When to Hire a Structural Engineer

Structural engineers identify, evaluate, and design the physical integrity of a building, specifically dealing with forces resulting from dead and live loads. They can be crucial for new construction, a number of renovation projects, and also if you experience problems with your structure’s foundation. Below are some reasons why you may need a structural engineer

Wall Cracks (Internal/External)

This type of issue can be indicative that structural movement has occurred. Cracks are common and often can be a result of settlement within the home. Other times, there may have been a structural failure, such as a broken truss or failed joist connection that you were unaware of. If you have any doubts or concerns, hire a structural engineer. Extensive, wide, multiple, or long cracks should be examined immediately by a structural engineer.

Call Foust Engineering today if you have any concerns!

Remodel or Rennovation

When a homeowner decides to make improvements or undertake a remodel that involves the stability of their home, a structural engineer is essential. The structural engineer will provide the structural drawings and calculations to be used during the renovation to the contractor or architect. This will ensure your home renovations are being done to current building codes and meet all necessary regulations.

Sunroom Addition

Adding a sunroom to your home is an exciting addition! There are many factors to consider such as:

    • How large will the space be?
    • How many windows?
    • Will there be electricity?
    • What will be supporting the addition?

All of these questions are related to calculations which a structural engineer will need to know to determine the amount of load in the space. It is crucial to have a structural engineer review the design plans, calculate the weight on the structural members, and make corrections as needed. The structural engineer will also make sure the building components are the proper sizes and types for the integrity of the structure. They will also consider how the addition is connected to the current structure and how the additional loads will affect the existing home.

Alteration of Existing Floor Plan

Perhaps you want to open up your home to create more usable space. Highly structured living spaces are typical of homes in the past. Hire an innovative structural engineer to bring your vision to a reality by designing structural solutions that allow openness under your existing roof. Open floor plan designs create spacious, informal interiors that connect common areas. This style has steadily grown in popularity over the years and was first available as a key element of modern homes, but now it can be found within any kind of exterior style. The main attraction of an open floor plan is the great room, which combines the living and dining rooms into a larger area that is still in view of the kitchen. Whereas traditional floor plans are divided by interior walls, the lack of walls in open designs creates a visually larger space, and more of it can be used at any given time because it is very flexible. In addition, because other rooms connect directly to the great room, there isn’t a need for hallways and more square footage goes straight to living areas and bedrooms. This floor plan arrangement is currently trending in modern home, so look to an experienced structural engineer to help bring this plan to life.

New Construction

If you are looking to build your dream home, a structural engineer can create a detailed foundation plan with structural integrity and efficiency in mind. Engineers have a tremendous impact on the quality and resilience of your house. They are responsible for the structural safety of the building and this involves a lot of factors. Your home needs to be able to withstand the worst weather your particular area can throw at it. Rain, wind, snow, seismic activity, and more need to be accounted for. Also, it is necessary to evaluate the soils of the potential site making sure the existing grounds are suitable for the build. A structural engineer will design the foundation taking into account the type of soil your home is built on.

Fire Restoration

If your home has recently experienced a fire, odds are, structural components were damaged. Before you determine the best way to proceed, have a structural engineer on site to determine just how much damage was done and how to repair the situation. They can provide you with a good idea of how much effort/finances will be necessary to restore the home to its prior condition.