From the Field
Building and renovation projects raise a lot of questions — about foundations, structural issues, permits, and what an engineer actually does versus what a general contractor does. Here, our licensed engineers share what we’ve learned from real projects across Alabama and the Gulf Coast, so you can make informed decisions before you break ground or sign a contract.
What Is a Foundation?
The Intentionally Designed and Built (Engineered?) Interface Between Your Home and the Earth Most people think of a foundation as the concrete, block, slab, crawlspace wall, basement wall, pier, or footing beneath a house. That is true, but it is only part of the...
Why You Might Need a Structural Engineer
How We Can Help and What to Expect Owning a building comes with questions—especially when something doesn’t seem quite right. A structural engineer helps you move from uncertainty to clarity by evaluating how your structure is performing, what’s normal, and what (if...
The Truth About “All I Need Is an Engineer to Sign Off”
Why Engineers Don't Do Drive-By Sign-Offs We hear this all the time: "I just need an engineer to stamp it.""Can you come look at it and sign off?""The city just wants something in writing." It sounds simple. It rarely is. When a building official says, "You need an...
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