Home extensions and additions increased by 52% during the pandemic, but people aren’t stopping there. Besides homeowners, other people like building contractors, general contractors, and architects are starting projects; now the world has opened up again. However, having an idea for a project is one thing; getting the right professionals for the job is another.
A building engineer with knowledge of materials science, applied mathematics, and mechanical engineering will be a lifesaver when you start working on a project.
A building engineer, or structural engineer, is there to help with everything you need. These professionals can help with the skeleton of a building to the small details near completion.
Here are the benefits of hiring a building engineer.
- A building engineer has the skills to create buildings that will withstand different loads and weights.
- For instance, a structure like this must hold the weight of the building and the people inside.
- Plus, external factors like the weather will test a building’s structure. So, you want to ensure it’s bulletproof when disasters hit.
- But, to most of us, this is not in our skillset. That’s why you need a building engineer to step in and take care of your design.
However, some people get confused between engineers, architects, and contractors as they all work on buildings. To keep it simple, here is a breakdown of each of these roles and how they come together.
Architect
When planning a project, the architect considers the design layout of the space and is involved in the planning phase. Usually, architects focus on aesthetics, design, and functionality.
Civil Engineer
A civil engineer is also focused on the design elements of a space, whereas a building engineer is more concerned with the materials used to build the structure.
Contractors
Contractors are the people who use the design concepts and bring them to life. Without them, building projects wouldn’t exist.
1. Consider Structural Changes
These roles are essential when starting a building project like a home remodel as everything needs to fall into place. The load inside your home will change when you’re adding rooms to a space or expanding a room. Hiring a building project engineer will provide you with information about your house and if the foundation will be affected by the remodel.
For instance, this is useful if you’re considering knocking down a wall in your bedroom.
One of the benefits of an engineer like this is that they can tell you whether the space you want to get rid of is load-bearing or not. Then, you can take steps to reassess what upgrades you want to make.
2. Spot Structural Damage
Whether you want to remodel a home or build a house from scratch, you need to consider potential structural damage before investing any money.
Otherwise, you could run into issues later on when a building collapses because repairs were not carried out sooner.
Some common warning signs are as follows:
- Cracks in the wall
- Sticking doors and windows
- Uneven floors
- Constant moisture
If any of these signs are noticed on your property, it’s best to get a professional to look.
3. Prepare for the Weather
The elements can lead to severe building issues, especially if the structure hasn’t been built correctly.
Hiring an engineer will ensure that your property is fully protected from snow, rain, strong winds, and other extreme weather conditions.
4. Installing Power Sources
Another reason people decide to work as building engineers is that they want to install power sources and don’t know how to do it safely.
For instance, solar panels are great for the environment but can put a lot of extra weight on your home or commercial property. As many roofs aren’t made to hold these panels, a building engineer will tell you if it’s possible.
5. Ensure Everything Is Safe
Not only is protecting your building against the elements a top priority when renovating a home or designing a structure, but making sure everyone is safe inside should be a top concern.
Therefore, double-check that the space can take the number of people you expect to be inside.
6. Choose the Right Materials
As mentioned earlier in the article, materials are also crucial in starting a building project. If you don’t have the suitable materials, walls could erode, and your home could be ruined.
However, materials are also important for commercial properties as well. A building engineer will make sure the materials are weather-resistant and durable.
7. Build a New Structure
Finally, one of the main reasons you should hire a building engineer is if you plan on building a space from scratch. Even though this doesn’t directly link to home renovations, you might be so excited you want to build something else!
Likewise, you never know when you might want to expand and build another space for business properties. So, having a good relationship with a building engineer with save you time and money in the long term.
Contact us today! We would love to be apart of your next project!
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