Structural/civil engineer

The free standing building next door is being sold, and since it is on a tripple lot on a non-landmarked street I fear that a new development will be built in its place. I’m looking for an engineer who will advise me on how to protect my foundation, waterproof my wall etc. I would like to hire him to oversee the “big dig” to prevent the collapse of my brownstone (similar to what happened next to ps 58). There was a similar post a few months ago, where they talked about hiring a civil engineer, but there is no longer an “engineer” category in the forum, and I wouldn’t know where to start looking. Thanks.

RG

in For Sale 12 years and 8 months ago

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RG | 12 years and 8 months ago

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Thank you both. Masterbuilder, you are theoretically correct, if all concerned are prefessional and honest, and even if they are, mistakes can happen.  My fear is that the situation will deteriorate to the scenario described by totoro. Thanks totoro for the practical advice for that “worst case” nightmare.

Townie | 12 years and 8 months ago

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Our property was damaged by new construction.  DO NOT RELY ON THE DOB FOR ANY KIND OF PROACTIVE PROTECTION OF YOUR PROPERTY!!!!   We made multiple complaints to every government agency for months warning them of the unsafe building practices by our neighbor only to have our property severly damaged during excavation.   We had DOB inspectors out a half dozen times only to be blown off each time.  Of course after the buildings started cracking and the vacate order was issued the DOB “took charge”.   My advice if you fear the worst is to invest in a good video system, to take extensive photographs of every square inch of your property as well as the contractor’s daily construction practices, to contact your insurance agent (you wont’t be covered), to  familiarize yourself with the DOB BIS web page, and to find a “Better call Saul” type lawyer willing to work for a percentage of any future insurance claims.  As for an engineer not as helpful as a good documentary film maker if the walls start coming apart.

masterbuilder | 12 years and 8 months ago

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If the development actually happens, there will be numerous engineering steps made prior to DOB approval.  A certain size project triggers the requirement for third party monitoring of the building, such as a survey team.  The property owners would be required by law to contact you, and you would have many options prior to construction.  A source for engineers is in the DOB BIS system – look for “Special Inspection Agencies.”