HomeMy WebLinkAboutHome Inspector ReportEvaluation of property at 50 Main St, Hyannis 3-14-23
I was asked to do a structural analysis of the above property. I visited the building
and spent some time looking at the structure last week and found the following:
1. The foundation system, especially in the front section is dangerously
insufficient and is already collapsing in sections. The original foundation has
not been updated since the 1800s. The original one is a crawl space
foundation with a totally insufficient dust cap over the dirt. Old brick was
used in many areas of the foundation and the mortar is disintegrating
which is eliminating any structural integrity it once had.
2. The wall framing system has 2x4s 4’ on center instead of 16” on center. This
resulted in sagging on the outside walls when sections of the foundations
sagged under it. This kind of situation is extremely cost
3. prohibitive to repair.
4. The inside has been gutted which allows me to see the framing completely.
Many sections had cut carrying beams which has resulted in an immediate
need to shore up these areas to remove immediate danger. These cut
carrying beams were done many years ago and were hidden behind the old
horse hair plaster. These problems became evident especially around the
center chimney.
5. The center chimney is structurally dangerous and is beyond repair, The
chimney has sunk approximately 2” which has pulled down the attached
floor systems along side of it. There is no footing under the chimney, all the
mortar is powder and cant be repaired at all. These center chimneys in old
homes from the 1800s were the main structure that the rooms abutted to.
Without any stability in the center at the chimney, all rooms around it have
sagged and cant be jacked up.
6. The windows and doors in the historic section are beyond repair and will
need to be discarded.
7. Environmentally the structure has mold, asbestos and remnants of lead
paint. In addition, it has an abandoned oil tank which has to be drained and
removed per Fire Department rules in Hyannis
In conclusion, going through this old building resulted in me forming a
professional opinion that it should be razed. There is nothing in the structure that
I could see that is salvageable.
If I could be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Ralph Crossen
508-922-3195
Home Inspector #382 Mass.
Constrction Supervisor #070029