Question 1

What are the Professional Conduct Rules a Structural Engineer must follow?

Accepted Answer

In the state of Tennessee structural engineers are the last stop in decisions on safety of buildings structures. Cities and counties do not have their own structural engineers on staff so they accept our judgment without question.   This is an example of why structural engineers are paid for time and expertise and not for the outcome of any assessment.   Therefore structural engineers make no promises either ahead of time or while on site about what their reports will require as repairs.   The final determination is made after careful review and analysis, and is presented in the report or letter that is delivered to the client.   "Rules of Professional Conduct," which carry the enforcement of law, specify the proper conduct of practice, service in areas of competence, the need for objectivity and truth in public statements, the avoidance of conflicts of interest and improper acceptance of work, and misconduct in practice..." "The building officials of Tennessee and the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners have the same goal: the safeguarding of life, health and property, and the promotion of public welfare. Building officials move toward that goal by the adoption of building codes and standards and the enforcement of the requirements of those codes and standards. The Board moves toward that goal by the adoption of standards of education, experience, and professional practice and the enforcement of those standards. " https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/ae/posts/ReferenceManual.pdf

Question 2

When do I need a Structural Engineer?

Accepted Answer

When building additions or altering the layout. If you are considering building out additional space to your property via a bedroom, garage, or studio space, a structural engineer will help to design new structural elements to withstand the new loads from the addition. They will also confirm that the foundation of the new addition is effectively reinforced. Structural engineers will also help homeowners to determine which walls carry the weight of a home’s structure and how the proposed renovations will affect the structural integrity of your property. For a structural inspection, condition assessment, or repair. Whether you are a current homeowner or in the market to purchase a home, it is important to be aware of any structural damage to your property. If you or another professional notice any structural damage, you will need to contact a structural engineer to determine the seriousness, cause of the damage, and how the damage can be properly fixed. Structural engineers are skilled in conducting detailed evaluations that identify structural issues and advise homeowners on how to resolve the issues per local building code. Signs of structural damage include cracking or movement of walls, sagging ceilings or roofline, uneven floors, cracks around windows, etc. Natural elements like water, wind, fire or earthquakes can also threaten the integrity of home and cause substantial damage to a structure. As with other forms of structural damage, your engineer can evaluate the severity of the issue and recommend an appropriate solution. Buying or selling a home. Regardless of whether you are purchasing or sellingahome, if an inspector notices any structural problems with the home, it is imperative to hire a structural engineer to evaluate the situation. If you are a homeowner consider that in many cases, the engineer can help to save you money by identifying the problem and most efficient way to fix it before further damage can be done. When building a custom home from the ground up, a structural engineer will best advise you on plans for the home that are structurally secure. An engineer will also assess the proposed building site for suitability and integration. Our structural engineers can provide homeowners with on-site structural observations or evaluations to ensure conformance to approved plans and specifications.

Question 3

Why NOT just hire a General Contractor to do the work?

Accepted Answer

OZER works for you as your consultant. We always search for the most economical and durable solutions for your specific repair or build project. We map out the construction process with you so that you can make smart decisions in planning your project and executing it. We don't make any money on the actual construction, so we have no conflict of interest.

Question 4

What is the Typical Process to work with OZER?

Accepted Answer

Your assessment, repair, remodel, addition begins with a Structural Consultation or a Condition Assessment and Report.   Fill out the form to make a request, provide information about your project and when you want to meet. We will call you back to schedule a visit to your project site and quote the Base Fee for our visit (typically ranges from $300 to $600, see notes on structural fees below). We meet with you on site to perform a walkthrough of all interior spaces, attic, crawlspace, and exterior perimeter as necessary to document existing conditions.  We discuss your plans and options and feasibility for the remodel or addition if applicable.

Question 5

What are Expectations and Guidelines for Structural Design?

Accepted Answer

Before we get started - notes to Customer on Ozer Standards of care Design for SAFETY & PERFORMANCE We design the foundation or framing for safety and performance, as well as efficiency & ease of construction (to save you money). Safety is geared for assembly occupancies (e.g. large gatherings), also wind, and seismic resisting capacities. Performance means primarily no cracking of drywall, tile, or other brittle finishes, nor popping screws and squeaks, or excessive settlements and deflections, or moisture infiltration issues. We are looking at capacity to withstand wind, seismic, snow/ice, or other extreme loading events such as tree fall. We use the International Residential Code to quantify the potential impact of these events. We are base our design on the International Residential Code requirements as adopted by Shelby County, or outside of the county on the State of Tennessee or Mississippi. We are providing repairs that are designed to be long lasting, 50 years is usually the standard goal. With existing buildings, we take into account the standards of home construction at the time it was built - it is often impractical (and not respectful of owners desires or budgets) to bring an older building up to the new building code requirements for wind and seismic loads.

Question 6

What if my Project is Large or Complicated?

Accepted Answer

Ask questions by phone or email(preferred). Take advantage of our website forms, email and texting for timely a response from our team. We will schedule follow up site visits to assure your projects success. Depending on the complexity of the repairs up to three follow on site visits may be recommended, to ensure that the work has been completed properly. You will need a Detailed Design for large, complicated projects In some cases, design drawings may be recommended. We provide drawing documentation when the details of construction are critical and are not easily communicated with marked up photos. We assure quality before finishing the project Depending on the complexity of the project, inspection of the work (before it is covered up with finishes) may be highly recommended to ensure that the work has been completed properly. This will help ensure long term performance.  We provide a Foundation and/or Framing Clearance Letter If Required by the city, OZER provides a sealed foundation and or framing clearance letter, minimizing your liability if you develop structural issues.

Question 7

What are the Typical Fees for Structural Engineering Services?

Accepted Answer

The Consultation fee (includes assessment letter) varies between $300 to $600 on average depending on several factors. Our total project fee varies quite a bit depending on all of the above factors, with a typical range for home alteration project from $300 to $3,000. The price range in large part depends on the quality of the framers and GC (general contractor). With very good framers that follow my design carefully, I show up once to work out the design, (I issue a plan markup summarizing the design strategy) then I just show up once when they're done framing, have them make a few minor corrections as needed, and send you the sealed letter. That's about $1,000. Many framers aren't great at following the design and details. This is not a usually a problem but will require a couple extra site visits to get everything right and typically cost an additional $500.

Question 8

What is the “Structural Fee” vs “Total Project Cost”?

Accepted Answer

Most of the fee in any project is in the actual construction: Labor, Materials, and GC overhead/profit. The structural fee for a typical project is usually be between 1% to 10% of the total project cost. However, in a majority of cases we will save you money and headache. One common example, we get a lot of calls about foundation or brick cracking due to settlement. In many cases these are within normal limits and nothing is required for the integrity of the structure. To stop the settlement from progressing, often what is needed is a drainage strategy to keep storm water from collecting next to or under the building. This can often be done, by grading, gutters, or sometimes just downspout extenders. We save many homeowners from having to spend money on expensive foundation repairs.

Question 9

When do I need Condition Assessment and Scope Design services?

Accepted Answer

To review the feasibility of your home addition or alteration project. To evaluate the condition of the existing structure. To advise on the complexity and cost of your project.

Question 10

What is the Remodels and Additions Process?

Accepted Answer

We discuss your goals and budgets. Remodels and additions are expensive. But often only a small part of the total construction budget its structural, finishes, furnishings, utilities are usually larger pieces of the pie. Holistic Assessment. Many projects are short on professionals and hot with framers eager to swing hammers. We start with a holistic assessment of the planned project, especially looking at obstacles and potential trouble spots, and we advise you on how to make the overall project a success, from floor plan layout, to HVAC strategy. When needed we suggest you hire an architect or other professional to work out complicated design issues before letting the hammers swing. Determine structural solutions. May include beams, posts, foundation strengthening, etc. – Schematic Design Narrative. Prepare a Scope Report with written summary of my findings and recommendations. Discuss my findings and next steps with you. Deliver “Next Steps after the Consultation” and “Scope Report” For many of our projects the Scope Report fulfills the mission and that's the end of our service.

Question 11

What is the Structural Repairs Assessment Process?

Accepted Answer

We discuss your concerns and observations, assess, and diagnose any damage or flaws with the wood framing, foundation, or other structural element. Determine recommended repairs – Schematic Design Narrative which is included in the Scope Report.

Question 12

How much Engineering Support is needed for my project?

Accepted Answer

The amount of structural engineering support required varies considerably from project to project and depends on: Complexity and condition of the existing structure, Qualifications of the general contractor, Homeowners preferences and experience with similar projects, and Amount of involvement and collaboration with other professional trades, architects or home designers.

Question 13

Why do I want Structural Engineering Design Services?

Accepted Answer

To design the structure for gravity and wind loads. To assure that you have the most economical and effective system for the capacities required. To determine optimal sizes and connections of foundations and framing members. To minimize structural deflections thereby preventing cracking and sagging. To secure building permits and inspections from the City or County Building Departments. To assure that the builder implements the design accurately. To assure the longevity of your home improvement project.