Updated over 10 years ago on . Most recent reply
Biggest Rehab Ever
Good Morning BP Nation,
So my partner and I recently vetted what could be a property that kinda becomes that "flagship" property. You know the one you always look back on and feel like thats when the tide turned. Currently is a huge space with tons of potential but a layout that truly baffles me! I mean guys on the MLS is was listed as being 1.5 stories (whatever that is supposed to mean). We are steadily coming up with various design plans to modernize the space and make it more functional but given that the existing structure is so "different" I was wondering if you guys ever call in structural engineers for some of the larger scale rehabs? We're talking about "flipping around" a fireplace, "bumping an exterior wall back 5 feet", and a host of other uncommon rehab moves, so we want to make sure we're not biting off more than we can chew so to speak. What is the consensus on structural engineers? Has anyone in the Charlotte North Carolina area ever used one? If so at what point do you realize "ok we need to bring in bigger guns here"?
As always thanks everyone for the insight!
Most Popular Reply
It's not uncommon to bring in structural engineers when you're doing work that will impact the structural integrity of the house. In fact, I wouldn't recommend not bringing in an engineer when you're doing things like moving exterior (or any load-bearing) walls.
I would also add that if you have to ask whether to bring in an engineer when moving an exterior wall of the house, that indicates to me that you might not be ready for this level of rehab.