"After speaking with you personally for the first time, I was 100% convinced that I had finally found the right company to trust and use"...

"Mr. Kanakis, you and your staff have exceeded my expectations by far, throughout my entire ordeal.  I'm so thankful for all of your assistance and expertise that you have so kindly and professionally shared"

Joyce Cohen -
Manhattan, New York

 

                           
AddThis Feed Button     

           

         


Architecture and Engineering in New York, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, Yonkers, Westchester, Nassau County, Long Island

Just A Sampling of
our VIP Clientele

Kanye West

John Leguizamo

J. Joe Rickets-Ameritrade

New York Times
Fashion Columnist
Zarah Crawford

VH1 Left - Right Productions - "Wanna Work for Diddy"

Productions for - "New York, I Love You"

Construction Defects

 

New Homes Have Their Fair Share of Problems Too
These contaminations in your home can lead to musty, earthy, or damp smells in the basement, and even toxic mold which can have harmful health effects on you and your family. Another important area that many new construction buyers may face is wall bracing that is not correct, and this can occur whether you are buying a one, two, or three story home...continue reading
 

Want to get a free estimate for a Architecture and Engineering project now?
Get a quote from our New York
Architecture and Engineering Firm

 


So You Are Buying a New Construction
You may be buying a new construction because you want a home built your way, or maybe a home that has never been lived in. You should use care and follow some basic advice when buying new construction and this will eliminate many problems and costs before they even start. The first tip is to always have your own agent if you are buying from a developer...continue reading
 

Want to get a free estimate for a Architecture and Engineering project now?
Get a quote from our New York
Architecture and Engineering Firm

 


City Inspections Do Not Cover Defective Workmanship or Installations
This is one reason why if you are purchasing a new construction you should be present at the inspection for each phase of the building that is done by the city inspector, to ensure interior structures which will be covered by walls are completed safely and correctly before these things are hidden from view by the rest of the building process. If your corner moldings are not flush because of poor...continue reading
 

Want to get a free estimate for a Architecture and Engineering project now?
Get a quote from our New York
Architecture and Engineering Firm

 


Repairing Cracks In Concrete Walls
There are certain things that you will need regardless of the location of the fix that you are attempting. Some of the equipment necessary includes a concrete bonding adhesive and some kind of wooden form to hold the concrete in place while it dries. You'll also need, among other things, a spray bottle a wire brush and some manner of edging tool...continue reading
 

Want to get a free estimate for a Architecture and Engineering project now?
Get a quote from our New York
Architecture and Engineering Firm

 


Types of Foundations
Spread footing  consists of pads of concrete which transfer weight from the columns and walls to the earth. Mat slab foundations transfer the weight from the columns and walls across the whole building area. Mat slabs are often the material for the basement floor. Slab on grade foundations involve pouring concrete into a mold in the earth and then building a house on top...continue reading
 

Want to get a free estimate for a Architecture and Engineering project now?
Get a quote from our New York
Architecture and Engineering Firm

 


Construction Defects and Foundation
Cracks in the foundations are often caused by poor footings or in some cases, no footings at all. Old brick foundations generally have no footings as a rule and for that reason it will be possible to find some foundation defects when you're shopping for an older home with a brick foundation...continue reading
 

Want to get a free estimate for a Architecture and Engineering project now?
Get a quote from our New York
Architecture and Engineering Firm

 


Construction Defects and How They Can Impact Your Home
Although most people assume that the fault of these construction defects lies solely with the builders or even the engineers, more often than not there are a variety of things that can influence them including an improper soil analysis and poor site selection. After a home has been built on an unsuitable site, it's next to impossible to change some...continue reading
 

Want to get a free estimate for a Architecture and Engineering project now?
Get a quote from our New York
Architecture and Engineering Firm

 


Foundation Crack Evaluation
Look at the shape and pattern and see if it occurs frequently over the wall or if it is isolated in one location. Foundation cracks occur as horizontal cracks, vertical cracks, diagonal cracks, and shrinkage cracks due to frost heave. Also, look for relationships between wall discontinuities and angles as well as...continue reading
 

Want to get a free estimate for a Architecture and Engineering project now?
Get a quote from our New York
Architecture and Engineering Firm

 


Four Types of Defects Recognized in Court
Design deficiencies. Often, a construction defect has its roots in the design phase of construction. Workmanship and materials can all be tip-top and up to specification, but if the specification was flawed to begin with, no one stands much of a chance of building a sound and complete living structure. A typical design deficiency is a design that is out of line with the building code...continue reading
 

Want to get a free estimate for a Architecture and Engineering project now?
Get a quote from our New York
Architecture and Engineering Firm

 


Red Flags: Construction Problems
These are the things large and small that should tip you off that there might be a problem with the home that could include bad construction. It's necessary that the prospective homebuyer knows what to look for so that they don't walk blindly into a deal that could cost them thousands...continue reading
 

Want to get a free estimate for a Architecture and Engineering project now?
Get a quote from our New York
Architecture and Engineering Firm

 


Common Construction Defects and Their Causes
The most common construction defect is mold which is usually caused by water leakage and/or lack of drainage. Water issues may be the direct result of poor plumbing, but may also have to do with outdoor drainage. If, for instance, a water pipe leaks even on the outside of a concrete wall, the heavy inundation of water will seep into the wall itself and mold...continue reading
 

Want to get a free estimate for a Architecture and Engineering project now?
Get a quote from our New York
Architecture and Engineering Firm

 


Land Issues
New construction can destroy delicate habitats, or endanger new homeowners depending on what the land was previously used for. Many homeowners would be appalled to learn that the home they chose was built on something as sacred as a burial ground or an ecologically sensitive wetland...continue reading
 

Want to get a free estimate for a Architecture and Engineering project now?
Get a quote from our New York
Architecture and Engineering Firm

 


More Construction Defects
What causes construction defects can be any number of things: faulty building materials, improper soil analysis prior to construction, poor planning, poor site selection, negligent civil and structural engineering, or faulty construction...continue reading
 

Want to get a free estimate for a Architecture and Engineering project now?
Get a quote from our New York
Architecture and Engineering Firm

 


Back To The
Home Remodeling, Home Improvement,
Home Inspection article library

Free Estimates for an Architecture and Engineering project in
New York, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Dennis,

I just wanted to thank you for keeping your word.  The test kits were so easy to use and your personal interpretation of the laboratory results over the phone was priceless...."

Timothy Edwards -
Miami Florida

OLYMPIAN

The company that the experts, the novice, the stars, and the everyday people like me and you call when an honest and accurate professional opinion and or mold investigation is needed

 
   

Kitchen Experts in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan,
Staten Island, and
New York Areas


Bath and Shower
Experts
in Brooklyn,
Queens, Manhattan,
Staten Island, and
New York Vicinities
 

Mold Inspection
Experts
in Brooklyn,
Queens, Manhattan,
Staten Island, and
New York Areas
 
   

Are Construction Defects Lurking?

Buying a home, whether it is one which is already built or one that you are having built to your exact specifications, means dealing with many unknowns. With new construction, many people mistakenly believe that the building inspections done during the building process will ensure that their new home is defect free, but this is not true at all. The inspections done during the building process are simply to make sure that your home is safe for you to live in, with no structural defects that could cause the home to collapse. This does not mean that the home is perfect or that it is exactly what you want and are paying for. Some people may not want to have a professional home inspection done because of the extra costs, but in these situations the money you save may end up costing you much more later on.

No matter how old or new the home you want to rebuild and or purchase is, a professional home inspection is crucial to protect you and your family and finances. These home inspections cover much more than the simple structure and main components of the home. A professional home inspection should cover every area and component of your home that can be accessed or that is visible, and it should include a report that lists every single defect, as well as the condition of almost every aspect of the home, including the systems. Make sure to check out the home inspector before you make an appointment for the inspection. Determine how long the inspector has been doing this type of work, and make sure that their experience is in the type of home you are considering. If you are having a home custom built than you will want a professional home inspector whom is knowledgeable and experienced in new construction. If you are considering a fifty year old historic Victorian home, you will want your home inspector to be familiar with this type of home.

Even new construction can have problems. In New York and many other states, many new home buyers have purchased brand new homes without insisting on a professional home inspection and they have regretted that decision. Not all contractors and subcontractors are the same, and some will try to cut corners and pad expenses by using cheaper material and a lower quality of work that can be done faster. When this happens your dream home may quickly turn into a huge nightmare. There have been cases of brand new foundations and structures cracking, leaking, and experiencing a number of other problems. Walls can crack and bulge, causing the entire home to be defective and with a distinct lean or angle where there should not be any.

Older homes may also have serious problems. Mold can be a big one, and this can actually be a serious health problem for certain people who are sensitive to these substances. Mold starts with small leaks or flooding normally, and a good professional home inspector will usually be able to tell from hidden signs of water damage. Older homes may also have outdated or unsafe components and systems, such as electrical and plumbing. A professional home inspection may reveal these defects before they become big expensive problems. These can include fires from unsafe or old wiring, flooding and mold from plumbing issues and poor maintenance and repairs, and even unsafe things like furnaces, hot water heaters, and even banisters on stairs and the condition of the roof, if it can be accessed easily. Knowing the hidden defects of the home before you buy it can be important to make sure you do not pay too much or end up with the expense of a new roof or a new electrical system six months after you make a purchase.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More Articles here  foundation and structure
Local  property inspection
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A professional home inspection report should be more than just a simple checklist. Each significant finding should have a place on the inspection report. Each home inspector will have their own unique report format and style, but there should be room on the report for the inspector to make notes about each area of concern, as well as determining the condition. A professional home inspection can cost from five hundred dollars up, depending on the size of your home as well as other relevant factors. Even the smallest home should take around two hours to inspect completely, and you should be present during the inspection so that you can ask any questions you may have about the home.

 

 

Want to get a free estimate for a New Construction project now?
Get estimates from the best New York Architecture and Engineering Firm
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, New York, Staten Island, the Bronx,
Yonkers and Westchester

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


www.olympiancares.com

Privacy Policy   -  Legal  -  Contact Us

Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspections (866) 476-2056