In this episode, we talk with Bob Brown, author and co-founder of SpatialVision LLC, about the top structural and foundation repair-related issues behind home renovation failures. From poor assessments and overloaded framing to water management problems.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Bob:
- What are some common mistakes people make when assessing a structure before a home renovation, and can you share a real-life example where poor foundation inspection or evaluation led to serious delays or damage?
- How do the existing foundation and soil conditions affect a project’s success, and what can a structural engineer do to help ensure lasting solutions?
- What risks come with adding weight to a structure, and how can engineers ensure the foundation and framing can support it effectively?
- What kind of damage can water and poor drainage cause to a home’s foundation, and how can homeowners prevent it through proper water management?
- What renovation shortcuts can weaken a structure, and how can structural engineers ensure safety and building code compliance aren’t compromised?
- What are the biggest mistakes you see realtors or homeowners make when addressing foundation repair needs?
- What are some common myths about foundation repair that you often have to correct or clarify?
- How can engineers better connect with homeowners, realtors, and contractors to support structural evaluations and renovations?
- What final piece of advice would you give to structural engineers to help them avoid common foundation repair mistakes and ensure successful renovation outcomes?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Foundation Repair Tips You Need to Know for Safer Home Renovations:
- Homeowners frequently trust sales reps instead of engineers, leading to evaluations based on selling, not safety. One poor assessment results in wasted time and money and unresolved structural issues. This reinforces the need for a structural engineer in foundation repair.
- The condition of the foundation and soil directly impacts renovation success. Structural engineers work with geotechnical experts to assess risks and design safe, lasting solutions. Understanding soil conditions is critical for effective foundation repair.
- Adding extra weight like a second story can overload existing foundations if not properly evaluated. Engineers ensure the structure and soil can support changes before any construction begins. A structural engineer’s input is essential in these scenarios.
- Water intrusion and poor drainage cause shifting, cracking, and long-term damage to homes. Homeowners prevent this by using drainage systems suited to their region’s soil and climate. Water management is a key aspect of foundation repair.
- Shortcuts during renovations, like relying on lifetime warranties, often hide deeper structural problems. Engineers ensure repairs follow building codes and actually solve the root cause. Foundation repair must be based on objective assessment, not marketing promises.
- Many people confuse soil heave with settlement and apply the wrong fix, making the issue worse. Engineers identify the true cause to avoid misdiagnosis and costly errors. Soil conditions must be correctly interpreted in any foundation inspection.
- Cracks don’t always mean a foundation needs repair, and most insurance excludes soil-related damage. Objective, data-backed assessments from engineers cut through the misinformation. A structural evaluation is vital before assuming major repairs are needed.
- Engineers improve renovation outcomes by building visibility through online platforms and offering residential forensics. Their expertise brings clarity and confidence to homeowners and contractors. Structural engineers provide reliable guidance in complex foundation repair cases.
- Engineers who focus on solving real concerns earn trust and stand out in the industry. A clear, honest approach backed by solid engineering builds long-term success and strong reputations. Professionalism in foundation repair enhances both safety and credibility.
More Details in This Episode…
About Bob Brown
Bob graduated in 1984 from ASU, receiving a Bachelor of Design Science from the School of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science from the School of Business, specializing in real estate and finance. Growing up, Bob spent time learning the construction trades and working with his family while learning good working habits. Bob successfully founded Arizona Foundation Solutions and built one of the few foundation repair companies to utilize licensed professional engineers on the front end to analyze the initial conditions, make recommendations, and specify repairs before presenting proposals to homeowners. After 35 years, he successfully exited. Throughout those 35 years, he developed and patented 4 successful, unique solutions, with 3 more pending. He also developed a cloud-based software solution to streamline and assist engineers and contractors in home foundation investigations. He also wrote and self-published several publications, including “Which way is my foundation moving?” and is scheduled to publish “Foundation Repair Secrets” in Sept. 2023 by Advantage Media.
Bob has achieved the following designations:
- Certified Foundation Repair Specialist from the National Foundation Repair Association
- LEED Accredited from the National Green Building Council
- Qualifying party and licensed Contractor since 1989
- Completed Grouting Fundamentals Course from the Colorado School of Mines, 2009
- Listed as an EPA-approved Radon Measurement Specialist
- Listed as an EPA-approved Radon Mitigation Specialist
- Post-Tensioning Institute Level 1 Certification
- International Concrete Repair Institute Moisture Measurement Certified
- AZDRE CEU Provider
A constant and steady voice for transparency, accountability, and clarity in the foundation repair investigation world, demystifying and elucidating the concepts that can help the layperson easily understand soil behaviors
- Soil Behaviors
- Structural Mechanics
- Foundation performance evaluation
- Objective severity performance standards
- Data-based recommendations
- Existing repair evaluations
If you are weary of overconfident foundation repair salesmen or sick of being confused or being bamboozled by your builder, Bob is your man to help you understand the real truth as the ultimate insider. He possesses the perfect blend of engineering savvy and construction practicality. For those with a thirst to learn on this subject, this is your opportunity to soak it in and reinforce your learning with Bob’s trusted resources.
About the Hosts:
Mathew Picardal, P.E., SE
Mathew is a licensed engineer, practicing on structural projects in California, with an undergraduate degree from Cal Poly Pomona and an M.S. in Structural Engineering from UC San Diego. He has designed and managed various types of building structures, including residential wood apartment buildings, commercial steel buildings, concrete parking structures, and towers. He also hosts the new YouTube channel “Structural Engineering Life,” through which he promotes the structural engineering profession to engineering students who are not familiar with the industry perspective.
Alexander Daddow, PE, CDT
Alex Daddow is a registered professional engineer in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming. He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in architectural engineering. Before joining Simpson Strong-Tie in 2019, Alex was a consulting engineer working on podium structures, custom housing, bridges, historic retrofits, schools, and advanced foundation systems. He is now a senior strengthening solutions engineer and educates the industry on composite systems throughout the Pacific and Western regions. Alex also works directly with specifiers, installers, contractors, and plan reviewers, assisting them with the technical aspects of designing and building composite strengthening systems.
Sources/References:
SpatialVisionLLC
Foundation Repair Secrets
Skanska
Connect with Bob Brown on LinkedIn
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