"Just before the pandemic enveloped us all, I had a structural engineer in place for my cottage rebuild project. Because of his older age and such an uncertain time, he decided to retire. I was on the hunt for another structural engineer. Enter Aboud of AJA Engineering. Professional, knowledgeable, responsive, personable. He helped me to design the home of my dreams. He then went above and beyond by sharing me with names of contractors that he routinely works with. I was fortunate to select one of them who did amazing job on the rebuild. Along the way with varying circumstances encountered, Aboud was there onsite to suggest, advise, guide, and lend support. He is an individual that you want on your project and I give my highest recommendation!!"
"Was having a potential home inspected for structural integrity. Spoke to Bob on the phone a few times. Since the home’s basement primarily consisted of a giant crawl space, I was told Don would do the job. Ultimately, the day before the scheduled inspection, I couldn’t get ahold of Don. Bob said Don was “feeling sick,” so the job was off. Frustrating, but a blessing in disguise because we ended up going with Colonial Restorations (the home was built in the 1800s). Colonial Restorations, LLC is the “go-to” for older home inspections and repairs. Tom was amazing (his son Brad is soon to take over the business)! They were both prompt, professional, and thorough. Very pleased with their work and thorough report/estimate. Colonial Restorations, LLC PO Box 868 Fiskdale, MA 01518 508-735-9900"
"Richard was extremely helpful providing a demonstration of his software and his approach to the process. He visited our space and took detailed measurements and put together very detailed, professional plans. We are using the plans to help us secure the proper town approvals to proceed with our project. He answered all of our questions and was incredibly responsive. I would recommend him to others - he's a great expert to work with!"
"In renovating our beach cottage in Warwick, RI we found the roof needed structural work. Building inspector required a structural engineered plan. Adam was easy to communicate with. He was timely with his plan and follow up inspection. He was also available by text and phone for questions during the project. He was great to work with!"
"After an unusual situation arose at my home, I was concerned about the possibility of structural damage caused by drilling and new construction at an adjacent lot. After receiving a recommendation for Veitas Engineers from a trusted source, I called and scheduled an appointment. I am so thankful that I did. I continue to be impressed with the amount of time that the two engineers spent at my house, closely inspecting the exterior and interior. Within days, I received a 16-page detailed report which included drawings, photographs, recommendations, and action items. I was so pleased when I saw that the action items were categorized as structural and non-structural, that is, that the engineers included items beyond my actual structural concerns. I used the report when working with a contractor to follow up on the recommendations and action items. The contractor was impressed with the quality, clarity, and scope of the report. I am so happy that I chose Veitas Engineers!"
"I hired Jose to design and draw our kitchen remodel. He used his experience, knowledge, and creativity to come up with a great design for an old house. He was available when questions came up and changes were needed. He was with us for the entire project was complete and inspections complete."
I am both a registered architect and licensed construction supervisor. Accordingly, my company Third Dimension is able to provide architectural services, construction services, or design build services depending upon a client's needs for a project. Stand alone architectural services are provided as Vaughn Associates. \n\nIn addition I am a practicing Construction Law attorney in Massachusetts with a specialization in preparing and representing clients for Zoning and Special Permit applications.
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts
Yes, professionals reinforce the foundation with additional supports or piers to prevent future sinking.
You should pick steel for your new support beam for a few reasons. While steel is more expensive than other materials, such as laminated veneer lumber or glulam, it offers the following benefits:
Fire-resistant
Unaffected by pests
Longer-lasting
Stronger against water damage (when galvanized against rust)
According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.
Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.
Generally, you can tell if a home is bolted to the foundation by checking the foundation for plates. If you see that your foundational plates connect to wood or bolts protruding from them, this means that you have a bolted foundation. However, it's always wise to bring a home inspector in to confirm if your foundation is secure.
The South Easton, MA homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total in Boston, MA.
Find out the average beam installation cost in Boston, MA. Learn what you can expect to pay for materials, labor, and a structural engineer for your project.
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total.
Spotting deep foundation cracks or sagging floors? Learn about structural engineering costs, serious warning signs, and how to hire the right local pro.
It can be hard to choose the right pro for any job, but it matters. Learn how to hire a structural engineer who'll get the job done right from start to finish.