I need a structural engineer!

[DJSkopes]

Hey gents,

So I put in an offer on a house. It got accepted and we just finished our home inspection. We knew the house would be a good deal of work, but the inspector explained that due to the age (built in 1900) and the materials (2 layers of red brick) the foundation was bowing inward slightly and would have to be assessed by a structural engineer to find out how best to resolve the problem. He said that these issues are common with older homes and that it can be repaired and resolved but did not mention costs. What am I looking at for this? I know it's a hard assessment without seeing the property but I'm just looking for a ballpark. From what the inspector was saying, he found a plumb line and noted that the inward movement was about 2-2 1/2".

Thanks in advance!

 

[jasonsbeer]

Happens around the midwest all the time, sometimes even on houses that are not that old.

I had a foundation reinforced on a house that was built in the 30's. Basement guy came in and because it wasn't too bad, they put some steel I beams vertically against the walls to stop the bowing from getting worse. I think the whole job was maybe $1500 or so. That's just from 10 year old memory, so don't quote that price. They sunk one end into the slab and the other was bolted to the overhead joist. They put them about every 10 feet or so. They can also dig channels outside and tie the foundation to anchors in the ground. If it gets real bad, they may want to replace the foundation entirely. Yours does not sound bad, but, as you know, someone local will need to make that determination.

I worked with a local Basement Systems franchise. I was happy. Don't know if those exist out east.

Good luck!

 

[plumber1965]

I goggle-fu "foundation repair new jersey" and got alot of hits not a personal referral but maybe a last resort type of thing. Or maybe get some free estimates for a cost range???? this coming from a plumber just my .02 cents

 

[L8A]

Any of your local architectural firms can refer you to a good structural engineer. If you get a smaller firm you can save a bunch of money but it will take a bit longer. Good luck.

 

[AlohaStyle]

My good friend and fellow cigar smoker is a partner at a local Seattle firm but no way they could give accurate assessment online. Do what Marty said and contact architects and ask for recommendation.

 

[rdomfoto]

I just watched a "Holmes on Homes" episode a few weeks back where the home had a similar, yet more advanced, problem.

The cost is really going to depend upon the severity of the problem. Do a search for engineering firms and, if you can't find one, contact an architect as L8A suggested.

 

[DJSkopes]

Thanks guys I appreciate it! I realized really qucikly that a question like this doesn't have an easy answer. Luckily for me, I live in Jersey where Hurricane Sandy ripped us a new one. As a result, engineering firms offer free assessments for this type of thing in my area. Now, gotta see what the chances are of the seller negotiating on the price if I get an estimate on repairs.

 

[cgraunke]

Good luck!