Hey y'all, looking for a recommendation for a general contractor in Durham or Raleigh to check out a house I had inspected yesterday. I've got two areas in the structure I'd like double-checked.
Does anyone know of a good general contractor in this area?
Would you be better served getting a structural engineer in there? A contractor's opinion will be just that, while the engineer will have liability for what he's telling you. Of course it'll cost a little more...
I'm a designer/builder in the triad area with a background in framing. I deal with a lot of contractors and engineers on a regular basis around here and it's typically recommended that an engineer get involved in questionable scenarios. They can provide actual calculations of load and signed and sealed recommendations on how to fix it. This alleviates you or the contractor of any liability. I usually pay $200-$300 for an engineer site visit and a letter or drawing to address the area in question. It's worth it to me as a builder because it's not my a** on the line.
Would you be better served getting a structural engineer in there? A contractor's opinion will be just that, while the engineer will have liability for what he's telling you. Of course it'll cost a little more...
I'm a designer/builder in the triad area with a background in framing. I deal with a lot of contractors and engineers on a regular basis around here and it's typically recommended that an engineer get involved in questionable scenarios. They can provide actual calculations of load and signed and sealed recommendations on how to fix it. This alleviates you or the contractor of any liability. I usually pay $200-$300 for an engineer site visit and a letter or drawing to address the area in question. It's worth it to me as a builder because it's not my a** on the line.
Unfortunately I only know of ones local to me and a few in the CLT area. Try out the local builder's association or call some local lumber suppliers for a recommendation. The phone book would probably be fine too, so long as it's an engineer in good standing with the state board.
He is very correct in the engineer part. Let me know if you need any guidance on home buying as me and Robin have done it a few times now. Not to say we are perfect but between everyone on here can get you set up better than going in eyes shut.
^^ Yes, you won't be hurting for help. Even the most mundane, stupid thing can lead to problems so ask us before signing anything. And fully expect something that checked out great last week to break tomorrow. Demand a home warranty.
Something i have learned over the years and if you can do it i would.
That is. Have a few different inspectors go out there. 1 for each of the following, HVAC / plumbing / electrical / structural. Reason i always say this is that the inspector was good at one thing usually before he became an inspector. Granted it will not gurantee anything down the road but they can let you know if you need to worry about anything like bad plumbing / wiring / roof.
The reason why I want a GC or PE to come over and take a look is because of the two structural concerns that exist with the house.
1. Supporting structure around main gas-pack duct is sub-par
2. Wet frame-banding in front of house behind stoop.
The first is a result of the people who retrofitted the gas-pack system doing a crappy job. The second looks to be due to a stoop that isn't sealed well. I've found a guy through work and he's coming over on Friday to take a look.
Get a relaible HVAC guy. Just a R22 leaky coil is running here in charlotte any where from $1600 to $2500 and most are not covered by the home warranty because pre-existing condition. Here that kind of inspections run around $100 per system. If the system is 8 to 10 yrs old expect a big repair within a few years. There are brands that breake down more than others but i cannot name any brands in the forum. You can call me if you have any question. You have my phone number and email and i will be glad to help you as much as i can.
Get a relaible HVAC guy. Just a R22 leaky coil is running here in charlotte any where from $1600 to $2500 and most are not covered by the home warranty because pre-existing condition. Here that kind of inspections run around $100 per system. If the system is 8 to 10 yrs old expect a big repair within a few years. There are brands that breake down more than others but i cannot name any brands in the forum. You can call me if you have any question. You have my phone number and email and i will be glad to help you as much as i can.
My 4year old "upgrade model" Lennox gas pack just had to have an evap coil. Lots of issues with new refrigerant and corrosion. Ugh. Parts were under warranty but still 400 out of my pocket on a $5k+ 2ton unit. Leak test could be money well spent bc an otherwise fully functional unit might start freezing up tomorrow.
