You’re interested in making changes to your house this spring. Or, perhaps you feel like something is wrong with your home’s structure, but you can’t put your finger on it.
Fortunately, in either scenario, a structural engineer has you covered.
If you’re wondering how exactly a structural engineer can help you, here’s a rundown on eight reasons why you need a residential structural engineer now.
Let’s jump in!
A structural engineer can come in handy if you’re interested in completing a relatively small home renovation, like remodeling your bathroom.
If you’ll be removing a wall or adding an extra load to your home, you need an engineer to verify that your home’s skeleton can hold the weight.
As an example, have an engineer look at your house plan before you incorporate a Jacuzzi tub into your bathroom. The engineer will tell you if you need to add reinforcements to accommodate your new load.
In the event that reinforcements are necessary, the engineer could create a detailed project document for the contractor of your choice to use.
A major renovation or remodel is another situation where you want to enlist the help of a structural engineer.
For instance, maybe you’d like to add a sunroom to your home. By consulting with a reputable engineer immediately, you’ll find out if you have to check your home’s soils before beginning the project.
An engineer can also address matters like water management and the strength of your foundation. These are important aspects of your renovation that an architect or designer might not address.
Let’s say that you don’t have much space to expand your home horizontally, so you decide to do so vertically.
Before you start building up, make sure that you talk to a structural engineer about your goals. This professional will perform calculations to make sure that your foundation and floor joists can take additional weight. If not, you will need structural reinforcements.
Then, the engineer can give you plans featuring details that will help your project to be a success in the end.
Perhaps instead of building a second or third story to your home, you decide to expand your house outward. For instance, you may want to add ground-level rooms to make your home more spacious.
This move will take up a chunk of your yard space. In addition, pouring a foundation will be necessary.
Once an architect puts together initial plans for you, you need to hire an engineer to review these plans and create a plan for your foundation. The engineer will also provide details about your environmental loads, like seismic, wind, and thermal loads.
Without this information, your home might not be sound from a structural standpoint. As a result, you might not receive approval for the building permits you want.
When else should you enlist the help of a structural engineer? Before you add a deck to your home.
A structural engineer will make sure that your deck is built based on your local building codes. If not, your town’s building department may actually force you to tear down your deck.
With an engineer’s help, you can rest assured that the deck you build will remain a secure investment. It will keep your loved ones safe as well.
If you are interested in creating a detached addition for your home, be sure to consult a structural engineer first.
A detached addition may be a workshop, guest house, or garage. An engineer can help you to ensure that your structure will be built according to code, no matter what style or option you’re considering for your addition.
Yet another reason to seek the help of a structural engineer is if you are buying a new home.
Your engineer can assist you in evaluating general maintenance issues. In addition, they can help you to pinpoint broad structural problem areas that should serve as red flags for you.
For instance, an engineer can help you to determine the condition of a home’s roof, foundation, plumbing, or electrical before you buy it. The more informed you are about necessary repairs, the more negotiation power you have.
Seeking the help of a structural engineer might not be the first thing that comes to mind if your property has sustained damage. However, it probably should be.
Why? Because if a car has hit your home, for example, this can cause more damage than you might think.
For instance, your building might be compromised. Therefore, it might be more susceptible to deterioration and mold.
If you neglect to consult an engineer, signs of structural damage might appear down the road — when too much time has passed for you to report it to your insurance company.
Are you in need of a structural engineer’s expertise? We’re your go-to source for the right engineer for your project.
How does our service work? All you need to do is post your project on our site. Then, you’ll receive proposals for free.
With our help, you can feel confident that you aren’t starting your project or tackling your residential issue blindly.
Get in touch with us to learn more about how our structural engineer service can save you time, money, and energy on your project in the short run and long run.
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