So, I did this contracting work and thought I was getting a structural engineer (SE) to make sure everything was solid. But when the job was finished, the guy told me he didn’t bother with an SE because he’s done similar jobs a million times and my house wasn’t a mansion. Fair enough, I guess. The main thing that’s bugging me is how he handled the foundation. I live in a colonial-style house, and we’re talking about an 18 by 29-foot room here. What I noticed in the foundation has me a bit worried.
Basically, on one side, the footer goes all the way up to the bottom plate, and there are three pieces of wood for support. These pieces are sitting beneath the bottom plate, and then there are three more pieces of wood – two are tied together like joists, and one is laid down on top of the sill. On the other side, the situation is a bit different. The bottom plate is resting on the ends of three 2×10 joists, which are in turn resting on a triple beam in the basement between two lally columns. Everything’s been closed up and looks fine at a glance, but I can’t shake this feeling of unease.
The previous setup had a beam between two rooms with all the joists sitting on the girder. It was a two-level structure with just one steel plate. The contractor swapped that out for three levels and two steel plates, recessed with the joists attached. It’s a significant change from what was there before, and I can’t help but wonder if everything’s been properly supported and balanced.
I’m not an expert in construction or anything, but when it comes to the foundation of my home, I want to be sure it’s done right. The way those pieces of wood are arranged and the new setup with the additional levels and steel plates have me feeling a bit anxious. I mean, I get that the contractor has experience and all, but this is my house we’re talking about. I don’t want to be worrying about the structural integrity of the room every time I step inside.
I’m considering getting a second opinion from another professional just to ease my mind. I know it might cost me extra, but when it comes to the safety and stability of my home, I don’t want to take any chances. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right? I’ll have someone take a look and give me