Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC1999-032 Letter From Steve Martin, P.E. Consulting Structural Engineer To Mr. Raymond Rogers 11/05/1999STEVE MARTIN, P.E. CONSULTING STRUCTURAL ENGINEER P.O. BOX 366 ATKINS, ARKANSAS 72823 (501)-641-2849 5 November, 1999 Mr. Raymond Rogers 2008 Scott Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72206 Dear Mr. Rogers: Per your request, I conducted a structural inspection of the house at 1422 Rock Street in Little Rock, Arkansas on 4 November. The following is a summary of my findings: 1) The house is a two story, Victorian type structure with brick veneer. 2) The major portion of the roof is missing and the second floor is, for the most part, exposed to the elements. 3) In several areas the brick veneer has either fallen off or been removed. 4) A large lintel beam on the west side of the house appears to have failed due to flexure combined with decay and rotting. 5) Many of the load carrying elements (floor joists, ceiling joists, lintels, wall studs, etc.) are severely decayed and rotten. 6) The floors in several of the rooms are sagging excessively. 7) Several ceiling joists have apparently been exposed to fire at sometime. It is my opinion that in its present condition the house is structurally inadequate and would be unsafe for habitation even with a new roof. It is also my opinion that even if it were possible to bring the house up to code required standards, the cost in money, time and effort would be prohibitive. I recommend that you seriously consider having the structure torn down. If I can be of further assistance in this matter please let me know. Sincerely, P111 AS. Martin, P.E. ARKA.N REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER . + r NO. 5561 J°'S'!� S. M STEVE MARTIN, P.C. CONSULTING STRUCTURAL ENGINEER P.O. BOX 366 ATKINS, ARKANSAS 72823 (501)-641-2849 15 November, 1999 Mr. Raymond Rogers 2008 Scott Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72206 Dear Mr. Rogers. - Per our telephone conversation of 15 November, 1999, I have given some thought to what I believe it would cost to renovate vour house at 1422 Rock Street in Little Rock. Based on my inspection of the structure earlier this month, I believe that the following steps would be required to bring the house up to code stipulated standards: 1) The upstair and downstair floor sheathing would have to be completely removed 2) All wall sheathing would have to be removed 3) Each stud, joist, lintel, etc. would have to be carefully inspected to check for structural adequacy/soundness 4) Based on my previous inspection, I would anticipate that most of the studs, _joists lintels, etc. would have to be removed and replaced 5) The existing foundation would have to be examined to determine structural adequacy and serviceability. I anticipate that most of the existing foundation would have to be replaced or repaired. 6) Steps 5 and 6 above would probably require jacking up and/or temporarily supporting portions of the structure while the work is being done 7) Based on what I saw during my inspection, I would expect most of the existing lumber to be full sawn. It is my understanding that full sawn Iumber is generally not available, therefore, numerous special construction details would have to be employed to make available dressed or rough sawn lumber perform properly 8) Most of the brick veneer would have to be removed either due to existing distress or to damage caused by the jacking up and supporting of the wood structure 9) The plumbing and electrical system would have to be replaced The steps described above amount to effectively tearing the structure down and rebuilding it while it is still standing. Mr. Raymond Rogers Page 2 In my opinion, the cost of performing the work described above as well as procuring the specialty architectural items required to maintain the historical theme in the house would cost somewhere between $225,000 and 350,000. If I can be of further assistance in this matter, please let me know. Sincerely; O-Ot- John S. Martin, P.E.