Simple Things about Home Remodeling Services That Helps in Getting Great Homes

Friday, 12 February 2016



Not giving up your existing house is a good idea. After all, you grew up in that house, and it was built by your ancestors. But, sometimes the condition of the house becomes such that it turns into more of a necessity to change the house. However, you can keep your old house and make it look like new all over again. With the advent of home remodeling services more and more people are deciding to remodel their old house instead of buying a new one. As it is, buying a new house can be far more expensive than remodeling. You may not have such a huge budget. Most importantly, remodeling your old house would add more value to it and if you think of selling it in the near future, you will get more money than what you would have got now. Home remodeling does not mean you have to remodel the entire house in one go. Most people start by remodeling their front yard, then move on to the hall or drawing room and then to the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and so on.

Importance of hiring a structural engineer (part 1)

Monday, 8 February 2016

When a structure is built , apart from being aesthetic, the structure should be very stable. The stability of the structure is a very important aspect. Stability not only prevents damage to property, but also the damage to  life. The real estate value of a damaged structure is reduced considerably. Structural engineering deals with the stability of any structure, under normal circumstances and during natural calamities like earthquakes and landslides.



The structural design of a building should make sure that the building is able to stand up safely and resist deflections or movements which may cause fatigue, cracking or failure of fixtures, fittings and discomfort to its occupants. It should consider also consider the practicality of the design.

Structural engineering requires the knowledge of applied mechanics, materials science and applied mathematics to understand and predict how structures support and resist self-weight and imposed loads. Apart from a detailed know how of the engineering aspects the engineers need also know the local building codes and environmental conditions. for example a structural engineer in San Francisco will have to consider humidity and wind loads while planning the construction.

Every residential structure must make a balanced use of columns ,beams, plates and concrete slabs to attain proper stability. Wooden house are specially designed and make extensive use of hardwood and softwood in different parts. A structural designer in San Francisco will know better to use proper varnishes and waterproof coatings to prevent against moist conditions.

Other Blog Sources:

Why retaining walls are necessary for residences and commercial buildings?

Saturday, 6 February 2016

A retaining wall is a structure that holds or retains soil behind it. It works like a dam and stops the movement of soil. They may be helpful if your house is on a slope or hill and are a must for a safe home. Retaining walls in Santa Clara are built to support soils at unnatural angles.
Retaining walls are categorized in four categories:
1.    Gravity walls
2.    Cantilevered walls
3.    Sheet pile walls

4.    Anchored walls (Image source: Wikipedia.org)


Gravity walls: Gravity walls are dependent on their mass to apply a resisting force ro the soil behind them. They may also have a setback to improve stability. They are generally built from stone or may use prefabricated concrete blocks. These have a tendency to slide or topple.


Cantilevered wall :


Cantilevered retaining walls are steel reinforced concrete walls . These walls look like an inverted solid “T” . they convert the horizontal loads behind the wall to vertical load in the ground below.
These walls may be expensive but are topple proof .There is also a very little chance for sliding.
Sheet pile wall:  sheet pile walls are made by hammering sheets of wood, steel or vinyl into the ground. Generally 1/3 part of the wall is kept above the ground. These are used on soft soils.
Relatively easy to built in areas with soft soils. No toppling or sliding.


Anchored :an anchored wall can be a gravity wall, cantilever wall, sheet pile but with additional structure for providing additional strength using cables or anchors which are generally driven into soil. Anchored walls increase the strength of walls which would otherwise too weak to handle soil loads.
Retaining walls in Mounta in view have become an important accessory in landscaping. House owners are increasingly using retaining walls to improve the aesthetics. They may also serve as a patio seating area. Traditionally retaining walls were built with wood and stones. 

Other Blog Sources:
http://goo.gl/9Ydsye