structural engineer for old house

amorgan

hi guys,
i'm looking at buying a house built around 1945 that has a fairly big extension from about 1990ish. i want to get a structural engineer into have a look at it to be sure before proceeding. are there any certifications or qualifications they should ideally have other than a degree? anything to look out for in particular when hiring or is it all just reputation? i got a quote from an online site of €412+vat which seems very high for something they aren't held accountable for afterwards. any advice would be great!
thanks

Gumbo

amorgan wrote: »

hi guys,
i'm looking at buying a house built around 1945 that has a fairly big extension from about 1990ish. i want to get a structural engineer into have a look at it to be sure before proceeding. are there any certifications or qualifications they should ideally have other than a degree? anything to look out for in particular when hiring or is it all just reputation? i got a quote from an online site of €412+vat which seems very high for something they aren't held accountable for afterwards. any advice would be great!
thanks

Go onto engineersireland.ie and pick from there.
Just to note, I don't think you'll do much better on price. The guys I deal with have put their prices up again for 2017 here in Dublin.

What are you looking to get out of the survey?
We cannot inspect the structural works of they are covered up and we cannot carry out opening works without the consent of the owner, but who pays for this and the remedial works afterwards?

amorgan

kceire wrote: »

Go onto engineersireland.ie and pick from there.
Just to note, I don't think you'll do much better on price. The guys I deal with have put their prices up again for 2017 here in Dublin.

What are you looking to get out of the survey?
We cannot inspect the structural works of they are covered up and we cannot carry out opening works without the consent of the owner, but who pays for this and the remedial works afterwards?

thanks for your reply. that's a good question. i'm not entirely sure what anyone can really tell me by just walking around looking at the same things i'm looking at, but i suppose that i assume they are much more aware of the red flags that may be present.

the cost of the examination would be mine to pay and any work also, but it may uncover something that would be a problem in the future. i'm not particularly sold on the necessity of it, but my solicitor (a family friend) strongly recommended getting it done, especially considering the age of the house.

Calahonda52

Is the extension a flat roof?
Are the floors suspended timber in the 1945 piece?
I would be relaxed about the 1945 house, like whiskey, in general older the better: yes not as well insulated but better built..
I don't believe,as kc has intimated, you will be allowed go dig and repair.

amorgan

Calahonda52 wrote: »

Is the extension a flat roof?
Are the floors suspended timber in the 1945 piece?
I would be relaxed about the 1945 house, like whiskey, in general older the better: yes not as well insulated but better built..
I don't believe,as kc has intimated, you will be allowed go dig and repair.

I'm not sure on the floor, would that be an advantage or a problem? I have next to zero building knowledge! He extension does have a flat roof, I expect that's not ideal for drainage?

Calahonda52

Well a 1990s flat roof may be a big problem so that requires a good look or else just decide it will need to be remodelled and price it in.
there is also an issue with roof areas % for flat roof for insurance for domestic dwellings

I prefer a suspended timber floor I like the little spring in them as opposed to the hard concert floors.

had to smile when I read this from you
I have next to zero building knowledge!
having read earlier
i'm not entirely sure what anyone can really tell me by just walking around looking at the same things i'm looking at,

Perhaps a case of alt-facts:D

con1982

400e for a full building inspection is a good price!

Assuming they are checking the site planning, drainage, boundary and access arrangements. It's easily 10-15 hours work when done correctly.