Learn how civil and structural engineers can help you accomplish the goals you have for your property. Gain a better understanding of why you need a qualified professional engineer for certain projects and how engineering works.
Why some homes need earthquake retrofitting Seattle lies in a seismically active region, and many homes, especially those built before 1980, were not constructed using modern seismic standards. A voluntary seismic retrofit strengthens a home’s...
Residential remodel projects come in many shapes and sizes. Still, they all have one thing in common: They involve changes to the structure within the existing structure's footprint. A remodel differs from an addition because it doesn't include...
My neighbor didn’t have to comply with the same setbacks or height requirements that I do, so why do I? or . . . A property down the street was developed with a large house that exceeded maximum lot coverage allowance. Why can’t I do the...
Walls do a lot of work. They keep the elements out and heat in, and they can be used to section off rooms. Some walls carry more responsibility than others, however, and bear a heavier structural load. When taking on a construction project, it's...
If you are embarking on a residential building project in Snohomish County, you might be wondering about the permitting process. Permitting is an important step of the design and construction process that should not be overlooked. When done well,...
We are often approached by clients who are eager to start on planning or engineering for a piece of land but they are surprised to hear that they first need to obtain a property survey. Whether you are studying a piece of land to understand its...
In 2019, the City of Seattle enacted legislation that makes it easier for property owners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in areas zoned for single-family residential use. The City recently launched the ADUniverse website, featuring a...
Whether it be a new home, shop, carport, greenhouse, or landscape feature, taking a residential structure from concept to construction takes more than a pencil and a hammer. The first step toward making your construction project a reality is to...
We often get questions from homeowners or property investors about how they can begin the process of preparing a piece of land for a new construction project. Sometimes they have a building in mind and sometimes they are simply trying to figure...
Homeowners who are trying to navigate the permitting process in the City of Seattle will find that it is more complex than other jurisdictions in the Puget Sound region. Seattle’s permit process differs from most other surrounding jurisdictions and...