"I highly recommend Part Time PE. Adam was able to provide us with a structural engineering report under a tight timeline. Not only did he answer our questions onsite but he was also quick and responsive with follow ups by phone and email. Professional and friendly service - we would be happy to use Part Time PE in the future."
"Mike is my favorite architect. As a GC it's extremely important that I have a good working relationship with the project architect. Mike understands that the client's interests are the most important factor. Mike often makes decisions in favor of the client even when it means he will make less money from the project. I'm always excited to work with Mike because my projects run smoother with him involved and he often surprises me with his creative solutions to difficult architectural issues. I highly recommend Mike to anyone looking for a trustworthy, creative, detail-oriented architect. Thank you, Mike!"
"My experience with them was outstanding, the details were excellent, they turned around the project in a short amount of time, I have nothing but a graceful experience, one of the best experience I ever had."
"They were excellent. They quickly made a draft that only needed 3 minor adjustments. The final product was exactly what I needed. They referred me to a structural engineer for review. The whole process took half of the time that they initially estimated. I would definitely use them again."
"His work is exceptional, we were so happy with him we had a 2nd house designed by him. He is a great listener, and understands the design process, we have been very happy with his work."
We have the experience and we are committed to providing quality workmanship and superior customer service on all our applications. We at Architectural Design Group strive to maintain our reputation as a high quality, very service oriented company with our main focus being customer satisfaction.
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts
While concrete walls do not need to "breathe" in the traditional sense of the word, they do require waterproofing and dehumidifying methods, particularly in basements below the water table. Concrete both contains moisture from its initial installation and can absorb water when exposed. Ensuring proper basement ventilation , installing a vapor barrier, and controlling water exposure are all important tasks.
The primary reason homes have crawl spaces is so the foundation can reach down below the frost line to avoid dangerous soil movement and structural damage when the ground freezes. They’re more popular in colder climates where the ground freezes down to a few feet, and slabs are most popular in warmer areas where there is no frost line. Crawl spaces also provide a space for utility lines to run where they’re at less of a risk of freezing.
A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you’re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.
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 provides a professional assessment of a property's structural condition. It typically includes an evaluation of the foundation, key structural elements like roof trusses, floor joists, studs, beams, and rafters. The report will also contain a detailed description of the engineer's findings, often supported by photographs, and provide recommendations to correct any identified issues. Depending on the scope of the inspection, it might also include an assessment of property drainage, potential issues from environmental conditions like extreme weather or tree placement, and an estimated time and cost for any recommended repairs.
The Golden Valley, MN 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 Minneapolis, MN.
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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.
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