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'WORDS CAN NOT EXPLAIN'

Update 1/08/08

*This week we worked for a client in a local development on Cherokee Lake in Morristown, TN. We have encountered a problem all too common for this area. What may look simple to the untrained eye can become a serious problem that can deteriorate slowly over time with the possibility of a catastrophic collapse.

The original builder of the nearly half million dollar home never acquired engineered blue prints and as a result there was some major issues left behind. When the home owner tried to reconnect with the builder to fix these problems he refused to answer the phone or return his calls.

THE PROBLEM:

In the basement a 2x6 wall was built six inches away from a load bearing point. Weight from the roof, shingles, tar paper, plywood, cathedral ceiling wall, framing materials, sheetrock, spackle, paint, fasteners, carpeting & hardwood floor all press down with incredible force.

Notice the bright RED tag in the picture to the right. This was put there by the manufacture of the prefabricated floor joists.

It reads: THIS IS A LOAD BEARING POINT. The wall was offset because the builder made a mistake on a hand written print he made for the foundation & overhead door layout. He had to move the support wall because it would have been directly in the opening of the garage overhead door.

Picture #2 Shows a drastically under sized beam
and should have, at the very least, been tripled and fasten together.

The red line illustrated in the photo below shows the sag, nearly 2" from the under constructed support beam.

There was a lot of concern, rightfully so, from the home owner on many areas of his home. Because of the seriousness of this situation and the potential for disaster, we cleared our schedule and corrected these problems. Fortunately, the homeowner was aware that there was a problem and took care of it.

Like earlier stated, this is a problem that we encounter all too often, more so in the construction of decks. Loose building requirements and non enforcement of BOCA or National Building Codes create a recipe for disaster. Until this area changes and implements tougher building code enforcement, unfortunately, there isn't much to protect the homeowner.

Weather or not the original builder knew he was doing the wrong thing is unsure. Prior to the closing the building was inspected by a hired Home Inspector and some final local inspections never took place, nevertheless, none of these or other areas of concern were ever addressed.

3 signs that you may have a problem:

1) Does your floors have a noticeable sag

2) Doors become out of square and hard or impossible to shut

3) Cracks in the drywall

Please keep in mind some structural problems may not even be obvious.

We are here to help and do not charge for estimates IF YOU ARE UNSURE IF YOU HAVE A STRUCTORAL PROBLEM WITH YOUR HOME OR A DECK, GIVE US A CALL AND WE WILL COME OUT RIGHT AWAY.

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