"Having major remodel on lower level. Contractor tried to rope me into major work (and project delay) suggesting normal cracks on cinder block walls indicated a foundation issue. When I pushed back, he put project on hold stating I needed a structural engineer to certify. I called the first two people on home advisor locally and Omid got back to me in 2-3 min, was at my house within an hour and delivered a certified report within 3-4 hours. He listened to the situation and spoke with my contractor to hear his assessment before beginning his assessment measures. He directly pushed back on what contractor stated and provided simple solution for one crack that was more than hairline. Report was meticulous, he spoke with contractor directly, and saved this project. It was more affordable than what was suggested on average costs. While I couldn’t divorce from the unethical contractor mid project—I would have been stuck with no out without the work of Omid!"
"Arrived at scheduled time; performed an in depth walk through and visual assessment; discussed issues in depth; provided verbal assessment of nature of problems and suggested repair actions.. Very satisfied with service provided and associated cost. Definitely would use APAC again."
"We needed some advice on a structural engineering concern arising during a kitchen renovation and we needed it fast and simple to understand. Azzam was able to come to our house fairly quickly and provide both a diagnosis of the problem and some some reasonable solution options that were practical and doable. He was able to simply answer all my questions in a way that a non structural engineer could understand. I highly recommend Triple J Consulting"
"We tasked Gary with a very quick turn around on a project involving a total renovation of an existing structure as well as an addition. We had a very tight time constraint and Gary was able to accommodate us, utilizing his expertise to help us make thoughtful changes to our original design and educating us on Maryland code where needed! His final product is beautiful and it was exciting to see the “after” Reno elevations! I would use him again without a second thought and recommend him to my friends. Kelly Z."
"Jeff was a great partner to us, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone requiring architectural engineering services. He was clear and transparent, willing to provide expert guidance and advise, and the work product delivered was of high quality and just what we needed."
"They were wonderful to work with. They took time in becoming familiar with what my tastes were and provided choices in accordance with them. They were also cognizant of my budget limits and provided choices to enable staying within it."
We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of General Contractor services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!\n\n
"Professional Building and Renovations works closely with Architect, Steve O'Neill, on all of our projects requiring building permits. Steve's many years of design knowledge and experience are an invaluable asset on our projects. We also work with Steve when completing structural repairs to homes that have been damaged by termites, see Journal of Light Construction April 2023 edition and article Repairing a Termite Damed House."
"I came to Melissa & Bluehouse a number of years ago as I couldn't visualize the layout to accomplish my goals in what began as a kitchen remodel. Melissa's impeccable handling of my project from the word "go" is nothing but an understatement! Each and every detail I listed from want's & desires to fears & concerns were addressed. Living up to her word every step of the way, Melissa addressed my list while pointing out elements I hadn't thought of. She was aware of my limits and not only kept her bottom line under control, but she didn't design anything out of our budget. Considering we were on track to break ground in the spring of 2020, when Covid hit & supply chains derailed our start, Melissa was poised to do whatever needed to be done. In the end, rising costs & limited supply led us to delay construction until Jan. '23. As a TV news producer, I'm a tough cookie, and yet when I had questions, Melissa answered them honestly and often with visuals to help me understand what I needed to learn. I appreciated her teamwork attitude when working with the Structural Engineers let alone my amazing contractor! Melissa's perfectionism is the reason not one single measurement needed to be modified in what became not just a kitchen remodel, but a 1st-floor remake with our addition going both upstairs & down. When you consider who to hire, consider this, as a newswoman, I interview 3 people for every job, I don't cut corners and nothing gets swept under the rug. Melissa is THAT kind of pro! She is going to do right by you, because she knows what is at stake, and she is only going to put her name on something she stands behind. For that, and a million little reasons, without question, if I had another project, I'd hire her in a heartbeat!"
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts
Cathedral ceilings make a statement in your home, but at the cost of your attic space. Normal attics are wide open, which allows warm air to move around and exit your home. Because of this, cathedral ceilings make your home less energy efficient and put your ceiling at risk of venting issues if you’re not careful. They also reduce your attic storage space, potentially cause an echo, and even make it harder to change a light bulb.
A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.
No, a structural engineer is not the same as a builder. A structural engineer is an expert in all things related to the structural integrity of a building. The structural engineer is responsible for calculating the correct materials in terms of load-bearing capacity and overall structural safety. Structural engineers do not perform the actual building of the house or other structures. Rather, the builder executes the plans and designs specified by the structural engineer.
Yes, water damage can affect your walls' structural integrity. If the water or moisture sits on the walls for an extended period, it can weaken the drywall, plaster, wood framing, and other materials supporting the wall. That's why it's critical to dry out the area as soon as you notice it.
A structural engineer’s report is almost always worth it, as it can help you avoid buying or overpaying for a home with structural issues. The most important thing the report does for you is provide peace of mind that you won’t have to pay thousands of dollars for structural repairs right after closing on a property.
The Clarksville, MD 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 Baltimore, MD.
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 Washington, D.C.
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Spotting deep foundation cracks or sagging floors? Learn about structural engineering costs, serious warning signs, and how to hire the right local pro.
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