Area Engineering, Inc.

Load path is important in determining the structural condition of home in any given situation. The more direct the path to the supporting soils below the home the better in most cases. With this home, an indirect load path has caused high shear and bending stresses in addition to corresponding deformation in the floors. Sagging and bulging floors, wall cracks, popping and creaking noises are all an indication of a possible structural overload condition. It is possible that structural reinforcement is needed, if these symptoms are present.

This was a very interesting project. The original contractor demolished a lower portion of an interior brick support/bearing wall. When the bricks above began to collapse the contractor was no where to be found and could not be reached. Upon inspection, we were able to provide immediate support and follow up with the appropriate shoring and permanent support installation without further wall collapse. A structurally sound and supported house resulted in a relieved and thankful customer.

A general inspection of the residence and detached garage was conducted and follow-up repair/renovation ballpark costs were provided for all items to assist in developing a strategy for moving forward.

The roof of an adjoining uninhabited building next to this townhouse is leaking permitting water to infiltrate the subject buildings side brick support walls. A discussion of the several other structural problems in conjunction with their respective repair strategies and costs provided guidance for the client in moving forward.

There is not much more to add other than to say thanks to Mr. Ken for the work and the additional two or three other work projects we have received since this one. We certainly value you folks as continuing clients and look forward to working with you again on future projects. This particular type of structural design/build work- installation of new footings, columns, and beams, in addition to lifting and leveling floors- exemplifies our typical structural construction services. Later projects included more of the same in addition to repair/replacement of the front entry stoop and threshold, compromised by rot and termites. Thanks again.

This project included a few structural problems although very minor in that no recommendations were needed. A structural letter was produced to communicate our findings. The biggest part of the job included replace a portion of the concrete driveway and install a new finished stain-grade stair railing and balusters on the stairs leading into the basement. The work was done in a timely manner and within the client's budget.

The foundation wall of this residence exhibited questionable horizontal cracks of concern to the prospective new buyers of the home. In this case, the cracks were not of structural importance although proper grading around the outside of the foundation was recommended to prevent future water infiltration and mold growth in the crawlspace.

The topic of this site visit and inspection was a very old and uninhabited beach house in proximity to the bay. The floors and walls provided a 'Ripley's' effect in several areas. If you can relate to this with your home you may also want to order an inspection. Following this inspection, many structural and architectural repairs were recommended and an associated repair cost estimate was provided.

After inspection, a structural letter disclosing the basement foundation problems caused by infiltrating water was provided to the client in a timely manner. In this case, no improvements were needed although further monitoring of the foundation wall and ground water runoff was recommended.

Many areas inside and outside of this home were inspected to determine the cause of cracking floors, sagging and sloped concrete, and ground settlement. The biggest benefit from this inspection was the 'peace of mind' the client received after receiving a breakdown of the structural/nonstructural issues found and their corresponding repairs.