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faetastic
06-13-2011, 01:41 PM
We are buying a home that was built in 1965 It's going to be our first ever home, so we're kind of new at all of this, but, it had been used as a grow-op "for a short period of time" prior to 2006, since then it was passed remediation twice, but on the home inspection there are a few things that have been marked as marginal.


Soffits: Wood - Wood rot, moisture damage noted. No moisture detected at time of inspection.

Chimney: Brick - Efflorescence noted at chimney brick indicating moisture penetraion. Stair step cracks in chimney.

Damper: Metal - Damper is rusted and decayed and requires repair.

Should these be priority concerns if we do buy the house? The inspector has also noted closet doors as marginal as they need new hardware, so we're a bit confused as to whether these other issues are dangerous or minimal. Can we live with the issues, or should we get them looked at before moving into the house?

Thank you!

Raymond Wand
06-13-2011, 01:58 PM
In my opinion it's advisable to speak to your inspector for clarification given he has see the issues first hand, whereas we can only speculate as to the degree and extent of the damage.

However I would be inclined to deal with the exterior issues to prevent any further deterioration and additional costs associated with deferred repairs.

Scott Patterson
06-13-2011, 02:26 PM
We are buying a home that was built in 1965 It's going to be our first ever home, so we're kind of new at all of this, but, it had been used as a grow-op "for a short period of time" prior to 2006, since then it was passed remediation twice, but on the home inspection there are a few things that have been marked as marginal.


Soffits: Wood - Wood rot, moisture damage noted. No moisture detected at time of inspection.

Chimney: Brick - Efflorescence noted at chimney brick indicating moisture penetraion. Stair step cracks in chimney.

Damper: Metal - Damper is rusted and decayed and requires repair.

Should these be priority concerns if we do buy the house? The inspector has also noted closet doors as marginal as they need new hardware, so we're a bit confused as to whether these other issues are dangerous or minimal. Can we live with the issues, or should we get them looked at before moving into the house?

Thank you!

What is "Marginal"? That is apparently a good question! This is a good example of why inspectors really should not rate items, especially with vague terms. To me "marginal" means that it is working, but it could be better.

A damper that does not work and rot are not marginal in my book, or in my reports. They need to be repaired. Stair step cracks and efflorescence could be signs of a major problem. The inspector should have called for a qualified chimney sweep or a fireplace specialist to inspect and repair the chimney as needed.

Eric Barker
06-13-2011, 02:52 PM
I know what chimney repairs can do to a budget and the conditions you described regarding the chimney would be on my front burner. I'd advise that you not wait until you occupy/own the home before you have the chimney inspected. I've had a few clients ignore this recommendation and end up calling me complaining about how expensive the repairs were going to be. The trim decay and doors are small potatoes in comparison.

John Kogel
06-13-2011, 06:38 PM
If you have pictures of the chimney and the rot, post them here. Cracks at the base are much more critical than cracks above the roof.