Frankie Cena
New home construction or building a home from your design plans is a daunting task. However, one of the best things you can do is hire a structural engineer for your project to ensure the final result comes to fruition. They will follow best practices and use the correct material to avoid costly mistakes down the road.
This article will cover the top three reasons you should hire a structural engineer during a new home acquisition.
Structural Safety
Large communal areas, garages, and bedrooms will bear weight from the roof and surrounding fixtures. Without a trained eye, it can be challenging to predict if the house framing will last for years to come. A myriad of things can occur and result in poor construction.
For example, the available lumber used for construction could be the incorrect size, or your builder could have the incorrect framing specifications. A structural engineer can look at the home’s design and determine the risks associated with this build. This assessment could save you thousands in the long run.
Building Code
A structural engineer must know how to assess risks in a new building or home. They will also be able to ensure the structure is up to code. Based on the design, they can determine where the sump pump, gas lines, and electrical lines will run. They can decide if those are even feasible with your desired design.
They will be able to select the proper materials as part of the building code as well. Construction companies may look to cut corners during the build or are uninformed about best practices. An experienced structural engineer can recommend materials that best fit your budget while meeting safety standards.
Final Inspection
If you move forward with a custom home builder, it’s best to get a second opinion from a structural engineer. They will be able to give you an unbiased view of construction and all the points above. This final inspection will determine inconsistencies after the initial building phase and provide solutions to fix errors.
In short, hiring a structural engineer is a significant investment! From the start, they can turn your dream home into reality and offer peace of mind throughout a very stressful process.
