HomeTeam Inspection Service 6550 Concord Beaumont, Texas 77708 409-838-5440 409-838-5464 (fax) Defective Drywall Inspection Report Client: XXXXXXXXXX Property Address: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Inspection Date: XXXXXXXXXXX 1
October 00, 2010 Mr. Re: XXXXXXX XXXXXX Drywall Inspection XXXXXXX Dear Mr. XXXXX: In complying with your request, the HomeTeam Inspection Service has completed an Inspection at the above referenced property. Our report is enclosed. The HomeTeam Inspection Service appreciates the opportunity to provide professional services to you. If you have any questions, please contact The HomeTeam Inspection Service at 409-838-5440. Respectfully submitted, Curtis Carr (Inspector) 2
Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction 4 1.1 Purpose 4 1.2 Investigative Work 4 1.3 Report Basis 4 2.0 Investigative Work 5 2.1 Property Description 5 2.2 Interview 5 2.3 Observations 5 2.4 Drywall Sampling 6 3.0 Conclusions 7 4.0 Limitations 8 Site Photographs Laboratory results Appendix A Appendix B 3
1.0 Introduction The HomeTeam Inspection Service was hired by XXXXX to conduct a defective drywall inspection of the structure located at XXXXXXX. 1.1 Purpose The purpose of HomeTeam s inspection was to determine the presence of defective drywall and any visible related corrosion in the home. 1.2 Investigative Work HomeTeam visited the site on October 00, 2010. Our assessment consisted of a visual inspection. We were attempting to locate any visible corrosion to metallic surfaces such as copper wires, copper plumbing lines, water heater lines, A/C coil, door hinges, ceiling fixtures, mirrors, etc. We were also attempting to identify the manufacture labels on the back of the drywall in the attic. We were directed by the client to do a visual inspection only (no samples taken). 1.3 Report Basis The conclusions contained in this report are based on information obtained during Home Team s assessment of the property. The following sources of information were used: We conducted an interview of the client for a history of the house regarding its building date and any additions and repaired that were made after construction. We searched for labels on the sheetrock backing in the attic by doing a random sampling in order to identify the manufacturer. We conducted a visual inspection of the interior of the structure. We checked the interior for any unusual odors that might be related to drywall off-gassing. 4
We searched for visible corrosion to metallic surfaces in the house. 2.0 Investigative Work 2.1 Property Description Through this report the terms right and left are used to describe the structure as viewed facing it from the street. The wood frame structure was on a slab on grade foundation. There was a brick veneer covering on the exterior and sheetrock on the interior. There was an asphalt-fiberglass roof. 2.2 Interview We were informed by the client that the home had been built in approximately 2006. The home was involved in a Real Estate sale. We were also informed that the home previously had four service responses within one and one half months dealing with problems on the air conditioning unit. The client stated that he was aware that damage to air conditioner coils is a possible result of Chinese drywall. The client was concerned that the drywall used in the construction of the home may have been the type that is defective. We were requested to do a defective drywall inspection of the home. 2.3 Observations All conditions are reported as they existed at the time of the inspection. A visual inspection and assessment of the structure was conducted to locate the presence of defective drywall and unusual corroded surfaces. (History of home) The home appeared to have been built in or around 2006, a date within the period of when the defective drywall in question first began to be used. (Manufacturer s label) The insulation was pulled back in the attic to reveal the manufacturer of the drywall as being Knauf. The label also contained a stamp, Dongguan, China, ASTM, C36. It is important to note that this was only a random sampling. We are unable to identify all of the 5
manufacturer s labels in the attic or any of the labels on the walls. In many homes more than one brand of drywall was used. Just because a particular manufacturer s label is identified in the attic does not mean that it was the only brand of drywall used in the home. (Unusual odor) No unusual sulfur-like odor was detected in the structure at the time of our inspection. (Visible metallic corrosion) No visible metallic surfaces showed signs of corrosion at the time of our inspection. 2.4 Drywall Sampling The purpose of the sampling is to identify the presence and levels of Orthorhombic Cyclooctasulfur. No drywall sampling was done per request of the client. 6
3.0 Conclusions Though no visible evidence was found of corrosion to any metallic surfaces, Chinese drywall has been identified in this home. It is impossible to determine how much of this product was used in the construction of this home with a visual inspection. Chinese drywall has been reported to have unusually high level of hydrogen sulphide and sulfur dioxide that over time causes corrosive damage to any metal in the home including electrical wiring, plumbing and HVAC units and possible health issues. The HomeTeam Inspection Service recommends that the client inform him/herself about the issues related to Chinese drywall prior to the closing of the home. It is recommended that laboratory testing be done to further evaluate the composition of the drywall found in the home. Additional information can be found at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/indoor-air/drywall.html 7
4.0 Limitations This defective drywall inspection was conducted following standard practices and guidelines as formulated by the HomeTeam Inspection Service. The HomeTeam Inspection Service was hired to provide a defective drywall inspection only. A Protocol detailing any remediation or mitigation that might be needed was excluded and therefore was not included on this project and report. The submittal of this report constitutes the conclusion of services provided by The HomeTeam Inspection Service to the client. The HomeTeam Inspection Service reserves the right to provide additional services for an additional fee at a future date if requested. Regardless of how thorough an inspection may be conducted, it is always possible that additional areas containing defective drywall, corrosion to metallic surfaces or other adverse conditions may be present, though not readily visible or accessible at the time of the inspection. The findings represent conditions that were visible and in areas that were accessible at the time of the inspection. It is important to understand that building conditions such as indoor air quality can and do change on a daily basis and some symptoms of defective drywall may not be visible or fully developed at the time of the inspection. The home could have defective drywall that is offgassing, but may not have had the time needed to develop visible signs. If additional information or evidence becomes available which may affect The HomeTeam Inspection Service s findings, we request the opportunity to evaluate the information and modify our findings as appropriate. It is the opinion of The HomeTeam Inspection Service that we have met what is recognized as the accepted standards normally exercised by others in conducting a defective drywall inspection of a structure. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding the information contained in this report. All conditions are reported as they existed at the time of the inspection. Although some maintenance and/or safety items may be disclosed, this report does not include all maintenance or safety items, and should not be relied upon for such items. This is not a code inspection report. This report does not address the insurability of the property. Identifying items included in manufacturer recalls are 8
not within the scope of the inspection. Acceptance and/or use of this report implies acceptance of the Defective Drywall Inspection Agreement and the terms stated therein. Defective items listed in this report should be repaired prior to closing if the building is involved in a Real Estate sale. The client named at the beginning of this report has acknowledged that the inspection report is intended for the CLIENT s sole, confidential, and exclusive use and is not transferable in any form. The HomeTeam Inspection Service assumes no responsibility for the use or misinterpretation by third parties. 9
Appendix A Site Photographs Front exterior Water heater (no corrosion to lines) No corrosion to wire ends No corrosion to evaporator coil 10
Label states, made in Dongguan, China Label states the manufacturer was Knauf 11