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Avatar for Groundworks

Groundworks

4.39(
57
)
Approved Pro

Groundworks

4.39(
57
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Super punctual
32 local quotes requested
50 years of experience

Groundworks, formerly Baker's Waterproofing, has specialized in helping homeowners with their foundation repair, waterproofing, and concrete needs since 2009. Our top priority is providing high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service across central Pennsylvania. With fully trained technicians, industry-leading products, and nationally backed warranties, Groundworks is here to restore your basement, foundation, or concrete. PA158514 (PA)

"The job went extremely well. Aaron Lenker and Corbin Gillichbauer performed the service and were professional and polite. I’m completely satisfied. Well done."

Paul S on July 2025

Groundworks, formerly Baker's Waterproofing, has specialized in helping homeowners with their foundation repair, waterproofing, and concrete needs since 2009. Our top priority is providing high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service across central Pennsylvania. With fully trained technicians, industry-leading products, and nationally backed warranties, Groundworks is here to restore your basement, foundation, or concrete. PA158514 (PA)

"The job went extremely well. Aaron Lenker and Corbin Gillichbauer performed the service and were professional and polite. I’m completely satisfied. Well done."

Paul S on July 2025


Avatar for Groundworks

Groundworks

4.54(
327
)
Approved Pro

Groundworks

4.54(
327
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Super punctual
37 local quotes requested
28 years of experience

Established in 1997, Groundworks is a distinguished family of companies renowned for delivering unparalleled solutions. From foundation repair, structural reinforcement, crawl space encapsulation, basement waterproofing, and concrete lifting, we provide comprehensive services tailored to meet your needs. With our coverage spanning across Philadelphia & New Jersey, we bring our local expertise closer to you. Groundworks proudly holds accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Drawing from decades of collective experience, extensive industry knowledge, and ongoing specialized training, our dedicated team is poised to safeguard your residential property against water damage, concrete sinking, and foundation instability. At Groundworks, we are not just builders; we are guardians of your peace of mind. Contact us today for a FREE estimate! PA158514 (PA)

"Tyrell did an excellent job correcting the mistakeS of the people who installed my basement waterproofing equipment. There was a terrible rotten egg smell and that's gone now. Tyrell cleaned up after himself, if any water spilled he made sure to vacuum it up and to dispose of everything in the proper place."

Alexander M on September 2023

Established in 1997, Groundworks is a distinguished family of companies renowned for delivering unparalleled solutions. From foundation repair, structural reinforcement, crawl space encapsulation, basement waterproofing, and concrete lifting, we provide comprehensive services tailored to meet your needs. With our coverage spanning across Philadelphia & New Jersey, we bring our local expertise closer to you. Groundworks proudly holds accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Drawing from decades of collective experience, extensive industry knowledge, and ongoing specialized training, our dedicated team is poised to safeguard your residential property against water damage, concrete sinking, and foundation instability. At Groundworks, we are not just builders; we are guardians of your peace of mind. Contact us today for a FREE estimate! PA158514 (PA)

"Tyrell did an excellent job correcting the mistakeS of the people who installed my basement waterproofing equipment. There was a terrible rotten egg smell and that's gone now. Tyrell cleaned up after himself, if any water spilled he made sure to vacuum it up and to dispose of everything in the proper place."

Alexander M on September 2023


"Very well. The inspector came as scheduled, performed a thorough inspection, and sent a detailed report. Quite satisfactory in all."

Paul S on February 2019

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"Very well. The inspector came as scheduled, performed a thorough inspection, and sent a detailed report. Quite satisfactory in all."

Paul S on February 2019


Avatar for Impact Engineering Group

Impact Engineering Group

No reviews yet

Impact Engineering Group

No reviews yet
12 years of experience

Impact Engineering Group is a civil engineering firm that specializes in services and consulting relating to real estate, construction, land planning, surveying, site permitting and structural engineering.

Impact Engineering Group is a civil engineering firm that specializes in services and consulting relating to real estate, construction, land planning, surveying, site permitting and structural engineering.


Richard Herschlag, P.E.

No reviews yet

Richard Herschlag, P.E.

No reviews yet
29 years of experience

We are a full-service group of professionals providing both engineering and contracting on an as-needed basis. Where we are unable to meet your needs or timeline, we will as always provide referrals to top professionals in your area.

We are a full-service group of professionals providing both engineering and contracting on an as-needed basis. Where we are unable to meet your needs or timeline, we will as always provide referrals to top professionals in your area.


McCarthy Engineering Associates offers clients a knowledgeable and determined team, complemented by the highest level of service and the utmost attention to quality.


Avatar for GKW Associates

GKW Associates

No reviews yet

GKW Associates

No reviews yet
13 years of experience

GKW Associates is a team of Engineers and Designers dedicated to providing quality engineering services to all of our clients and also, committed to building a solid working relationship with them in order to achieve their project goals. We provide economical and practical solutions for projects and specific problems on a timely basis. The requirement of the client is priority number one to our staff.

GKW Associates is a team of Engineers and Designers dedicated to providing quality engineering services to all of our clients and also, committed to building a solid working relationship with them in order to achieve their project goals. We provide economical and practical solutions for projects and specific problems on a timely basis. The requirement of the client is priority number one to our staff.



Avatar for STRUCTURAL WORKSHOP LLC

STRUCTURAL WORKSHOP LLC

3.00(
2
)

STRUCTURAL WORKSHOP LLC

3.00(
2
)
Customers say: Quick response
21 years of experience

Structural Workshop provides a unique blend of talents that put us at the forefront of Structural and Foundation Inspections and Structural and Foundation Repair for single and multi family residences. With licenses and extensive experience in both Residential Home Inspection and Design, Analysis, and Repair of Residential Structures we bring a unique set of qualifications to each inspection. If your Home Inspector calls for a Structural Engineer, don't compromise when it comes to making such a large purchase, go with the best. We will be the last call you need to make when dealing with a Structural or Foundation problem on a house you own, are selling, or are considering buying. Unlike other Engineering Firms, we are experts in dealing with the specific needs of this type of project. Our procedures are geared to maximize our client's benefits and minimize their hassles. We understand what you are going through and the schedule you are on. We understand disclosure forms, real estate contracts, contingency periods, home inspection reports. We regularly deal with Home Inspectors, Realtors, and Attorneys. We accept all major credit cards.

Structural Workshop provides a unique blend of talents that put us at the forefront of Structural and Foundation Inspections and Structural and Foundation Repair for single and multi family residences. With licenses and extensive experience in both Residential Home Inspection and Design, Analysis, and Repair of Residential Structures we bring a unique set of qualifications to each inspection. If your Home Inspector calls for a Structural Engineer, don't compromise when it comes to making such a large purchase, go with the best. We will be the last call you need to make when dealing with a Structural or Foundation problem on a house you own, are selling, or are considering buying. Unlike other Engineering Firms, we are experts in dealing with the specific needs of this type of project. Our procedures are geared to maximize our client's benefits and minimize their hassles. We understand what you are going through and the schedule you are on. We understand disclosure forms, real estate contracts, contingency periods, home inspection reports. We regularly deal with Home Inspectors, Realtors, and Attorneys. We accept all major credit cards.


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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The National Association of Home Builders requires repair of any foundation crack of more than one quarter of an inch, although local regulations may vary. In general, any visible crack that is growing in size, allowing water through, or that you have just noticed, is a good reason to call a structural engineer. Cracks can be a sign of a sinking foundation, so an inspection is a good idea for your peace of mind.

In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called "on-center" and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called "advanced framing". This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity.

It’s possible to drill into an LVL beam, but you should always avoid it. LVL beams are major structural components of your home, and drilling into them can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you need to drill into an LVL beam, consult a structural engineer. They’ll know the bit size, depth, and directionality that’s safe to use when drilling.

Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they’re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them. 

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.

The Portland, PA homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.