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Inspection Report — Arlene Domenico

Shed Inspection Report

28 Carney Rd, Ulster Park, NY — Approx. 20' x 8'
Client: Arlene Domenico
Inspection Date: March 19, 2026
Inspector: Andrew — Valley & Mountain Handyman
Total Photos: 57 on-site + 30 client-supplied
9
4
4
1
$4,000 – $8,500
$7,550 – $16,500

1. Foundation — Inadequate Base Support

MODERATE

Loose #4 stone, undersized pad, corner framing offset. Perimeter support deficiency. Needs re-leveling and pad extension.

$1,500 – $2,500

2. Roof Framing — Ridge & Rafter Connections

HIGH

Damaged ridge board splice, uneven rafter bearing, improvised gussets, no visible rafter ties. Strongest structural concern.

$1,500 – $3,500

3. Wall-to-Roof Enclosure Gap

HIGH

1–2 inch continuous gap, daylight visible through wall. Building envelope incomplete.

$1,200 – $2,800

4. Door Assembly — Framing & Sealing

HIGH

Oversized rough opening, daylight through jamb, unsupported threshold, wrong hardware.

$800 – $1,800

5. Roof Sheathing Gaps

MODERATE

1/4"–1/2" gaps in roof panels, underlayment visible, improvised patch strips.

$300 – $900

6. Subfloor Panel Gaps

MODERATE

1/4"+ gaps throughout, worst at entry threshold. Sloppy fit and moisture entry point.

$500 – $1,200

7. Gutter/Drainage + Electrical

HIGH

Leaking gutter joint directly over exterior light fixture. Electrical safety concern.

$350 – $800

8. Skylight Framing

MODERATE

Saw kerfs in support member. Field adjustment to force skylight fit.

$400 – $1,000

9. Minor Finish & Workmanship

LOW

Wavy siding, protruding nails, debris left at completion. Pattern of poor workmanship.

$150 – $1,400

Detailed Findings

MODERATE Issue 1: Foundation — Inadequate Base Support

Photo Evidence
K-034
K-034
K-001
K-001
K-013
K-013
K-040
K-040
K-058
K-058
K-010
K-010
K-016
K-016
K-027
K-027
K-039
K-039

Condition

The shed rests on loose #4 crushed stone — a coarse, angular aggregate approximately 1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter — with no concrete footings, piers, or defined pad system. While #4 stone provides good drainage, it is too large and too loose to compact into a stable bearing surface on its own. The stone base does not extend to or beyond the shed footprint in multiple locations. Several corners show the base framing projecting past the edge of the prepared stone. Corner framing joints show the perpendicular base member terminating into the side member rather than overlapping it.

Assessment

The combination of incomplete corner bearing and an irregular stone base creates a moderate structural-support deficiency at the perimeter. This can lead to differential settlement over time — doors stop working, floor panels separate further, and framing joints loosen.

Standard Practice

A properly prepared shed foundation uses 3/4-inch clean crushed stone (not #4), compacted in lifts to create a dense, stable bearing surface. The pad should be level and extend 12 inches or more beyond the shed footprint on all sides. Corner framing should overlap or connect continuously so the load path is uninterrupted.

IRC R401.1Foundations shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Foundation systems must support all loads and transfer them to the supporting soil.
IRC R403.1Footings shall be supported on undisturbed natural soils or engineered fill and shall not bear on frozen soil.

Recommended Correction

Jack and re-level the structure. Extend the stone pad with properly sized 3/4" clean crushed stone, compacted in lifts, to provide full perimeter support. Add blocking and anchoring at corners. Evaluate whether skid bearing or other foundation improvements are needed based on conditions found during correction.

Estimated Repair Cost: $1,500 – $2,500

HIGH Issue 2: Roof Framing — Ridge Splice & Rafter Connections

Photo Evidence
K-008
K-008
K-003
K-003
K-019
K-019
K-032
K-032
K-033
K-033
K-044
K-044
K-050
K-050
K-057
K-057
K-028
K-028
K-055
K-055

Condition

Based on the visible framing, the roof appears to be framed around a ridge board rather than a structural ridge beam. The ridge board is spliced mid-span using a short 2x4 scab block rather than a properly engineered splice or continuous member. One ridge piece appears split or crushed at the splice. Throughout the roof, opposing rafters do not bear evenly against the ridge — gaps, rough cuts, and irregular fastening are visible at multiple connection points. No lower rafter ties were visible in the available photographs. At least one high collar tie or cross-brace was observed near the ridge at the far end, but this does not serve the same function as rafter ties. At the gable ends, improvised gusset plates replace clean, continuous connections.

Assessment

This is one of the strongest structural workmanship concerns documented in the inspection. Because ridge-board roof systems typically rely on opposing rafters and adequate lateral restraint (rafter ties in the lower third of the roof triangle), the absence of visible rafter ties combined with a poorly spliced ridge board creates a framing configuration that should be evaluated further for proper load path and resistance to wall spread.

Standard Practice

A continuous, properly sized ridge board with opposing rafters cut to consistent angles, seated tight, and fastened with a proper nailing schedule or approved metal connectors. Rafter ties should be installed in the lower third of the rafter span to resist wall spread, or a structural ridge beam with adequate end bearing must be provided.

IRC R802.3Ridge boards shall not be less than 1-inch nominal thickness and not less in depth than the cut end of the rafter. Rafters shall be framed not more than 1-1/2 inch offset from each other at the ridge board.
IRC R802.5.2Where ceiling joists are used to resist rafter thrust, they must provide a continuous tie. Where ties are not present, a structural ridge beam must be provided.
IRC R802.7Notches on the ends of rafters shall not exceed 1/4 the nominal depth. Notches in the top or bottom shall not exceed 1/6 the depth and shall not be in the middle 1/3 of the span.
Table R602.3(1)Specifies nailing requirements for all framing connections including rafter-to-ridge, rafter-to-top plate, and ceiling joist-to-rafter connections.

Recommended Correction

Remove the damaged ridge splice, sister or replace the affected ridge section with sound lumber, recut and reset poorly bearing rafters, and reinforce connections with proper framing hardware.

Estimated Repair Cost: $1,500 – $3,500

HIGH Issue 3: Wall-to-Roof Enclosure Gap

Photo Evidence
K-051
K-051
K-002
K-002
K-004
K-004
K-011
K-011
K-015
K-015
K-018
K-018
K-049
K-049
K-063
K-063

Condition

A continuous open gap of approximately 1–2 inches exists along the interior wall-to-roof junction. The wall sheathing stops short of the top plate. Daylight and the exterior light fixture are visible through the gap from the interior. The gap appears continuous across substantial portions of at least two wall runs.

Assessment

The building envelope is incomplete. This creates a direct pathway for wind-driven rain, insects, rodents, dust, and uncontrolled air movement. For a shed intended to store valuable personal property, this is a significant construction deficiency.

IRC R703.1The exterior wall envelope shall provide a weather-resistant exterior wall covering. The wall envelope shall be designed to prevent the accumulation of water within the wall assembly.
IRC R703.2A water-resistive barrier shall be applied over studs or sheathing of all exterior walls as required by this section.

Recommended Correction

Install blocking and sheathing infill to close the gap on all affected walls. Verify exterior siding and WRB are continuous at the junction. Seal the entire wall-to-roof transition.

Estimated Repair Cost: $1,200 – $2,800

HIGH Issue 4: Door Assembly — Framing, Alignment, Sealing, Hardware

Photo Evidence
K-048
K-048
K-061
K-061
K-012
K-012
K-017
K-017
K-025
K-025
K-030
K-030
K-037
K-037
K-055
K-055

Condition

The entry door has multiple compounding deficiencies. The rough opening is oversized and poorly framed with visible gaps. The header is pieced together with short members. The threshold has a visible void beneath it. The deadbolt does not align without repositioning the door. The installed lockset does not match the owner's specification.

Assessment

The door is the primary access point and one of the most vulnerable parts of the building envelope. A door that does not seal, does not lock correctly, and has incomplete framing is not a completed installation.

IRC R612.1Windows and exterior doors shall be installed and flashed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
IRC R602.7Headers shall be provided over each opening in exterior walls and shall be of adequate size to support the loads above.
DOE Air SealingThe Department of Energy identifies rough-opening gaps around exterior doors as major air leakage sites and recommends sealing with low-expansion foam, backer rod, or sealant.

Recommended Correction

Reframe the rough opening, re-hang and re-shim the door, install solid backing under the threshold, seal the full perimeter, replace hardware with owner's specified lockset.

Estimated Repair Cost: $800 – $1,800

MODERATE Issue 5: Roof Sheathing Gaps

Photo Evidence
K-022
K-022
K-023
K-023
K-033
K-033

Condition

Open gaps of 1/4" to 1/2" exist between roof sheathing panels, large enough that roofing underlayment is visible. Improvised wood strips have been placed over some gaps — a field patch, not a proper installation.

Assessment

These gaps indicate poor sheathing fit. The improvised patches confirm the condition was known during construction and addressed with a shortcut rather than a proper correction.

APA GuidelinesAPA recommends 1/8-inch spacing at all panel edge and end joints to allow for expansion. Panels should be supported at edges by framing or blocking.

Recommended Correction

Remove patch strips, reinstall or replace affected panels so edges land on framing. Perform concurrently with Issue 2 roof work.

Estimated Repair Cost: $300 – $900 (incremental when combined with Issue 2)

MODERATE Issue 6: Subfloor Panel Gaps

Photo Evidence
K-009
K-009
K-006
K-006
K-014
K-014
K-038
K-038
K-052
K-052

Condition

Plywood subfloor panels have 1/4" or greater gaps throughout the shed, worst at the entry threshold. Gaps have collected debris and panel edges are rough and uneven.

Assessment

APA guidelines recommend approximately 1/8" spacing. Gaps of 1/4"+ suggest poor layout, unsupported edges, or movement since installation. At the threshold this is a moisture-entry point at the highest-traffic location.

APA Panel SpacingAPA recommends approximately 1/8-inch spacing at panel edge and end joints for expansion. Panel edges should be supported by framing or blocking.
IRC R503.2.1Floor sheathing shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice and installed per manufacturer specifications.

Recommended Correction

Verify edge support at worst seams, add blocking where unsupported, refasten panels, correct threshold transition.

Estimated Repair Cost: $500 – $1,200

HIGH Issue 7: Gutter/Drainage — Leaking Joint Over Electrical Light

Photo Evidence
K-021
K-021
K-020
K-020
K-043
K-043
K-046
K-046
K-024
K-024
K-058
K-058

Condition

A gutter splice above the front entry leaks water directly onto a wall-mounted exterior light fixture. The downspout outlet is mis-sized. At the base, the downspout elbow is missing fasteners and discharges adjacent to the foundation.

Assessment

This is the clearest immediate safety-related condition because it combines uncontrolled water discharge with an exterior electrical fixture. The drainage deficiencies alone are moderate, but the electrical exposure elevates this to a priority repair. The fixture and junction box should be inspected for water intrusion and proper wet-location rating.

IRC E3902.1Electrical installations in wet locations must use fixtures, boxes, and wiring methods rated for the exposure. A location subject to repeated water contact is considered a wet location.
IRC E3905.3Boxes and fittings in damp or wet locations shall be approved for the purpose and shall prevent moisture from entering or accumulating within the box.

Recommended Correction

Reseal or replace the leaking gutter joint, install a properly sized outlet, add missing fasteners, extend discharge away from the base, and inspect the light fixture for water damage.

Estimated Repair Cost: $350 – $800

MODERATE Issue 8: Skylight Framing

Photo Evidence
K-064
K-064

Condition

The roof framing member below the skylight shows multiple saw kerfs/notches cut into its top face near the corner. This appears to be a field adjustment to force the skylight fit rather than a properly framed rough opening.

Assessment

The kerfs appear consistent with a circular saw blade set too deep during roof decking cuts. While notching a framing member is a workmanship concern, shallow kerfs of this nature are unlikely to cause structural failure on their own. The skylight appears functional. This should be verified during roof framing work rather than treated as a standalone repair.

IRC R802.7Notches on the ends of rafters shall not exceed 1/4 the nominal depth. Notches in the top or bottom shall not exceed 1/6 the depth and shall not be in the middle 1/3 of the span.
IRC R802.9Openings in roof framing shall be framed with headers and trimmers of adequate size to support the loads above.
VELUX SpecsSkylight installations require a properly framed rough opening with full-depth supporting members, a complete step-flashing and underlayment system, and installation per manufacturer's specific instructions.

Recommended Correction

Verify the skylight is not leaking during roof framing work (Issue 2). If kerfs are deeper than they appear, sister a reinforcing member alongside. Replacing the framing member is unlikely to be necessary.

Estimated Repair Cost: $400 – $1,000 (evaluate concurrently with Issue 2)

LOW Issue 9: Minor Finish & Workmanship Items

Photo Evidence
K-029
K-029
K-005
K-005
K-036
K-036
K-041
K-041
K-031
K-031
K-010
K-010
K-042
K-042
K-035
K-035

Condition

Vinyl siding is wavy and uneven. Siding nails penetrate through interior sheathing leaving sharp points. A broken wood fragment hangs from the base trim. Construction debris remained inside at completion.

Assessment

None of these items individually represent a structural emergency, except protruding nails which are a puncture hazard. Together they establish a pattern of workmanship quality consistent with the more significant deficiencies in Issues 1–8.

IRC R703.11Vinyl siding shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. A straight, level starter strip is required. Panels must hang freely and not be overdriven.
Table R602.3(1)Specifies correct fastener sizes for each application. Fasteners that penetrate through the interior face indicate incorrect length selection.

Recommended Correction

Clip or replace protruding nails, remove debris and leftover materials, remove hanging base trim fragment. Siding waviness is cosmetic and can be left as-is unless correction is desired.

Estimated Repair Cost: $150 – $500 (safety only); $450 – $1,400 (if siding corrections included)

Photo Library

57 on-site inspection photographs, grouped by issue. Click any photo to enlarge.

Repair Estimate Calculator

Check or uncheck issues to see how the total changes based on what you want to address.

Include#IssueSeverityLow Est.High Est.
1Foundation — re-level, extend pad, anchorMOD$1,500$2,500
2Roof framing — ridge, raftersHIGH$1,500$3,500
3Wall-to-roof enclosure gapHIGH$1,200$2,800
4Door assembly — complete rebuildHIGH$800$1,800
5Roof sheathing gapsMOD$300$900
6Subfloor panel gapsMOD$500$1,200
7Gutter/drainage + electricalHIGH$350$800
8Skylight framing evaluationMOD$400$1,000
9Minor finish itemsLOW$300$1,400
SELECTED TOTAL$6,850$15,900
Note: Issues 2, 5, and 8 share significant labor overlap. If performed together, the combined roof work scope is estimated at $2,000–$4,500 rather than the sum of individual estimates. The realistic range for addressing all HIGH-severity items plus safety concerns is approximately $4,000 to $8,500.

Code & Standards References

IRC (International Residential Code) sections and industry standards relevant to the documented issues. Click any reference for details.

Note: Whether the IRC formally applies to this specific structure depends on local jurisdiction. These references are cited as accepted best practices for wood-framed construction.