A structural engineer’s job is to ensure the property you own is strong and safe enough to live in. Generally, they work hard to determine a structure’s integrity, strength, and durability. They also identify any structure-related problems and create actionable solutions to solve them.
That being said, if you have never worked with a structural engineer before but want to know more about them, you have plenty of questions you need to ask. Here are three questions you should be asking them:
1) How Much Does an Inspection Cost?
In many cases, an engineering firm will charge you by the hour, although it will also depend on the project. For instance, you can expect to pay anywhere between 200 to 400 dollars an hour, although you will need to check with the firm you want to work with once again.
If your inspection takes around two hours, prices can fall anywhere from 400 up to 800 dollars. More complex projects can charge you much higher—up to double the price. However, rushing through them is not a good idea, as a thorough job is required to ensure no mistakes are made, especially since they can lead to severe consequences.
2) Do Cracks Mean Danger to the Home?
This depends on how old your home is. If it is less than ten years old, it may be a sign that the house is built poorly. A structural engineer may be required to inspect the home for damage and create a solution to the problem.
On the other hand, if the home is old—such as over a hundred years old—cracks may not mean much, especially if the cracks are old. Old houses are not designed for deflection. However, if these cracks are new and they happen often, then an inspection is necessary.
3) What Does the Engineer’s Report Contain?
A structural engineer’s report contains the assessment of a property. It outlines concerns the engineer may have and includes solutions to fix them. The report will also contain other project-specific information. For example, if the engineer was surveying a remodelling project, the report will contain the building process, the materials, and so on.
These pieces of information are essential for many reasons. You can use it to gain funding from a lender or obtain building permits. Just remember to share what you want to do with the report with the engineer so that they will know to fit the document to your needs.
Conclusion
If you have any other questions in mind, do not be afraid to reach out to your engineering firm of choice. You can ask questions about how you can book their services, how fast they can complete your project, how to prepare your home for inspection, and more to speed up the process. They have all the answers you need to help you understand the service before opting for it. Plus, the more you know about it, the better you will be at making decisions about your home. Have an engineer inspect your home so you can get the best results from the service!
ASR Engineers is an engineering firm in Toronto specializing in civil, structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical engineering to satisfy the needs of homeowners and developers. If you need a professional residential structural engineer, reach out to us today!
