Steel post | Structural Engineer

The Importance of Structural Engineering in Real Estate Transactions

Firas Abdelahad
Jan 5, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Sep 17, 2024

In the dynamic world of real estate, structural concerns often emerge after appraisals and inspections. Homeowners and real estate agents grapple with issues ranging from settlement concerns, sagging and improperly supported main load bearing beams, to compromised foundations. This blog discusses the critical role of structural engineering consulting in resolving these issues and emphasizes the potential pitfalls of opting for contractors over a structural engineer firm.

It highlights the importance of involving a structural engineering company to ensure the integrity of a property.

1. Early Intervention Saves Costs:

• Contacting a professional engineer early in the process can save homeowners, sellers, or buyers time and more importantly, significant costs. Engineering solutions ensure compliance with minimum code standards, satisfying both appraisals and mortgage requirements. While some concerns could be addressed in a structural inspection and maybe a letter, others may require structural repairs or intervention. Most municipalities require engineered stamped drawings for structural reinforcements.

2. Contractor vs. Structural Engineer Dilemma:

• While contractors play a crucial role, some contracting companies might mistakenly mislabel structural work as mere reinforcement, or just additional support when, in reality, it should have been a work that requires an engineering review, structural calculations, and drawings, followed by a contractor to pull the permit and perform the work. This misclassification becomes apparent during reevaluation that often is required by appraisers and loan officers, leading to additional costs and potential complications.

3. The Aftermath of Misjudgment:

• Clients opting for contractors often face post-installation appraisals that demand structural engineer approval. This step becomes problematic when the initial work fails to meet code standards, necessitating costly corrections. It also gets expensive as the registered professional engineer or licensed professional will need to verify whether the work completed meets the load requirements or if it needs adjustment and modifications.

4. The Engineering work:

• Structural engineering involves load calculations, correct beam spans, proper footing size, and appropriate load path distribution. Failure to adhere to these principles can result in non compliance work.

Conclusion:

In navigating the complexities of real estate transactions, our advice to real estate agents, sellers, and buyers in Pennsylvania is clear: involve a structural engineer early on. By doing so, you can mitigate potential problems, save time, and reduce costs. Appraisals should also prioritize evaluations by a Pennsylvania structural engineer before greenlighting any structural work. This proactive approach ensures that any structural modification done is sound and meets the minimum requirements set by the structural engineering standards for Pennsylvania.

Written by Firas Abdelahad, P.E.

Firas Abdelahad has been a practicing structural engineer since 2005, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals, including consultants, architects, investors, homeowners, contractors, and subcontractors. Together, they tackle the various challenges that can arise during the design and construction phases of projects.

Firas has reviewed, evaluated, and assessed thousands of properties across the state of Pennsylvania, spanning from State College to Erie and throughout Western PA.

The information and statements in this document are for information purposes only and do not comprise the professional advice of the author or create a professional relationship between reader and author.

Key Differences between a Contractor and an Engineer in the Construction Industry

Firas Abdelahad
Jan 6, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Jan 24

Contractors & engineers' work typically complement each others. A work designed by an engineer can't get built without a contractor and often times a work done by a contractor can't be certified without an engineer.

A few weeks back, a post surfaced, inquiring about a recommendation for a structural engineer. Amidst the comments, one response stood out:

“Your best bet is to find a contractor with experience in structures because most structural engineers never touched a tool. They have great knowledge but that has to translate to your contractor. You want to be very careful that you’re not overpaying for knowledge that is not going to apply to your situation.”

I’m certain that this notion has crossed the minds of many, and some still hold this belief.

As an engineer myself, I respectfully disagree, and here’s my perspective showing key differences between a contractor and an engineer:

While it’s true that some engineers may not have hands-on construction experience, they excel at providing meticulous drawings that ensure work is executed correctly, adhering to building codes, engineering standards, and fundamental principles. This approach minimizes the need for corrections and prevents future issues, such as floor sags or compromised load-bearing walls.

Being in the field since 2005, I’ve collaborated with numerous contractors, both directly and indirectly. Most can handle standard tasks without detailed plans, relying on their experience. However, challenges arise when projects become customized and necessitate calculations or verifications.

Regrettably, I’ve witnessed many poorly executed reinforcements, where contractors or handymen selected beam sizes based on experience, resulting in incorrect support or undersized structures. Notably, homeowners often skip involving an engineer during the design phase before hiring a contractor, assuming they can obtain free advice from contractors who may provide estimates and initial consultations at no cost to secure their services. However, an engineer, when engaged, becomes your advocate, offering impartial guidance.

For the average homeowner, who lacks in-depth construction expertise, hiring an engineer proves beneficial when addressing structural issues. Most structural modifications require permits, backed by stamped drawings from licensed and registered engineers.

When clients reach out to me, I ask probing questions to understand their needs fully. This helps me assess whether I can genuinely add value during property inspections or site visits. If not, I guide them in an alternative direction.

Recently, I was tasked with evaluating a structural reinforcement meant to rectify a floor sag. Upon inspection, I was deeply concerned. The beam lacked sufficient support and had been haphazardly shored up with steel rods, as seen in the second and third images below. It was a subpar execution.

Moreover, the beam was improperly installed lower than it should have been, failing to brace the weakened, undersized, sagging beam. Shims were inserted to bridge the gap between the steel beam and wooden beam, as depicted in the first picture.

Additionally, note the slight warping or twisting of the beam in the second picture.

Furthermore, a steel post was added, but it was not tall enough. This forced the installer to use loose bricks to elevate its base, which rested directly on the concrete slab instead of a proper footer.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of this improper support. Refer to my structural deficiencies (I) blog for an explanation of why this approach is flawed.

I strongly doubt that a licensed contractor oversaw this work, or at least, I hope not.

Typically, licensed contractors either collaborate with engineers or advise homeowners to engage one. I consistently stress to homeowners that hiring an engineer not only provides a layer of protection but also ensures that modifications meet engineering standards and building codes, reducing the likelihood of issues arising when the house is sold in the future.

Lastly, it is important to note that the home improvement consumer protection act 73 P.S. § 517.1 (HICPA) was adopted by Pennsylvania's General Assembly in October, 2008 and signed by the Governor as Act 132 of 2008. The law establishes a mandatory registration program for contractors who offer or perform home improvement in Pennsylvania. Reference the following link for frequently asked questions about the act: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/resources/home-improvement-contractor-registration/contractor-frequently-asked-questions/

Improper installation for a beam — Picture 1

Structural Engineering Deficiencies- 724-949-0004 — Picture 2

Picture 3: Improper shimming not enough bearing

#structuralengineer #Structuraldeficiencies #valueofengineering #structurallysound #realestatepgh #pittsburghstructuralengineering #Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, 73 P.S. § 517.1

Written by Firas Abdelahad, P.E.

Structural Deficiencies (I)

Firas Abdelahad
Dec 9, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Sep 17, 2024

This post is intended to show some of the deficiencies that I either experienced first hand or noticed on the social media when posted by others.

Improper splice & support:

In this picture below, unfortunately many elements were either not installed correctly or modified improperly; beam was spliced inches away from the support, also the post isn’t supported properly at its base. A post needs to be supported by a footer that is sized to its load and designed to meet code requirement.

Post/Temporary post supported on Slab:

In the pictures below, a perfect example of what would/could potentially happens when a post is supported on concrete slab without distributing the stress properly and/or when it isn't resting/supported by a footer that is designed for its load. I am certain that many of us have seen few of these posts (steel jack/telescopic posts) in their basement, a family or a friend basement at some point. They tend to be very tempting as quick solution for a floor sag but unfortunately many of these posts are not installed correctly also not supported correctly as you can see.

The high concentration in loads will cause the post base to punch through the Slab.

Improperly reinforced foundation block wall:

In the picture below you will see how the I beam improperly attached at its upper end. which will lead to a question isn’t properly attached at the base ? The I beam is leaning as the wall is still pushing inward. a reinforcement that the home owner paid to do and unfortunately will have to pay again to correct.

Consulting with the right qualified structural engineer can save you a lot of money and more importantly time.

I guess a garage door track was more important than the structural integrity of the steel beam and concrete floor:

In the picture below you will see what rust can do when left untreated, you will also see how an I beam was cut for a garage door track be installed.

the 2 pictures below show how an improperly supported beam can react and essentially fail under design load. Load bearing beams need to be supported properly at splices also properly for their size, load and span.

Written by Firas Abdelahad, P.E.