Structural Engineers
How many people consult their structural engineer for their opinion on preferred building materials before they build?
Not Many.
As structural engineers in Queensland, we inspect and design the structure of houses in this great state – so why don’t more people ask a structural engineer for an opinion on preferred building materials and methodologies before they build?
I took the time to read right through the Softley v Metricon Homes Pty Ltd decision that was published by VCAT on 11 December 2014. Metricon was ordered to pay costs to knock down and rebuild the Softley’s house.
I was editing some of my waffle slab posts when I suddenly realised that the amount of slab movement in the Softley’s home was a lot less than the amount of slab heave and movement I have inspected and reported on in Queensland – even recently.
It’s a wet day and maybe a wet weekend in Brisbane. Is your builder pushing ahead with your new house? You might need us soon!
Keep these ‘watery’ facts in mind:
There are a couple of structural implications of building on small allotments (under 450m²) that your engineer needs to consider. We’ll help you identify some issues with small allotments so that your build remains trouble-free.
The minimum allotment size in Brisbane has been reduced in the Brisbane City Council – Brisbane City Plan 2014 (City Plan).
Let’s go through some of the issues that might arise on a small allotment.