Support Pier

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

"Several of the floor supports utilizing concrete blocks are installed improperly—the holes in the block should be vertical. None of the supports have footings. It is recommended that a State licensed general contractor be consulted to provide a further evaluation of the adequacy of the floor supports."

[Robert J. OConnor]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

"Several of the floor supports utilizing concrete blocks are installed improperly—the holes in the block should be vertical. None of the supports have footings. It is recommended that a State licensed general contractor be consulted to provide a further evaluation of the adequacy of the floor supports."

State engineering laws don't allow contractors to evaluate adequacy of supports. But for less serious problems like this one (at least from appearances on the surface from the post) you can word it along the lines of recommending a qualified specialty contractor investigate the conditions, and provide estimates for any repairs or further evaluation as needed. If they then need to get an SE involved about capacity they usually have one they can consult with.

For more serious/expensive problems it's usually better to have an SE look at it first and then give the client recommendations, including ball park repair costs ... particularly if there are any questions concerning capacity. They can then get several estimates for the recommended repairs to compare apples to apples.

JMO & 2-nickels (as an SE also) ...

[Mike Parks]

"State engineering laws don't allow contractors to evaluate adequacy of supports"

Bob is saying the same thing that I do in the electrical forums.

Some statements you can not make.

Example, in Ohio,:

I can say that the joist was comprimised per code. Bob can come in and say it, the joist, is OK or not OK. I cannot.

If he trumps my opinion he must use (AF&PA)-(WFCM)or (AISI)-(COFS/PM).

I will let him explain this I am not quaified to do so.

Reference 301.1.1 RBC probably the same in the ICC.

[Robert J. OConnor]

Mike is right that inspectors need to also be careful with how they word the observations, and not cross the line into evaluations ... for the structure, as well as other specialized systems (mechanical, plumbing, and electrical). This is both from a liability and legal point of view. States that have HI licensing usually clearly state those limitations, with some worded more restrictive than others.

Statements like "the floor framing appears okay", and particularly dangerous statements like "the floor framing appears adequate", should be avoided like the plaque and can put an HI on a very slippery slope.

If you don't see anything wrong but still want to comment on that, you can use something along the lines of "the were no obvious (readily apparent) defects from a visual observation". Just be sure to also point out exactly what you did or did not inspect, and from where, when using generalized statements like that in an inspection report.

JMO & 2-nickels ...

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

All states have different laws. In Kansas as most of you know, the state engineering and architect law excludes 1 or 2 family dwellings from the laws involving the practice of engineering or architecture.

No that does not mean we don't have engineers or architects design or analyze residential systems or components. It does mean that my clients may not have as much protection from a screw-up by them here, as they could have in some other states. Therefore I really look hard at a defect to determine if I want this evaluated further by a licensed and competent contractor specializing in .......... or do I feel I want an engineer to do design or calculations on something. I have to be very comfortable with a specific engineer, architect or contractor before I refer my client to them.

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by dbowers

Therefore I really look hard at a defect to determine if I want this evaluated further by a licensed and competent contractor specializing in .......... or do I feel I want an engineer to do design or calculations on something. I have to be very comfortable with a specific engineer, architect or contractor before I refer my client to them.

I hear you Dan.

No offense to any engineers, but I do not refer any items needing repair to an engineer, the contractor can do that if he needs a repair design.