structural inspections
INSPECTION PROCEDURE AND REPORT
PHASE I, II and III
( Structures) Updated 4/2/2019
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In general, the format for a structural engineering inspection and professional report falls into (2) two general categories.
The two categories are:
Existing Structures for damages such as house, building, pools, garage structures and deck, dock, towers, roof, bridges, enclosed porch, screen enclosure, sea walls, etc..
New Structures ; IN Progress reports during construction for a house, building, garage, dock, pools, sea walls, bridges, balconies, screen rooms or any other structure.
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A. The existing structures investigation for structural integrity determination and damage outline is as follows:
- Initial preliminary inspection & consultations to discuss visible structural issues ( cracks, delamination, spalling) compliance or damage with client and initial cursory observations.
For Phase (1); Engineering Reports should be submitted and completed within (2-5) days from inspection date unless complex issues, unanticipated problems, delays and longer inspection period is needed.
Phase I:
Introduction and brief verbal consultation overview of structural issues and signs of non conformance or failure, engineering cursory review ( sagging beams, burned roof or floor beams, trusses, cracks, movement, settlement, etc);
Perform a preliminary field site inspection and measurements of building, or other structural components such as walls, removed walls, or beams, roof Trusses, Girders, CBS wall, beams, columns, footings, other structural elements, roof, trusses, pools, sea walls, and components.( Limited to one site visit or review photos/video).
Findings, structural investigation and field data gathering, notes, measurements of structural integrity, strength , investigation of cracks or sagging beams, walls, roofs, for spalling, structural defects or failure, movement and shifting, erosion, photos; Draft Preliminary Report.
Preliminary analysis and evaluation limited to preliminary structural assessment & integrity evaluation only, some testing may be included on a case by case review;
Recommendations and potential options for most economical repair, structural upgrade, strengthening, economical solutions; overview, review options;
Alternative solution options based on client's schedule, budget, objective and use of structure;
Cost estimate of structural modifications, repairs and/or replacement ( If requested – optional additional charges may apply)
Conclusion based on preliminary evaluation ( testing recommendations if required by the Engineer);
Conference meeting with Client or Client's agent to review findings, evaluations and conclusions prior to proceeding to phase II.
I.A: Inspection and written report fee range : $875 to $2,800, ( Time: 5-16 hours maximum not to exceed). ( Final fee will be subject to engineer number of hours x $175 rate, subject to but not limited to: project size, scope, delivery time, schedule, complexity and volume of structural damage and engineering required, Phases I only, excluding Phases II & III).
I.B: Inspection and report of a burned residence structure can vary subject to area of burned structural components, trusses, roof, roof deck, wiring, beams, columns and other structural components. Due to unknown damage caused by fire including hidden damage, the engineering fee will be based strictly on time. The client will need to pay for engineering services based on time at the engineer rate of $175 per hour. A minimum retainer payment of $1,400.00 ( to include a minimum of 8 hours x $175 hourly rate) and signed agreement are required prior to scheduling to conduct the residence structural inspection for fire damage assessment and preparation of an engineering report with findings, evaluation cost estimate of repairs and recommendations. The overall final engineering fee will be strictly based on engineering time such as the total number of hours expended by the engineer x the hourly rate of $175 per hour. Usually design drawings, testing and further engineering services will be excluded under this scope unless an addendum is executed with the client.
I.C: Cursory structural Inspection and consultation for residential issues such as but not limited to: wood trusses, roof, foundations, concrete beam and wall issues or cracks, with a summary written up to two (2) page report, maximum engineering up to: (4.0) hours, including initial consultations: $675.00 retainer payment ( Phase I only) ( up to (1) weeks advance schedule - shorter inspection schedule is subject to availability and nature of structural issues or Emergencies);
A signed engineering services agreement and upfront initial retainer payment are a condition for engaging and scheduling engineering services. We offer a Free 1/2 hour consultation by phone. Under standard practice subject to engineer's schedule, calendar and availability, inspections can be scheduled within few days from receipt of an executed agreement and retainer payment, but in some cases it could take up to a week or longer. Under certain exceptions and/or extreme circumstances it could take up to (2) weeks, ultimately it all depends on the inspection period and closing date set by buyer and/or seller or their respective agents.
Phase II:
Perform a detailed in depth site examination, measurements and inspection of building components, or other structures such as walls, beams, columns, trusses, pool, sea wall, etc. and concentrate on issues found in phase I.
Examination of existing capacity or damage to structure or structural elements in question including structural drawings and plans to identify the design characteristics of how the structure in question was constructed, designed or both either using concrete, steel, wood framing and roof construction. Interview with person or contractor who built the structure if available.
Examination of any prior repairs made during the lifespan of the structure or building especially to roof, beams, walls, columns, footings, windows, doors, slabs, decks, foundations, or any structural members,
as well as foundation and slab repairs, due to settlements, cracks as part of prior renovations or repairs, or expansion.
Evaluation of types of tests needed , ( soil, concrete, moisture, X Ray, GPR, etc..) Note: Client is responsible to pay for testing fees or charges performed by an independent Lab.
Recommendation and location of test types ( need customer authorization)
Coordinate material testing with certified Lab, location, number of tests, and schedule date;
Retrieve test results, analyze, review and form conclusions in collaboration with testing lab geotechnical engineer;
Incorporate test results in phase (I) and re-evaluate recommendations and solutions, design alternatives- Phase II
Draft engineering report;
Transmit and review report findings and conclusions with client prior to proceeding to phase III.
Phase III:
Design drawings and analysis of structural modifications, structural repair or replacement alternatives based on the outcome of phase I & II studies and testing;
Preparation of technical drawings and specifications of structure for purposes of structural upgrades and/or repair solution; ( or to meet FBC requirements for an after the fact permit review);
Assist client in bidding process and meetings to select contractors to perform the repair work;
In progress inspections to insure compliance with engineering plans and FBC as work in progress by the contractor;
Final inspection of work, certification to the building department ( if applicable)
Permit approval and legalizing existing structure, final approval.
B. The new structures inspection is for the purposes to insure compliance with approved drawings and specifications per the current Florida Building Code. The outline is as follows:
Phase I:
Provide completed design drawings and review with contractor ( if applicable) or retrieve drawings to review in preparation for field inspections ( work in progress)
Submit required forms, letters and paper work per the Building Code ( case in point: Threshold building inspections per section 105.1)
Schedule various phases of field inspections to coincide with contractor schedule
Phase II:
Perform in progress inspections for different phases of structure construction;
Write accurate field reports based on visual observations, field measurements, referencing drawings, specifications and construction documents;
Take sufficient photographs to document construction and deficiencies if found
Advise contractor of all deficiencies if found, document in detail in field report, and As-Built drawings set, take several photos of deficiency;
Transmit daily inspection field reports to all parties involved ( contractor, subcontractor, city officials, customer, etc..)
All phone conferences to be documented in writing on “ Phone Log”;
Phase III:
Review construction compliance with the approved drawings, document all field approved changes on “ As-Built “ Plans,
Issue engineering certified report noting all exceptions and changes
Provide final engineering certified report with attachments ( i.e., field daily progress reports, photos, As-Built Plans, and any construction documents, or specifications necessary)
Examples:
1. Existing Structures:
Pools, pool decks, buildings, houses, foundations, sea walls, boat lifts, docks, steel structures, retaining walls, towers, bridges, Metro stations, tunnels, CSX railroad, garages, boat docks, walkways, Tiki Hut structures, decks, etc..
2.New Structures:
Buildings, Houses, Warehouses, pools, sea walls, retaining walls, bridges, garages, Boat docks, walkways, Tiki Hut structures, etc
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