House structural engineers work in tandem with homeowners, contractors, and architects to insure the safety and integrity of a structure by consulting on design and build projects and renovations to ensure they are built to code and safe to inhabit. A structural engineer can implement a set of design plans for a contractor to follow, provide an inspection of renovations and restorations for an existing build, and explain the safety and building codes in your neighborhood.
Spot a crack? Suspect termites? An expert consultation can help should you find yourself questioning the structural integrity of your home. A house structural engineer will come on site and provide you with a detailed report on anything problematic, including potential complications with build materials, which can eliminate the element of surprise should you choose to sell or renovate down the road.
Here are three reasons you might find yourself in need of a house structural engineer:
You Already have an Architect and Contractor for your Custom Home Build
House structural engineers can work closely with architects to facilitate your custom home build in the most efficient, sustainable way possible. While the architect is responsible for drawing up the blueprints for your custom build, it is the structural engineer that can identify the best possible build materials, equipment needs, and potential labor requirements, to fulfill your architect’s concept. Your architect envisions the space, and it is a structural engineer who can identify, survey, and advocate for what you will need to help that vision become a reality.
The structural engineer will also consult with your contractor throughout the process. Together with your contractor they can determine the best way to get the most durability and physical integrity out of your custom home build. They can recommend and source materials and design elements for the duration of the project, beginning before you even break ground. Engineers can measure the sustainability of the soil you’re planning to build upon, determine the equipment and materials you need when you’re pouring the foundation, and advise on incorporating support beams and other key structural components during the framing process. When you’re contracting with a house structural engineer, keep in mind they can also lend their expertise to overseeing the supervision and management of construction crews and labor.
You have a Major Renovation Underway
If you’re planning on incorporating an addition to an existing structure, removing crucial structural elements like load bearing walls within your home, planning on replacing your doors and windows, or simply adding some solar panels to your home, a structural engineer can expedite the process and keep you within your budget.
You may need to obtain some building permits from city planning officials or draw up a game plan for your architect or contractor to facilitate the renovation. Consulting with an experienced engineer will streamline the process and promote clear communication between all parties, giving you a consolidated path to complete your project and save money in the meantime.
Here is a selection of home renovation projects that typically require the services of a house structural engineer:
- Adding on an extension to your existing structure
- Modifying or replacing an existing chimney
- Modifying your internal space to accommodate an open floor plan, requiring the demolition or addition of structural support and framing materials. This can include removing or replacing load bearing walls
- Reinforcing your retaining walls or concrete columns
- Plans for changes in residential structures built on a certain type of soil or environment
Whatever your renovation plans are, get an engineer on board early so that they can inspect the floor, wall and roof framing prior to your contractor beginning work on the property. That can help to ward off any surprises once the contractor begins to expose the internal structure as renovations commence.
Your are Concerned about the Structural Integrity of your Existing Home
If there’s an obvious issue with the structure of your home – cracks in the walls or foundation, a sagging roof or ceiling – an engineer can help diagnose and remedy the problem. An expert can provide an inspection and detail the exact cause of the headache and recommend the easiest fix for you the homeowner. Whether you’re getting ready for a major renovation or preparing your home to sell, this is the best way to determine what your home needs going forward from the foundation up.
What you can expect when they inspect:
- It can set you back anywhere from $100 to $150 an hour, or $400 to $800, depending on the project length and inspection time
- An opinion from the engineer about the integrity of the foundation and framing and their ability to withstand the load placed upon them
- An observation and annotation of defects (cracks, rot, displacement)
- Given these observations, a determination as to whether the structure can effectively continue to perform its given function
Other Things to Consider
Make sure when you’re selecting a house structural engineer that they have all the credentials and certifications that are typical to an expert in their field. You can find solid suggestions for an engineer for your project by visiting the Institution of Structural Engineers website or the Institution of Civil Engineers to select a member of either of these groups.
Another important thing to double check is that your expert engineer is insured. Professional liability insurance is a great asset, as it limits both the engineer’s and your own culpability should something go awry during the process.
Whether you’re planning a major renovation to an existing structure, a custom home build, or simply want to inspect and maintain the structural integrity of your home, do your research and choose an expert house structural engineer who can help point you in the right direction.
