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Foundation and Structure

Insight and understanding that only a Licensed Engineer can provide
Over 80,000 inspections performed since 1968

The foundation refers to the brick, stone (often called rubble), concrete block, or poured concrete that rests in the ground.  The foundation provides structural support for the house or building.  It also 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 during construction.

  For these reasons, most foundations 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, a written cost analysis is provided in the engineering report.

Even 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.  Call 800.640.8090 or use the online form 24/7 for more information.

Call 800.640.8090, or click here to contact Heimer Engineering 24/7.

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This page was last reviewed on February 26, 2008.
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Heimer® Engineering, P.C., 2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 230, Commack, NY, 11725-2947