Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Essential Safety Practices in Structural Engineering

Safety is at the heart of everything we do in structural engineering. From the initial design to long-term maintenance, every decision made aims to ensure that bridges, buildings, and tunnels can handle the forces and challenges they face over time. But it’s not just about protecting the structures—it’s about safeguarding the people who use them and those who build them. By implementing safety practices, engineers can prevent failures, reduce risks, and create resilient structures that stand the test of time. Safety isn’t just a requirement—it’s the foundation of every successful project.

Importance of Safety in Structural Engineering

When safety is overlooked, the consequences can be catastrophic, as seen in high-profile incidents like building collapses. These tragedies serve as a stark reminder that safety must be woven into every phase of a project, starting from the initial design.

Engineers are responsible for ensuring structures can handle the weight they bear, resist environmental stresses, and perform under emergency conditions. By prioritizing safety from the start, engineers create buildings and infrastructure that can endure natural disasters and extreme forces. Beyond the technical aspects, meeting safety standards also strengthens public trust in the profession. When communities feel secure in the structures they rely on, they trust the engineers behind them.

Safety Practices for Structural Engineers

Structural engineers must adopt safety practices that cover every phase of a project, from design to construction and beyond. These practices are vital in mitigating risks, ensuring structural integrity, and safeguarding both construction workers and the public. By consistently applying these measures, engineers create safer environments and build structures that can endure the test of time.

Risk Assessment and Management

Risk assessment is a vital practice in structural engineering. Engineers identify hazards early in the design process and throughout construction. This involves analyzing site conditions, understanding material limitations, and evaluating forces like wind and seismic activity. By conducting risk assessments, engineers develop strategies to mitigate hazards. These strategies may include using advanced materials, designing for redundancy, or incorporating protective features. Continuous monitoring during construction allows engineers to manage emerging threats, ensuring a proactive approach to safety.

Safety Training and Education

Safety training is crucial for both engineers and construction personnel. Engineers must stay up-to-date on the latest safety standards, building codes, and construction techniques. Regular safety training sessions promote safe practices on-site, covering machinery operation, material handling, and emergency procedures. This training helps reduce accidents and fosters a culture of safety.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential during construction. Engineers ensure all personnel wear appropriate PPE, such as helmets, gloves, safety goggles, and high-visibility vests. PPE minimizes the risk of injury from falling debris, or hazardous materials. Regular inspections ensure PPE remains effective, further contributing to on-site safety. 

Safety During Design and Planning

The foundation of a safe structure is laid during the design and planning stages. At this phase, engineers focus on identifying and addressing potential risks long before construction begins. A key part of this process is selecting materials that not only meet structural demands but also enhance safety—think fire-resistant, durable options that can withstand various stresses. Engineers must also conduct thorough load analyses to ensure the structure can handle everything from static weights to dynamic forces like wind and seismic activity.

Compliance with building codes is another crucial aspect. These codes establish minimum safety standards for materials, load capacities, and construction methods, and engineers need to stay up-to-date with regulations, especially those that vary by region and environmental factors. Following these codes not only ensures safety but also helps avoid costly penalties and project delays.

Collaboration plays a big role here as well. Engineers work closely with architects, contractors, and safety officers to identify potential hazards early in the design process and develop effective solutions. Features like guardrails, emergency exits, and fire escapes are thoughtfully integrated to ensure both construction teams and future occupants remain safe.

Safety During Construction

During construction, safety practices must be rigorously enforced. Structural engineers, contractors, and crews work closely to ensure all safety measures are followed. Proper management prevents accidents and ensures the structure meets stability and integrity standards.

On-Site Safety Protocols

Maintaining a safe worksite requires careful planning and strict safety protocols. Engineers and contractors work together to assess hazards, such as uneven ground or overhead power lines, and put measures in place to mitigate these risks. This includes fencing off dangerous areas, setting up fall protection systems, and enforcing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests. Regular safety drills ensure that everyone on-site knows how to respond in case of emergencies, keeping accidents to a minimum.

Clear Communication and Coordination

Effective communication is key to ensuring safety on a construction site. Engineers, supervisors, and workers must maintain open lines of communication to quickly address any issues or changes that arise. Daily safety meetings help align everyone on tasks and potential risks, while clear coordination between different trades minimizes the chance of accidents, especially when multiple activities are happening at the same time. Strong communication keeps the site running smoothly and safely.

Equipment Safety and Maintenance

The safe operation of equipment is critical to preventing accidents on-site. Engineers ensure that all equipment undergoes regular inspections and that operators are properly trained and certified. Routine maintenance checks—like verifying load capacities and ensuring proper lubrication—help keep machinery in top condition. Additionally, strict protocols are enforced for using safety gear, such as harnesses, when working at heights, ensuring that everyone can work confidently and safely. Source

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Understanding Structural Health: Key to Building Longevity

Every building has a story to tell—and it’s often written in the cracks, shifts, and subtle signs of wear. From bustling skyscrapers to neighborhood bridges, no structure is immune to the forces of time and use. But here’s the thing: the sooner you catch these signs, the better you can protect your building’s future. Structural health is the unsung hero of building maintenance, quietly safeguarding against costly repairs and, more importantly, ensuring the safety of everyone inside.

In fast-paced urban environments, where safety and stability are non-negotiable, keeping a close eye on a building’s health is critical. By staying ahead of issues like corrosion or foundation shifts, you’re not just maintaining a structure—you’re preserving the safety and value of a long-term investment. So, how can you ensure your building is ready to stand the test of time? It all starts with understanding the key indicators of structural health and taking action before small problems become big headaches.

What is Structural Health?

Structural health describes the overall condition of a building or infrastructure and its ability to withstand various stresses while remaining functional. It includes physical integrity, stability, and performance under normal conditions, along with resilience against environmental factors such as wind, earthquakes, and temperature changes. Essentially, structural health offers a comprehensive view of how well a structure endures daily wear and unexpected events, determining its ability to continue serving its purpose safely.

Key Indicators of Structural Health

Identifying and understanding key indicators are crucial for assessing the structural health of a building. These indicators act as early warning signs, enabling timely maintenance and repairs. Indicators include visible signs of damage, such as cracks and corrosion, as well as subtle changes in the building’s behavior detected through advanced monitoring systems. Recognizing these indicators prevents further deterioration and ensures the safety and longevity of the structure.

Common Signs of Structural Issues

Visible signs of distress often indicate compromised structural health. Cracks in walls, beams, or foundations can signal problems, including foundation settling, thermal expansion, or seismic activity. Uneven floors or misaligned doors or windows suggest shifts in the foundation. Corrosion of steel components, especially in areas exposed to moisture or chemicals, reduces the structure’s load-bearing capacity. Water stains or leaks on ceilings and walls point to moisture intrusion, leading to material deterioration and mold growth.

Methods for Assessing Structural Health

Assessing a building’s structural health requires both traditional and modern techniques. These methods help engineers identify existing or potential problems, evaluate severity, and plan appropriate maintenance. The choice of method depends on the structure’s age, design, materials, and environmental exposure.

Visual Inspections

Visual inspections, performed by experienced engineers, involve a thorough examination of accessible components like beams, columns, walls, and foundations. Inspectors search for visible damage, such as cracks, deformations, corrosion, water stains, or spalling (chipping or flaking of concrete). While visual inspections quickly assess the structure’s condition, they may miss hidden or internal issues. For this reason, they usually serve as the first step in a more detailed assessment process.

Non-Destructive Testing

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) offers a more advanced assessment method that evaluates a structure’s internal condition without damaging its components. Techniques such as ultrasonic testing, ground-penetrating radar, infrared thermography, and magnetic particle testing detect internal cracks, voids, material thickness, and moisture intrusion. Ultrasonic testing uses sound waves to identify flaws inside materials, while infrared thermography reveals temperature variations caused by water leaks or insulation defects. NDT provides deeper insights, allowing engineers to diagnose problems invisible during standard visual inspections.

Structural Health Monitoring Systems

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) Systems involve installing sensors throughout a building to collect real-time data on parameters such as strain, vibration, tilt, temperature, and humidity. Analyzing this data helps detect abnormal changes in the structure’s behavior, indicating potential issues before they become critical. For instance, accelerometers monitor vibrations from seismic activity or heavy traffic, and strain gauges measure stress levels in key structural elements. Continuous monitoring through SHM systems allows for proactive maintenance, ultimately extending the structure’s service life.

Structural Health Assessments

Structural Health Assessments offer a detailed checkup of a building’s condition, allowing engineers to spot and fix issues early on. Whether it’s minor cracks, corrosion, or shifts in the structure, addressing these problems before they get worse helps prevent major failures like collapses or serious damage. This proactive approach keeps everyone safe and helps avoid costly repairs or legal troubles down the road.

Beyond preventing big problems, regular assessments also fine-tune maintenance plans and save money over time. By focusing on specific issues, engineers can schedule repairs that stop further wear, extend the building’s lifespan, and reduce disruptions. This kind of targeted maintenance leads to smarter resource use and long-term savings.

Keeping a building in top shape not only ensures safety but also boosts its value. A property that’s well-maintained and regularly assessed is more appealing to buyers or tenants, showing that it’s safe, reliable, and built to last. Plus, these assessments can reveal opportunities for upgrades, making the building even more functional and attractive in the market. Source

Thursday, October 24, 2024

10 FAQs Every Structural Engineer Hears

To find the right answers, you have to ask the right questions. When it comes to questions about homes and buildings, who better to ask than a structural engineer?

Still, you need to know if the answers you get are correct. With that in mind, here are some of the most common questions every structural engineer hears and how the top-quality pros should respond.

1 – What, exactly, does a structural engineer do?

Structural engineers specialize in determining the integrity of a home or building. They evaluate problems and establish solutions.

A building or home must withstand numerous factors throughout its lifetime. Weather, gravity and the pressure that a structure affects upon itself can all lead to major consequences if it cannot endure against these forces. In the event that something goes wrong, you need to call a structural engineer in your area.

These are licensed professionals educated about the physics, materials and calculations that can affect how a structure will hold up under various conditions. They can determine the strength, durability and safety of a structure. This usually includes the building as well as related structures such as retaining walls, garages and new additions. If damage has been done and repairs are needed, a structural engineer will give you an objective breakdown of the issue and recommend the appropriate next steps.

Most importantly, a structural engineer can help allay your fears. Often, homeowners are told they have structural damage that requires extensive repairs, especially older homes. These reports can come from contractors, inspectors or builders, telling homeowners the work will cost $10,000 or more. Many times, a structural engineer will conduct an impartial, third-party review and determine that while some repairs are necessary, it will be far less than the tens of thousands of dollars in the original estimate.

2 – There is a crack in my foundation. Should it be repaired?

The foundation is undoubtedly the most vital part of any home or building. A structural engineer can look at the loads transferred and determine the root of the trouble. Load transfer could be the cause but sometimes, it may be a design issue. You might also be facing a drainage problem or too much root growth. He will determine the true cause and advise next steps.

3 – My building was reviewed by a home inspection company. Do I really need a structural engineer, too?

A home inspector is typically a generalist who looks for signs of a potential problem. If they find something of note, they will usually advise you to consult a specialist to look at the issue in depth.

A licensed structural engineer will know what to look for. In addition, he will have more knowledge and training on the problem than a home inspector would. Think of it this way: if you had a medical issue, a registered nurse could give you sound advice but for an expert opinion, you would ask a trained physician. Whether buying or selling, it’s crucial to hire your own structural engineering experts.

4 – What structural issues should I be concerned about when remodeling?

In addition to the cost and time commitment of improvement projects, there may be many structural concerns. For example, before removing a wall, you need to know if it is load bearing. You might also want to correct sloped floors or bowed walls in basements.

Prior to any significant retrofitting or remodeling project, it’s important to consult a structural engineer. They can make recommendations, conduct a review and keep your newly redesigned structure from falling down around you.

5 – What structural problems can be handled by a structural engineer?

Soil movement (especially on a hill), damage from the weather or other natural causes, and destruction to load bearing wood by termites can be disastrous. There could also be issues regarding either interior or exterior stairs.

6 – How do I know you are qualified?

Every state and the District of Columbia require structural engineers to be licensed in order to provide services. There are different fields, such as electrical engineers or chemical engineers, so be sure the professional you hire has the appropriate specialization.

To obtain a license, they need at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Additionally, some states require at least four years working in the field and passing the licensing exam.

After receiving the license, structural engineers are assigned a special identification number. This number will appear on all approved plans and prepared reports. Beware of any structural engineer who will not or cannot provide his or her license number.

7 – What are some of the signs that I might need an inspection by a structural engineer?

A cracked foundation or walls, sagging ceilings, windows that stick or won’t close completely and doors that jam or can’t be closed properly could all be signs of trouble. You might also notice leaning walls outside, a bulge or curve in a concrete wall or weakness and chipping in your concrete foundation. Other problems can include moisture in your basement or crawl space and cracks in ceramic or vinyl tile on your floors.

Many of these troubles indicate a problem with the foundation. It’s best to fix smaller issues today before they become big headaches tomorrow.

8 – How can I know for sure that your work is high quality?

You should ask for and expect a portfolio of recently completed work and references. Some good questions for references include whether the work was delivered in a timely manner and whether the project was explained in easy-to-understand terminology.

9 – What should I expect from an inspection by a structural engineer?

  • All visible areas of the foundation are examined for signs of stress or deterioration
  • Basement and crawl space is looked at for any evidence of moisture
  • The framing should be inspected for signs of insect activity, rot and weakness
  • Elements of the roof, such as flashing, surfacing and gutters are checked to ensure the best performance and no leaks

10 – How much does it cost to have an inspection done by a structural engineer?

When buying or selling property, the costs can really add up. Many people don’t want to tack on the added expense of hiring a structural engineer to offer yet another opinion. On average, a structural engineer will charge $300-$500 an hour. Others may determine price based on a percentage of the total cost of a project.

Although some companies offer free assessments, customers may still be worried that the engineer will over estimate the necessity of fixing a potential problem, leading to thousands of dollars in repairs. However, the price of any inspection is small change compared to repairing a major structural issue in the future. Source

Monday, October 21, 2024

Unconventional Benefits of Having a Residential Structural Engineer Evaluate Your Home’s Foundation

Did you know that foundation movement is the culprit behind a staggering 80% of structural home insurance claims? Moreover, Will Keaveny, a risk management expert, reports that one in four U.S. homes will encounter structural issues at some point. This data, drawn from an analysis of 10,000 structural claims, was presented to the National Association of Homebuilders and underscores the prevalence of these problems. However, enlisting a residential structural engineer to assess a home’s foundation isn’t just about mitigating risks—it can also offer a suite of unique advantages. Whether you’re eyeing a renovation project or planning to erect a new house–a structural engineer’s expertise can prove invaluable.

Uncovering potentially unknown problems

When looking to purchase a home, having a residential structural engineer look at the foundation can uncover problems that even the seller may not have been aware of. Rocket Mortgage identifies several reasons as to why a home may have foundation problems, from soil quality to drainage problems and even poor construction. Signs of foundation problems, according to Forbes Home, include exterior/interior wall cracks, bouncing floors, cabinets or counters that are separated from the walls, a mildew smell, and sticking doors, to name just a few. If left untreated, foundation problems can result in serious damage to a home, both structurally and in the form of other issues, like water damage. If a home’s foundation problems are too extensive or severe (or you’re unable to address the issues after buying the property for whatever reason), walking away from the property may be the right decision for you.

Covering your bases when considering a fixer-upper

82% of millennial home buyers said they would be willing to buy a fixer-upper in 2022 — a 14% increase from 2019. Investing in a fixer-upper is not only a great way to save money and get exactly what you want in a home in the long run, but it’s important to realize that there are the potential downfalls if the process isn’t done properly. That said, having a residential structural engineer evaluate the foundation before purchasing the home can be a fantastic way to know what you’re getting into — and potentially avoid any extreme or costly repairs. CNBC highlights the fact that investing in a fixer-upper can already be an expensive endeavor in itself — a leaky or dry rotted roof can cost about $15,000 in a 2,000 square foot, one story home, while a missing or broken HVAC system can cost about $10,000 to install. With purchasing a fixer-upper already a costly investment, it’s important to note that foundation issues have a typical cost range of $2,000 to $7,500, according to This Old House, though the cost may be much more depending on the severity of the issue. As a result, having a residential structural engineer look at the foundation before making any decisions regarding the purchase can potentially save you both time, money, and stress in the long run while ensuring you cover your bases in knowing what you’re getting into.

The undeniable value of specialized knowledge

The presence of cracks, flooding, and uneven flooring can all be signs of foundation issues. While knowing the signs of foundation problems is a great skill for any potential homeowner to have, a professional residential structural engineer possesses specialized knowledge of the subject. When hiring a reputable individual, you’ll be sure to receive a thorough inspection of the property, in addition to other services — according to Home Advisor, a structural engineer will not only ensure that your construction project is ‘well-built and designed to last,’ but they can also create drawings that will show weak points of construction, recommend adjustments, and even review geological data in order to minimize environmental threats to the home (such as leaking foundations or wind damage). “If an engineer hasn’t seen your building plan, have them proof it to ensure that everything is problem-free.” Home Advisor goes on to note that a structural engineer can evaluate a variety of issues, including foundation cracks, water damage, and sloping floors.

It’s important to note that a residential structural engineer specializes in the structural design of homes, rather than commercial buildings. This distinction can be particularly valuable in areas that are prone to damage via elements like earthquakes. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake is just one prominent event in history that eventually led to the modern day concrete building. Shortly after the 1906 quake, inventor Thomas Edison, who felt that housing needed to be improved in order to better withstand such disasters, set about making proposals to mass produce concrete homes that could not only resist natural disasters, but pests and mold as well. While Edison’s endeavor never took off to the level he had hoped, inventor Frank Lloyd Wright completed the Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois; a structure that is regarded by many architects and historians as the first ‘truly’ modern building. With so much having evolved since then, it’s imperative to keep in mind that a residential structural engineer can aid greatly for those looking to design their home’s foundation in a way that can better tolerate seismic activity. Source

Friday, October 18, 2024

Assessing Structural Damage After a Hurricane

Hurricanes are extremely powerful forces of nature and should never be taken lightly. Building codes are constantly becoming stronger and more defined in order to prevent structural damage to buildings as much as possible. Any time a hurricane makes landfall to an area, forensic engineering takes over to assess the structural damage. Some buildings and homes may seem like they were unharmed, while others may be completely destroyed. The role of a structural forensic engineer is to confirm probable cause or origin and to determine the extent of structural damage as a result.

What Happens in a Structural Damage Assessment

When structural damage is assessed after a hurricane, there are both big picture views and detailed views that must be taken into consideration. In the big picture, experts may take an aerial view of a particular area to see the widespread damage. In a detailed picture, a structural forensic engineer will analyze an existing structure, usually a building or home, and make an onsite assessment of their current condition after the weather event. The foundation walls, the building frame, the building roof and facade are all major structural systems that must be evaluated to determine current condition after the storm.  

Once this is complete, a structural engineer will usually prepare a report documenting his or her findings while onsite and final conclusions thereafter. All components of a particular structure are assessed to better protect the buildings in the future.

The Role of Structural Engineers in Hurricane Damage Assessments

There are many challenges a structural forensic engineer faces during a hurricane damage assessment. Since the damage caused by a hurricane could be in the form of wind, rain, flooding or other flying objects, the engineer must be able to determine the sole cause of the damage to a location. 

Damage to a roof is caused by wind most of the time, but interior damage may be caused by water. A structural engineer must be able to assess all of the damage to know what construction methods and materials can be used in the future to prevent similar damage.

Preventing Damage in The Future

Following a hurricane structural damage assessment, forensic engineering experts will analyze their findings to determine the best ways to prevent damage in the future. The role of underground homes may play a significant role in the near or distant future, as these homes will generally be less vulnerable to hurricane damage. However, these underground homes likely won’t be prominent in the United States for several decades, so experts are constantly looking for ways to improve building codes to prevent structural damage to buildings as much as possible. Source

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

The Different Ways a Steel Structure Can Fail

The job of every structural engineer is to ensure any given building is safe and structurally sound. This can occur during the initial design of a building or during the inspection of an existing building. When it comes to steel structures, it’s hard to imagine them failing due to the strength of the building materials themselves. However, there are several different ways steel structures can fail, and most of them can be prevented with the help of great structural engineering practices.

Insufficient Strength With Connections

Almost every time you hear about a steel structure failing, it’s because of a connection issue. A structural engineer has to put in an incredible amount of thought and detail when designing the joints and connections to ensure they are strong enough. Calculating the strength of joints and connections is a tedious process, and it’s important for the structural engineer and the construction professionals to be on the same page. Any type of miscommunication in the type of bolt or other materials to use can lead to insufficient strength and possible failure.

Tension Failures

Another possible failure in steel structures is putting too much tension on any given member. It takes a significant amount of tension to create this type of failure, and most of the time it only occurs when the structural engineer makes a mistake in the design process. Tension failures are widely known as the most dangerous type of failure, so every structural engineer places a high level of importance on it in the design phase.

Too Much Weight On Beams

Beams can fail in a steel structure as well. It’s fairly simple to figure out when this type of failure will occur, since it happens when the weight on the beams exceed the weight limit they can handle. Lateral torsional buckling is the main concern for every structural engineering company, since it involves predicting where the most significant amount of weight will be placed on the beam. The strongest point of the beam is in the center of it, so buckling could occur and lead to beam failure if the weight on either end of the beam is too much for it to handle. Source

Saturday, October 12, 2024

What To Know About Foundation Inspections And What To Ask Your Inspector

Foundations, along with roofs and walls, are key elements of a home. Foundation problems can affect the safety of residents, the home’s appearance and the home’s value—that’s why foundation inspections are so important. A skilled inspector can catch problems early and help you immensely during the home selling or buying process. Occasionally, an inspector will be able to offer insight into whether you should walk away from a house’s foundation issues or pay the cost for foundation repair.

What Is a Foundation Inspection?

A foundation inspection is a survey of a home’s foundation to assess its general condition and stability, with an eye toward safety and preserving the condition of the property. This survey is performed by a qualified individual such as a structural engineer and is different from a general, comprehensive home inspection done prior to a home sale.

Why Should You Get a Foundation Inspection?

Have a foundation inspection done as a seller or buyer if the home inspector highlights potential issues with the foundation. You will also want to get an inspection as a homeowner if you see evidence of foundation problems.

What Does a Foundation Inspection Consist Of?

A foundation inspector will look at the foundation itself, both inside and outside, as well as peripheral systems like plumbing and walls that may indicate problems.

Foundation Condition

The overall appearance of the foundation can point to structural issues. Discoloration, bowing, cracks and dips in the foundation often point to a problem. The foundation walls on both the inside and the outside should be carefully inspected as well. Cracks should be measured for width.

Interior Condition

A foundation inspector will thoroughly check interior walls, ceilings, trim and floors for cracks. Uneven floors or floors with bows or dips are visual cues that can indicate if the foundation is shifting.

Plumbing

A skilled foundation inspector will also check the plumbing system for water leaks. They may shut off the water supply and check the water meter to determine if water is still flowing elsewhere in the home.

Odor and Mold

Mold and mildew smells, as well as visible mold, result from uncontrolled moisture from cracked or broken pipes. The foundation inspector will check all plumbing in the home for any signs of mold growth.

How Long Does a Foundation Inspection Last?

Most foundation inspections last about two hours at the property. Depending on the size and complexity of the house, the total length of the foundation inspection may last several days or a week since the inspector will need to prepare and send a post-inspection report.

How Much Does a Foundation Inspection Cost?

The cost of a foundation inspection starts at around $300 and ranges up to $800. Complex foundation inspections or inspections for larger homes may cost between $1,000 and $3,000. The average cost of a foundation inspection is $600.

When Should You Get a Foundation Inspection?

Get a foundation inspection before you buy a home. As a home seller, have the foundation inspected before you put your property on the market if you detect foundation-related issues. Those issues may include cracks in the foundation walls (inside or outside), cracks in interior walls or siding, sticking doors, uneven floors, cracked basement floors or mold and mildew.

Questions to Ask Your Foundation Inspector;

1.) What are your qualifications for inspecting foundations?

2.) What is your experience with inspecting foundations?

3.) Is the home’s foundation in perfect condition to live in, sell or buy (depending on the situation)?

4.) If not, can you identify the key areas of my foundation that need to be addressed?

5.) Are there any stop-gap solutions instead of an expensive foundation repair?

6.) How long would those temporary solutions work and how effectively?

7.) What is your recommended repair plan to bring the home back to normal condition?

Source

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

What Are The Common Traits of ADUs?

While their structural forms vary, ADUs share many common traits and face similar design and development challenges. For one thing, the fact that they’re secondary housing units on single-family residentially zoned lots puts ADUs into a unique category. ADUs also have some other distinguishing characteristics that help further define, differentiate, and distinguish them from other housing types.

  • ADUs are accessory and adjacent to a primary housing unit.
  • ADUs are significantly smaller than the average US house.
  • ADUs tend to be one of two units owned by one owner on a single family residential lot.
  • ADUs tend to be developed asynchronously from the primary house by homeowner developers.
  • A large range of municipal land use and zoning regulations differentiate ADU types and styles, and dramatically affect their allowed uses
  • Vast numbers of informal ADUs exist compared to permitted ADUs.

These differentiating characteristics make ADUs a distinct type of housing. Until recently, there has been a lack of common understanding around the language and best practices of ADU development. Source

Sunday, October 6, 2024

What Are The Main Types of ADUs?

ADUs come in a variety of forms: detached new construction, garage conversion, bump-out, basement conversion, and more. This list explains the most common structural forms of ADUs as well as some of the other terms you might hear to describe them.

1)  Detached new construction ADUs, also called backyard cottages, granny flats, laneway houses, or DADUs, depending on the jurisdiction. This type of ADU is construction on the lot of a single family home, often in the back or side yard. 

2) Garage conversion ADUs: Transform your garage into a home. 

3) ADUs above a garage or workshop, or attached to it. In some areas, these may be called garage apartments or carriage houses:

4) Addition ADUs or “bump-out ADUs”: These are added onto houses directly, benefitting from shared walls and easier access to utilities. 

5) Basement conversion ADUs, also commonly called basement apartments, mother-in-law units, in law units, secondary suites, English basements, accessory apartments, and a host of other names.

6) Internal ADUs, where part of the primary house other than the basement is converted to an ADU. Source


Thursday, October 3, 2024

Project Photo Contest

Email photos of your project which Jackson & Sands Engineering, Inc. helped you with, all past and current jobs, to be entered into a raffle.Your featured photo, along with any additional photos you submit of your project, will be featured on Jackson & Sands Engineering, Inc.'s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages!

Our team will select a random photo from all submissions to be the WINNER on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. The WINNER will be announced and featured in our November Newsletter, as well as featured on our Facebook and other social media pages! 

Best of all, there's a $100.00 Lowe's Home Improvement store gift card in it for whichever photo is selected!!

Simply REPLY to our Newsletter email with your photo(s) attached and watch for future announcements and postings. And of course, by submitting photo(s), you authorize Jackson & Sands Engineering, Inc. to use them for marketing and/or promotional purposes.