When building a new structure in your home it is important that you hire a professional that is experienced in structural engineering & design. They will be able to work out all the details so you can get the structure that you want.
Times to Hire a Professional
A structural engineer is a professional and they are licensed in the field of engineering. They are able to look at the structure of the building and think about things that the average person does not take into consideration. They think about the gravity pressure, the temperature and the effect that it has on the pressure, and if the structure can hold up to these forces. They have studied and are able to look at the soundness of the structure of a building. They are different from architects and other building professionals.
The contractors, as well as building inspectors, can look for early signs that there may be a problem with the structure of a building. The structural engineer can look at the same problem, look at how severe this problem is, what is causing the issues, and will suggest some solutions that can be done to fix the structure. They will look at the supports of the structure and come up with a plan to make sure the entire building will be standing soundly.
Changing the Layout of the Home
If you are looking to add any form of an addition to your home you should consult a structural engineer for your project. They will be able to tell you if your structure can be built without compromising the existing structure of your home. This is very important especially if the addition is going to need something that is load bearing.
Solar Panels
If you are looking to add solar panels to your home you would want to consult a structural engineer first. They need to make sure that the structure of your home is sound and the layout will work with the existing roof of the home. Roofs are not designed to hold this much weight and you need to make sure the roof can support this. The engineer may also be able to recommend structural reinforcements if needed. They will also look at the cost of the solar panels and if the savings will be worth the cost of installation.
Buying and Selling a Home
If you are looking to buy a home or sell a home the structure can have a huge impact on the price. If there is a problem with the structure than it needs to be fixed before the home will pass inspection. The engineer will be able to look at the structure and recommend repair options. In most cases, this can save the homeowner a lot of money.
New Construction
If you want to build a home the structural engineer will need to look over the plans and make sure that the home will be supported. They will be able to look at the land and make sure it can hold the home. They may also be able to suggest some building methods that are more environmentally friendly.
Damage
If there is damage to the structure of a building the engineer can look for possible causes and determine how serious it is. This will help keep the homeowner safe and out of a home that is not structurally sound.
These are some of the things that a structural engineer can do. They will make sure the structure of the building is sound and it is safe to live in the building.