You now know this home inside and out. Here's what to handle first.
Every home has findings — a report like this is how you stay ahead of them, not a reason to worry. Your inspector wrote it all down so nothing surprises you later.
Planning ranges across 13 findings: $9,295 – $59,590 · rough ranges, not contractor quotes
01
Electrical
▲ 2Safety attention◆ 1Major defect
01.1
Knob-and-tube wiring in service in the attic
▲Safety attention Attic; traced to two second-floor circuitsBefore closing
In plain terms — This is an electrical note. An electrician can confirm and correct it — the report's recommendation says how.
What we observed
Original knob-and-tube wiring remains energized in the attic, serving at least two second-floor lighting circuits. The visible runs are intact and workmanlike, but this wiring method has no grounding conductor, and its insulation is now more than seventy years old. Several runs pass under later blown-in insulation, which this wiring type is not rated for.
Why it matters
Have a licensed electrician evaluate all knob-and-tube circuits and price replacement. Insurers commonly restrict coverage on homes with active knob-and-tube, so resolving this belongs in your closing timeline, not after it.
Recommended
Have a qualified professional evaluate before closing.Planning range: $$ – $$$ · rough range, not a quote
01.2
Three-prong receptacles without ground continuity
▲Safety attention Living room; both rear bedroomsBefore closing
Reference image — not this property
Reference image — not this property.
What we observed
Several three-prong receptacles tested open-ground. They were installed on two-wire circuits, so a grounded appearance exists without a grounding path — an electric-shock and equipment risk.
Why it matters
Have the electrician correct these as part of the wiring evaluation: options include rewiring, GFCI protection with proper labeling, or restoring two-prong devices where appropriate.
Recommended
Have a qualified professional evaluate before closing.Planning range: $$ – $$$ · rough range, not a quote
01.3
Fuse-based service equipment with limited capacity
◆Major defect Basement, service panelNear-term
What we observed
The home is served by 60-amp fuse-based service equipment. The panel is original, has no open positions, and several circuits serve multiple rooms. No scorching or overfusing was observed, but capacity is limited for modern loads.
Why it matters
Plan a service upgrade to a modern breaker panel with a licensed electrician. This pairs naturally with the knob-and-tube evaluation and is often quoted as one project.
Recommended
Request repair, credit, or a specialist quote during negotiation.Planning range: $$ – $$$ · rough range, not a quote
▲Safety attention Basement, water heaterBefore closing
In plain terms — The water heater and its safety relief valve were checked. The note is about its age, condition, or that safety valve — normal things to keep an eye on.
What we observed
The temperature-and-pressure relief valve's discharge pipe ends roughly thirty inches above the floor. If the valve ever discharges, scalding water would spray at that height rather than draining safely near the floor.
Why it matters
Extend the TPR discharge to within six inches of the floor using an approved material. This is a low-cost correction any plumber can complete quickly.
Recommended
Have a qualified professional evaluate before closing.Planning range: $$ – $$$ · rough range, not a quote
02.2
Galvanized steel supply piping remains in service
◆Major defect Basement distribution; risers to bathroom
What we observed
Original galvanized steel supply piping serves the bathroom riser and portions of the basement distribution. Functional flow at fixtures was adequate but noticeably reduced at the tub. Galvanized pipe corrodes from the inside; reduced flow generally indicates advanced internal buildup.
Recommended
Have a plumber price replacement of the remaining galvanized runs with modern piping. Partial replacement of accessible basement runs is a reasonable first phase.
02.3
Slow drain at the hall lavatory
●Repair & maintenance Hall bathroom
Reference image — not this property
Reference image — not this property.
What we observed
The bathroom lavatory drained slowly during functional testing; the tub and toilet drained normally.
Recommended
Clear the lavatory trap and branch line as routine maintenance.
02.4
Original cast-iron main — sewer scope recommended
○Informational Basement to street
Reference image — not this property
Reference image — not this property.
What we observed
The building drain and visible portion of the sewer lateral are original cast iron. Interior condition of buried piping cannot be determined by a visual inspection.
Recommended
A camera inspection of the sewer lateral before closing is inexpensive relative to the repair it can reveal, and is standard diligence for a home of this age.
03
Foundation & Structure
◆ 1Major defect○ 1Informational
03.1
Step cracking with a seasonal moisture band at the northeast corner
◆Major defect Northeast foundation cornerNear-term
What we observed
Step cracking follows the mortar joints at the northeast corner of the block foundation, with an efflorescence band along the base of the wall indicating recurring seasonal moisture rather than a single event. The crack pattern is consistent with minor settlement; no displacement or bowing was measured. Framing above probed sound.
Why it matters
Address the water first: correct the short downspout at this corner and re-establish positive grade. Then have a foundation contractor evaluate and repoint the cracked joints, and monitor annually for any change in width.
Recommended
Request repair, credit, or a specialist quote during negotiation.Planning range: $$$$+ · rough range, not a quote
03.2
Sistered joist repair under the kitchen — documented
○Informational Basement, under kitchen
Reference image — not this property
Reference image — not this property.
In plain terms — This is part of the home's wooden frame that holds things up. The note flags wear, damage, or a modification worth a closer look.
What we observed
Two floor joists under the kitchen carry older sistered repairs. The work is competent, bearing is proper, and the floor above is level. Recorded for your permanent file.
Recommended
No action needed — retained for the record.
04
Roof
◆ 1Major defect○ 1Informational
04.1
Open joint in the chimney step flashing
◆Major defect Chimney, up-slope side
In plain terms — Flashing is the thin metal that seals roof edges and joints — around chimneys, valleys, walls. Where it's missing or loose, water can sneak in.
What we observed
One step-flashing joint on the up-slope side of the chimney is open where sealant has failed and a flashing piece has lifted. Light staining on the roof sheathing directly below, visible from the attic, indicates minor intermittent entry during wind-driven rain.
Recommended
Have a roofer reset and reseal the chimney step flashing. Left open, this joint will eventually stain the second-floor ceiling below.
04.2
Roof covering mid-life with serviceable field
○Informational All slopes
Reference image — not this property
Reference image — not this property.
In plain terms — Shingles are the roof's outer layer that sheds water. Some are worn, cracked, lifted, or missing here — the kind of thing a roofer evaluates so water stays out.
What we observed
The asphalt shingle covering appears roughly mid-life, with even wear and no active leakage aside from the chimney flashing noted separately.
Recommended
No action needed — retained for the record.
05
Fireplace & Chimney
◆ 1Major defect
05.1
Masonry flue is unlined
◆Major defect Living-room fireplace flue
In plain terms — The chimney and its cap were checked. The note is about wear, sealing, or the cap — worth handling so water and weather don't get in.
What we observed
The fireplace flue is original unlined masonry. Mortar joints visible from the firebox and from the attic chase show open gaps. Unlined flues allow combustion gases and heat to reach the masonry and adjacent framing, and do not meet the standard applied to active fireplaces today.
Recommended
Do not use the fireplace until a chimney professional performs a Level II (camera) evaluation and quotes a liner. If you do not intend to use the fireplace, have the flue capped and note it as decorative.
06
Heating
◆ 1Major defect● 1Repair & maintenance
06.1
Furnace operating beyond its design service life
◆Major defect Basement
In plain terms — The heating/cooling system was checked. The note is about its age, service, or a component — routine things a technician can service.
What we observed
The gas furnace's data plate shows a 1998 manufacture date — roughly a decade beyond typical design life. It fired and heated normally during the inspection, and no flame disturbance was observed, but a heat exchanger of this age warrants specialist evaluation, and replacement should be planned rather than assumed distant.
Recommended
Have an HVAC contractor perform a combustion analysis and heat-exchanger evaluation now, and budget for replacement. An aging furnace that still runs is a planning item — until it isn't.
06.2
Attic insulation below guidance over original plaster ceilings
●Repair & maintenance Attic
What we observed
Attic insulation averages four to five inches and the eave bays lack baffles. Note that the knob-and-tube evaluation must come first: burying that wiring deeper is not an option.
Recommended
Sequence this after the electrical work — wiring evaluation, then baffles, then insulation to current guidance. Done in order, one project enables the next.
07
Exterior
● 2Repair & maintenance
07.1
Glazing putty failing at original wood windows
●Repair & maintenance South and west elevations
Reference image — not this property
Reference image — not this property.
What we observed
The original single-pane wood windows are operable and square, but glazing putty is cracked or missing at several sashes, and paint has failed at the sills on the weather sides.
Recommended
Reglaze and repaint the affected sashes to keep the original windows serviceable; storm windows already provide a reasonable efficiency layer.
07.2
Gutter slope reversal at the north eave
●Repair & maintenance North eave
Reference image — not this property
Reference image — not this property.
In plain terms — Gutters and downspouts carry rain away from the house. When they're clogged, loose, or draining at the foundation, water can pool where you don't want it.
What we observed
The north gutter holds standing water at its midpoint due to a fastener that has let the gutter drop out of slope.
Recommended
Re-secure and re-slope the north gutter run toward its downspout.
08
Your maintenance timeline
Findings mapped onto a simple calendar — what to handle now, what can wait, and the routine upkeep every home needs.
Now
1
Address before closing
These items have safety implications. Have a qualified, licensed professional evaluate and document them before you close. Includes: Knob-and-tube wiring in service in the attic · Three-prong receptacles without ground continuity · Water heater TPR discharge terminates too high. Use these findings to negotiate repair credits or seller-completed repairs prior to taking ownership.
Next 30 days
1
Negotiate or address soon
These are material defects worth addressing in your contract or in the first months after move-in. Includes 6 items, e.g. Fuse-based service equipment with limited capacity · Galvanized steel supply piping remains in service · Step cracking with a seasonal moisture band at the northeast corner. Request specialist quotes; ask the seller for repair, credit, or a price adjustment.
This year
1
Plan into the first year
Smaller repairs and maintenance items that can be handled at your pace. Includes 4 items, e.g. Slow drain at the hall lavatory · Attic insulation below guidance over original plaster ceilings · Glazing putty failing at original wood windows. Group them into a maintenance plan to keep the home in good shape.
Ongoing upkeep
6
Keep for reference
Background context and items to monitor over time. Includes: Original cast-iron main — sewer scope recommended · Sistered joist repair under the kitchen — documented · Roof covering mid-life with serviceable field. Save this report — you'll want it on file for warranties and resale.
Replace HVAC filters· routine
Every 1–3 months to protect the system and air quality.
Test smoke & CO detectors· routine
Test monthly; replace batteries twice a year.
Clean gutters & downspouts· routine
Spring and fall to protect the roof and foundation.
Flush the water heater· routine
Annually to clear sediment and extend its life.
Reseal exterior caulk & grout· routine
Annually around windows, tubs, and counters to keep water out.
09
Scope & limitations
7/7 systems inspected
Every accessible system on this property was inspected. The full roster is below for your records.
ElectricalInspected
PlumbingInspected
Foundation & StructureInspected
RoofInspected
Fireplace & ChimneyInspected
HeatingInspected
ExteriorInspected
CoolingNot applicable
Legend: ▲ Safety attention · ◆ Major defect · ● Repair & maintenance · ○ Informational · ◌ Not inspected
10
Inspection photographs
8 photos
11
Worth discussing
Based on your findings — ask your inspector about these.
Radon test
48-hour test of indoor radon levels in basements or lowest occupied space.
Typical cost: $125 – $200
Sewer scope inspection
Camera the main sewer line to check for cracks, root intrusion, or belly.
Typical cost: $200 – $350
Structural engineer evaluation
Licensed PE evaluation and repair-scope letter.
Typical cost: $450 – $900
Thermal imaging scan
Whole-home IR scan to find missing insulation and air leaks.
Typical cost: $150 – $300
Mold / IAQ inspection
Air sampling and surface testing by a certified mold inspector.
Typical cost: $300 – $700
Repair request summary
A prioritized list to support your conversation with the seller. Tick the items you want to raise, then copy the list for your agent. Full photos and context for each item are in the report.
Safety Items to Address
3 items
Major Repairs to Negotiate
6 items
Recommended Maintenance
4 items
Prepared from the SightSpec inspection report to support a conversation with the seller. Items are summarized from the report, which contains the full photographs and context. This is not legal advice and does not change the contents of the underlying report.
