Yes, you do. For a more detailed information, including the permit fee schedule, please visit the website of the regulatory body that has jurisdiction over your property.

No, you don’t. At Northern Engineering Design & Forensics we perform many such projects every year, and not one of them involves an architect. The entire project is completed by our structural engineer and architectural technologist.

No, you don’t. At Northern Engineering Design & Forensics we perform many such projects every year, and not one of them involves an architect. The entire project is completed by our structural engineer and architectural technologist.

No, you don’t. At Northern Engineering Design & Forensics we have performed a number of such projects, and not one of them involved an architect. The entire project was completed by our structural engineer and architectural technologist.

Whether it is a breach of contract or alleged construction defect, you should consult a forensic structural engineer before hiring a lawyer—it may save you time and money. An experienced forensic structural engineer can tell you, better than a lawyer, whether or not you have a case. For instance, a floor deflection that seems excessive to you may be within the allowable limits of the applicable Building Code. A bouncy floor may be the result of poor structural design. A foundation settlement may not be the fault of your building contractor. Finally, a construction dispute may be resolved for a lot less money than it takes to hire a lawyer—through a negotiated settlement without a lawyer!

A Site Inspection, also known as a General Review of Construction, refers to a review of construction in progress by the design engineer or architect. It is intended to ensure that the as-built structure conforms to the permit drawings and specifications. At the end of each site visit, the engineer or architect produces a report that summarizes the findings. The Ontario Building Code (OBC) requires that a copy of the report is sent to the chief building official. The document forms part of the property record. A copy of the report is also sent to the property owner, the building contractor and other parties involved.

Typically performed at the behest of a homebuyer, a Home Inspection is an evaluation of an existing property. It involves visual observation and documentation of major components and systems, including the structure, exterior enclosure, interior finishes, HVAC system, electrical installations, insulation and other elements. The survey doesn’t document concealed deficiencies. It does not involve removing obstacles, making exploratory probing or using special equipment to access a hidden defect. The typical home inspection does not address environmental issues or Code compliance either.

A Forensic Investigation, as it applies to structures, involves a systematic gathering and analysis of data to determine the cause of a structural failure or distress, and assess the risks the problem poses to the public. A Structural Forensic Investigation is similar in scope to a Building Condition Assessment. In the province of Ontario, the report generated has to conform to the documentation requirements of Rule 53.03 of the Rules of Civil Procedure.

As described in item 6 above, a Site Inspection, also known as a General Review of Construction, refers to a review of construction in progress by the design engineer or architect. It is intended to ensure that the as-built structure conforms to the permit drawings and specifications. At the end of each site visit, the engineer or architect produces a report that summarizes the findings. The Ontario Building Code (OBC) requires that a copy of the report is sent to the chief building official. The document forms part of the property record. A copy of the report is also sent to the property owner, the building contractor and other parties involved.

A Home Inspection service is intended for single-family buildings. It consists of visual observation and documentation of major components and systems, including the accessible structure, exterior enclosure, interior finishes, HVAC system, electrical installations, insulation and other elements. The typical home inspection report does not address environmental issues or Code compliance. Although home inspectors are formally trained in their field and are certified by their association, they are not required to have an engineering or architectural background—and many of them don’t.

A Building Condition Assessment (BCA) is a more complex and detailed review of a commercial or multi-unit residential property. A comprehensive BCA addresses the site conditions, visible structural components, exterior enclosure, interior systems, mechanical and electrical installations, regulatory compliance and environmental safety. The investigation is conducted by a team of experts, including engineers, architects and scientists. The report that is finally generated combines the findings of all, and identifies the short- and long-term repair requirements and associated costs.

A Building Condition Assessment (BCA) involves a systematic inspection and report on the condition of a commercial or multi-unit residential property. A Building Condition Assessment is also referred to as a Property Condition Assessment (PCA) or a Facility Condition Assessment (FCA). Some practitioners claim that FCA assessments entail a more thorough accounting. Whatever name one chooses, at Northern Engineering Design & Forensics our investigations are always thorough. For the sake of simplicity, we have used BCA throughout this introduction.

Yes, we do. As a matter of fact, we design a wide variety of structures, including multi-family residences, commercial buildings and non-building constructions.