Gary Hestand April 14, 2006
Teresa & Charbel Hamaty
Consulting & Review of residential property located:
1. The front steps /
landings from Lakeview are definitely a “rise” from the street. Due to the lot slope, small lateral cracks
can be observed in the cement at various locations along the incline. The main entrance steps are uniform in tread
height and look to be in good condition.
However, beyond the cement flatwork of stairs / landings … to have an
incline of monumental stairs constructed out of timber materials is not the
normal means of construction, yet here … it was the most economical to
fabricate, but it will require more servicing than would be a set of
conventional masonry steps. No action to be taken.
2a.
The cement deck of the front porch looks to be of recent work, as
opposed to it being of original construction.
Evidence of this can be seen in the overwash
of the cement onto the front veneer both left and right. It is suspect that the initial porch was
sloped toward the front lateral wall of the residence. Additionally, since the time of the last
restoration work (repouring of the deck) the left and
front left masonry walls present evidence of movement; in the fact that on the
left & right side veneer, the brick has been “repointed”
as can be seen in the differences of the mortar color. Note as to structural
movement of the front porch masonry walls.
2b. Immediately, upon
standing at the porch, one can see that the number of corner and intermediate
front porch supports (4 X 4’s) were skewed and not fully supporting of the band
above. At first glance this does not
seem to be of consequence, but further investigation makes for a more curious
perspective (to be discussed later with regard to roof framing / house
internal). Note
as to structural movement of the roof system.
2c. The front supporting band of the porch overhang is “tilted” forward, as well. This movement alone may not be significant, however this in tandem with the non-full bearing 4 X 4’s and the front masonry wall movement of the front porch masonry all warrants further investigation.
3. Gutters are not
installed, which means that the aft water of the home is not being directed or
diverted away from the foundation walls / footings. The cascade of the two valleys of the garage and
main roof shed a considerable amount of water to the back that has to
ultimately run to the front. The
watershed is as extreme as to have caused an erosion issue of the aft soils and
bedding adjacent the dining area. The
soils erosion has exposed the root system of the hedges and over the long term
will be detrimental to the footings and soils support due to water impact. Corrective action
required.
4. On the right side,
two bath vent outlets are present; one needs is missing a the
self closing damper door; which offers no protection from pest entry into the
residence. Warrants restoration / replacement.
5. At the dining room
exit door onto the deck, from the threshold (once the door is opened) it seems
odd that there is not an “at grade” exterior landing; and the 8” elevation
change just appears potentially unsafe at best. No action mandated … provided as cautionary
note.
6. As a point of
mention, the back yard in tandem with the design of the home does not lend
itself to offering a point of exit and observance for small children. They would have to exit toward the side
street, run around the side yard and play; all the while, with no means of
visual adult supervision abilities. Curious … Note only.
7. The front doorbell
button is failed; thus making it inoperable.
Warrants replacement / repair.
Top left brick moulding of dining
to deck entrance has decay. Repairs should be
made to restore failure; and investigative measures taken to see why water
possibly ran behind vinyl siding? Warranted repairs.
All inquires and questions relating to the above information should be directed to 919-422-8907.
Respectfully,
Gary
Hestand