13.3 - 1614 Preston Ave - Updated Contractor Letter on Masonry — original pdf

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Highland Lakes Engineering Box 1164, Kingsland, Texas 78639 830-637-9584 Tx. Reg # F-9209 To: City of Austin and HOA From: Brad Shaw Subject: 1614 Preston Street, Austin This is to certify that a structural review of the existing house rock veneer was made with the following conditions and concerns: 1) The single story house is approximately 60+ years old and is constructed as a pier and beam foundation with an exterior limestone rock veneer. There are also two additional separate concrete slabs on the property adjacent to the main house which are of unknown age that show signs of settling. There are some visible exterior evidence of moisture penetration in the wall cavities that requires further demolition, but is a good indicator that the rock veneer has been penetrated. 2) A rock fireplace and chimney has been added in the past and is leaning and pulling away from the main structure of the house. 3) There is proposed a second story addition to the entire house area. Since the second story will add a significant weight load condition to the perimeter house veneer foundation and that some movement has currently been noticed, it is recommend the original rock veneer of the house be removed and replaced with a stucco veneer on both first and second floors of the proposed project. This solution is also recommended since the location of the house is in an area of expansive soils. Date: 9/17/2026