Our foundation isn't in the best of shape, so we aren't sure we can do an addition on our house. Who would we call to discuss this with? A structural engineer?
Better find out from the zoning commission or planning board or who ever is in charge of zoning first in your city if you would be permitted to do an addition either up or out of your home. Then perhaps a architect who would be connected to a structural engineer.
The more you know the better off your home will be.
Congrats on the upgrades.
Do you know a builder? If so, start with them. Maybe call your town, they might be able to suggest someone. That person would me more likely to charge a decent rate, so you will not get ripped off. And they towns name would be in jeopordy if they did.
I would contact an architect first and ask. That person may have a structural engineer that he or she works with. In which case, you may be able to negotiate a "package deal".
Yes, a structural engineer would be the person who would survey and recommend.
You can call foundation companies for estimates and ask their structural engineer about it.
Start with your local building and planning department. They are the ones who will have to sign off on any building permits, so they can point you in the right direction.
I don't know if you are in the city or suburbs, but we used a company in Sycamore, IL called Structural Dynamics. The owner is a structural engineer. We have an old house and they placed steel beams in our basement to reinforce our floors. It wasn't cheap, but they did a good job. It's been several years, but I'm pretty sure they didn't charge for a quote. You can find their website by googling their name. I have no affiliation with the company - just based on our experience with them.
