ENGINEERING, DESIGN and inspection SERVICES

This is the analysis of the structure of the building.  I access all anticipated and building code required loads and load combinations including live, dead, wind, snow, and seismic.  Strengths of materials is important, but the deflection of the structure usually is the controlling factor for a well engineered structure.    The building codes only set the minimum requirements for structures and if a structure is just built to meet these minimums, you may be disappointed in the structure especially over time.

This division of engineering includes plumbing and HVAC.  Firstly, the plumbing system includes two sub-systems.  The fresh water distribution system provides potable water to your plumbing fixtures and appliances which use water.   The waste collection system collects and carries away the waste for the plumbing fixtures and appliances.  It is important to design both these systems well.  A poorly designed fresh water system will not provide adequate water to properly service the fixtures.  Another issue with many water systems is the hot water distribution requires a long wait at the fixtures to get the hot water needed.  The waste collection system needs to be properly designed so as to assure the waste flows properly through the pipes to the waste disposal system or to the sewer system.   Proper design of the system to provide access for repairs is important as well.  The waste systems of today are moving toward reuse of the waste water from the tubs and showers for irrigation systems and even use for water needs of the toilets.   

The HVAC system conditions the interior of the building to maintain indoor air quality, temperature and humidity.  These systems vary widely from area to area and can make the difference in a comfortable building and a miserable and unhealthy building.  There are also issues with the finishes and trim in a home that is affected by a poorly engineered HVAC system. 

The electrical system in a building distributes the electrical power from the utility companies service lines throughout the building for power usage and lighting.  The engineering of this system is extremely important to assure safety of the system and convenience for the occupants.    

My design services include design of new residences and commercials buildings as well as design of additions, renovations and interior upfits.  Typically, all residential designs are created in 3D which are very detailed and can even be rendered into an image which is close to photo realistic.  With my 40+ years of design experience, I can help you with most every design need.

I perform numerous types of inspections of existing houses, building and manufactured homes.  My range for these inspection services is typically 100 miles radius of Wilmington, but can go out farther if required.  These inspections are described below.

Structural Inspections

I inspect existing structures as well as structures under construction.  I assist realtors with inspections of existing structural conditions.  These conditions may be noted by the home inspectors, issues which require assessment prior to listing a property for sale due to disclosure requirements of existing conditions, additions or renovations which were completed without permit, structural issues noted by the building inspector during construction and any other situation which may arise.  

Financing Related Conformance Inspections

I perform inspections including FHA Permanent Foundation Certifications of manufactured homes, adjacent structures inspections for VA and conventional loans, final and initial FHA inspection of homes, modular homes and manufactured homes during construction and at completion.  These are commonly known as 92051 forms.