Revision to letter / responsibility to report to city questions
Revision to letter / responsibility to report to city questions
(OP)
This is a "two-parter", and I'd welcome any input to either question or both-(sorry for the length)
We have a client that asked for a professional opinion regarding the integrity of a basement wall in a 3-family
apartment house. The following is the essence of the findings and recommendation in the report given to him. He had not specifically asked for a recommendation, only an evaluation. He wants the report revised to omit the recommendation.
"It is my opinion that due to the issues I have described, the right side wall of this building is structurally unstable. I believe it is in danger of caving inwards. Should that happen it could very easily cause significant structural damage to the right side wall that supports three
floors and the roof, and quite possibly the floors and roof themselves.
I would strongly recommend that the wall be removed and replaced with a structurally engineered wall capable of supporting all the loads imposed on it. I would further recommend that this be done right away, as the current
condition of the wall gives cause for concern that it could fail at any time. If it is not possible to replace the wall at this time, it should at the least be buttressed in a way that will prevent a cave in and provide support to the
structure that the wall supports."
The first question is: is it enough to state the failing condition alone? It was our opinion that the second paragraph was required to convey the imminent nature of our concerns...
The second question would be: since we have informed the owner of the building in writing that his property has an immediate concern, are we obligated to go further and report the condition of a privately owned building to the City Building Department? We're leaning this way since there are tenants and abutters that may not have access to our letter.
Again, I'd welcome any input- and thanks in advance.
MB
We have a client that asked for a professional opinion regarding the integrity of a basement wall in a 3-family
apartment house. The following is the essence of the findings and recommendation in the report given to him. He had not specifically asked for a recommendation, only an evaluation. He wants the report revised to omit the recommendation.
"It is my opinion that due to the issues I have described, the right side wall of this building is structurally unstable. I believe it is in danger of caving inwards. Should that happen it could very easily cause significant structural damage to the right side wall that supports three
floors and the roof, and quite possibly the floors and roof themselves.
I would strongly recommend that the wall be removed and replaced with a structurally engineered wall capable of supporting all the loads imposed on it. I would further recommend that this be done right away, as the current
condition of the wall gives cause for concern that it could fail at any time. If it is not possible to replace the wall at this time, it should at the least be buttressed in a way that will prevent a cave in and provide support to the
structure that the wall supports."
The first question is: is it enough to state the failing condition alone? It was our opinion that the second paragraph was required to convey the imminent nature of our concerns...
The second question would be: since we have informed the owner of the building in writing that his property has an immediate concern, are we obligated to go further and report the condition of a privately owned building to the City Building Department? We're leaning this way since there are tenants and abutters that may not have access to our letter.
Again, I'd welcome any input- and thanks in advance.
MB





RE: Revision to letter / responsibility to report to city questions
TTFN
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RE: Revision to letter / responsibility to report to city questions
RE: Revision to letter / responsibility to report to city questions
Here is a responsibility rule that likely applies to you....
I would suggest you first have a conversation with your client telling him what you are obligated to do by state law...you have no choice.
Copy your letter to the building official to the general counsel of your state licensing board and to your attorney.
RE: Revision to letter / responsibility to report to city questions
Regards
Pat
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RE: Revision to letter / responsibility to report to city questions
My understanding is that it is being copied to the building official at this point-
M
RE: Revision to letter / responsibility to report to city questions