By: Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
As a Realtor, I'm often expected to orchestrate the hiring of contractors after my buyers have home inspections. In one case, the inspector disclosed a foundation problem. Before closing escrow, I arranged for a general contractor make repairs. But one year later, an engineer said the work was inadequate. How should I have approached this situation? -- George
Dear George,
Competent general contractors are qualified to perform foundation repairs, but evaluations of foundation problems should be done by licensed structural engineers, before repair work is attempted. An engineer is the diagnostician best qualified to determine the causes of foundation failures and to propose the necessary prescriptions as you have now learned. When the contractor's work is based upon the direction of the engineer, the likelihood of solving the problem permanently is significantly increased. In the future, anyone faced with foundation problems should have it professionally inspected by a licensed engineer first.
Copyright 2002-2006 Barry Stone. Distributed by Inman News Features
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