Heimer Engineering Home Inspections and Building Inspections

 
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Foundation and Structure

In the greater New York area, building codes have been in place for almost 70 years. In addition, there is a lot of information available about the soil conditions in most of this areaThe foundation refers to the brick, stone (often called rubble), concrete block, or poured concrete that is supported by the ground and supports the home or building.  The foundation provides structural support, and keeps water, soil, animals, and insects from entering the basement or crawl space.

In the greater New York area, building codes have been in place for over 60 years.  In addition, there is a lot of information available about the soil conditions in most of this area, and the soil tends to relatively stable (unless the building was constructed on fill).  Footings (or piles if needed) and foundations are often inspected by the building department during construction.

For these reasons, the foundations in most buildings in the greater New York area are sound when constructed.  However, there are still some foundations that have structurally significant defects.  Heimer Engineering will evaluate the building’s foundation for you.  You are also informed about the risk of water penetration into the basement.  When repairs are needed, an expense analysis is provided in the engineering report.  Click here for photographs of foundations

Most foundations in the greater New York area are soundEven if a concrete foundation is sound, it will usually have at least a few cracks.  Heimer Engineering will tell you whether the cracks in the foundation are structurally significant.  You should be aware that, according to the law, non-engineers cannot render opinions as to structural soundness or stability.  If you want to know whether a crack is structurally significant, have a Licensed Professional Engineer perform your pre-purchase home inspection or building inspection.  Click here for photographs of water in the basement

 
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