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State of Florida
 

STRUCTURAL INSPECTION REPORT

    click to enlarge

May 1, 2002                                  

Pursuant to your request, Chaiban Engineering Consultants, Inc. professional staff performed a field structural inspection on July 28, 2001, and met with yourself regarding the referenced residence structural damage; and our findings are as follows:

Based on the above findings and field observations, and based on Mr. ...’s representations, we performed additional research through Florida – Climatological reports and National Weather services, ( see attached), our opinion is such that the area of roof burn and damaged rafters ( items 7, 8 & 9 above) along the north side of the house is caused by lightning strikes. Based on the facts and damage observed, it is fair to assume that due to lightning strike, the electric current which may be in thousands of volts, burned the wood and caused the damage. Based on the weather reports, certain lightning strikes killed people as they are walking or standing by a tree and caused trees to fall down.

We did not have access to an existing house plans, soil test report to reveal if weak soils or muck existed under the house foundations.

The house foundations as well as the roof and floor framing must be repaired for damaged areas as listed above, based on what was visible at the time of our inspections, subject to further investigations and destructive testing of the exterior walls, roof and review of existing plans if available.

We recommend that immediate repairs by a certified and licensed general contractor be performed to avoid further damage to the house structure as well as potential water leaks into the interior of the house. Further investigations and destructive testing of the exterior walls, pump room, floor cracks, pool screen members and roof is recommended .

As of this date, due to the unavailability of existing house plans, we can not determine if the existing house was built utilizing a pile foundation system or whether the foundations were built on compacted base or if weak organic material, if existed was excavated from underneath the house.

Based on our attached estimated repair costs and past experience, a repair estimate can cost between $29,000 to $37,000 ( Based on labor and materials cost, equipment and permits). The above estimated costs are subject to final design plans, the design of roof rafters, studs, wall sheathing and dry wall including insulation and hurricane clips and cost of materials and labor based on current market prices, including inflation and price index fluctuations. A more accurate cost estimate can be made once an engineering design plans for the damaged roof, pool screen, wall system and other damaged structural areas are completed for a construction permit. Engineering design fees can vary between $1800 to $2700 subject to scope of services and needed inspections.

In conclusion, our findings indicate that the house framing structure was found damaged as noted above . However, further in depth evaluation must be conducted to reveal any hidden damage not foreseen at the present time due to hidden conditions such as interior foundations and roof crawl space in the attic.

The observed damage to the outer skin of the house in terms of cracks and wood sheathing need to be repaired immediately.

We concur and advise to proceed with the repairs immediately. We would be more than happy to provide you with engineering design and specifications upon your request.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF DAMAGED AREAS DATE: JULY 28, 2001