When to Hire a Structural Engineer?

Structural engineers are professionals who have training to analyze the factors with the exert force like wind or gravity. They have expertise in different concerning areas with the building structure. Though there are some exceptions, a structural engineer and a contractor or an inspector are different.

Construction site manager with young people in training period

Structural Engineer

Contractors and inspectors help to analyze the warning signs of structural damage, but engineers can dig deep down the causes of severity of the problems. They can find out the underlying issues and the right solutions. When the architects focus on the aesthetics of a building a structural engineer concentrates on the support system of the building and resisting power.

While building a new home you must hire a structural engineer. The engineer considers the building site and integration with the site features.

Structural Damage

When a contractor or inspector has pin-pointed a problem in your home, it is better to contact an engineer immediately. They will help you to find out the severity of the problem and solutions. Foundation wall, bowing wall, cracked floor, uneven floor, standing water are the signs of foundation problem in your home that must be addressed by a structural engineer.

Once a site investigation is done, the engineers prepare a report that consists of the potential causes of the foundation issues the probable solutions. The structures that have a complicated building plan or old homes need inputs from residential structural engineer. There are many homes build up with perspective building methods.

The engineers ensure that building remedies abide by the local building codes. A structural engineer is the professional person who determines the scopes of a major home renovation and foundation problems.

When to Call a Structural Engineer

  • Issues in home that need a licensed engineer

  • Natural disaster caused damage to the home

  • Crack in foundation

  • Settled foundation

  • Moved foundation

  • Cracked interior

  • Moved frames

  • Sagging floors or walls

  • Bowing floors or walls

  • Sink holes

  • Soil issues

  • Roofing issues

  • Collapsed building

  • Flood, water or wind damage

When you suspect there are issues in your home with a structure, you should contact a residential structural engineer. Engineers from Ramjack will schedule a time and come to your place to evaluate the entire situation. Even also when you are building a new home, you must call an engineer. They will help you in making the plans and structures to build a good home.