In the U.S., people typically remodel homes and commercial properties every 5-10 years. There are several reasons behind remodeling your property. The top reasons a property owner performs a renovation include:
- Repairing a safety issue.
- Savings on long-term maintenance costs.
- Increase the function of the space & structure.
- Aesthetics updates.
- Increase property value.
- Bring it up to code for insurance or permit mandates.
Renovating a home or property entails significant planning and usually includes unexpected obstacles. Often, property owners fixate on the result and skip over the correct process. Even when a property owner is well-versed in the construction process; unforeseen issues can arise from code changes or requirements and construction costs.
A structural analysis will help mitigate those obstacles and determine the most efficient reconstruction method and design approach. Our team can also engage when a remodel hits an unforeseen structural roadblock and provide valuable insight into remedies and how to prevent further insufficiencies. Forum Forensics brings an experienced team of forensic engineers to evaluate the property before problems arise. Read more about why a forensic evaluation is crucial to remodeling below.
Why a Forum Forensics Engineer?
Forum Forensics Engineers can be valuable before and during the renovation and remodeling process. A thorough forensic analysis will be able to determine any existing faults or failings of the structure. The inspection includes evaluating structural elements not seen or considered by the property owner. In addition to assessing the current structural condition of the building, an inspection also provides information to the renovation design team. The report will help the design team decide on the best methods to "tie in" to an existing structure and whether or not additional structural support will be needed due to the planned design changes. Forensic engineering benefits are invaluable in building diagnostics and analysis before challenges arise.
Benefits
As previously stated, hiring a forensic engineer at the beginning of a renovation provides the most benefits. There are many cost-mitigating benefits gained from this proactive approach, including:
- Identifying any unknown repairs needed, including foundation cracks, water leaks, intrusion, sloping floors, bowing walls, or settlement concerns.
- Identifying major structural components and where they are located.
- Awareness of any design enhancements needed to comply with code to the existing and new structure.
- Streamlined design process.
- Accurate construction budget.
- Prevention of safety issues.
Although we recommend conducting a forensic inspection before starting construction, some circumstances call for a forensic assessment after construction has begun. During the remodel, construction or structural deficiencies may be discovered after removing the building envelope or drywall. The Forum Forensics team can inspect during this stage of construction to mitigate potential life safety issues and determine the best approach to removing or repairing the structural element.
Risks
Sometimes, people skip bringing in a Forensic Engineer for their remodel or reconstruction project.That decision may risk increased costs in the future, an unfinished project, or even worse, a life safety threat. By not having a Forum Forensics engineer review the remodel plans it increases the risk of the following:
- Improper placement and support of elements within the structure.
- Uncertainty of the safety, reliability, and sustainability of a build.
- Lack of awareness regarding existing problems, including foundation cracks, water leaks, intrusion, sloping floors, bowing walls, or settlement concerns.
- Failing permit and building code requirements.
- Unexpected construction costs.
Structural failures can happen due to unforeseen obstacles during remodels but having an expert analysis can be the best preventative measure to prevent remodel headaches. The service of a forensic engineer should be the first step in a renovation project. It will provide safety and insight as to the most efficient approach to the design and construction of the project.
Our experienced team at Forum Forensics offers expertise throughout the remodeling process. Our engineer's knowledge of inspection and structural engineering, in combination with our propriety technology system, makes the process streamlined and transparent. We ensure open communication every step of the way by providing detailed reports about the project to serve better and protect our clients.
Are you thinking about renovating? Submit a request and get started with a forensic inspection today, REQUEST FORM- FORUMFORENSICS
