September 8, 2023 Ms. Nicole Nellis Cockrell Nellis Group Mris@nellisgroup.com
RE:
8426 Grenoble Ct. Springfield, VA 22153
Dear Nicole, Thank you for calling Nader Elhajj for our September 7, 2023, inspection of the townhouse referenced above. As you requested, our inspection was limited to a visual assessment of the wall cracks. Our Findings and Recommendations are below. No legal advice is included.
Findings 1. The existing house is a two-story center unit townhouse constructed on a basement. The townhouse is located on Lot 57E and Section 3 of Charlestown in Springfield, Fairfax County, VA (Map# 0793 14 0057E). The townhouse is reported to have been originally built in 1970 and is zoned PRC. 2. The townhouse measures approximately 21 feet wide. 3. The basement ceiling height is approximately 8’-2”. 4. The basement ceiling joists are framed with joists that appear to be spanning from front to back over an interior beam. The basement ceiling was fully drywalled. 5. A vertical crack is noted along the concrete ledge under the rear sliding door. The crack varied in width from hairline to approximately 1/8”. 6. A diagonal drywall crack is visible along the left side of the second-floor rear left bedroom window. The crack varied in width from hairline to approximately 3/16”. 7. A diagonal drywall crack is visible along the right side of the second-floor rear right bedroom window. The crack varied in width from hairline to approximately 3/16”. 8. A diagonal drywall crack is visible along the front wall of the second-floor front bedroom. The crack varied in width from hairline to approximately 1/8”. 9. A vertical hairline crack is visible along the front side of the left CMU basement foundation wall.
Recommendations 1. The second-floor drywall cracks do not appear to be of structural significance and do not impact the structural integrity of the house. The cracks are caused by slight movements in the foundations. The cracks shall be repaired. 2. The cracks in the rear foundation wall and the left-side basement foundation wall are insignificant cracks and do not impact the structural integrity of the house. The cracks shall be sealed though. 3. The ground around the house shall be re-graded to ensure that water drains away from the foundation walls. 4. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clean, have adequate slope, and drain water away from the house. If you have any questions regarding this report, please call me at (703) 615-2451. With best regards,
Nader Elhajj, P.E.
9/8/2023