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   Question    posted to Home Inspectors on 10/20/07 08:14 PM, Tarrytown, NY 10591
I am remodeling my home with an architect and a contractor in a major renovation.  Things had gone well until recently when the contractor started building a new attached garage.

The problems started when the mason sub broke the foundation wall accidentally by backing his truck into it.  Then, he didn't level it properly so there is about three inches of concrete that had to be filled in in the back.  But the worst part is that he did not shore up the rear wall for the 2 weeks we waited to have the slab floor poured and now the back wall bowed out about an inch.

The slab was poured with a pretty rough trowel finish and the contractor took it upon himself to pour footings for 2 buttresses behind the wall.  In all this my architect has been accepting everything and had provided his engineer with numbers and the engineer, who has not seen the work, sends me an email that he thinks it will work but the wall might move a little.  Today, I noticed some long cracks already appearing in the new foundation on the side (the garage is built on a hill and there was fill to build it up).

I think I need an independent structural engineer who can 1) assess the problem  2) come up with solutions that are not tainted by an overly compliant architect and a contractor who knows he made a mistake and is looking for the cheapest (and ugliest) way out.

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Specialist Answer 1 of 3
   Answered By     Certified Inspections Incorporated, 10/22/07 01:12 PM
Certified Inspections Incorporated
2296 Maple Ave
Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
914-736-3165
certified@optonline.net
View Business Info

Regarding the  Tarrytown renovation in which the contractor backed his truck into the foundation, I can possibly help. My name is Mark Jones and my company, Certified Inspections, Inc. is not an engineering firm, but is a licensed home inspection company, providing informed, independent inspections. If you wish, I could stop by and inspect the situation for a consulation fee. I am not a structural engineer and do not perform calculations or designs, but inspect all parts of a house including foundations on a regular basis,  look for problems, and determine whether the work is up to the standards of typical building practices. If I can't solve the problem, I can direct you to someone who could. I can be contacted at (914) 736-3165. 

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Specialist Answer 2 of 3
   Answered By     Gateway Inspections, 10/22/07 02:59 PM
Gateway Inspections
361 Nimham Road
Carmel, NY 10512
845-225-3744
Email Company
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Question: Re new addition with attached garage. It is difficult to assess your situation with out seeing it. I have questions about the construction as your short description limits my understanding of the site. For example are the cracks horizontal or vertical? How large are the cracks?  Was the fill compacted? What type of fill was used? I have over 18 years experience in the business of home inspections and can often only inspect or offer opions for solutions after seeing the problem. If you wish to discuss this with me, Larry Garvey @ Gateway Inspections Inc. please call @ 845-225-3744. Also have you had a footing inspection by your local building department?
  I also think you may need a structural engineer as this is new construction and it sounds like litagation may be involved if your contractor cannot complete the work to your satisfaction. I know a few very good professional engineers who may be able to help.
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Specialist Answer 3 of 3
   Answered By     Home Inspection Associates, 10/31/07 02:10 PM
Home Inspection Associates
42 Laurie Court
Carmel, NY 10512
845-225-4277
thhard@comcast.net
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I am a registered Professional Engineer (PE) and owner of Home Inspection Associates. It appears that you have a serious problem which requires the assistance of the professional services that I can provide. I have only recently registered on this site, and regrettably, did not see your question until today. If you have not already engaged a PE, I would be pleased to come and review the situation for you. I have long experience working with concrete construction. Please contact me at 225-4277 if you are interested. Thomas Hard, P.E.
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