0220_8620_Fortune_Road.pdf

To: Santa Rosa County Housing Department 6051 Old Bagdad Hwy, Suite 201 Milton, Florida 32583.

RE: Substantial Repair Inspection

Address: 8620 Fortune Road, Milton, Florida 32583

Date of Site Visit: January 20, 2026 Time: 2:00 PM Weather: Sunny

Per the request of the Santa Rosa County Housing Department, Southern Site Utility Design has performed an inspection at the subject address as part of a Substantial Repair evaluation. Attached is a report detailing the findings from the site visit.

Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions or concerns.

Sincerely, Alan M. Miller

FLPE #53577

Southern Site Utility Design

Property Information

Year of Construction: 1967 (per property appraiser)

Layout: (per property appraiser)

Scope of Inspection The inspection covers visible portions of major systems and components, with some areas potentially inaccessible. Hidden or subsurface conditions, unattached structures, sidewalks, driveways, and engineered drawings are excluded.

General Condition The home is generally in need of professional repairs as described below. Noted deficiencies are primarily due to wear and tear from regular use, deferred maintenance, or environmental exposure.

Specific Conditions & Deficiencies

1) Roof – Localized Damage Deficiency:

A small, localized opening was observed in the shingle roof covering.

Recommendation:

Perform a localized roof repair at the damaged area. Remove and replace affected shingles and underlayment. Replace any deteriorated roof sheathing encountered during the repair. Install matching shingles and properly seal and flash the repaired area. Verify that no active leakage remains at the interior ceiling below.

2) Tree Trimming – Roof Protection

Trees are located in close proximity to the residence, and a prior limb failure resulted in roof damage. While no branches are currently in direct contact with the roof, overhanging limbs and mature tree growth present a continued risk of falling limbs during high winds or storm events.

Recommendation:

Perform selective tree trimming and hazard mitigation for trees surrounding the residence to reduce the risk of future limb failure and roof impact. Remove dead, dying, cracked, or structurally compromised limbs that could fall toward the roof area. Trim overhanging limbs to improve clearance above the roof without removing healthy trees or significantly reducing the existing shade canopy. Work shall focus on safety and risk reduction only.

Protect the roof, gutters, siding, and surrounding property during work and remove all debris from the site. All tree work shall be performed by a professional tree service.

3) HVAC

The residence is currently served by two window air conditioning units and two portable electric space heaters.

Recommendation:

Install a two-zone, ductless mini-split heat pump system, sized appropriately, to provide permanent heating and cooling for the residence. The system shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and all applicable codes. The mini-split system shall be served by a new, dedicated 240-volt electrical circuit. Final breaker size shall be determined based on the equipment nameplate minimum circuit ampacity (MCA) and maximum overcurrent protection (MOCP) requirements and verified by a licensed electrician prior to installation. Provide an exterior disconnect as required by code.

Installation of the mini-split system is intended to replace the existing window air-conditioning units and portable electric space heaters.

4) Bathroom

The bathroom is missing a sink/vanity, with plumbing exposed at the wall. The existing toilet is to be replaced.

Recommendation:

Install a new bathroom vanity and sink with faucet. Reconnect water supply and drain lines. Patch and repair the wall opening at the vanity location and perform paint touch-up as needed. Replace the existing toilet and verify proper operation with no leaks at the supply connection or base.

5) Family Room – Ceiling Fans

Two ceiling fans with lights and remote controls are required per the project scope.

Recommendation:

Provide and install two matching ceiling fans with integrated lighting and remote controls. Verify that ceiling boxes are fan-rated and upgrade boxes and wiring as required for a safe and secure installation.

6) Kitchen Transition – Interior Elevation Change

An interior elevation change was observed at the transition into the kitchen. A makeshift ramp is currently installed, creating a steep slope and presenting a trip and fall hazard.

Recommendation:

Remove the existing ramp and install a permanent interior step assembly consisting of two steps to accommodate the elevation change. Construct steps with uniform riser and tread dimensions and provide a secure attachment to the floor. Install a guardrail/handrail at the steps to improve safety and stability. All work shall result in a safe, secure, and durable transition between rooms.

7) Septic System (Per Amended DEP OSTDS Repair Permit)

The existing on-site septic system has reached the end of its service life and is not suitable for continued use. An amended Florida DEP OSTDS repair permit has been issued for abandonment of the existing (uncertified) septic tank and installation of a replacement system at an amended location on the property.

Recommendation:

Abandon the existing uncertified septic tank in accordance with current Florida Department of Health / DEP requirements. Install a new on-site septic system in accordance with the amended DEP permit, consisting of a new 900-gallon (multi-chamber) septic tank, a 150-gallon dosing tank with pump (lift dosing), and a 250 square foot drainfield (standard trench configuration) sized for a one-bedroom residence (200 gpd design flow). Set the new tank(s) and drainfield as high as the existing plumbing elevations will allow, and route the pump discharge (force main/transmission line) to the permitted drainfield location. Remove and properly dispose of the existing drainfield and any spoils encountered during the repair. Maintain all required setbacks per FAC 62-6, protect the newly installed drainfield from vehicle traffic, restore disturbed areas, and coordinate all required inspections through final approval.

Figures from 01/20/2026 Site Visit

Figure 1: Front Elevation Figure 2: Rear Elevation

Figure 3: Left Elevation Figure 4: Right Elevation

Figure 5: Roof Figure 6: Roof

Figure 7: Roof Figure 8: Electrical Service Meter

Figure 9: Bathroom Figure 10: Bathroom

Figure 11: Ceiling Fan Figure 12: Ceiling Fan

Cost Estimate (Includes Labor and Materials)

No. Item (Concise) Amount

Roof Repair – Localized Hole: Remove/replace shingles and underlayment; replace roof sheathing as needed;

seal/flash repair; verify watertight.

Tree Trimming – Roof Protection: Selective trimming to remove dead or structurally compromised limbs and reduce overhang above roof; preserve healthy trees and shade canopy; debris removal included.

HVAC – 2-Zone Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump System:

Provide and install 2-zone heat pump mini-split (two indoor heads + outdoor unit); line sets; condensate routing; start-up/commissioning; dedicated 240V circuit and exterior disconnect sized per nameplate (MCA/MOCP).

Bathroom – Install Vanity/Sink + Replace Toilet: Install vanity/sink with faucet; reconnect supply/drain; patch wall and paint touch-up; replace toilet; verify leak-free operation.

Family Room – Two Ceiling Fans: Provide and install two matching ceiling fans with lights and remote controls;

upgrade to fan-rated boxes and wiring as required.

Kitchen Transition – Two Steps + Guardrail: Remove makeshift ramp; construct two permanent interior steps with secure attachment; install guardrail/handrail; finish transitions.

Septic System – Replacement (Per Amended DEP Permit): Abandon existing uncertified tank; install new 900-gallon multi-chamber septic tank, 150-gallon dosing tank with pump and controls, and approximately 250 SF trench drainfield at amended location; include force main, removal of existing drainfield, site restoration, inspections, and final approval.

Gerald & Elizabeth Watson Date