Structural Engineers Answer Clients’ Top FAQs

commercial building inspection NJ
Construction projects and building code compliance in New Jersey entail familiarity with structural concepts, regulatory requirements, and engineering procedures. But individuals outside the engineering field may not know as much as a licensed and experienced engineer. Although they can hire qualified professionals to handle such tasks, stakeholders need at least the fundamental knowledge of how it works to facilitate an engineering project.

To address the general public’s confusion, professionals in the field must communicate their roles clearly, and collaborate closely with other stakeholders. This will enable parties to meet expectations and properly understand and acknowledge everyone’s contributions.

Here are the top 7 frequently asked questions addressed by structural engineers.

1. What problems can a structural engineer handle?

A structural engineer can address several structural concerns or issues. They can identify the root problem and provide a solution to slanted walls or bowing floors. For improvement projects, they can determine whether a wall is load-bearing before dismantling it.

It is important to speak with a commercial building engineer NJ before beginning any sizeable renovation or retrofitting projects. They can inspect a redesign plan, confirm its structural integrity, or take corrective actions to prevent it from collapsing.

Other concerns structural engineers can help with include:

  • Designing structurally sound buildings
  • Restoring old buildings
  • Building code compliance
  • Interior cracking
  • Damage from extreme weather
  • Foundation settlement or movement
  • Sinkholes and other soil concerns
  • Roof failure
  • Sagging floors
  • Rot damage
  • Leaning or bowed walls
  • Windows that do not close completely
  • Concrete wall curving
  • Basement moisture
  • Cracks in ceramic or vinyl floors

There are also structural problems that are not apparent to untrained eyes. Identifying structural deficiencies and fixing them with the help of a structural engineer will prevent them from becoming major problems later.

2. What to expect from a structural inspection?

During a building inspection, a structural engineer will visually examine the building’s foundation,  framing, external walls, and building envelope. They will check and confirm the building’s structural soundness and code compliance.

Structural engineers may also conduct a more focused examination of areas with significant structural concerns. This may involve an inspection of the following:

  • footings
  • beams
  • columns
  • girders
  • bearing walls
  • exterior and interior walls
  • attic
  • roof framing

Following the visual inspection, the structural engineer will compile the gathered data and write an inspection report. This report is valuable when selling or buying a property. It will reassure purchasers that the asset is in the condition the seller indicated and assist the seller in getting the most competitive price for the property.

Moreover, the structural engineer will offer thorough advice on how to solve identified structural issues. They can also assess potential problems that might arise in the future, given the building’s existing condition.

3. How much does it cost to hire a structural engineer?

An inspection by a structural engineer typically costs between $500 and $2,000, depending on the scope of the examination. Structural engineers may also bill by the number of hours they spend on the property rather than by a fixed price. The hourly rate for a structural engineer is around $125 to $350. Clients can get a free estimate before employing a structural engineer.

In big projects, the payment schedule can be divided into many segments, depending on the parties’ agreement. Typically, 25% is expected up front, followed by a payment during the project’s execution and a final payment upon completion.

4. A home inspector reviewed my building. Do I need a structural engineer, too?

A home inspector is a general professional who searches for indications of a potential issue in a residential property. If they discover anything noteworthy, they will typically suggest the client speak with a specialist to investigate the matter.

A NJ structural engineer is one such specialist who can look into an identified problem. In contrast to home inspectors, they are more knowledgeable and trained about load-bearing walls, foundations, and other structural elements.

5. Can I back out of buying a property after an inspection in NJ?

Yes, buyers can back out following an inspection, but only under particular situations. Often, real estate acquisition contracts include a contingency clause. This provision permits a party to back out of the agreement if specific requirements are not satisfied.

A property inspection contingency is a clause that allows the buyer to have a professional inspection before the agreement becomes enforceable. Clients can lawfully cancel the contract if a commercial building inspection NJ reveals unanticipated or hidden problems.

6. Why is a reserve study required every three to five years for condominium associations?

Heavy use, lack of maintenance, and natural depreciation can have a significant impact on the remaining useful life of a building component. Looking into the present condition of the property and the reserve fund will enable the HOA to readily meet the organization’s needs.

Moreover, the Surfside, Florida condominium collapse in 2021 has prompted many HOAs to be more firm in conducting a reserve study for aging infrastructure. HOAs have all the more need for a structural inspection if the recommendations of the initial study were not followed.

Other reasons to do a less rigorous NJ reserve study every three to five years include:

  • The annual reserve funding has changed
  • The HOA has gained a new revenue stream directed to the reserve fund
  • Implementation of a new policy requiring the HOAs to allocate funds for a new expense

7. How to know if a structural engineer is qualified?

Structural engineers must hold a license in the state where they practice. A unique identification number is given to structural engineers after they become licensed. This number will be visible on all approved plans and prepared reports. A structural engineer who refuses or cannot furnish their license number should be avoided.

Also, hire a structural engineer with the right specialization and experience for the intended project. Clients can demand a portfolio of recently finished work and references to verify their proficiency. Ask the references whether there was proper communication during the project and whether the work was delivered on time.

Consult Qualified Professionals for Structural Concerns in NJ

Construction projects, reserve studies, renovations, and inspections involve intricate processes, legal requirements, financial considerations, and technical aspects. Qualified professionals should address questions and concerns to avoid inaccurate interpretations of the requirements and steps to take.

Avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions by consulting with Lockatong Engineering. Whether it is about purchasing a commercial property, a residential property, or needing a reserve study, or transition study NJ, our licensed and experienced engineers can address any structural concerns or building code compliance questions.

Contact us at https://www.lockatong.com/contact-us/ to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable structural engineers.