Looking for a structural engineer to assess townhouse in Brooklyn. Can anyone recommend one? Thank you.

Looking for a structural engineer to assess townhouse in Brooklyn.  Building is leaning, so want to know how severe it is. Can anyone recommend one? Thank you.

basementbound

in Architecture 12 years and 8 months ago

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m926bk | 12 years and 8 months ago

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You will want a structural engineer who specializes in historic buildings.  Donald Friedman of Old Structures Engineering, Rodney Gibble, or Robert Silman are some suggestions. A restoration architect or contractor could offer some advice as well, but a good one would want to consult with a structural engineer anyway in a case of major leaning.

brucef | 12 years and 8 months ago

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For those of you out there who have read my rant previously, excuse the repetition. Although it would seem logical to consult with a structural engineer regarding your questions, in NYC different trades have different job descriptions than are obvious. I have dealt with various structural engineers, but they tend to be the least imaginative and helpful lot. This trade has morphed into a CYA division for architects. They live in fear that something they sign off on falls down, so uber-expensive solutions that someone else pays for (you) are the norm. Recent code changes have made previously reasonable solutions that worked for decades un-approveable. So I am not sure who to recommend, but none of the professionals I deal with. Search for an older mason, disinterested contractor or architect. If you want forensic expertise for a legal battle, hire a structural engineer. PS if the house has a specific failure, a structural engineer should be able to spec an approveable solution. general guidance, forget it.