Underpinning in PG County, MD

[Danielle Polen]

Hello, my husband and I are handling our first major rehab, which includes popping the top on a small SFH to add a second level, and digging out the basement to create additional living space. The basement dig involves underpinning and we're receiving less than clear information from the inspector's office on process requirements (building plans have been approved and permit is in place). I'm hoping someone here might be able to provide some clarity (with the understanding that your jurisdiction may have different requirements. My questions are:

1. Is it a standard requirement to have 3rd party engineer inspect and certify each of the 3 or 4 underpinning sets prior to the concrete pour?

2. If the answer to the first question is yes, is it typically the case that the county still must inspect each of the underpinning sets as well? Or does the 3rd party engineer's certification serve in place of the county inspection for this piece of the project?

I just located a 3rd party inspector and he tells me that I don't need to have the underpinning inspected by the county once he inspects each of the sets. However, the county's response to my question seems to indicate that they still need to come back out and inspect each underpinning set, after the engineer has made his visit.

Any guidance, however anecdotal, would be appreciated, and I'll continue to try to get some clarity from the county. In addition, I would welcome any recommendations for 3rd party inspectors in the MD/DC/VA region that might do this type of job, as I would like to get more than one bid.

Sincere thanks!