Gallery

A small sampling of issues we've found over the course of doing home inspections. Click on any thumbnail to show the full size version with captions.

Wiring connections exposed and not in a covered junction box are a hazard
Electrical junction boxes in the attic, under or around the house without covers are a hazard
Electrical junction boxes in the attic, under or around the house without covers are a hazard
Between approximately 1983 and 1996 there were 5 manufactures of ABS plastic drain pipe with known failures and recalls shown is Gable; the others are Centaur, Polaris, Apache, and Phoenix.
Erosion around deck piers presents the potential of movement and failure.
Corrosion at water fitting connections can eventually leak or a result of leakage.
All raised foundations have some cracks, it is the extent of the crack and how it moves that can determine the possibility of an issue or need for repair.
Missing outlets in junction boxes present the possibility of electrical damage and hazard
If this is what your chimney looks like it needs to be cleaned and have a spark arrestor screen installed. Creosote buildup can cause chimney fires
The ridge shingles are the first to fail and age and should be repaired or replaced.
The white growth on the underside of the roof sheathing is a wood destroying organism as a result of a leak that will need replacement of the wood and roof repair
Cracked rubber or mastic seals on plumbing vents at the roofline allow water intrusion
One of the most common and dangerous electrical hazards on a house is exposed electrical service connections above the roof. One touch generally causes electrocution and death
Steep cut soil banks without a well-built retaining wall will eventually fail and wash out
Log homes with cracked and checked logs will develop deterioration and insect intrusion
Nails, screws, and other fasteners in the roofing material should be sealed periodically to prevent backing out of the fastener and leakage
Water heater storage tanks require two approved earthquake straps fastened to the framing with lag bolts in the upper and lower 1/3 of the tank
All electrical junction boxes require a cover to be installed to contain the wiring conections
Vinyl dryer vent hose should not be used for any exhaust vents in the attic or under the house; and all exhaust vents should exit to the exterior of the house
Cracks in the chimney mortar crown should be repaired or the crown replaced if needed
The roof should be kept clear of debris at all times if possible to promote positive drainage
Cracked concrete or clay roof tiles should be replaced not repaired to prevent leakage
Metal roof maintenance includes resetting all fasteners and ensuring they are sealed
Missing insulation in the attic? Often work or remodel will displace insulation and all water pipes should be insulated against freeze damage. A frozen pipe in the attic is one leading cause of major water damage in homes
Wiring connections anywhere in or around the house should always be made in a covered and secure junction box to prevent electrical fire hazard
Water heaters are not required to be installed on a metal drain pan but it is recommended as a leak often will damage flooring and framing if not detected
Gutters at the roof are only effective if capped at the end, clean, and include downspouts
If the composition roofing material is not entirely the original color chances are it is older and close to replacement
Exposed fasteners in roof flashings should be sealed periodically with an approved roof sealant
Framing and structural connections should never be made with screws as they do not have the required sheer strength
– Electrical panels with breakers removed and open spaces present hazard of electrocution and should have blank covers installed
The white growth very commonly seen under decking and framing is a wood destroying organism and will cause failure of wood components