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• Structural Inspection - Old House:
  
  STRUCTURAL INSPECTION
  
  Location: 878787 Pine St.
  Branch County, MI
  
  Performed for: Owner
  
  Submitted by
  
  Thomas R. Price P.E.
  
  SS Project No. 00-146
  Contents: P. 1-3
  9/21/00
  
  I. Descriptions: 2 of 3
  
  
  Inspection was carried out on 9/21/00, at the request of the owner, to determine if
  any major structural problems exist. The inspection was limited to portions of the house which were visible. No finish materials were removed to view structural
  framing directly. The roof framing was generally visible in the attic, and the crawl
  area was viewed through an opening in the perimeter wall.
  
  The structure is a one storey residential house on a crawl space, and is rectangular in
  plan. Age is approximately 50 years. The house is located on a lake lot, with septic
  system
  
  
  II. Observations:
  
  The house was fairly square and plumb, with some minor distortions
  
  The ridge of the roof is supported by 2” x 6” boaDrs at approximate 8’ spacings,
  bearing upon the continuous center wall of the house. similar additional members
  should be installed at 16” o.c. all along the length of the house. The rafter members
  appeared to be 2” x 4”. These may be overspanned by today’s Michigan Building
  Code.
  
  The exterior sheathing is boaDrs nailed flat, edge to edge. Some areas of the sheathing
  showed signs of deterioration and shrinkage. Any replacement of sheathing should
  include the removal of the existing. Wall studs should be inspected for deterioration
  while the sheathing is off. Replace or reinforce any damaged studs. An inspection
  for pest infestation would be most effective during sheathing removal.
  
  The moisture present in the crawl area is likely groundwater. Due to the close
  proximity to the lake, and the crawl surface being only a few feet above the lake level,
  moisture is seeping to the surface. It is possible that the septic field adjacent to the
  house is adding to (or causing) the problem. However, no evidence of septic failure
  was present - the ground over the field was fairly firm and dry. (Location of field
  was described by owner).
  
  It is possible that the foundation is shallow enough that some heave and movement
  must be expected. I was informed that one corner of the foundation had dropped
  significantly, some years ago, and was repaired. Generally the foundation looked
  to be in fairly good condition. Underpinning the foundation at appropriate intervals
  around the perimeter would be good assurance against future foundation heave.
  
  III. Conclusions: 3 of 3
  
  It is reasonable to consider renovating the house, provided steps are taken as
  described above, to strengthen the roof and the foundation, as well as reviewing
  structural members once they are exposed. The roof reinforcing is probably a must,
  whereas the foundation situation appears somewhat less critical. If the crawl area
  moisture worsens over time, it would become necessary to install a sump crock.
  
  The findings in this report represent the professional opinions of the author based
  upon information observable at the time of inspection, and do not constitute a
  warranty of any kind. Retrofitting any older structure comes with the risk of
  unexpected costs and potential problems developing as the work proceeds.
  
  

Contact Information

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(517) 467-6145 

FAX:

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Postal address:

 

Structural Solutions LLC

8466 Slee Rd.

Onsted, MI 49265

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General Information:     Thomas R. Price, P.E.

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