In accordance with your request, the writer made a structural and mechanical inspection of the. those findings.

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1 HOME INSPECTION ENGINEERS LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS 926 Haddonfield Road, suite E PMB #162 Cherry Hill, NJ Phone Fax In accordance with your request, the writer made a structural and mechanical inspection of the above subject property on. The following report has been prepared based on those findings. The scope of this inspection does not include code compliance, the investigation for special permits/approvals, an inspection for toxic wastes in the soil, under or around these premises or the property itself, nor a search of any public records. While items regarding code compliance may be made in this report, this is not a review of the permits taken out for this property. You may wish to discuss with the homeowner and/or the building code official if there have been permits taken out for work done at the property over the years. The conditions, recommendations, suggestions contained herein are the result of a visual inspection as of this date and are presented to make this house a better and more comfortable home in which to live. This house is a two story single family residence with aluminum siding exterior walls and an asphalt shingle roof surfacing. This house is approximately 36 years old. Attached hereto are the inspection check sheets that contain additional information. These are included as part of the overall evaluation. The report, which follows, is furnished at your request in strict confidence by us as your agent and employee for your exclusive use as an aid in determining the physical condition of the subject premises. This report is intended to cover only such portions of the premises and the equipment therein as may be examined visually, and we warn you that although such premises and/or equipment may be in good condition when examined, the condition may change thereafter. No destructive or invasive testing or excavations were performed. This report is not to be considered a guarantee of condition and no warranty is implied. The scope of this inspection does not include a comprehensive evaluation for code compliance, governmental regulation

2 compliance, or hazardous materials in or around this building. Terms used in this report to describe the condition of observable components and systems are listed and defined below. It should be noted that a term applied to an overall system does not preclude that a part or a section of the system or component may be in different condition: Excellent Good Fair Component or system is in "as new" condition, requiring no rehabilitation and should perform in full accordance with expected performance. Component or system is sound and performing its function. Although it may show signs of normal wear and tear, some minor rehabilitation work may be required. Component or system falls into one or more of the following categories: a) Evidence of previous repairs not in compliance with commonly accepted standards, b) Workmanship not in compliance with commonly accepted standards, c) Component or system is obsolete, d) Component or system approaching end of expected performance. Repair or replacement is required to prevent further deterioration or to prolong expected life. Poor Component or system has either failed or cannot be relied upon to continue performing its original function as a result of having exceeded its expected performance, excessive deferred maintenance, or state or disrepair. Present condition could contribute or cause the deterioration or other adjoining elements or systems. Repair or replacement is required. This report is based on an examination of the structural system. This report is an opinion about the condition of this portion of the building. It is based on evidence available during a diligent inspection of all reasonably accessible areas. Neither surface materials were removed, no destructive testing undertaken, nor furnishings moved. This report is not an exhaustive technical evaluation. Such an evaluation would cost many times more. As Professional Engineers, it is our responsibility to evaluate available evidence relevant to the purpose of this inspection. We are not, however, responsible for conditions that could not be seen or were not within the scope of our service at the time of the inspection. No building is perfect. As you read this report, pay particular attention to our notes that often our observations and recommendations are typical of many buildings we inspect. We can make a more extensive inspection of the property if you desire. The inspection that has been completed should be representative of all items in the building but this extensive investigation would be able to evaluate every area of the building. Many things have been discussed in this report. However, we realize that there may still be other things of interest to you that have not been discussed. Therefore, we encourage you to call with any additional questions that you may have. Structure The basic construction of these premises consists of concrete block foundation walls and a 2

3 column and girder system in the basement and crawl space (under laundry room) for the support of the first floor joists and floor. This is a standard method of construction. Structurally speaking, this was a well-built house when it was first constructed and it still can be so described. Where visible, the basic structural members are in good to fair to needing repair condition. With some of the basement finished, not all areas could be evaluated. The front and rear basement foundation walls have significant horizontal cracking and movement on the walls in both the block walls and reinforcing pilasters. These cracks indicate a loss of load bearing of the walls. At this time the paneling on the front and rear basement walls needs to be removed to inspect the rest of the block foundation walls. Both the front and rear walls will require reinforcement. This reinforcement can be any type of buttressing of the wall. The installation of the steel rebar into the hollow cores at 2 foot centers and then filling the cores solid with cement is the recommended repair. Then, all the cracks noted in the interior and exterior foundation walls should be properly repaired. Sealing these cracks will help to prevent moisture penetration/leakage and will help to prevent them from getting larger. It should be noted that many foundation walls do develop cracks. Further, the degree of cracking in these premises does not indicate a major structural defect except for the front and rear wall horizontal cracks. For all practical purposes, there has been little or no settlement or movement of these premises and same can be described as structurally sound. Evidence of some anti-termite treatment and some old activity in the double joist under the front entry foyer was noted in this building. If this property is to be purchased, it should be determined who did the work, when it was done, the extent of the work, if damaged members, if any, have been reinforced or replaced, if it was done professionally and if the work is still under warranty. If the work was not a complete perimeter treatment or documentation on this treatment cannot be obtained, a new treatment is recommended. Although "no evidence" of active termites or termite action is reported, because of the insidious habits of termites, no responsibility for a termite condition that may exist or may be starting and was not visible is assumed. Further, this letter is not a warranty or a guarantee that there are no termites, but an inspection report. It is suggested that you engage the services of a competent termite treatment company to make a complete termite inspection of the property before settlement. Evidence of some moisture seepage into the basement was noted. This was noted by the water stains and some repaired paneling. This is due to soil conditions, maintenance, construction, etc. At this time to control the water seepage the following is needed: The gutter leader system will need to be made serviceable with all missing sections replaced. All downspouts should be made to discharge water at least 10 foot from the house walls. 3

4 The exterior grading must always be kept properly pitched to assure that water does not pond by the house and properly flow away from the house walls. There are some low areas in the rear under the deck and by the rear left corner that need to be raised up. The sump pump needs to be kept clean and working at all times. It is recommended that a dehumidifier be installed in the basement to control humidity in the basement. Mechanical The house is heated by a one zone oil fired forced hot air furnace. The system was turned on and properly working. However, the humidifier (which is off and should not be used due to this leakage) has caused corrosion on the flue pipe and waste gas manifold. Replacement of this flue pipe and manifold is needed. However, since this unit is older, it may be more cost effective to replace the unit that try and make these repairs. It is recommended that the heating unit be cleaned and serviced for proper operation at least once each year. This servicing should include the injector, fan, filter, etc. There is a buried oil tank in the left side yard. This tank must be tested for leakage at this time and if leaking it must be removed and all contaminated soil removed. If it is not leaking, the tank should still be properly removed as buried oil tanks will eventually leak. It is easiest to remove the tank when it is not yet leaked and replace it with an above ground tank before any problems develop. Due to colder weather, the air conditioning system could not be tested. This system will need to be inspected when the weather warms. This system is a 17 year old system. Normal lives are years and this unit is at the end of its design life. It is recommended that the unit be cleaned, serviced and adjusted prior to the cooling season and then each year prior to the start of the cooling season. This should include the motor-blower units, the filter, all electrical controls and devices for starting and operating, etc. As a result of the size layout and construction of these premises, the cooling unit and the distribution system, the proper and uniform cooling of all areas may be less that what is desired. The upper areas will always be warmer than the lower areas. This is very common in houses of this type where the ductwork serves both the heating and air conditioning systems. The cleaning or changing of filters at least every 4-6 weeks in the cooling seasons is strongly recommended. Hot water is provided by a 50 gallon electric heater unit. This unit is properly working. 4

5 However, heating water electrically is expensive and the recovery rate is slow. Further this unit may not be adequate for the size of the house and a larger unit is recommended when this one is replaced. The plumbing piping is copper, which is preferred, and it appears to be in serviceable condition. All plumbing fixtures were tested and found to be in working order. There are fitting leaks at the main water shut off and above the water heater which need repair. The second floor master toilet was off and not tested. The kitchen sink drain is leaking and needs repair. The water pressures are adequate. Water pressures depend on the proper operation of the well and pumping system. These system were properly working at this time. The quality of the well water needs to be tested at this time. In connection with the waste disposal system, no visible evidence of problems with same was apparent at the time of inspection. It should be realized that no excavations or diggings were made as part of the inspection. The septic system needs to be opened up and inspected at this time. The electrical power entering these premises consisting of a three wire service, 120/240 voltages and with 200 amperes available is just adequate to serve the electrical needs of these premises as it now stands. It would be wise to have all of the present circuits fully identified (many are already done) so that you will know what electrical load is on each circuit. The important point to remember is not to overload any one circuit and it you have any doubts about this item, it is suggested that a competent electrician be consulted. In the attic, the floating splices and open junction boxes all need to be repaired. All boxes should be covered and all floating splices made into junction boxes. A spot check of electrical outlets and switches revealed no problems. Interior As a responsible homeowner, you are best able to judge the condition of the interior finish of the rooms. In this section of the report we are concerned with those things, which are technically and financially significant. For example, stains which might indicate roof or plumbing leaks, older wall or ceiling material which may require repair/replacement; the use of substandard materials on interior walls or ceilings; or the quality and condition of such items as the doors, windows, and cabinetry is those things, which can affect the overall quality and condition of a home. The interior walls and ceiling of this house are lined with sheet rock. A number of nails 5

6 employed to fasten this sheet rock have a tendency to pop out. This condition is inherent with sheet rock construction. When the interior is redecorated, the painter will recess these nails and plaster over them so they will no longer be visible. Generally, the cracks in the interior of the house can be taken care of when redecorating. Additional insulation in the attic floors is recommended. 3-6 inches of unfaced fiberglass insulailton should be installed on top of the present insulation. The areas that have missing insulation should have R-30 insulation installed. The fireplace chimney needs to be cleaned at this time before it is used. Some minor door repairs and adjustment are needed. The rear aluminum sliding door is a poor insulation and a new door for more energy efficiency is suggested. The second floor front bedroom ceiling fan is not working. Also the kitchen ceiling fan is not working. There are cracked floor tiles in the hall second floor bathroom and in the entry foyer near the family room. These tiles should be replaced and the loose tiles repaired. The windows for the house are original wood windows and properly working. Some of the windows need adjustment/cleaning of tracks to more easily operate. There are also several windows where the tops fall down due to worn springs. Costs for putty around the windows, painting of the windows, repair of bad springs, repairs of missing/broken locks, repair of windows with broken grids due to lock damage should be obtained and compared with costs for new windows. New windows may be more cost effective. The lawn sprinkler system was off and not tested. Unless otherwise noted on the inspection check sheets, none of the appliances and/or equipment in and about these premises was tested. All that remain should be in operating condition when this property is taken over. Since the condition of this equipment can change unexpectedly, we suggest that you visit this building at least one more time before taking ownership to confirm that everything is operating properly. We have included a "Pre-Title" checklist for your use during this final visit. Exterior The exterior walls of the house are in good to fair condition. The only exception is the siding around the rear kitchen bow window areas which is loose, worn paint, dented, etc. and needs some replacement and painting at this time. Extensive exterior wood trim repair/replacement is needed. this includes the rear bow window frame, the front step railings, and all of the roof fascia and soffit the gutter leader system needs to be removed as much of the wood under and around the roof edges is rotted and all the rotted wood needs replacement and then the gutter leader system needs to be reinstalled. 6

7 Painting of the exterior wood trim is needed at this time. The front brick steps have loose bricks and cracks which all need repair. The roof was inspected. The roof is a second layer of shingles. The roof shingles are in fair condition but there are many nail pops, cracked tabs, etc. that all need repair/replacement at this time. The roof has a projected life of 3-8 years. However, many weather and age related condition can change this number. The two metal caps on the two chimney flue pipes are too close to the concrete cap and should be made taller for better draft. The rear wood deck was inspected and was in serviceable condition. However, exterior wood conditions can change and the deck should be inspected on a regular bases for changes in condition. The rear pool was covered and not able to be inspected. This includes the mechanical systems and heater. The pool needs to be opened up, cleaned, serviced, gas turned on, etc. before an assessment of its condition can be made. The rear wood shed has rotted siding that will need replacement. Due to tree root damage, some driveway areas need resurfacing. In the garage, the right side opener did not work and needs replacement. Also the two overhead wood doors are older and worn and have deteriorating of the lower panels. Replacement of these doors in the near future must be anticipated. Front view 7

8 Water stains in rear left corner of basement Basement fireplace that was not tested as gas was off to the house Furnace Rear basement wall with water damaged paneling removed 8

9 Termite activity in front double joist Horizontal crack on front pilaster Front foundation wall Sub box in basement 9

10 Crawl space under laundry room Sump pump and well Rear foundation wall Crack on rear foundation wall 10

11 Water line and valve drip Main breaker box Garage left wall bulge which is cosmetic and not structural and only a sheetrock concern Garage door 11

12 Chimney top Roof Roof Roof 12

13 Nail pops on shingles Rear wall Floating splices in attic Missing insulation in attic 13

14 Garage attic Water leak under kitchen sink Cracked hall floor tiles Rotted rear bow window 14

15 Worn siding around bow Low area under deck next to house in grading Rotted corner fascia Pool 15

16 Rear view Pool heater Rotted shed Rotting shed 16

17 Corner roof fascia that is rotting Rotting corner fascia Front steps Oil tank filler 17

18 Air conditioner Additional data concerning the house at this time are noted on the individual inspection sheets, which will serve as a ready reference if you purchase this property. As a final word, and speaking in general terms, except as noted, the conditions found in these premises are quite typical of a building of this construction and this age group and these premises can be further described as being structurally sound. The only specific structural concerns are the front and rear foundation walls which are not sound and need reinforcement. I trust that the foregoing plus our main area inspection check sheet, which is attached hereto, will give you a word picture of the main structural and mechanical features of this house at this time. If you have any questions, please contact me. This report is not to be used as a basis for determining the value of such premises or whether same is or is not to be purchased. This report is not to be construed as a guaranty, or warranty of the premises or equipment therein or of their fitness for use. Since this was as noted previously a visual inspection of these premises, it is suggested that you consider engaging the services of a competent contractor to determine the extent of the various defects/deficiencies noted herein and to provide cost estimates. Unauthorized reproduction or alteration of this report or any part thereof without express written permission of Home Inspection Engineers/Stuart F. Rosenbaum P.E. is a violation of State Law and is prohibited. Sincerely, Stuart F. Rosenbaum P.E. NJ PE license #28903 NJ home inspection license #24G

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