Structural Observation (CBC 1704.6)This is the visual observation of a building’s structure by a registered design professional, ensuring it aligns with the approved construction documents. It is carried out by the Structural Engineer of Record (SER) or another licensed engineer approved by the SER. Special Inspection...
Building a custom home is an art, and every detail matters. Imagine stepping into a space where the driveway seamlessly flows to the garage, creating a stunning visual harmony. Yet, without careful planning, even the smallest oversight can disrupt this elegance, leaving you with an...
In the construction industry, the term value engineering is used frequently and is often intended to give the project owner confidence that the design will be based on the least expensive acceptable methods. Before discussing this further, it is important to understand that building codes...
When a contractor comes to a homeowner with ideas for cost savings, it’s tempting to say yes as soon as the word “savings” comes up. But it’s worth pausing before agreeing. Sometimes those savings aren’t fully passed along, and the contractor may be keeping a...
Starting construction without a licensed contractor or proper permits is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. We’ve been called to many job sites where work was already underway—only to be shut down by the local building department due to missing permits....
We are often asked whether a new house will be earthquake‑proof. It’s an understandable question. Homeowners want reassurance that their investment and their family will be safe. But the honest answer is no, your house is not earthquake proof. Modern building codes are not intended...
When this situation occurs, it is generally because the required work is something the contractor should have known and completed, or it is the result of incomplete or unclear plans. Inspectors cannot require additional work that is not supported by the approved plans or the applicable...
The short answer is that for some building inspections, yes—but for others, definitely not. To understand why, it helps to look at the three most common types of inspections involved in a construction project. 1. Building InspectorThe first type of inspection is performed by the building...
In most cases, this advice is incorrect. Compliance with the building code typically requires a complete structural engineering design. While Chapter 23 of the California Building Code allows certain single-story buildings to be designed using prescriptive provisions, the applicability of those provisions is extremely limited. Many...
While cutting costs on a soil report may seem appealing at the outset of a project, it often leads to increased expenses during the construction phase. Inexpensive or overly generic reports typically rely on conservative, code-minimum values that prioritize caution over precision. This approach can...