How Engineering Keeps Your Home Remodel Safe & Sturdy

Home renovations involve a lot more than just picking out your favorite tiles and paint colors. While we admit that part is definitely the most fun, there’s some actual engineering that also has to take place! In order for your remodel to be safe, secure, and long-lasting, a true builder’s eye and expertise is a valuable part of the puzzle.

What do we mean by that exactly? Well, you simply need to be careful when making any changes to your home. The last thing you want to do is mess with something that puts your existing structure at risk. We’ll admit that not all general contractors actually pay close enough attention to this. That’s why it’s so important that you hire a competent, professional renovation team with bona fide experience.

At Central Builders, our team is licensed, insured and has renovated numerous homes across Sacramento throughout the years. We boast a diverse portfolio of kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, deck and patio builds, window replacements, and more! Now let’s get into what we mean by ‘engineering’ in terms of renovation projects, so you can approach your next project well-informed.

1. Making Sure Your Home Stays Standing (AKA Structural Engineering)

Ever wonder what would happen if you just knocked down a wall without checking first? In some cases, nothing. In other cases, you could be setting yourself up for disaster! Removing a load-bearing wall can lead to sagging ceilings, wall cracks, and far, far worse.

Here’s some examples of how engineering expertise can help:

• Creating an open-concept kitchen?
  If a wall needs to come down, we’ll install a beam (either steel or engineered wood) to hold up the weight.

• Adding a second story?
  We’ll check if your foundation and frame can support the extra weight. If not, we reinforce it.

• Worried about foundation issues?
  We can reinforce or level your foundation if you have uneven floors or are experiencing cracks.

Its vital that your renovation is done right and makes your home stronger, not weaker. No one wants to remodel their renovation.

2. Keeping Your Foundation Strong (So Your House Doesn’t Sink or Crack)

Our climate is Sacramento brings a lot more moisture in the winter than in the summer. This means that our soil expands and shrinks quite a bit throughout the year. This kind of pressure can cause problems to our homes’ foundations, like cracks or sinking floors. That’s why it’s important to check the status of your foundation before starting any major remodels.

Here’s how we can help:

• Soil Testing
  If you’re planning an addition to your home, it could be greatly benficial to test the soil to determine whether or not it’ll need some extra support.

• Slab Strengthening
  If it’s determined that your current foundation is weak or compromised, we can add support with rebar or extra concrete.

• Seismic Retrofitting
  Since we get shaken a little bit here and there, some foundation bolts and bracing can be installed for added earthquake resistance.

When it comes down to it, your home is really only as strong as what it sits on.

3. Engineering Home Comfort and Energy-Efficiency

When dreaming about your renovation, you’re unlikely to consider things like heating, cooling, and the remodels effects on airflow. Truth is, these things make a big difference on both your comfort and the energy-efficiency of your home! A poorly engineered renovation can lead to uneven air flow which causes cold or hot spots throughout the home.

Here’s how smart engineering can fix that:

• Redirect Air Ducts
  Balance your airflow throughout the house with some clever redirection.

• Upgrade Insulation
  Spray foam is a great solution for retaining your heat or cold, and reducing noise!

• Energy-Efficient Windows & Doors
  Reduce drafts and heat loss to keep your energy bills lower.

These small changes save you money long-term and make your house feel way more comfortable year-round.

4. What Happens During the Engineering Process?

Don’t be concerned that you might have to hire an engineer for any project you want to start. Not every remodel is going to require some engineering, and we’ll take care of it if that is necessary. We partner with experienced engineers who are experts in the Sacramento area and can ensure that your home remodel will start off on the right foot.

Here’s what to expect when we remodel your home:

1. First, we do a structural inspection – We always double-check that we aren’t removing or dealing with load-bearing structures and that they’re in good condition.

2. We draft a renovation plan – If needed, our team works with engineers to ensure that our steps are both safe and up to code before proceeding.

3. We get necessary permits – We take care of all of the paperwork and approval needed in order to begin renovating.

4. Construction begins – This is where the hammer meets the nail (literally).

5. Final inspections & walkthrough – We walk with your through the completed project to ensure that everything is both up to code and your expectations.

The goal is to make sure your home looks amazing and stays strong for decades.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Engineering Side of Remodeling

A lot of Sacramento homeowners focus on picking materials, layouts, and finishes (which is fun!), but if the structure of your home isn’t strong, none of that matters. You don’t want to remodel your kitchen today, only to deal with cracks, sagging ceilings, or foundation issues a few years down the line.

At Central Builders, we take pride in being a general contractor that takes a smart, engineering-first approach to remodeling so you don’t run into costly problems later.

Interested in starting your renovation in El Dorado Hills, Carmichael, or anywhere else in our region? Contact us today to see how we can engineer you a strong and beautiful home that will last!