Hello everyone!

I hope to build a timber frame addition onto my 100 year old house. However, I want to get my existing foundation evaluated beforehand so I can determine if it is a good idea to do so. What type of professional is best suited to determine the strength of the existing foundation and the appropriate repairs that would need to be more before adding to the structure? Is a residential civil engineer or experienced foundation contractor more appropriate or both? Thanks for any and all help!

Phil
401-465-2269
philipwinslow11890@gmail.com

I'd say both or either. Maybe start with the foundation contractor, and if he or she seems a little unsure, bring in the engineer. Also, you're looking for a structural engineer, not civil. It can't hurt to have both look, maybe just your bank account.

Thanks for replying and your advice timberwrestler!!

Hi Phil,

I would try your best to find a Timberwright with a strong background in traditional vernacular historic restoration and masonry both...Most of these come with there own team of PE. I have worked with mine for over 30 years and they are some of the best in the business for both new and historic timber framing...

I personally do not recommend most "foundation contractors" as very few have any real knowledge or skill sets in traditional stone masonry and their most common solution is to reach for a concrete truck to solve all their "alleged" problems they will tell you have with your foundation...which I always find amusing since I have never designed and built a single project I'm incharge of on concrete in my 40 years of work...other than the rare occasions the soils have questionable load bearing and then I only use a natural traditional cement or limecrete...

Good luck with your project and always free to ask more questions...