Sample Reports

Subject: Inspection Findings
La Playa Linda Condominio
Calle Nahuatl 1692
Col. Lazaro Cardenas
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

This report is a summary of the conditions that I found during today's inspection. Please let us know if you have any questions.

TERAZZA

T1. There is no physical protection at the area surrounding the pool to prevent a person from falling over the edge. This type of design is typical here in Mexico. As we discussed, I suggest placing a large heavy decorative object such as a planter in this area to serve this function and cautioning guests of the possibility of falls.

PLUMBING

P1. The plumbing below the kitchen sink should be completed. It also appears that there was a leak in this area in the past. As a result, some mold has begun to grow there. This area should be thoroughly cleaned with an agent such as bleach and water that will kill the mold.

P2.The showerhead in the hall bath sprays water sideways into the room and should be adjusted or replaced.

ELECTRICAL

E1. The unit has a 60-amp, 240 volt electrical service. Although this is a typical size for this type of home in Mexico, it is small by US standards. Consider upgrading the service to at least 100 amps to allow for the operation of more appliances such as air conditioners, multiple TVs, stereos, hair dryers, clothes dryer, and kitchen appliances. We recommend that appliances that are operated by gas (clothes dryers, washers, water heaters) be used as much as possible as gas is cheaper to operate than electricity and will cut down on your electrical load.

E2. The walls at the exterior light fixtures have some open gaps near the fixtures. This could allow water penetration into the wall during rain. These should be sealed with cement or caulk.

E3. I was unable to operate the kitchen vent fan. Operation of this unit should be demonstrated to you before you move in.

E4. Most of the electrical receptacles in the home are the two-prong type and are not grounded. However, some three-prong outlets have been installed to allow certain appliances to be plugged in, most notably in the kitchen, the bedrooms and the living room. Even though these receptacles are three-pronged, they are not grounded. Ungrounded receptacles are more likely to allow damage to equipment and can also pose a safety hazard.

We recommend that you either have the system grounded or install GFCI type receptacles at these locations. Better, would be a combination of system grounding and some GFCIs. Grounding protects equipment from lightning, and to a lesser extent offers some safety. GFCIs offer more protection against accidental electrocution but not much protection to equipment. We also recommend that GFCI receptacles be installed at all wet locations such as near the kitchen sink, bathrooms, and outdoors.

E5. The fan in the dining room is improperly wired, using a long run of lightweight cord. My understanding is that this fan is not staying, but if it does then it should wired properly.

E6. The open electrical box on the rim of the pool should be completed and covered.

E7. There is no GFCI protection at the electrical receptacles. This is typical of Mexican construction but I recommend that all electrical receptacles at the kitchen countertops, in the bathrooms, and at the exterior be protected with ground fault circuit interrupters. This will protect against a serious shock while using these receptacles.

HVAC

A general note about Mexican air-conditioning: It’s true that it is probably much hotter and more humid here than where you come from, and air conditioning is considered a necessity for most Americans and Canadians. However, the construction of homes here, and the relatively recent introduction of our cooling systems might not result in the kind of precise climate control you’re used to. They work, it’s just that they can be imprecise.

INTERIOR

I1. Some of the tile is missing at the bottom of the wall near the dishwasher. This should be replaced.

I2. Some of the hardware and doors at the front right bath are not complete.

I3. Care should be taken to protect the windows in the showers from water damage. I recommend a good coat of wax as needed.

I4. The niche in the master shower has some opening along the corners. These should be sealed to prevent water intrusion.

I5. The entry door to the rear right bath should be adjusted to close properly.

I6. The door between the two rooms in the extra building is hung upside down but operates OK.

I7. There are many cracked, broken, and loose floor tiles throughout the condo. We recommend that they be replaced in total.

I8. I saw many insects in the kitchen and bathrooms. The unit should be professionally cleaned and fumigated before you move in.

I9. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are inexpensive, easy to install, and they save lives. We urge you to have them installed on each level of your home and outside the bedrooms.

FINAL WALK THROUGH

I recommend that you conduct a final "walk through" inspection before you close on the property. It would be best if all of the utilities were turned on. You should satisfy yourself that there have been no unanticipated changes in the property since our inspection.

Good Luck! I enjoyed working with you. Please call or email me at any time should you have any more questions and I'll try to answer them for you. There is never any charge for this advice. You can also visit our Web Page at: www.CasasdelMarPV.com for articles and more information on issues mentioned in the report.

If someone you know is purchasing a home in PV, we'd appreciate it if you'd tell them about us. All of our clients are referred to us by someone like you. Your referral is the highest compliment of all and you can be sure that they will receive the same level of professionalism and service that you did. Thanks very much for giving us the opportunity to work with you.

Respectfully Submitted, Charlie Wood


Casas del Mar- Mex, LLC
Casas del Mar, S de RL de CV