Structural engineering is a specialized field that focuses on the stability and strength of load-bearing structures. Because of the field’s technical nature, many seek the expertise of structural engineers for construction design, inspection, and renovation projects in New Jersey. However, it is also because of its nature that many are confused about a structural engineer’s roles and the scope of their work.
One of the frequently asked questions addressed to structural engineers is when to hire their expertise. A NJ structural engineer is an important expert to have on the team when building a new home, making improvements to a building, or planning to acquire a property. They can help design structurally sound facilities and review blueprints to verify compliance with building codes.
There are numerous cases when one should hire a structural engineer. Their knowledge is valuable when having building problems, such as the following:
- Interior cracking
- Roof failure
- Rot damage
- Wall curving
- Basement moisture
- Foundation movement
- Sinkholes
- Heat loss issues
Another concern clients raise is how to know if the professional is qualified. Structural engineers should possess a degree and at least four years of training. But experience is also a huge factor when hiring a structural engineer Mercer County. A more experienced structural engineer will always request to visit the site because they know a visual inspection will reveal issues, such as ground movement or wood rot.
For example, a structural engineer from a very young firm may not bother to visit the site if they think the job sounds very simple. Therefore, it is ideal to look for businesses with a considerable and consistent history of reliability.
One way to determine if a structural engineer has the appropriate qualification for the specific job is to request a portfolio of their recently completed work and references. Consult the references to determine if there was effective communication throughout the project and if the work was completed on schedule.
To know the answers to structural engineers’ top FAQs, here is an infographic by Lockatong Engineering.
