Types of Defects in Home Construction
Just a few of the defects we have discovered and helped to identify
Ridge beam not supported
In this picture, there is a ridge beam that is not supported. Even if it was, the window header is insufficient to support the loads imposed. Lots of reframing had to take place in order to make this structurally sound.
Insufficient bearing
Another example of a ridge board posing as a ridge beam and insufficient bearing.
Plates not laced
The top plater should have run over the wall on the left. This would have done a better job of joining the walls versus just butting them together and nailing them.
Grade beams undersized
The grade beams were undersized in the drawings for this house. The beam pockets had to be enlarged for the new, correctly sized grade beams.
Structural transfer of loads insufficient
This open gable is a simple look but not a simple build. The original designer and engineer did not account for the proper structural transfer of loads and modifications had to be made.
No bearing for rafters
There is no bearing for the rafters in this porch roof system. Structural hangers had to be added.
Footings cut
This plumber decided to cut footings out of the way without verifying the consequences.
Floor system missing hangers
This floor system was missing a lot of hangers, both floor joist and beam hangers.
Windows not aligned
The windows did not align from floor to floor. The builder ignored this issue and then had to come back and the problem. It’s always better to work together as the project progresses than ignore an issue.
Insufficient bearing
There is insufficient bearing for this front porch beam as well and missing lateral support.
Wall not supported
This picture shows how much the wood wall is not supported by the concrete wall. The concrete wall should be out flush with the wood wall
Design not followed, Insufficient concrete
The rebar in this grade beam required 2” of concrete embedment and the forms were narrower than the design called for.