JCP Reports - Who's Who, When You Need to Call?

Who's Who, When You Need to Call?

By JCP Geologists

The Loma Prieta earthquake on October 17th, 1989, and the more recent Northridge earthquake (January, 1994) clearly showed how the details of geology, location, design, and construction of any engineering work affects how well it will survive shaking. City planners and developers in California have worked closely with soils engineers and engineering geologists in order to find the best way and locations to build structures in "earthquake country".

Because of this, many brokers, agents and their clients have worked with various experts in the course of inspecting property since these earthquakes. Unfortunately, hours can be spent in trying to find the right person for the necessary job of inspections or, if necessary, mitigation. In many cases, several inspectors may have been called out before the right type was found. Time and money can be wasted. The following is a list of some different experts that are often utilized to inspect property. What are their specialities and what aren't their specialities?

Geologist

A scientist engaged in the study of the Earth and the rocks which compose it. Practically speaking for brokers and agents, licenced geologists are not often called upon. For most purposes, a state-licenced engineering geologist or a geotechnical engineer (see below) is a better choice to analyze distressed homes.

Engineering Geologist

A type of state-licenced geologist who investigates and specializes in the structure, rocks, and soil types of the land that could affect how buildings and other engineering works are built. Location, design, and construction depend in part on the nature and relationship of the surrounding geology.

Engineering geologists investigate such things as landslides or faults. The engineering geologist studies whether a property is underlain by material that is soil or rock, loose or firm, wet or dry and what type of foundation is best suited for the conditions. For hillside homes or if there is any question as to whether the ground beneath the structure is the cause of damage (ie. sliding, failing fill etc), an engineering geologist is a good choice to inspect the distressed home.

Civil Engineer

A licensed professional who is engaged in the design of structures, roads and other engineering works. Civil engineers can specialize in various subjects such as structural or geotechnical engineering (see below). Brokers and agents should contact a specialty civil engineer, most often a geotechnical or structural engineer, to analyze distressed homes.

Geotechnical Engineer

A civil engineer who specializes in how engineering and geology interact to affect the design of structures. A geotechnical engineer (often called a "soils engineer") can select and design the type of building foundation or structure suited to the local geology. Geotechnical engineers are a good choice to call for distressed home and foundation inspections for homes in hillside areas or in cases where the ground beneath the structure is causing the damage ie. landsliding, failing fill, liquefaction etc.

Structural Engineer

A civil engineer who has special knowledge of and licensing for large engineering works such as bridges or hospitals. When the damage to a home is caused by a pre-existing construction or structural defect in the building, or if the distress to a home looks like it does not involve the foundation or ground (ie. second floor, chimney etc.), a structural engineer is the best choice for an inspection.

Home Inspector

Usually a contractor that inspects homes for quality of construction for such items as roofs, structural elements, plumbing or electrical systems. There is no State or Federal licensing board for "Home Inspectors" as such, but an inspector may be licensed or registered as a contractor. There are no laws regarding who can be a "home inspector", so anyone can hang out this shingle.

Contractor

One who contracts to build and/or supervises building. Contractors can be licensed by the state. Generally, contractors perform and/or supervise the actual construction of buildings, retaining walls etc. Contractors are often called upon to inspect homes for roof, electrical, structural problems etc.

This is just a summary of the more common professionals brokers and agents may have to call upon. Knowing who to call in the first time around for an inspection can save energy, time and expense.