Now and then, homeowners require the assistance of a structural engineer. This could be for an assessment of the property you are purchasing or perhaps you are building an extension for your home and require the steel beams constructed, etc. Before naming an engineer, it is crucial to understand the work they perform along with how they can help in the process.
Here are five suggestions that can assist you in making the right choice.
Qualifications & Experience
The engineer you choose must be a Chartered Engineer and be a part of a professional body. If they belong to any organization, rest assured that they are qualified and have adequate certifications. In addition, you should ensure that they have the appropriate expertise in the field of engineering to which they are being assigned to. For this, ask them to give you an earlier project similar to the one they have worked on and to look them up.
Calculations and Design
If you are planning to construct an extension on your house then you will need to choose an architect to draw up plans. It will help you get Planning Permission and Building Regulations. Plans will likely include the requirement for steel beams as well as timber roof members, and at times, foundation strengthening. The Structural Engineer will be able to implement these plans by providing structural calculations as well as any other drawings and information so that complete Building Regulations approval can be granted.
Structural Surveys and Reports
If you are buying some property, it is crucial to inspect it so that you can be aware of the condition of the building. There is a variety of surveys, but for properties that are older than 25 years, the full structural survey must be conducted by a licensed Structural Engineer. The structural survey examines all elements accessible to the structure and gives an assessment of the condition of the building, and provides recommendations for any remodeling and repair work needed to fix dilapidations. Find a suitable structural engineer near you on lastructuralengineer.com/residential-structural-engineer.
At times, you might notice issues in your home including subsidence, settlement cracking of floors and walls or sagging, mold or dampness or fire damage, water leakage, etc. A structural survey must be conducted to examine, document, and suggest remedial steps to address the problems.
Site Investigations and Ground Engineering
When you hire an engineer, it is most likely that you will commission them to create or present and discuss a problem above the ground. However, it must be recognized that anything happening above ground has to be supported by foundations below the ground. Therefore, the Structural Engineer must know ground conditions and foundations so that he can address the effect on foundations of any changes above the ground.
Project Management
The Structural Engineer will offer this vital service and assist you from the start of your project until the conclusion of the work. The engineer will serve as a liaison to your contractors, provide cost control for your project as well as quality control, offer technical assistance, assist with your product, and much more.