The Importance of Structural Engineering in Real Estate Transactions

Improperly Supported jack post

In the dynamic world of real estate, structural concerns often emerge after appraisals and inspections. Homeowners and real estate agents grapple with issues ranging from settlement concerns, sagging and improperly supported main load bearing beams, to compromised foundations. This blog discusses the critical role of structural engineering consulting in resolving these issues and emphasizes the potential pitfalls of opting for contractors over a structural engineer firm.

It highlights the importance of involving a structural engineering company to ensure the integrity of a property.

1. Early Intervention Saves Costs:

• Contacting a professional engineer early in the process can save homeowners, sellers, or buyers time and more importantly, significant costs. Engineering solutions ensure compliance with minimum code standards, satisfying both appraisals and mortgage requirements. While some concerns could be addressed in a structural inspection and maybe a letter, others may require structural repairs or intervention. Most municipalities require engineered stamped drawings for structural reinforcements.

2. Contractor vs. Structural Engineer Dilemma:

• While contractors play a crucial role, some contracting companies might mistakenly mislabel structural work as mere reinforcement, or just additional support when, in reality, it should have been a work that requires an engineering review, structural calculations, and drawings, followed by a contractor to pull the permit and perform the work. This misclassification becomes apparent during reevaluation that often is required by appraisers and loan officers, leading to additional costs and potential complications.

3. The Aftermath of Misjudgment:

• Clients opting for contractors often face post-installation appraisals that demand structural engineer approval. This step becomes problematic when the initial work fails to meet code standards, necessitating costly corrections. It also gets expensive as the registered professional engineer or licensed professional will need to verify whether the work completed meets the load requirements or if it needs adjustment and modifications.

4. The Engineering work:

• Structural engineering involves load calculations, correct beam spans, proper footing size, and appropriate load path distribution. Failure to adhere to these principles can result in non compliance work.

Conclusion:

In navigating the complexities of real estate transactions, our advice to real estate agents, sellers, and buyers in Pennsylvania is clear: involve a structural engineer early on. By doing so, you can mitigate potential problems, save time, and reduce costs. Appraisals should also prioritize evaluations by a Pennsylvania structural engineer before greenlighting any structural work. This proactive approach ensures that any structural modification done is sound and meets the minimum requirements set by the structural engineering standards for Pennsylvania.

Written by Firas Abdelahad, P.E.

Firas Abdelahad has been a practicing structural engineer since 2005, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals, including consultants, architects, investors, homeowners, contractors, and subcontractors. Together, they tackle the various challenges that can arise during the design and construction phases of projects.

Firas has reviewed, evaluated, and assessed thousands of properties across the state of Pennsylvania, spanning from State College to Erie and throughout Western PA.

The information and statements in this document are for information purposes only and do not comprise the professional advice of the author or create a professional relationship between reader and author.

Signs and Solutions for Bowing Foundation Walls

Exploring Basement Challenges in Pennsylvania Homes

Living in Pennsylvania often means residing in older houses, many of which come equipped with basements. It's highly likely that your home, if it's an older one, has a basement. Unfortunately, basements frequently face issues such as water infiltration, and those with water problems in the foundation walls often experience additional structural concerns like bowing, cracking, or leaning.

The construction of these foundation walls varies widely, ranging from materials like sandstone, terracotta, split-face concrete, concrete block (some reinforced, others not and hollow), brick, unreinforced coarse concrete, and reinforced concrete. Additionally, some walls have concrete footers, wood footers, or gravel bases, among other variations.

Given this diversity in construction types, it's our responsibility to offer homeowners the right guidance when they seek solutions for foundation-related challenges, whether it's addressing water problems, structural movements, cracks, or bulging and bowing walls.

In the image below, we measured a wall's bowing at 1.375 inches, using a high-quality laser self-leveling device to confirm the measurement. The homeowner had been informed by a foundation representative that it was bowing over 3 inches and that it was on the brink of collapse around its pivot point if the water problem wasn't addressed and anchor plates weren't installed.

Let us clarify that during our visit in January 2023, the foundation wall was far from collapsing.

Cracked Foundation wall

The photo below show the side wall of the same house with a bow that measured to be around 1.25"

Horizontal Crack in Foundation wall

In the next two photos, you'll notice the same corner of the house—one taken from the interior and the other from the exterior. The interior photo clearly depicts the buildup of mold, while the exterior picture reveals the root cause, as you might have already guessed. It's the disconnected downspout that channels roof rainwater directly toward the foundation wall. This issue is quite common in many houses, and homeowners are often unaware of the need to address it.

To resolve this issue, it's imperative to repair the downspout and redirect the rainwater away from the foundation walls. This preventative measure is essential in preventing further structural damage. Moreover, addressing this repair is highly likely to eliminate the need for a French drain installation.

water damage Foundation wall

Downspout improperly draining

Frequently, when homeowners reach out to us, they discover that they can save a substantial amount of money on unnecessary expenses. Additionally, they receive expert guidance on the correct reinforcement methods that align with engineering standards and code requirements.

There's a clear advantage to consulting with professionals like us rather than contacting a salesperson. Our aim is not to sell you a product or service but to empower you with knowledge. We're here to help you gain a deeper understanding of your structure and make informed decisions.

If you require further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at 724-949-0004 or visit our website at www.pittdes.com. We're here to assist you.

Written by Firas Abdelahad, P.E.

Firas Abdelahad has been a practicing structural engineer since 2005, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals, including consultants, architects, investors, homeowners, contractors, and subcontractors. Together, they tackle the various challenges that can arise during the design and construction phases of projects.

The information and statements in this document are for information purposes only and do not comprise the professional advice of the author or create a professional relationship between reader and author.