Standard Inspection Report
Date: November 12, 2012
Client: Robert Manner
Owner: MUCAP Financial Group
Property Type: Single family home, rancho, pool
Situated in: lot 203 in the Roca Verde subdivision
District: Atenas
Canton: Atenas
Provincia: Alajuela
This inspection was conducted on November 12, 2012 at the request of the purchaser in order to assess the existing condition of the construction for this foreclosure property. The total amount of construction inspected on this property was 5283 square feet. The main home is 355 square meters or 3827 square feet.
| CONSTRUCTION INSPECTED | Lot | 203 | ||
| MAIN HOME | Length ml | Width ml | m2 | sq. ft. |
| Foyer | 2.2 | 2 | 4.4 | 47.34 |
| Hall Staircase | 3.55 | 2.4 | 8.52 | 91.68 |
| Living | 6.75 | 4.3 | 29.025 | 312.3 |
| Dining | 5.55 | 4.75 | 26.363 | 283.7 |
| Kitchen | 4.75 | 4.3 | 20.425 | 219.8 |
| TV | 4.15 | 3.75 | 15.563 | 167.5 |
| Hall to Bath | 2.5 | 1.35 | 3.375 | 36.32 |
| Bath | 3.66 | 1.37 | 5.0142 | 53.95 |
| Bedroom | 5.3 | 4.8 | 25.44 | 273.7 |
| Office | 6.05 | 2.83 | 17.122 | 184.2 |
| Stairs Landing down | 2.4 | 1.15 | 2.76 | 29.7 |
| Stairs Landing up | 2.35 | 1.35 | 3.1725 | 34.14 |
| Catwalk | 11.1 | 1.36 | 15.096 | 162.4 |
| Balcony | 8.85 | 3.1 | 27.435 | 295.2 |
| M. Bedroom | 5 | 4.85 | 24.25 | 260.9 |
| M. Bath | 4.8 | 3.35 | 16.08 | 173 |
| M. Closet | 4.55 | 1.4 | 6.37 | 68.54 |
| Bedroom | 7.15 | 4.85 | 34.678 | 373.1 |
| Closet | 2.6 | 2.05 | 5.33 | 57.35 |
| Bath | 2.83 | 2.6 | 7.358 | 79.17 |
| Garage | 6.35 | 5.8 | 36.83 | 396.3 |
| Laundry | 3.6 | 2.85 | 10.26 | 110.4 |
| Breezeway | 5.16 | 2.1 | 10.836 | 116.6 |
| Total | 355.7 | 3827 |
The rancho, storage rooms and pool pump room total 135 square meters or 1456 square feet. These dimensions are of usable floor space and do not include the roof overhangs. Additionally, there are two ceramic tiled lounging areas without roofs alongside the pool that measure 86 square meters or 922 square feet.
| CONSTRUCTION INSPECTED | Lot | 203 | ||
| AREAS | Length ML | Width ML | M2 | Sq Ft |
| Rancho | 10.7 | 8.9 | 95.23 | 1024.67 |
| Pool Terrace | 8.85 | 3.05 | 26.9925 | 290.439 |
| Pool Pump Room | 2 | 1.9 | 3.8 | 40.888 |
| Storage | 2.35 | 2 | 4.7 | 50.572 |
| Storage | 2.3 | 2 | 4.6 | 49.496 |
| Total | 135.323 | 1456.07 |
OBSERVATIONS
- Concrete foundations, structures and retaining walls are in good condition with no signs of settling.
- Exterior and interior concrete walls are plastered and painted without cracks on the surfaces.
- Drainage away from foundation is good with no signs of erosion.
- Landscaping is in good condition.
- Roof surface is good condition, with all components installed properly.
- Flashings have been installed where the upper vertical walls meet the roof surface.
- Gutters and downspouts are sufficient and have subterranean PVC tubes that drain out to the street. There were vines growing inside the gutters that were obstructing the flow of water.
- Fascias & soffits have been varnished and painted and are in good condition.
- Electrical installation has been installed properly and all outlets are grounded except one 100 volt outlet in the garage, closest to the door to the foyer and the 110 volt outlet in the hall bath has an open ground.
- Plumbing systems are installed properly with no leaks or obstructions. The master bath shower control valve has gaps around the cover plate where shower water can enter inside the wall cavity.
- Septic tank is accessible in the ceramic floor of the dog pen and all toilets flushed properly without obstructions or odors. Septic tank lid was cemented shut and could not be opened. It’s advisable to have the current owner clean the septic tank and secure the removable access cover prior to closing.
- Grey water drains are routed into subterranean PVC tubes that drain into the septic tank.
- Kitchen sink PVC drains do not have a trap and drain out to a concrete clean out basin near the front door that has cemented shut. The owner chiseled it open and the drainage basin was visible and working properly. A new concrete top will need to be made and installed to cover the basin.
- Potable water pressure from all outlets is good.
- Several of the wood window frames have expanded and small cracks were observed where wind driven rain could enter inside.
- Several of the exterior window frames have faded varnish that need sanding and refinishing.
- The rancho bathroom wood window has warped and there is a gap where water can enter inside.
- Rancho countertop alongside the sink has loose grout where the top meets the concrete walls.
All issues of concern are detailed in photos below
EXTERIOR INSTALLATIONS
POTABLE WATER
Type: private
Provider: Roca Verde subdivision
Meter: yes
Valve: yes
Location: on the corner of the side street outside stone wall
ELECTRICAL EXTERIOR
Type: public
Provider: ICE
Masts: metal
Weatherhead: metal
Meter: digital
Main: 100 amp main breaker located in the same metal box as the meter stone wall near gate hinge
TELEPHONE EXTERIOR
Provider: ICE
Mast: no
Weatherhead: no
TV EXTERIOR
Provider: Cabletica
Cables into dwelling: into distribution box in wall of laundry room
INTERNET EXTERIOR
Provider: Cabletica
Cables into dwelling: into distribution box in wall of laundry room
SECURITY WALLS/FENCING
Type: stone-faced concrete walls at entrance and below pool.
Other: border of property is shrubs and palm trees planted closely together to form a natural enclosure
GATES
Type: 2 large gates that open toward the street
Material: steel frame with wood planks
Hinges: large commercial type
Lock: metal latch for padlock
SECURITY INSTALLATIONS EXTERIOR – 24-hour guards at the main entrance to the subdivision
DRIVEWAY
Type: concrete
Condition: acceptable
PARKING:
Type: concrete
Condition: acceptable
GARAGE
Ceiling: 2×6 wood rafters and 2-1/2” tongue and grooved wood strips
Lights: center ceiling chandelier
Floor: ceramic tile
Moldings: wood baseboards
Condition: good
LANDSCAPING
Type: various bushes, trees and flowering plants
Condition: good
Grass: well cut
Drainage: away from dwellings.
FOUNDATION
Type: concrete
Retaining Walls: solid concrete, some with stone facing
Finish: plastered and not painted below pool
Condition: acceptable
EXTERIOR WALLS
Type: concrete blocks reinforced with steel
Finish: plastered and painted
Condition: good
FASCIAS
Type: 1” x 10” wood planks
Finish: painted to match gutters
Condition: acceptable
SOFFITS
Type: 2×6 wood rafters and 2-1/2” tongue and grooved wood strips
Finish: varnished
Condition: good
ROOFING
Type: Metalco corrugated metal laminates. Teja style
Condition: good
Underlayment: 5mm, aluminum backed insulation
Flashing: where exterior vertical walls meet the roof surface
Drip edge: no
Ridge Cap: Metalco ridge caps
Screws: installed properly on the upper grooves of the corrugated metal roof laminates
Other: This type of high profile corrugated roofing material has gaps in some areas of several inches where the ridge caps and flat flashing laminates overlap the corrugated roof laminates. Wind-driven rain can enter in the gaps and filtrate into structure below. The aluminum backed insulation that has been installed acts as a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from passing to the wood ceilings below.
However, the roof screws that are used to attach the metal laminates penetrate the insulation and the screw holes enlarge with thermal expansion and in time will allow water to filtrate onto the interior wood ceilings.
GUTTERS
Size: 8” x 8”
Type: metal
Supports: plenty
Condition: good
Finish: painted on the exterior
Other: gutters on the garage were full of vines that obstruct the flow of water
DOWNSPOUTS
Size: 5” x 1-3/4” metal. 2” PVC. 3” PVC
Type: rectangular metal and round PVC 
Condition: acceptable
Finish: painted
Other: rectangular downspout on the front of home has corrosion
RAINWATER DRAINAGE
Material: subterranean PVC tubes out to street
GREY WATER DRAINAGE
Material: subterranean PVC tubes into septic tank
SANITARY SYSTEM
Type: concrete tank for main home and rancho. Septic tank is accessible in the ceramic floor of the dog enclosure and all toilets flushed properly without obstructions or odors.
Location: under ceramic tiled dog enclosure
Lid: ceramic tiles on concrete
Drainage: subterranean field line into grass area
Ventilation: not located
Other: Septic tank lid was cemented shut and could not be opened. It’s advisable to have the current owner open the tank and have it cleaned.
PLUMBING/WATER SYSTEM EXTERIOR
Tubing: ½” PVC
Shut off valve: yes
Cistern: no
Hose valves: metal
Quantity: 4
Condition: good
Pressure: good
STORAGE
Location: bottom of steps down to pool pump room
Lights: 1 ceiling fixture
Electric outlets: one
Walls: solid concrete, plastered but not painted
Floors: concrete
Ceilings: concrete
Doors: metal frame and laminate with latch for padlock
STORAGE
Location: next to pool pump room
Lights: 1 ceiling fixture
Electric outlets: one
Walls: solid concrete, plastered but not painted
Floors: concrete
Ceilings: concrete
Doors: metal gate with latch for padlock
MECHANICAL ROOM
Light: 1 ceiling fixture
Breakers in panel: 4 x 220 volts, 4 x 110 volts
Pump: Waterco, 220 volt, 1-1/2 HP
Filter: Astralpool
Chlorinator: Waterco
Timer: Intermatic, mechanical
Transformer for pool light: Torytrans low voltage transformer
Heater: Waterco Electroheat Sup 80, 220 volt, 1/5 HP heat pump
Condition: all equipment functions properly and heater warmed the water in the spa in less than an hour
Other: EL PRO Sprinkler System that was not working
Other: The heater is leaking on the bottom of the unit and is corroding the metal structure below.
POOL
Size: 8.20 x 3.80
Material: aggregate concrete
Surround: aggregate concrete
Deck: ceramic tiles
Drain: PVC in floor
Lights: stainless steel housings with water tight glass enclosures in walls
Jets: PVC in wall
Skimmer: PVC in deck floor
RANCHO
Structure: 7” x 7” solid wood columns supporting solid wood beams
Ceiling: 2” x 6” solid wood rafters with 2-1/2” tongue and grooved wood strips ceiling.
Floor: ceramic tile
Installations: stone fireplace, solid wood bar and sink cabinet with stainless steel sink and half bath
Lights: chandelier in center with two halogens over chimney and two over sink cabinet
Roof: basic corrugated metal laminates with flat laminate ridge caps
Other: there’s a gap between the bathroom window 
and the wood frame where water can enter.
Other: the sink cabinet countertop grout has cracked
where it meets the concrete wall. Backsplashes are
usually installed where countertops meet the walls.
Other: The insides of bar base cabinets have water stains and deterioration. There’s no sink or water source on the bar nor is it near the outside, so this water damage is unusual.
INTERIOR WALLS
Type: concrete blocks reinforced with steel re-rods
Finish: plastered and painted
Condition: good
Moldings: wood baseboards
Kitchen walls: concrete, plastered and painted. Kitchen cooktop has ceramic backsplash
Laundry walls: concrete, plastered and painted
Bath walls: concrete, plastered and painted
Showers: ceramic tiles
Other: Showers and closet walls in 2nd-floor baths are of light weight framing with plastered drywall
CEILINGS
Type: 2 x 6 solid wood rafters and 2-1/2” tongue and grooved wood strips
Moldings: none
Condition: acceptable. A few areas have unusual stains
and some nail heads are exposed.
ELECTRICAL INTERIOR
Main Breaker Panel: 200 amp main breaker in panel in wall of laundry room
3 x 220 volt: 30 amps
24 x 110 volt: 10 x 15 amps, 14 x 20 amps
GFI’s: no
Grounded: yes
Electric outlets: ample
Chandeliers: kitchen, dining, pool terrace, rancho, garage, breezeway
Wall fixtures: on exterior walls
Switches: for all fixtures
Ceiling fans: in TV room and 2nd floor bedroom
Ceiling fan controls: standard wall switches for fan and separate for light
Ceiling lights: in all rooms, terraces and garage.
Other: Laundry and 2nd floor balcony ceiling has a basic fixture
hanging from a loose wire. 
Master bedroom and balcony have loose wires protruding from the ceiling.
Other: Garage electric plug near the door to foyer doesn’t work and electric plug in 1st-floor bath near sink has an open ground.
PLUMBING SYSTEM INTERIOR
Faucets: decorative, bronze and chrome finishes
Toilets: American Standard low profile in main home and standard in rancho bath
Connectors: braided metal
Bath Sinks: porcelain
Kitchen sink: stainless steel
Garbage disposer: no
Control valves: metal
Connectors: braided metal
Drains with traps: yes, except kitchen sink, which drains directly into a subterranean concrete clean out basin near the front door that was cemented shut.
Showers: bronze controls and shower heads
Enclosure Type: 1st floor has wood plank and 2nd floor have ceramic walls with no doors
Drain type: metal
Bathtub: fiberglass
Drain type: chrome
Laundry Sink: fiberglass double bowl
Gas tank connection: standard valve on tank outside of pool pump room.
Gas connection tubing: rubber inside PVC conduit.
Other: 2nd-floor showers have small openings to enter
at only 5’ 11” high and s
hower ceilings are low at only 6’ 9” high
Other: The owner chiseled open the kitchen sink drainage basin near the front door and a new concrete lid will need to be made and installed to cover the basin.
Other: Both water valves for the toilets on the 2nd floor were shut off. I turned them on and found there to be no leaks. I adjusted the float arm in the master bath toilet so the water would shut off when it rose to the level of the float. It’s a little strange for both toilets to be shut off, but no problems were detected.
Other: The master bath shower control valve has gaps 
around
the cover plate where water can enter inside the wall cavity.
The 1st-floor bath shower floor has cracks
WATER HEATING
Quantity: 1
Type: Travomatic tank
Voltage: 220 volts
Capacity: 60 gallons
Water shut off valve in: yes
Water shut off valve out: yes
Pressure release Valve: yes
TELEPHONE INTERIOR
Land line number: none
Connection box: in wall of laundry room
Outlets: in most rooms
TV & INTERNET INTERIOR
Provider: Cabletica; http://www.cabletica.com/principal/pack_tv+internet.php
Connection box: in wall of laundry room
Type: coaxial cables
Outlets: in most rooms
SECURITY INSTALLATION INTERIOR
Type: Paradox
Main control box: in laundry room
Keypad: in living room
Motion Sensors: in most rooms
Door contacts: on all exterior doors
WINDOWS:
Type: solid wood
Glass: clear
Screens: yes, on all opening windows
Glass Type: clear
Opening mechanism: sliding
Other: Several of the wood window frames have expanded 
and small gaps were observed where wind driven rain
enters inside.
1st-floor bedroom walls have deterioration from window leaks.
Furthermore, several exterior window frames have worn varnish that need sanding and refinishing.
DOORS:
Front Door type: arched, six panel, solid wood
Hardware: Weiser
Deadbolt: Weiser
Other Doors: wood
Panels: yes
Hardware: metal
Other: Sliding wood doors from living room to pool terrace
Glass Type: clear
Screens: no
CABINETRY:
Type: solid wood
Doors: solid wood
Panels: recessed
Shelving: wood
Countertops: granite
Backsplashes: none
Condition: good
Other: Kitchen countertops have no back or side 
splash guards which fill the gaps
between the countertops and the walls.
Without splashes, liquids and foodstuffs can filtrate into the wood cabinets below.
APPLIANCES:
Refrigerator: Whirlpool, white with icemaker and water in door
Dishwasher: Bosch, stainless steel
Oven/Cooktop: Bosch, stainless steel, gas
Cooktop Extractor: Jetair, stainless steel, vented to exterior
Microwave: Panasonic, stainless steel
Washer: Frigidaire, white
Dryer: Frigidaire, white
FLOORING:
Type: various sizes and colors of ceramic tiles have been installed throughout the home, garage, rancho and pool surround
Condition: acceptable
TRIM:
Base: 8″ wood baseboards throughout the home and garage
Casing: 4″ wood casings on doors and windows
Jambs: solid wood jambs for all doors and windows
Finish: stained and varnished
Condition: good
STAIRCASE:
Treads: solid wood
Risers: open under treads
Landings: ceramic tile on wood
Handrails: custom made wood
Balustrade: custom made wood
Finish: stained and varnished
Condition: good
NOTE: No termites were observed inside the home, but a termite tunnel was found inside the rancho fireplace. Additionally, bees and ants were observed around the dwellings. It’s advisable to have the bee nests on the exterior overhangs and the termite nest on the inside of the rock wall near the rancho removed to deter the insects. Given the amount of wood installed throughout this property, it would be prudent to establish a consistent fumigation and termite inspection program.
CONCLUSION: Both the main home and rancho have above average construction based on the local standards and there are no major defects. Other than the minor items detailed above, there is nothing that would prevent a new owner from moving in and living comfortably.