Sample reportSample report · Ohio
Report details
Big ones first: foundation: stair-step crack with offset blocks; open junction box: no cover, splices exposed; and damaged shingles: torn at the ridge. DIY is downspout extension: off and lying in the bed.
Systems at a glance
Crawlspace, concrete block walls · Asphalt shingles, three-tab · NM cable (plastic-sheathed cable) at the open box. Water heater plate: built 2016.
Before you close
A stair-step crack runs through the block foundation near this corner, and the blocks above it have pushed out past the ones below.
That’s movement, not just shrinkage.
Hire a structural engineer to evaluate the wall and tell you in writing what it needs.
This round metal junction box has no cover. The wire-nut splices stick up out of the box where a hand can reach them.
An open box is a shock risk, and a loose splice can heat the wood next to it.
Hire a licensed electrician to tuck the splices into the box, clamp the cables and put a cover on it.
Shingles near the ridge are torn, with pieces lifted and missing.
Open spots let water reach the roof deck.
Hire a licensed roofer to replace the torn shingles and check the ridge.
You can do these
The downspout extension is off the elbow and lying on the ground, so water comes out right at the foundation wall.
Every rain then soaks the soil against the foundation.
DIY: slide the extension back onto the elbow, angle it away from the house, and put a short screw through the joint so it stays on.
The machines
This sample set has a data plate for the water heater only. The furnace and air conditioner plates are not shown here, so they have no ages or life ranges.
Noted. On your own walk-through, snap a photo of each machine’s label and keep it with your house papers.
Tank water heater. Make: Rheem. Model: PROG40-38N RH62. Serial: ••••3339. Built: January 2016 (MFG. DATE: 06JAN2016), printed on the plate. Size: 40 gallons; 38,000 BTU per hour input. Fuel: Natural gas.
Noted. Built 2016 per the data plate. About 10 years old. Hot water for the house.
The circuit directory is filled in by hand. It lists the garbage disposal, furnace, dishwasher, refrigerator, kitchen, laundry, dryer, washer, oven, cooktop, a boiler, a house fan, a sump pump in the crawl, the garage door and four AC circuits.
Noted. No manufacture date on the label, so the panel’s age is not determined. Keep the directory up to date as circuits change.
Noted
The crawlspace block wall has white chalky deposits across the lower blocks.
That’s water moving through the block and leaving minerals behind.
Noted. Check this wall after a heavy rain. If it turns wet, a waterproofing contractor can find where the water gets in.
Ask the seller for receipts, permits and service records for the roof, furnace, AC, water heater and any electrical work. About the cover: the cleared ranch front shows vinyl siding and a brown roof, which does not match this house.
Noted. This is a due-diligence ask, not a code finding.
Systems
Covering Material: Asphalt shingles, three-tab · Roof Age: Not estimated: no dated label, permit or receipt was seen, and worn granules alone do not date a roof. Ask the seller for the roofing invoice · Inspection Method: Viewed from the roof edge and the ground
Wall Covering Material: Painted lap siding over a concrete block foundation
Foundation Type: Crawlspace, concrete block walls · Floor Structure: Not inspected: concealed by finishes · Roof Structure: Not inspected: not part of this sample report.
Method Or System Type: Not inspected: not part of this sample report. · Thermostat Location: Not inspected: not part of this sample report. · Approximate Age: Not inspected: not part of this sample report.
Method Or System Type: Not inspected: not part of this sample report. · Approximate Age: Not inspected: not part of this sample report.
Supply Piping Materials: Not inspected: not part of this sample report. · Drain, waste, vent Piping Materials: Not inspected: not part of this sample report. · Main Water Shutoff Location: Not inspected: not part of this sample report. · Main Fuel Shutoff Location: Not inspected: not part of this sample report.
Type: Tank water heater, Natural gas · Approximate Age: Built 2016 per the data plate
Branch Wiring Method: NM cable (plastic-sheathed cable) at the open box · Service Amperage: Not inspected: not part of this sample report. · Smoke Alarms Presence: Not inspected: not part of this sample report. · CO Alarms Presence: Not inspected: not part of this sample report.
Attic Inspection Method: Not inspected: not part of this sample report.
Primary List: Not inspected: not part of this sample report.
Next steps
A camera look is the only way to see roots, breaks or sags in the buried drain line.
Radon can’t be seen or smelled. A short test gives you the number.
Ohio required items
Not this walk
Machines and their ages. No data plates are part of this sample, so no ages or life ranges are given.
Inside the furnace. It stays closed on a visual walk. An HVAC tech checks it during a service.
Wall insulation. Finished walls hide it.
Buried water, gas and sewer lines. Underground pipes are not dug up on a visual walk.
Termites and other wood-eating insects. A full pest inspection was not part of this walk.
Behind finishes, furniture and storage. Not moved or opened.
Repair request
Ohio law
A visual inspection of readily accessible systems and parts, as they looked on inspection day. Not a code inspection, appraisal, warranty or engineering study.
Inspector attestation
Sample report built from more than one inspection. Real photo, location and owner removed.