Abode Specialist Inspection Services, LLC

 

EXHIBIT “A”

 

Wood Destroying Organism Disclosures

 

Conductive Conditions:

·        Inadequate Clearances:  Where there is less than 18” of clear space between the bottom of the floor joists and the ground in any crawlspace area.  (12” to beams)

·        Earth to Wood Contact:  Where the wood of the structure is in direct contact with the soil.

·        Cellulose Debris:  Cellulose debris in the crawlspace shall be considered any wood material that can be raked or larger.

·        Inadequate Ventilation:  Where there is detectable excessive moisture content in the wood of a structure, and/or active infestation of WDO which can be attributed to the lack of sufficient ventilation.

·        Excessive Moisture:  Any condition with the potential to enhance moisture content of the wood such as obvious plumbing leaks, bare moist soil, or standing and/or seasonal standing water in the crawlspace.

 

Carpenter Any Dormancy:

·        Due to the natural habits of carpenter ants to go dormant during the winter months, carpenter ants may go undetected if this inspection was performed during their dormant season.  We do not assume any responsibility for carpenter ant infestations that were not detected during their dormant season.

 

Limitations of Inspections:

·        This report addresses only items that have actually caused damage or are “deemed likely” to cause damage to structural wood members either due to past infestation or wood destroying organisms and infections they cause.

NOTE:  Wood destroying pests are primarily termites and beetles, but the category of “pests” also includes several other insects of less consequence.  WDO’s are categorized as fungi (often times called dry rot), and there are several varieties.

·        This inspection report does not in any way represent or guarantee the structure to be free from wood destroying organisms or their damage, nor does it represent or guarantee that the total damage of infestation is limited to that disclosed in this report.

·        This inspection may not include the inspection of the roof system or attic space(s).  When a WDO report is done by itself apart from a full home inspection, ASIS shall not be responsible or assume liability in any manner concerning the condition of any portion of the roof area, including the outside covering, soffits, eaves, rafter tails, fascia boards, barge rafters, gutters and inside attic spaces, their soundness or estimated life.  The inspector may note visual evidence of infestation and/or infections of wood destroying organisms in the portion of the eaves that are visible and accessible from the ground.  He may also make note of conditions of the gutters and downspouts that are contributing to moisture conditions in the sub area or at the exterior perimeter of the foundation.  No opinion is rendered nor guarantee implied concerning the water-tight integrity of the roof or concerning the condition or future life of the roof coating system.  It is recommended that if professional opinions or certifications are needed for these areas, that the interested parties contact a qualified, licensed roofing contractor.

·        This inspection does not include the inspection of detached sheds and/or outbuildings.  Sheds, garages, carports, decks, or other structures, which are not attached to the main structure, are excluded from this report.

·        This report does not include the structural assessment.  While it may be possible for the pest inspector to note severely damaged materials, neither the inspector nor his company is liable nor responsible in any way to determine the structural integrity of infested building materials.  It is recommended that if professional opinions are needed in regards to this area that the interested party contact a qualified, licensed engineer or building contractor.

·        This inspection does not include the areas beneath sleeper floors as these are classified as inaccessible.

·        If there is evidence of newly painted wood materials on the exterior portions of the home, this often obscures visible evidence of damage, infestation, and/or conductive conditions.  No opinion is expressed or implied concerning the condition of wood member(s) recently painted.

·        When the structure inspected is a condominium/townhouse type of unit and shares common sub areas, walls, foundations, attics, or other common elements of construction with adjacent units, any and all adjacent units were not inspected and are excluded from the report.  Any and all wood destroying organism infestations, infections, damage, and/or conductive conditions present in or spreading from these common or adjacent areas have not been inspected for or determined and are excluded from this report..

 

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·        Evidence of water stains may be noted in the basement or crawlspace.  Possible water leaks or drainage problems may exist which can’t be observed until the rainy season.  If any further opinion or evaluation is needed regarding this moisture concern, we recommend contacting a licensed contractor or engineer for details.

·        This report is solely for the benefit for the party paying for this report.  No opinion, representation or liability is extended to any other party including, but not limited to:  realtors, mortgage companies, escrow companies, lenders, underwriters, FHA, VA, HUD, banking institutions, etc.

·        The following areas were inaccessible, may be subject to attack by wood destroying organisms.  No opinion is rendered concerning the conditions in these areas and is therefore excluded from the scope of this inspection:

1.       The interior of hollow walls, all enclosed spaces, such as between floor or porch deck, and the ceiling or soffit below, inaccessible or insulated attic areas, stall showers over finished ceilings, exterior walls over eight (8) feet high and roof eaves above eleven (11) feet in height or any area where inspection is only possible by tearing out or defacing of finished work, are inaccessible and have not been inspected.

2.       Portions of the sub-floor concealed or made inaccessible by heating system and/or ducting.

3.       Portions of the sub area concealed by insulation.  All areas hidden by insulation are excluded from this report.

4.       Enclosed bay windows.

5.       Areas beneath wood floors over concrete.

6.       Areas concealed by built in cabinetwork.

7.       Areas concealed by floor coverings, such as wall to wall carpeting, linoleum, ceramic tile, etc.

8.       Areas concealed by built in appliances and “free standing” appliances such as washer, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, etc.  The finished flooring beneath the built in and free standing appliances cannot be properly inspected due to these appliances being connected to electrical and plumbing hookups and are not easily moved.  Therefore, these areas including connecting walls are deemed inaccessible and are not included within the scope of the inspection report.

9.       Exterior deck areas concealed by artificial turf carpeting, planters, hot tubs, etc.  When the exterior wood deck has artificial turf attached to its surface it makes this area inaccessible for proper inspection.  It is impossible to inspect and make accurate determinations of soundness of decking from viewing from the underside areas only.  While obvious rot or insect damage may be noted on report regarding decking material, no opinion is rendered concerning the condition of these areas and is therefore excluded from the scope of this inspection.

10.    Areas concealed by interior furnishings and stored items.  When a home is furnished and occupied at the time of the inspection and stored items prevent complete visual access no opinion is rendered concerning the condition in these areas and is, therefore, excluded from the scope of the inspection.

1.       Areas where lock prevents access.

2.       Areas concealed by heavy vegetation on the exterior perimeter.

3.       Fences and wood retaining walls have not been inspected.  If structural integrity of either of these components needs to be determined, contact appropriate specialist.

 

Decks:

·        When the home contains porches and/or decks with less than minimum clearance for inspection no opinion is expressed or implied concerning the condition of these wood members.

·        Due to the nature of their construction and materials and that they are exposed to normal weathering, this report will not reflect excessive moisture conditions or minor rot conditions on decks.  This report will indicate the presence of significant wood destroying organism infestations, infections, or damage at the discretion of the inspector.

 

Repairs:

·        All repairs are to meet local building codes, including obtaining building permits and supplemental inspections during the course of repairs.

·        All damaged wood revealed during repair must be repaired and/or replaced.  Some damage may only be discovered as initial damage is removed.

·        We recommend that all items in our report be completed and repaired.  We assume no responsibility for infestations, conductive conditions, or damage resulting from any items not completed or repaired.

·        ASIS does not evaluate nor warrant quality of workmanship.  Compliance with the Uniform Building Code is the responsibility of the property owner and the persons performing the work.  ASIS strongly recommends the work requirements listed above be completed by a licensed, bonded, and qualified remodeling contractor with expertise in this area.

 

Liability:

·        The maximum liability for Abode Specialist Inspection Services, its employees or agents, is limited to an amount not to exceed the fee paid for the inspection service.  ASIS will not be held liable for any claims if repairs or replacements are not made or money is spent without notifying ASIS so it can re-inspect.

 

 

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