515 Alpine Assessmentstructural
9787 Holland Cir
Westminster, CO 80021
970.389.1722
mail@410structural.com
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May 28, 2021
Brent Evans
Brent.Evans@amentum.com
Reference: Structural Assessment
515 Alpine Ave
Boulder, CO 80303
Dear Mr. Evans:
I visited the above referenced property at 12:30 pm on May 13, 2021, to perform a structural assessment
of the existing residential structure. A summary of my observations, opinions, and recommendations for
further action are presented below. This report was done only to assess the current structural condition of
the residence and to identify problem areas. This report is not intended to provide detailed repair
methods.
The subject property is a ranch-style single-family house located in an established neighborhood. Based
on an online search of the Boulder County Assessor’s website the house structure was originally
constructed in 1900 with multiple later renovations and additions. The house structure appears to be
conventionally wood framed with exterior wood siding founded on a combination of stacked stone and
poured concrete foundation walls.
My observations were visual only. I did walk the exterior perimeter of the house to observe the general
site conditions. Additionally, no plans were available for review.
Visual Observations:
The site generally slopes down from south to north. The property is bordered on the south by Alpine Ave
and the west by an alley. The drive surface of the alley is in contact with the exterior siding. The grading
of the alley is several inches above the interior floor elevation and is currently retained by the wood
framing and siding of the home. The mature landscaping on the south side between the house and the
street slopes down toward the home. On the north and east elevations grade generally slopes away from
the structure.
The wood siding appears to be in serviceable condition where it is not in contact with the adjacent soil
and vegetation. Portions of the entry porch roof are water damaged and it appears to have been modified.
The beam was extended with toenails on the east end and is beginning to fail at the joint. The rafters on
the porch do not appear to have a positive connection to the primary roof framing. The wood roof
sheathing is water damaged.
On the east elevation, a portion of cast-in-place concrete wall bows several inches beyond the face of
siding and is sealed with exposed expanding foam. A concrete patio or parking area on the north side of
the home is poured tight to the existing siding and incorporates a large access door to the crawl space.
In the crawl space, the soil is generally within 8 inches of the floor framing and access is limited. A portion
was excavated deeper for the installation of mechanical equipment. The exterior walls are generally
supported on stacked stone foundations while the deeper crawl space has poured concrete walls on three
sides and a mixture of stacked stone and brick on the north side.
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The main floor framing consists of 1x wood decking on 2x joists. The joists span in several different
directions and are supported by a mix of wood log posts, temporary adjustable steel columns, loose
stone, and stacked stone foundaitons. Portions of the floor to the east were not visible. In several
locations the floor framing connections were failing and excessive deflections were noted.
Inside, the main floor surface varies. The kitchen area is significantly lower than the remainder of the floor
and slopes down to the north and east. The ceilings slope to match the drop in the floor. Several large
cracks are visible in the walls and ceilings throughout the home. In the attic space the rafters appear to be
sound with no significant signs of distress.
Opinions and Recommendations:
The foundation system for the residential structure appears to be in poor condition. While the wood
framing of the walls and roof generally appear to be sound, there has been excessive movement in the
foundation and main floor framing. In my professional opinion, the floor framing and foundation are in
such condition as to be beyond repair. If it is desired to preserve the existing structure I recommend lifting
the home as required to remove and replace the existing main floor framing and foundation system. This
would allow for the necessary corrections to site grading and settlement.
If the existing foundation is to remain, new retaining walls are required on the south and west elevations
to ensure that soil is maintained a minimum of 8” from the wood framing to prevent further decay. As the
portions of the home that are currently buried were not visible from the exterior or crawl space it is difficult
to assess the current condition of the framing in those areas.
The entry porch should be re-constructed with new materials. Assessment of the condition of the roofing,
siding, plaster, and other finish materials is beyond the scope of this report.
It should be noted that the opinions and recommendations contained in this report are based on visual
observations only. There is no claim, either stated or implied, that all conditions were observed. This
report does not express or imply any warranty of the structure; it only addresses the condition of the
portion which was readily accessible and observable at the time of my investigation.
Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns related to the property.
Sincerely,
_____________________________
Christopher Shult, P.E.
Principal
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Photos:
Southwest Elevation Northeast Elevation
Northwest Elevation Entry Porch
Porch Beam Extension Porch Rafter Connection
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Mechanical Crawl Space Typical Crawlspace
Sloped Kitchen Typical Roof Framing
Typical Crack in Finishes