Your Home Inspection

 

We advise you to read this entire inspection report

 

Our inspection and written report are performed and provided in accordance with the "Standards of Professional Practice" for Arizona home inspectors. Inspections performed according to these guidelines are intended to provide the customer with a better understanding of the property conditions as observed at the time of the inspection. This inspection is visual, not technically exhaustive, and will not identify concealed conditions or latent defects. Components and systems not visible for any reason are not a part of the inspection. Any written or verbal comments about systems, components or conditions that are outside the scope of the inspection are informal only and do not represent an inspection.

 

This inspection is distinct from a specialist inspection, which can be costly, take several days to complete, involve the use of specialized instruments, the dismantling of equipment, video-scanning, destructive testing, and laboratory analysis. By contrast, the visual inspection is completed on-site, at a fraction of the cost and within a few hours. Consequently, the visual inspection and this report will not be as comprehensive as that generated by specialists and it is not intended to be.

 

Some of the concepts presented in the inspection report are not easily understood by all lay persons. Therefore, it is your responsibility to contact the inspector for further clarification or elaboration of any issue that you do not fully understand. This is especially important if you are not able to be present during the inspection summary. The inspector is not responsible for any misunderstandings that result from a failure to obtain further clarification. We encourage candid and forthright communication between all parties; however, we only summarized the report on-site, it is essential that you read all of it. Recommendations that we make for evaluation and/or repair by appropriate persons should be completed and documented well before the close of escrow. Additional defects could be revealed by specialists, or some upgrades recommended that could affect your evaluation of the property.

 

This inspection is performed and report written for the sole confidential and exclusive use and possession of our Client. The report is not transferable. Can Do Home Inspections Inc. will not/and can not be held responsible for use or misinterpretation of the inspection report by third parties. This report is protected by the applicable copyright law(s); it may not be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Can Do Home Inspections Inc.

 

All homes will have some degree of wear. If an item is noted as appears functional or operational in this report, it indicates that the item appears to be functional or operational for its intended purpose. This does not mean that it is cosmetically or operationally perfect, nor does it indicate there are no signs of wear or use. Cosmetic items, such as stains, marks, nicks or normal wear may not be included in the report. The inspection is not intended to include other minor defects that should be readily noticeable by the client(s). Items not specifically included in this inspection report are outside the scope of this inspection and should not be considered to have been inspected.

 

We do not report on life expectancy of any components or systems, the causes of the need for a major repair, or the methods, materials and cost of correction. We do not advise on the suitability of property for any specialized use, or the compliance or non-compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. We do not comment on the market value of the property, its marketability, or the advisability or inadvisability of purchase of the property. We do not report on any components or systems that were not observed, cosmetic items, underground items, or any items not permanently installed. Should any of these items be of concern to you, we recommend an evaluation by appropriate persons prior to the close of escrow.

 

We are not authorized, nor do we have the expertise, to test for environmental contaminants, termites, dry rot, fungus or mold, but, we may alert you to its presence. We do not test the quality or quantity of air or water supply. However, a clean environment, as well as clean air and water are essential to good health. We categorically recommend environmental testing, air and water sampling, as well as the cleaning of air supply and return ducts as a wise investment in environmental hygiene. You should schedule any such specialized inspections with the appropriate persons prior to the close of escrow.

 

Any water stains may indicate current or previous water leakage. Mold may be found in areas with current or past high moisture levels and water leakage. Determining whether leakage is past or current, and the presence of mold is outside the scope of this inspection. If any signs of water stains or water damage are noted anywhere in the inspection report, further evaluation by the appropriate persons prior to the close of escrow is recommended. If you are concerned about the presence of mold, it is recommended that you have a specialist perform a complete mold assessment, including testing the indoor air prior to the close of escrow.

 

Safety related issues (which should have the highest priority) are identified in the inspection report with the [S] symbol. Read the entire report to identify all safety issues. Contact the inspector if you do not understand the implications of any safety issues or if you have questions about any of the safety issues.

 

According to the "Standards of Professional Practice" for Arizona home inspectors, the Inspector is required to "State any systems and components so inspected which were found to be in need of immediate major repair and any recommendations to correct, monitor or evaluate by appropriate persons."

 

Immediate Major Repair means: a major defect, which if not quickly addressed, will be likely to do one of the following:

 

1. Worsen appreciably

2. Cause further damage

3. Be a serious hazard to health and/or personal safety

 

Any components or systems that were found to be in need of "immediate major repair" are identified in the inspection report as adverse conditions and/or by one or more of the following notations:

 

[A]     Attention Required  In many cases a licensed contractor is needed.  Specific notation is made that the corresponding issue is generally an immediate major repair item needing to be evaluated and/or corrected by the appropriate persons prior to closing of escrow.

 

[C]     Consult Seller           Past history/performance details and other specific information should be obtained from the seller prior to the closing of escrow.

 

[E]     Engineering Consult                Engineers specialize in the following areas: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Soils/Geotechnical, Structural, etc. Contact the appropriate licensed engineer for further evaluation prior to closing of escrow.

 

[P]     Pest Control Consult                Conditions warrant a consultation with a pest control/wood destroying organism inspector prior to closing of escrow.

 

[F]     Further Review Suggested                      The visual inspection did not confirm the condition of this item.  Additional evaluation by the appropriate persons prior to closing of escrow is suggested.

 

[M]    Monitor or Repair                    The system, component, item, and or condition needs to be monitored or repaired as required.  Consult with the appropriate persons prior to closing of escrow if you are not familiar with the system requirements.

 

[S]     Safety Issue                This notation refers to a safety issue.  Appropriate and immediate action by the appropriate persons is advised.

 

Reference Remark             A handwritten circled number is a reference to further comments located in the "Remarks" Section of the report.

 

Some systems and/or components that are not included in the AZ ASHI definition of "Immediate Major Repair" may also be identified by one or more of these notations.

 

The Inspector is not making any determination as to whether the Buyer or Seller should have responsibility for evaluating and/ or correcting conditions noted in the report. Please consult with your Real Estate Agent or other appropriate persons for further assistance if required.

 

The entire inspection report should be reviewed in detail before proceeding with repair negotiations or concluding the purchase of the home. The buyer(s) may have different priorities than the inspector. Some items that the Buyer may want to have repaired may not be identified in the report as indicated above. Therefore, the final decision regarding what constitutes a significant issue rests with the buyer(s). Estimates for any required repairs or replacement should be obtained if cost is the determining factor in proceeding with repairs/negotiations, or concluding the purchase of the home.

 

We recommend contacting the current owner for detailed instructions if any specialized equipment such as automatic irrigation systems, swimming pool/spa equipment, security systems, load controllers, intercoms, satellite systems, multi-stage heating/ cooling systems, etc. are installed at this home.

 

If the seller(s) and buyer(s) reach an agreement in which the seller(s) arrange for repairs to be completed we recommend that the buyer(s) obtain a copy of the receipts and warranty papers for any work performed. It will be essential that the buyer(s) have these documents if the original repairs are not satisfactory or if any device fails while under warranty. We also recommend that all repairs be accompanied by a warranty that meets or exceeds the current workmanship standards for licensed contractors as adopted by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

 

We do not inspect the property for environmentally hazardous materials such as mold/mildew, fungi, radon gas, asbestos, lead paint, electromagnetic radiation, carbon monoxide, air or water contamination, air or water quality, etc. We do not inspect for termites or other wood destroying organisms, pests, or other vermin. If these issues are a concern for you we recommend that you contact the appropriate persons (who specializes in these types of inspections) and have inspections completed prior to the close of escrow.

 

We do not offer any warranties or guarantees of any kind. We do not calculate the strength, adequacy, or efficiency of any system or component. We do not enter any area or perform any procedure which may damage the property or its components, or be dangerous to the inspector or other persons. We do not operate any systems or components which are shut down, turned off, or otherwise inoperable. We do not operate any system or component that does not respond to normal operating controls. We do not disturb insulation, move personal property, furniture, carpet, equipment, plant life, soil, snow, ice, or debris which obstructs access or visibility. We do not determine the presence or absence of any suspected hazardous substance, nor do we determine the effectiveness of any system installed to control or remove the suspected hazardous substance. We do not include structural integrity certification, engineering analysis, draft/function or interior integrity of chimney(s) and flue(s) as a part of this inspection. We do not predict future conditions, including but not limited to failure of components or systems, project operating cost of components, or evaluate acoustical characteristics of any system or component.

 

Our observation and description of this property conforms to the "Standards of Professional Practice" for Arizona home inspectors and industry standards. We observe the readily accessible installed components and systems as applicable to the property. We describe the components and systems, as well as the method of inspection, as required by the above mentioned standards. In the event we are unable to observe a required component or system the reason is noted in the report.

The inspection is visually. Items that are not visible for any reason are not included in the inspection.

 

We do not comment on cosmetic deficiencies or the wear and tear associated with usage or the passage of time. We do not perform load-calculations or determine adequacy or efficiency of any system or the associated components. We do not inspect any areas with access less than 30 inches in any direction, or any area not safely accessible with a 14 foot ladder.

 

Our inspection should be considered a general check up; we may recommend one or more specialists complete a re-evaluation of a component, system, or the entire property. The absence of any such recommendation should not deter you from seeking the opinion of other expert(s). A specialist may uncover additional deficiencies or recommendations. If a defective or inaccessible component or system is noted on the report we recommend that all like components and systems be re-evaluated. Evaluation, repair, or upgrades should be completed by the appropriate persons well before the close of escrow.

 

Since the condition of components and systems are subject to change between the time of our inspection and closing, we recommend that you thoroughly recheck the home during your final walk through inspection prior to the close of escrow.

 

 

 

Areas of Inspection

 

 

Section 1 Site

 

This portion of the inspection includes the driveway(s), sidewalk(s), porch(s)/stoops, grading/drainage, vegetation, fencing/ walls(s), gate(s), retaining wall(s), patio(s), patio cover(s), balcony(s), deck(s), exterior steps(s), and exterior railing(s) as applicable to this property.

 

We do not evaluate any fountain(s), pond(s), or outbuilding(s), such as storage sheds, kennels, stables, etc. We do not water test or otherwise evaluate any installed subterranean drainage systems. We do not include geological conditions, soil conditions, flood potential, structural integrity, recreational facilities, or any mechanical or remote controlled components, such as driveway gates as a part of this inspection. We do not evaluate any statuary, pottery, or fire pits, etc. If these issues are a concern for you we recommend that you contact the appropriate persons and complete these specialized inspections prior to the close of escrow.

 

 

Section 2 Structure

 

This portion of the inspection includes the foundation, exterior walls, column(s), trim, eaves/soffit(s), fascia, chimney(s), flashing, basement(s), and crawl space(s) as applicable to this property.

 

We do not verify draft/function or interior integrity of chimney(s) or flue(s) as a part of this inspection. We do not offer structural integrity certification or engineering analysis as a part of this inspection. We do not evaluate areas with access less than 30 inches in any direction, areas that are buried or not visible for any reason, or areas that are not safely accessible with a 14 foot ladder. We do not evaluate storm doors, storm windows, screening, shutters, or awnings and similar seasonal accessories. If these issues are a concern for you we recommend that you contact the appropriate persons and complete any specialized inspections prior to the close of escrow.

 

 

Section 3 Electrical

 

This portion of the inspection includes the service entrance conductors, control panel(s), distribution wiring, outlet(s), wall switch(s), and lighting fixtures as applicable to this property.

 

The inspection of common electrical components such as outlets, wall switches, and lighting fixtures, etc., is limited to checking a representative number of these items, and tested using normal operating controls. Three way and four way switches may not have been tested to verify that the systems will function properly at each of the switches.

 

We do not test any systems or components that were shut down. We do not determine the adequacy or efficiency of any system as a part of this inspection. We do not evaluate remote controls or components that are not accessible for any reason. We do not test or operate any over current devices, except GFI(s), dismantle any electrical device or control, or insert any probe(s) or testing device(s) inside the panel(s). We do not evaluate low voltage devices or systems such as telephone, cable, television, intercom, security, or other ancillary wiring that is not a part of the primary electrical distribution system. If these issues are a concern for you we recommend that you contact the appropriate persons and complete any specialized inspections prior to the close of escrow.

 

 

Section 4 Plumbing

 

This portion of the inspection includes the main water supply piping and valve(s), distribution piping, hose bib(s), waste/vent piping, water heater, water heater temperature pressure relief valve and piping, water heater vent/flue, gas main supply piping and valve(s), gas distribution piping, lawn sprinkler piping, and lawn sprinkler valves as applicable to this property.

 

Functional flow is determined by observing a reasonable water flow at the highest fixture in the dwelling when another fixture was operated simultaneously. Functional drainage is determined by observing a fixture emptying in a reasonable amount of time and not overflowing when another fixture was drained simultaneously.

 

Blockages in supply and drain lines can and will occur at some point in the life of any system. Blockages can be costly and may not be apparent during a visual home inspection. We recommend that you have the main sewer line video scanned by the appropriate persons prior to the close of escrow. This would also confirm that the house is connected to the public sewer system.

 

High water volume is good, high water pressure is not. We recommend the installation of a pressure regulator whenever the water pressure exceeds eighty pounds per square inch. Low water pressure may indicate a problem with the supply system. We recommend an evaluation by appropriate persons if the water pressure is less than 30 pounds per square inch.

 

Most of the plumbing system in the building is not visible. Therefore the inspector can not determine all of the types of materials used for the plumbing system. If determining the presence of steel, or plastic plumbing systems (such as Polybutylene, PVC, CPVC, PEX, etc.) or the condition of concealed plumbing components is important to you, we recommend further evaluation by appropriate persons prior to the close of escrow.

 

We do not test any systems or components that are shut down. We do not determine the adequacy or efficiency of any system, the effectiveness of any installed anti-siphon devices, or determine if supply and waste disposal systems are public or private. We do not operate any automatic safety control or shut off valves. We do not evaluate any installed water softener or purification systems. We do not evaluate any installed fire sprinkler systems. We do not evaluate any on-site water supply or waste disposal systems, or foundation irrigation systems. If these issues are a concern for you we recommend that you contact the appropriate persons and complete any specialized inspections prior to the close of escrow.

 

 

Section 5 Roof

 

This portion of the inspection includes the general roof area, covering(s), penetrations, flashing, gutter(s), drain(s), downspout(s), and skylight(s) as applicable to this property.

 

Regardless of its design, every roof must protect the structure from the damaging effects of the environment. Water stains on ceilings, or on the framing within attics, will not confirm whether a leak is past or current, therefore, we do not make determinations of past or current leakage. You should have a qualified roofer re-evaluate the entire roof prior to the close of escrow when an indication of leakage is evident, or other adverse roof conditions are noted in the report.

 

We either evaluate the roof on the structure or indicate our inability to do so. We do not predict its remaining life-expectancy, nor do we guarantee that it will not leak. We do recommend that you obtain a roof certification from an established local roofing company prior to the close of escrow.

 

 

Section 6 HVAC

 

This portion of the inspection includes heating/cooling disconnect(s), heating system, heating vent/flue, air conditioning system, condensate line, evaporative cooler, control thermostat, distribution/ duct system, and air filter(s) as applicable to this property.

 

We recommend two evaluations by appropriate persons each year; one prior to starting up the heating system, and one prior to starting up the air conditioning system. We recommend that you evaluate and/or change the air filter(s) every month.

 

We do not test any systems or components that were shut down. We do not attempt to determine tonnage or dismantle any portion of any system. We do not operate any automatic safety controls, nor do we light or extinguish any fires. We do not operate the heating system if the ambient temperature is higher than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. We do not operate the air conditioning system if the ambient temperature is less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit. We do not evaluate the heat exchanger, firebox, the interior of ducts, flues, or in-line duct motors and dampers. We do not evaluate any installed electronic air-cleaners or humidifiers.  We do not evaluate the uniformity or adequacy of heat or cool air supply to various rooms. If these issues are a concern for you we recommend that you contact the appropriate persons and complete any specialized inspections prior to the close of escrow.

 

 

Section 7 Parking

 

This portion of the inspection includes the general parking area, overhead door, overhead door opener, fire separation, door to interior, and door to the side yard as applicable to this property.

 

We do not evaluate the garage door remote control transmitter(s). We do not evaluate any doors that were blocked or locked. If these issues are a concern for you we recommend that you contact the appropriate persons and complete any specialized inspections prior to the close of escrow.

 

 

Section 8 Laundry Area

 

This inspection included clothes washer hook up, clothes dryer hook up, laundry room sink, and vent/fan as applicable to this property.

 

We do not evaluate any installed clothes washer(s), clothes dryer(s), built in ironing board(s), or built in iron(s). If these issues are a concern for you, we recommend that you contact the appropriate persons and complete any specialized inspections prior to the close of escrow.

 

 

Section 9 Interior

 

This portion of the inspection includes exterior doors, interior doors, windows, walls and ceilings, presence of smoke detector(s), operation of ceiling fan(s), floors, fireplace(s), cabinet(s) and counter(s), interior step(s), and interior railing(s) as applicable to this property.

 

We do not test for environmental pollutants that can contaminate a home such as asbestos, carbon monoxide, radon, and a variety of molds and fungi. We do not test for lesser contaminants such as odors that are typically caused by moisture penetrating concealed slabs or those caused by household pets. If you are concerned about the presence of environmental pollutants we recommended that you have a specialist perform a complete evaluation, including testing the indoor air quality prior to the close of escrow.

 

Significant areas of all chimney flues cannot be adequately viewed during a field inspection. Because our inspection of chimneys is limited to those areas that can be viewed without dismantling any portion of them, and does not include the use of specialized equipment, we will not guarantee their integrity. We recommend that a level two inspection be performed by qualified personnel prior to the close of escrow.

 

We do not lift carpets or rugs, empty closets or cabinets, or move any furniture or personal belongings. We do not evaluate paint, wallpaper, and other finish treatments on the interior walls, ceilings, and floors. We do not evaluate carpeting, draperies, blinds, or other window treatments. We do not test any systems or components that are shut down. We do not test the operation of smoke detectors. We do not evaluate the installation or mounting of ceiling fans. If these issues are a concern for you we recommend that you contact the appropriate persons and complete any specialized inspections prior to the close of escrow.

 

 

Section 10 Kitchen

 

This portion of the inspection includes built in microwave(s), built in trash compactor(s), cabinet(s) and counter(s), dishwasher(s), garbage disposal(s), range(s)/ oven(s)/ cook top(s), range hood(s), sink, and sink piping as applicable to this property. Note: testing most kitchen appliances is outside the scope of the inspection. As a courtesy to the client, the inspector will usually operate the kitchen appliances using the normal controls to verify that they are functional.

 

We do not check thermostats or timers, empty closets or cabinets, or comment on cosmetic deficiencies. We do not test any systems or components that are shut down. If these issues are a concern for you we recommend that you contact the appropriate persons and complete any specialized inspections prior to the close of escrow.

 

 

Section 11 Bathroom

 

This portion of the inspection includes cabinet(s) and counter(s), sink(s), toilet(s), tub(s)/ shower(s), and ventilation as applicable to this property.

 

We do not empty closet(s) or cabinet(s), or move any personal belongings. We do not test any systems or components that are shut down. If these issues are a concern for you, we recommend that you contact the appropriate persons and complete any specialized inspections prior to the close of escrow.

 

 

Section 12 Attic

 

This portion of the inspection includes the general attic area, vents, and insulation as applicable to this property.

 

We do not enter any area with access less than 30 inches in any direction. We do not move personal belongings or insulation. If these issues are a concern for you we recommend that you contact the appropriate persons and complete any specialized inspections prior to the close of escrow.

 

 

 

Optional Inspection Items

 

 

Section 13 Swimming Pool/ Spa

 

Inspecting swimming pools and spas is outside the scope of the "Standards of Professional Practice" as set forth by the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors (AZ ASHI). We evaluate swimming pools and spas when specifically requested and an additional inspection fee is paid for this service. Swimming pools and spa are high maintenance systems that are prone to failure. We recommend that you contact the current owner for details regarding the operation of the pool/spa system.

 

Our inspection of the pool/spa is a visual inspection and we may not be able inspect the entire system, or operate it in all modes. Our inspection consists of operating the pumps and performing a visual inspection for missing components, physical damage, and functional water flow. The inspection is not comprehensive. Components of the pool/spa that are not visible can not be inspected. The inspection does not include: checking for leakage from unexposed (underground) plumbing, testing water purification systems, remote controls or automatic controllers. Since the pool/spa is one of the most expensive components of the property and our limited inspection may not identify all of the potential issues, we recommended that the entire pool/spa system be evaluated by a competent, licensed, swimming pool contractor prior to the close of escrow.

 

 Pools and spas do leak. This may become apparent from secondary evidence during our inspection, but the owner or the occupant of a property would be aware that the water level drops regularly and must be topped off. Tests to determine leakage is beyond the scope of our inspection. You should ask the sellers to guarantee that the pool or spa does not leak, request to review the water bills for a twelve month period, and obtain comprehensive insurance to cover such an eventuality.

 

Because of the dangers inherent in the proximity of water to electricity, we recommend that all metal equipment in the vicinity of the pool or spa, including fences and post straps, be bonded. Pool and spa lights should not be used unless they are confirmed to have ground-fault protection.

 

Pool and spa enclosures are an equally important safety feature. We recommend that any pool or spa property have an enclosure no less than fifty-four inches in height, measured on the side facing away from the water. All access gates should self-close and self latch. Latches should be no less than fifty-four inches high. All such gates should open away from the pool or spa so that a child cannot simply push them open if they should happen to be unlatched. The doors with access from the residence to the pool/spa should be self closing and self latching. Windows and doors with access from the residence to the pool/spa should have latches a minimum of fifty-four inches high. We recommend that you review the pool safety regulations in this community and meet or exceed that standard.

 

If there is a pool or spa on this property, and you elected to have and paid for the inspection, this portion of the inspection includes pool/spa electrical, filter, pump, valves, piping, shell, deck, child safe provisions, heater, heater temperature pressure relief valve and piping, cleaning system, blower, slide, and diving board as applicable to this property.

 

Suggested Safety Improvements

 

Newer homes often have safety features that are not found in older homes. The rules that govern the construction and remodeling of homes are periodically revised. These rule revisions usually require the installation of the best safety devices that are currently available or the installation of existing safety devices in more locations.

 

Smoke detectors are one example of increased safety requirements in newer homes. These devices were once considered a luxury, later one smoke detector had to be installed in all new homes, eventually several smoke detectors were required in new homes, now smoke detectors are required near and in every bedroom (among other places) of new homes.

 

The following are items that the buyer may want to consider upgrading if safety is a priority. These items may not have been required when the home was built so the seller may not be required to install them when they sell their home. Some of the items listed below may not apply to this house.

 

1. We recommend that the buyer have the exterior door locks re-keyed.

 

2. If the fireplace chimney exits at the side of the house where it is within reach we recommend that an additional barrier be provided for the fireplace chimney.

 

3. We recommend installing a lock on the main electric panel.

 

4. In any home where two slot electric outlets exist we recommend converting to three slot outlets. A licensed electrical contractor should be consulted for additional guidance.

 

5. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets provide a higher level of safety than two slot or three slot grounded electrical outlets. This is especially important when an electrical device is used in a wet location. If GFCI outlets are not currently installed in the kitchen, bathroom(s), garage, exterior outlets, near the swimming pool, for the light in the swimming pool, and at other wet locations, we recommend the installation of GFCI outlets at these locations. A competent, licensed electrical contractor should be consulted for additional guidance.

 

6. Arc Fault Safety Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) devices can help reduce fires associated with electric outlets due to arcing. The latest building standards require AFCI protection for bedroom outlets. A competent, licensed electrical contractor should be consulted for additional guidance.

 

7. Current standards require that smoke detectors be installed in each sleeping room and adjacent hallway. We recommend having additional smoke detectors installed if smoke detectors are not installed in these locations.

 

8. Many manufacturers of smoke detectors have determined the lifetime of their product to be 10 years. We recommend that you determine the age of any smoke detectors in the home and replace any units of advanced age.

 

9. Vacuum breakers installed at the exterior hose bibbs can prevent contaminated water from entering the potable water supply through a garden hose. We recommended that vacuum breakers be installed at the exterior hose bibbs and garage hose bibbs, if vacuum breakers are not currently installed at any of these locations.

 

10. If natural gas (or propane) appliances are installed in the house, we recommended that carbon monoxide detectors be installed to enhance personal safety. Under certain circumstances, natural gas (or propane) appliances can release carbon monoxide, which is an odorless, poisonous gas.

 

11. We recommend checking/resetting the hot water temperature at the water heater. It is usually recommended that the hot water temperature should not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You may wish to set the hot water temperature for a lower temperature if there are small children in the home.

 

12. Some municipalities require that water heaters installed in a garage are protected by a post. If a barrier is not currently installed adding a post or other barrier can help to enhance personal safety.

 

13. Newer kitchen ovens are required to have an anti-tip device installed on the oven so it cannot tip over. (Sometimes children will use the oven door as a step when they are trying to get to the kitchen counter top. In addition, setting a heavy object on the open oven door may cause the oven to tip.) If no anti-tip device is currently installed we recommend that this device is added.

 

14. Newer overhead garage door openers are required to have a device that can detect an obstruction (such as a small child) that is in the path of the door. If no obstruction detector (such as a photo-electric obstruction detector) is currently installed, we recommended that a reputable overhead door contractor be contacted to install obstruction detectors for the overhead garage door.

 

15. We recommend safety railings at any stairway or landing location with a drop off over 7 inches.

 

16. If the openings in the railing will allow a spherical object 4 inches in diameter to pass through the openings are wider than that allowed by current standards. If the railings are climbable they may not meet current safety standards. We recommend that the railings be modified to meet current safety standards.

 

17. Installing a security system (or activating the system currently installed) can help to enhance personal safety. You may also want to consider reprogramming the security system and garage door openers.

 

18. Upgrading the barrier system (i.e. fences, locks, self-closing devices, etc.) for the swimming pool/spa can help to enhance personal safety and protect small children. See the Arizona Association of Realtors website at www.aar.com for more information.

 

19. If the swimming pool is an older model with a single grated drain grate having it replaced (by a licensed swimming pool contractor) with a newer type can help to enhance personal safety.

 

20. If small children are in the home installing childproof covers and locks can help to protect the children.

 

21. Many types of fire protection sprinkler heads currently installed in homes have been subject to safety recalls by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. We recommend having the fire protection sprinkler heads in the home evaluated to determine if they are subject to a safety recall. For more information see www.cpsc.gov and www.sprinklerreplacement.com .

 

22. Some newer homes are required to have a secondary catch pan under the water heater to catch the water when the water heater eventually develops a leak. This pan has a drainpipe connected to it to dispose of the water. If the water heater does not have a secondary catch pan, and drain pipe installing this system can reduce the risk of damage to your home and contents due to leakage from the water heater.

 

23. Some newer homes with clothes washers (washing machines) on the second floor are required to have a secondary catch pan under the clothes washer to catch the water if the washing machine develops a leak. This pan has a drainpipe connected to it to dispose of the water. If the washing machine does not have a secondary catch pan, and drain pipe installing this system can reduce the risk of damage to your home and contents due to leakage from the washing machine.

 

24. Newer homes are designed so that emergency personnel can enter bedroom windows in case of an emergency. To meet the current safety standards, the bottom of the windows (window sill) should not be higher than 44 inches above the floor, and the window opening should be at least 24 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Older homes were sometimes constructed with bedroom windows that are relatively high and/or small. Often, the windows in older homes do not meet the current safety standards. If the bedroom windows in the home you are purchasing do not meet the current safety standards we recommended that the windows be modified. Note that this modification can be very expensive.

 

25. Make sure that goods such as medicines, or products that contain caustic or poisonous compounds, such as bleach, drain cleaners, and nail polish removers are stored where small children cannot reach them

 

26. We recommend contacting the Consumer Product Safety Commission or visiting their website: www.cpsc.gov for additional safety suggestions.