Hiring a structural engineer for your home is very important when you know that your home has been modified in the past. Several things could have happened when the house was modified, or you might be ready to modify the home again. You may plan to flip the house, rent it, or even sell. The circumstances will change the information that you need, and you can use these tips to learn what a structural engineer can do for you.
Was The Foundation Been Repaired?
Pedram Zohrevand recommends that a structural engineer inspect the house when it appears that the foundation has been repaired or shored up in the past. The previous homeowners may not have done the job properly, or the foundation may have continued to shift after the job was done.
You also need to know if the engineer believes the home can be repaired again. You might find that an engineer is nervous about the state of the house, or they might recommend a specific type of foundation repair that will make the home safer.
Was An Addition Built On The House?
When an additional was built onto the home, you might want to speak to an engineer about how that addition was handled. When you make an addition to a home, it is like building a tiny house onto the existing structure. A structural engineer can tell you if the job was done properly, if any changes need to be made, and if the foundation for the addition if in danger of collapsing or the foundation is shifting.
This is extremely important because some homes have older additions that do not look new. This means that you think the house is one structure that was built at the same time. You might be surprised if you find that the back half of the house is sagging because it was not built properly. A structural engineer can easily tell you which parts of the house are new, and they can explain what should be done to solve the problem.
Does The House Have Issues With Landscaping Or Soil Erosion?
Some homes have problems with soil erosion and even flooding in the basement. It is possible that the property was altered in the past, and part of the problem might have been caused by the landscaping that was done. A previous owner might have planted a tree near the house that has roots that are breaking into the basement. The soil that was added to the property might have caused the foundation to shift, or the eroding soil might be pushing the house off its foundation.
A structural engineer can show you what was done, how to solve the problem, and how to return the house to its original state. You may feel as though the house is in good condition, but the home may be in danger because the property was not managed well.
Were Walls Taken Down?
The walls in the house may have been taken down, and an engineer should tell you if those walls bear any weight. Many people will simply make changes to the house without thinking of which walls bear weight. This can be a significant problem for the homeowner, and you need to learn how you can rectify the problem.
This is very important for the continued enjoyment and safety of your home. Adding a few pillars to your living room, kitchen, or even basement will make it safer.
The Previous Owner Added A Pool
The previous owner might have added a pool, and you need to ask an engineer if the pool has caused problems with soil erosion or the pipes that enter the house. If the pool is physically higher than the house, you need to know that the pool will not shift. Ask your engineer if the pool and its location are safe. Shoring up this area can help solve the problem quickly.
The Attic Is Overused
You should bring a structural engineer to the house when the attic is overused. The attic could not be a good place for people to be because it cannot support that much weight. The room can be modified, and other parts of the home should be modified to solve any problems.
Hire An Engineer When You Do Not Know What Was Done With Your Home In The Past?
When you take the advice that Pedram Zohrevand has offered, you can make your home a much safer place to live. You might need an engineer to help you when you are wondering what could be done to make the house safer, or you might need an engineer to help you avoid a home that you were planning to buy. These engineers can recommend repairs and help make the house safe again
