This Is Not Our Core Service Right Now
Cornell Engineers has extensive experience in the structural design and construction inspection of architectural homes.
However, complete structural design and drafting for new architectural houses is not a core Cornell Engineers service at present.
These projects require substantial design, drafting, coordination and construction-phase resources. We are currently concentrating on forensic engineering, damage investigations, independent reports and selected structural work involving existing buildings.
Engineering Advice for Existing Architectural Homes
Architectural houses often incorporate unusual structural systems, large openings, exposed structural elements and complex connections. When something goes wrong, understanding the original structural intent can be just as important as identifying the visible damage.
We can assist with problems involving:
- cracking and building movement;
- foundation or floor movement;
- corroded or deteriorated structural elements;
- moisture-related timber damage;
- concrete defects and deterioration;
- leaking balconies, decks and building interfaces;
- storm, impact and accidental damage;
- defective or incomplete construction;
- problems uncovered during renovations;
- alterations affecting the existing structure; and
- disagreement about the cause or adequacy of repairs.
Independent Structural Investigations
An architectural home may have been carefully designed, but that does not guarantee that every detail was built as intended.
Our investigations may include:
- inspecting the accessible structure;
- reviewing architectural and engineering drawings;
- comparing the constructed work with the available documents;
- reviewing photographs and construction records;
- considering site drainage and ground conditions;
- assessing the likely cause of damage; and
- recommending further investigation or repairs.
Depending on the purpose of the engagement, our findings may be provided by email or in a formal engineering report.
Construction and Defect Inspections
Cornell Engineers may undertake selected inspections where a specific structural concern has arisen during construction or after completion.
This may include:
- unexpected conditions exposed during building work;
- structural elements that differ from the drawings;
- cracking or movement during construction;
- concerns about workmanship;
- deterioration identified during renovation;
- assessment of proposed repairs; or
- an independent opinion about disputed work.
These are generally problem-specific inspections. We are not presently offering routine structural design and inspection services for complete new architectural homes.
Forensic and Insurance Reports
Where damage to an architectural home is associated with a storm, water entry, ground movement, construction defect or another event, we can provide an independent engineering assessment.
We work with homeowners, builders, architects, insurers, loss adjusters, building consultants and legal representatives.
Our role is to examine the available evidence, explain the likely cause and provide practical recommendations. We do not assume that the most recent event caused every defect visible in the building.
Planning a New Architectural Home?
For complete structural design of a new architectural home, your architect should engage an engineering practice with the design, drafting and construction-support resources needed for the project.
If you have an existing architectural home with structural damage, cracking, movement, defective work or a disputed repair, please send us:
- the property address;
- a description of the concern;
- photographs of the affected areas;
- available architectural and engineering drawings;
- previous reports or repair documents; and
- an explanation of why you require engineering advice.
We will review the information and advise whether the project suits our current services.