Browse Forums General Discussion Re: Assess cracks - builder or engineer? 4Mar 25, 2016 10:02 am Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Assess cracks - builder or engineer? 7Mar 25, 2016 10:43 am Crackhaus My highset house has developed a number cracks and door frames shifting. There are also some cracks in the foundation. Do I need a structural engineer or a builder to assess this problem? Most structural engineers cost several hundreds just to do the assessment. I just want to know how to fix it. Can I go straight to a builder or foundation /stump professional instead? What trade would be best placed to do this sort of thing? You have not indicated whether your house is still under builder's warranty or is an older home and there may be more than one reason why the house is cracking and moving. As a first step I would be asking for quotations from experienced underpinning contractors however you need to keep in mind that they may and try to overdoo the solution(for financial gain). It is true that they will engage their own engineer if they get the job but it is also true that they work with it every day and have experience. You should be prepared to pay good money for top advice, you would not blink if your lawyer told you $500/hr to get you out of trouble so why would you want cheap advice for saving your biggest investment? Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog The engineering is the engineering. It's irrelevant how much material you have. Unless it fits the requirements of your design the engineer can't "make"it work. You might… 7 9693 3 6414 The spacing of the studs looks pretty large especially for a load bearing wall. 3 11124 |