THE STRUCTURAL SHOP

They did a report used by the contractor to execute the job. Report was complete and with enough the details to make a good work following the City of Chicago Building Code (but no drawings was provided to present to the City). It is a bit expensive but we didn't want take the risk of let all the technical decision to the contractor

We contacted The Structural Shop and scheduled an inspection.  The inspector arrived on-time and began examining our house with a laser that attaches to the wall and gauges how straight corners, ceilings, and walls have been constructed.

Before he arrived, we already had the roof inspected by a general inspector, a roofing company, and the developer's engineer so we had a good idea what was the cause of the problems. We just needed our own structural engineering report to provide to the attorney. 

When the engineer arrived he primarily utilized a wall-mounted laser to determine if the ceiling and walls were straight. He did go into our attic and examined the structure of the roof as well. He did not however examine the truss system in the ceiling of our Great Room which we specifically told him was of concern.  A previous general inspector used a small camera up through a light socket to take pictures and determine an improperly constructed truss system that was responsible for the multiple cracks in our ceiling. 

Here is where things get really interesting. When asked what he found, he stated everything seemed to be fine and he could not find any problems! I might accept this except for the fact that our roof was bowing and it's only one year old. Maybe this is normal to him but not in any world I live in. Not to mention a roofing company was able to go into the attic and take pictures and detail exactly what the problems were including no to little support of the long ridge line in the roof, no joists were used, and big gaps where the boards attached to the ridge board. 

Then when it came to the cracking in our ceiling he stated it was a problem with humidity. Again, I have picture of an improperly connected truss system that was causing the ceiling to move. Funny how other inspectors were able to find and detail problems and he could not. The only equipment he brought was his laser toy. No ladder, no camera, no level, etc... The bottom line is that he was terrible and could not find a broken 2 x 4 if it was placed in-front of him. 

I cannot state strongly enough how awful this inspection was. Since then, I have hired a different inspector and was able to obtain a detailed report with hard data and pictures to back-up his findings. I cannot believe this joker said everything was fine. 

unknown

Good analysis of issues and good, fair and economical suggestions.

They provided the instructions and recommended a company to perform the structural work.  I don't think they are the cheapest, but the structure of your home isn't a place to cut corners.

unknown

unknown

He came several times. He wasn't prompt. His friendliness is fair, nothing great. He's competent and that to me is more important than being prompt or friendly.

unknown

.

unknown

They have done a good job and they are very professional.

They were great. They recommended a great waterproofer, who we were very happy with. They were incredibly knowledgeable, and I really like that they worked with the waterproofing company. Their prices were high, but I would use them again.

They did a good job. The only thing was I had told them they had to get on the roof and the guy showed up wearing loafers. The price though was definitely worth it.

He spent about half an hour at my house. I don't know how much time his report spent, but $825 seemed excessive. I know he is an educated professional, but I should have looked around more to compare prices.

The Structural Shop came out and inspected our porch to give an opinion on repair versus replace. In an e-mail, they suggested that it would be more cost efficient to repair the porch, and estimated costs for preparing drawings. We hired them to do drawings. After we got a package of drawings for the repair, we used the package to solicit bids. Several of the porch contractors that came by declined to even offer a bid for the repair as it was specified in the Structural Shop's drawings, because (as one contractor put it) the repair would result in a very "ad hoc" looking porch, with materials of varied ages and types. Of those that did bid, the repair costs were only slightly cheaper than a tear down and rebuild project because of the scope of work that was required for repair. We ended up hiring a contractor that had his own architect prepare rebuild plans, and we bought a new porch. I understand that the Structural Shop gave us what they told us they would, and I don't doubt that their drawings could have been executed, but we took their recommendation as engineers in the repair versus replace decision, and when we actually went to bid on that we heard a chorus in return that repair was not a very realistic or wise decision. So overall, we spent $2000 for a set of drawings that were very pretty but ultimately not used for anything.

Eric Means from the company came out as scheduled and looked at our two porches that need foundation support. He was very knowledgeable in his field and was finished inspecting and measuring within an hour. In about a week he emailed us a complete detailed summary of the work that needed to be done. He also informed us of the construction company they work with most often. They also have an excellent rating on Angie's list! We are in the process of getting this work done now.

He really put my mind at ease.

Very good experience. Eric was all you would expect from a professional. Very knowledgeable and helpful. We had major settlement due to both drought and crawl space. Had gotten estimates from companies that varied in the number and placement of support piers as each is 2000, it matters a lot. If you are reading this, the money for the engineer is money well spent, and very small in the total expense.

Very good experience. Eric was all you would expect from a professional. Very knowledgeable and helpful. We had major settlement due to both drought and crawl space. Had gotten estimates from companies that varied in the number and placement of support piers as each is 2000, it matters a lot. If you are reading this, the money for the engineer is money well spent, and very small in the total expense.

We halted our kitchen renovations to have the support beams in the basement replaced. Great Lakes Builders did the work in a week. They recommended that we have Eric do a load assessment, and he came immediately, moved other clients to do us first, and gave us a written recommendation in one day. He was very courteous, and thorough - walked through the house, took many pictures, and notes. It was all rather amazing. He followed up directly with Great Lakes and it all got done in record time. We received a very detailed report. We were extremely pleased with his work.

While the Structural Shop representative who conducted the inspection was professional, the follow-up was poor. The final inspection report was late and of average quality. It was difficult to get information (or even a response) from the company. And the Structural Shop has yet to provide names of companies to perform the work. A disappointing experience with this company.

MATT, FROM THE STRUCTURAL SHOP, WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL AND FLEXIBLE ABOUT TIME TO COME TO DO THE ASSESSMENT. HIS REPORT WAS THOROUGH AND CLEAR.

THE COMPANY WAS VERY PLEASANT AND RESPONSIVE. THE ENGINEER WHO INSPECTED MY WALL WAS HELPFUL AND OFFERED TO CALL THE HANDYMAN TO TELL HIM HIS FINDINGS.