Structural Engineer
Can anyone recommend an engineer, deeply familiar with 100+ year old brownstone structures and systems? I’m in the middle of a major reno project and, as the contractor keeps finding and observing “new” and “critical” issues, I suddenly feel the need to consult with an independent, unbiased and reliable expert.
Can anyone recommend an engineer, deeply familiar with 100+ year old brownstone structures and systems? I’m in the middle of a major reno project and, as the contractor keeps finding and observing “new” and “critical” issues, I suddenly feel the need to consult with an independent, unbiased and reliable expert.
I used Bruce Merdjan yesterday. His inspection cost $600. He was scheduled to spend 2 hours with me, but he spent 2.5 and then we had lunch. It was money well spent. The realtor said he had been through 2 inspections on the same property and that Bruce noted much more items and more items in detail. Here’s his contact info.
Bruce Merdjan, PE
Advanced Professional Engineering
718.387.7527
badvanced.com
bruce@badvanced.com
If don’t mind sharing, what was the name/info. of the structural engineer recommended by your architect? Thanks!
I have seen the name Joe Pasaturo pass by on this site too many times. I need to comment. He inspected our home before we bought it, and he actually tried to talk us out of it, telling us unless we were willing to completely gut the home we shouldn’t buy it. Well, he was way wrong. Once we got into the house we realized that the house had been rewired completely, and that basically it needed some upgrades. Paint and plaster will go a long way with this house. The original details are what drew us to this home, and basically it had been well taken care of until the elderly owner’s husband died a few years ago.
You want an engineer to give you the worst case scenario, but in our case we were given wrong advise. We are happy we didn’t listen to him. His attitude? Don’t get me started. I would never recommend this guy.
Thank you all for your advice! (The sharing of insights and referrals is what makes this website so valuable!)
We actually ended up going with a structural engineer who came recommended by our architect. $270 and 90 minutes worth of inspection later, I must say it was all worth it. The peace of mind we now have about what is going on with the reno project on our 100+ year-old limestone is priceless.
First of all, upon an inspection of his work, we learned that our contractor is pretty much on point on most things and is doing a fairly decent job. (So nice to know!) However, we found that the engineer’s best contribution was in defining (1) what is an “issue,” (2) what is a “critical issue” and (3) what are “issue(s) that can wait” another 5 years or more to be addressed.
So, for example, instead of rushing off to replace our roof all the way down to the deck
(as suggested by the contractor), we learned from the engineer that our biggest concern could easily be addressed by installing roof flashing between our rear wall and the roof of the extension. Obviously, that makes for a huge difference in price tags –something that is especially meaningful when, in the midst of a big reno project, your money is gushing like water anyway!
So, I’ll just leave this post with the strong advice that, if you’re about to embark on a major reno project that involves more than mere cosmetics, be sure to have a consulting engineer come in and help you understand and prioritize the order in which you will remedy your infrastructure issues. Such a consultation will help you “know” your building, have an unbiased view of what truly does and does not need fixing, and, if the former, select the best approach to doing so.
You should definitely get another opinion – some contractors will find microscopic issues and blow them up to gigantic proportions until you have no house left. Another route would be to have an architect manage them.
I have used and like Bruce Merdjan 718 387-7527. He is a smart guy and knows how these homes are put together.
Joe Pasaturo AVT Enterprises 718-720-5088
He has inspected two houses for us one of which we bought. The only caveat is that you have to slow him down. He assumes that you are an engineer as well and his “style” can be a little abrasive.
Realtors HATE him but when they have a house to buy they hire him to inspect it. For example, just prior to our inspection last year he had done work for the owner of one of the major Brooklyn agencies.
Would be interested too if anyone else has other views as I recommend this guy all the time…