limited.
Electricity is off, prevents operations which require electricity; visually inspected only: The electrical service is off, which prevents operation of all components which require electricity; such components are visually inspected only.
Fuel is off, prevents operations which require fuel; visually inspected only: The fuel service is off, which prevents operation of all components which require fuel; such components are visually inspected only.
Water is off, prevents operations which require water; visually inspected only: The water service is off, which prevents operation of all components which require water; such components are visually inspected only.
Cooling system(s) is winterized, prevents operation, visually inspected only: The cooling system(s) is winterized, which prevents operation of all cooling system components; such components are visually inspected only.
Plumbing system is winterized, prevents operation, visually inspected only: The plumbing system is winterized, which prevents operation of all components which require water; such components are visually inspected only.
Lawn sprinkler present, beyond scope, not inspected: There is a lawn sprinkler present on the property, which is beyond the scope of a home inspection. The lawn sprinkler is not inspected.
Swimming pool present, beyond scope, not inspected; pool inspection recommended: There is a swimming pool present on the property, which is beyond the scope of a home inspection. The swimming pool is not inspected. Any remarks are provided as a courtesy. A full inspection is recommended.
Property maintained by HOA or a property management firm, limited to visual evaluation of systems and components within the unit: This property is maintained by a Homeowners Association (HOA) or a property management firm. This inspection is limited to the visual evaluation of the systems and components that are located within the unit, i.e., current conditions of common areas are not part of this inspection. Any remarks about common areas are included as a courtesy and should be referred to the HOA or property management firm.
Property vacant for extended period of time: The property has been vacant for an extended period of time and the plumbing system has not been used regularly. Extended periods without regular use can cause some plumbing components to fail, e.g., seals and washers may dry out, valves may seize and older sections of cast iron soil lines may corrode and crack. Operating condition of the main drain from the house cannot be fully assessed without regular use.
Additions/renovations apparent, check municipal records for permits, ask homeowner for more info: Additions or renovations are apparent. A home inspection does not include any research on the property’s permitting history, or on product warranties and documentation. You should check the municipal records for this property to confirm that any necessary permits were obtained and that these permits were subsequently approved by municipal authorities after the work was completed. Ask the Homeowner for any product or system documentation.
Location recently affected by major storm, latent defects may exist, consider contacting local municipality: This house’s location was affected by a major storm. Latent defects may exist to the structure, electrical system, plumbing system, or other components that cannot be determined at the inspection. Consider contacting the local municipality to determine if the structure has been affected by the storm or subsequent flooding.
Inspector scanned interior with infrared camera; no significant defects detected: The inspector scanned the interior floors, walls, and ceilings of the home with an infrared camera. The infrared scan did not detect any significant defects at the time of the inspection. When systems are functional, and prior to conducting the scan, the HVAC system(s) are operated to increase the temperature differential between the interior and exterior of the home. This aids in the detection of reportable defects such as roof leaks, plumbing leaks, exterior water intrusion, etc.
New homes have imperfections and undergo changes over time; monitor structure, bring concerns to attention of builder before warranty expires: All new homes have imperfections and will undergo changes over time. Settlement, expansion, and contraction can manifest as cracks and gaps in doorways, windows, walls and ceilings and should be expected. During your first year of ownership you should monitor these areas and bring any concerns to the attention of the builder before the warranty expires. If you need impartial assistance in documenting problems you have experienced, or discovering problems you may not be aware of, schedule a second home inspection within the first year of occupancy.
Older home has unique characteristics, can’t be compared with new construction; may reflect history of construction evolution and modernization, also risks with older homes: As the prospective owner of an older home, one should understand and appreciate the unique characteristics of such ownership. An older home can’t be compared with new construction, i.e., the structure probably was constructed with materials and methods no longer used according to local code and industry guidelines which have changed over time. However, construction of an older home is not inferior to new construction; in fact, some aspects of older construction materials and methods are superior to current industry standards. It is not uncommon for an older house to have uneven roof lines and uneven floors due to the nature of the construction, long-term settlement, and age deficiencies. An older home also may reflect a history of construction evolution and modernization, e.g., mechanical systems, kitchen and bathrooms likely have been renovated even if the foundation and structure of the home have remained mostly original. There also are risks with older homes, including chimneys which represent potential fire hazards or materials used in construction which may have been discontinued, including lead paint, asbestos, and potential allergens such as horsehair binder in the plaster; this inspection does not include testing or laboratory analysis of such materials.
Trees around home require regular maintenance; falling branches can be a risk, trim or remove, or hire arborist: The trees around the home generally require regular maintenance to address their overall health and dead or dying branches. Falling branches can be a risk for serious injury and/or property damage. Trim or remove them as needed. If in doubt hire a qualified arborist for an evaluation.
Dwelling in poor condition, handyman special; report focuses on condition of major components, other dealt with generally: The dwelling is in poor condition and may be referred to as a “handyman special.” For this reason, this report will focus on the condition of the major components of the building, e.g., the structure, roof, and the major systems within the dwelling. Other less critical aspects, such as wall and ceiling surfaces, interior doors, windows, floor coverings, etc. will be dealt with in a more generalized manner.