Services

Welcome to Wilkinson Engineering. If you are visiting our site, odds are good that you are building a new home or adding on to your current residence and someone has said, “You need an engineer for that.”

But perhaps you’re still wondering, Why do I need an engineer? Here are some answers:

New Home

1. If you live in Boulder, Jefferson, Broomfield, or Denver County, a Professional Engineer is required to design the home’s foundation.
2. Roofs often need to be redesigned stronger for Colorado’s wind and snow loads. Building departments have specific requirements depending on where you live.
3. Many areas of Colorado have expansive soils that can swell and break foundations, driveways, etc. If you encounter this type of soil condition, you need to make sure your foundation is designed correctly.
4. Site design. On a new house an engineer will help you to site and/or design your house, septic system, well, driveway, and road to maximize everything from solar energy gain, to drainage issues.

Additions and Remodel

These have some of the same issues as New Home Construction plus:

1. The existing house may not be up to code, and need to be redesigned to meet current criteria.
2. When adding a second story or tying in an addition, the existing house has to be able to structurally accommodate the new construction.
3. Changing the footprint of a house will often compromise existing drainage systems and need to be redesigned.
4. To help you resolve and decide how to deal with the age old question: Is that a weight bearing wall?

Everyday Problems That Call for an Engineer

(Often these are discovered during a home inspection prior to a home sale)

1. Septic system failures (Boulder County requires that septic tanks and leachfields be inspected to identify failed and unpermitted systems before selling a home)
2. Unsafe Decks and Balconies.
3. Faulty drainage systems resulting in water damage.
4. Sagging or slanted floors and ceilings.
5. Cracked foundations and drywall.

Choosing A Solar Compatible Lot

One of the most effective ways to make a house energy efficient is to pick a Southern exposure or an East or West exposure that has a Southern component. The heat from sunshine is absolutely free, and can significantly reduce energy expenses over the life of a house. The simple act of making Southern windows […]

Choosing The Best Rural Lot

There are many choices that must be made before buying a rural lot. Most choices are governed by economics, but a person’s lifestyle and background have an influence as well. Do you want a house that is secluded and private, or one that is spectacular with a view of the plains? Maybe your dream is […]

Locating Your House On Your Land Part 2. Rural Lots: Part 1

Many people want to escape from the city to enjoy the rural lifestyle, and often they find less restrictions on what they can build. When considering a rural subdivision it is always a good idea to drive around to see if you like the types of houses being built there. There are new subdivisions all […]

Building Your Home. Part One:City and Subdivision Lots

When you buy a lot in the city, most of the decisions on locating your home have been decided by the developer, the subdivision covenants, and the city land use regulations. Read all these documents carefully before you purchase a lot to make sure if it will accommodate the house you plan to build. The […]

Why is My House Cracking Up?

In some parts of the U.S. buildings need to be modified because they are in earthquake zones, or they make concessions for hurricanes and tumultuous weather. Here in Colorado we rarely have earthquakes, and never worry about hurricanes, but we do have our own specific building challenges, and one of them is expansive soils. Everyone […]

Welcome to Wilkinson Engineering.

Welcome to Wilkinson Engineering. If you are visiting our site, odds are good that you are building a new home or adding on to your current residence and someone has said, “You need an engineer for that.” But perhaps you’re still wondering, “Why do I need an engineer?” Here are some answers: New Home: If […]

Contact Info

Bill.F.Wilkinson@gmail.com

Phone: 303-499-6755

Serving the Boulder County area for over 30 years