What do you do when it can't be fixed?

[jhoulette]

I was recently asked to provide engineering advice about a remodel under construction on a recently purchased house. I found too many problems and told the homeowner I can't get involved with it. The only recommendation was to speak with any engineer and/or the local building department. Otherwise, the problems made to only solution to be demo and rebuild.
You can view the pictures of what I found here:

http://evstudio.info/2010/04/25/a-reason-we-have-engineers-and-architects-designing-to-meet-code/

Jim Houlette PE
Web:

http://www.evstudio.us

Online Magazine:

http://www.evstudio.info

 

[BAretired]

Makes me wonder how the owner obtained a building permit. Or did he?

BA

 

[msquared48]

The owner is the Mayor... Perks...

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[jhoulette]

I wanted to ask MANY questions, but felt the less I knew the better.
Is something like this required to be reported to the local building department? Falls into a gray area about if I know about the problem and if something should fail and hurt someone, could I somehow get dragged into the problem.

Jim Houlette PE
Web:

http://www.evstudio.us

Online Magazine:

http://www.evstudio.info

 

[cvg]

well, since you now have it posted on your website - yes you could be involved...

 

[jhoulette]

Having it posted on my website vs. knowing about the problem changes nothing. In fact I feel I'm helping to educate others, and I'm asking other engineers about the proper action.

Jim Houlette PE
Web:

http://www.evstudio.us

Online Magazine:

http://www.evstudio.info

 

[BAretired]

If an engineer knows of an unsafe condition, he is obliged, under the Code of Ethics, to report it to the authority having jurisdiction. That is what you must do.

BA

 

[hokie66]

Taking that one step further, on a project on which you have no involvement but observed an unsafe condition and reported it, what do you do if the authority does nothing, or accepts other advice that all is good?

 

[msquared48]

Put it in writing to CYA, sending it to the responsible higher authorities.

You cannot save the world, but you can preserve your professional integrity.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[BAretired]

If the authority having jurisdiction simply does nothing, I would notify my professional association of my concerns thus allowing my peers to take such action as they deemed appropriate.

If the authority having jurisdiction accepts advice from an engineer that all is good, I would talk to that engineer and find out why his opinion was at variance with mine. If nothing could be resolved and if I still held the same opinion, I would complain to his professional association that his conduct was unskilled, unprofessional or both.

BA

 

[Ron]

Agree with the others...report it in writing. This is ludicrous, but all too common.

Further, BAretired makes a good point about dealing with another engineer if he determines all is good. We have to stand up for our profession and unfortunately, there are some out there who will sign/seal anything. Sad for the profession.

 

[CTW]

I think the following quote from your write up on this house says it all and obligates you as a professional to notify the building department. Especially since it's currently being remodeled.

"As humorous as the post is, the home has numerous life safety and structural issues."

 

[vandede427]

That looked like Willy Wonka's factory.

 

[jhoulette]

Thank you for everyone's advice.

Jim Houlette PE
Web:

http://www.evstudio.us

Online Magazine:

http://www.evstudio.info