I am an independent consulting registered professional engineer
who is bound ethically to be the agent exclusively to his client's benefit.
Reviewing a contractor’s proposal for the two main types of repair systems
(pressed pier or drilled pier), I will consider and comment on
- How many piers
- Placement of piers
- Equipment and procedure
- The final product above and below the surface
- The final contribution to the structure
- Real promises of the warranty
- Schedule and final bid price
Unpleasant surprises occur to the client from any changes during operations.
A sewer maintenance inspection SHOULD be made with or without further work; these active soils may damage the joints of sewer plumbing. The leaks are small but add to themselves in time. Almost any plumber will perform a static leak test for about $250.00. Leaks should be repaired after other operations and may be covered under the household insurance policy.
At least one, preferably two, written proposals should be obtained from contractors with any supporting data. They need come only from the question "I think I have a problem, what do you propose?" MY FUNCTION IS TO EXPLAIN TO YOU THE DETAILS REGARDING MATERIALS, PROCEDURES AND THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE CONTRACTOR IN THE CONTRACT (WHICH MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MENTIONED - AND ARE OBVIOUSLY TO THE CONTRACTOR'S BENEFIT) AND TO WORK WITH YOU IN MODIFYING DETAILS OF THE CONTRACT TO ENSURE A REMEDY TO THE PROBLEM.
If a pressed pier type is chosen I will give a stamped report of my observations and assistance toward the implementation of the seven items presented in the above list. After the work is completed I will make a few surface elevation measurements for "baseline" data and furnish you with the tools make subsequent measurements. If there are later disputes about the work you will have this information for reference. The fee will be $405.00. If an inspection is desired during operations to ensure conformance to the proposal the fee is $100.00.
For the drilled pier I must make the decisions for the items 1 - 6 listed above. This requires a preliminary boring and soil tests, which I will perform, and from which I will submit the design required. My inspection during operations is required. For this work and my report the fee is $885.00.
If there is confusion about this please call. I’m not very good at explaining a perfectly new concept.
| HOME | REPAIR or REMEDY (FAQ's) | SERVICES | ABOUT |
