When a home inspector flags a concern — a crack in the foundation, a sagging beam, floors that feel bouncy underfoot — the next step is often a call to a structural engineer. But many homeowners aren’t sure what that actually means. What does a structural engineer do that a home inspector doesn’t? What are […]
Author: yashasinitski
Open-concept living is everywhere. Wider garage doors, panoramic windows, kitchens that flow into dining rooms without a wall in sight — these are the renovations Ontarians are asking for, and contractors are happy to deliver. But there is a structural consideration that rarely makes it into the conversation: what is that wall actually doing, and […]
Effective July 1, 2026, Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) is officially reducing the minimum supervised work experience required for a P.Eng. licence from four years to two. I remember working many long nights over four years just to begin the licensing process — which itself took another six months. As someone who came up through the […]
A house’s framing system is a complex network of interconnected components that work together to keep the structure standing strong, distribute weight, and resist environmental forces. Whether you are planning a major renovation or simply want to understand what lies beneath your drywall, here is a breakdown of the various types of framing members in […]
Understanding the Backbone of Your Roof: Truss vs. Rafter Framing When building or renovating a wood-framed structure, the roof system is one of the most critical elements to consider. In the construction industry, the two most common methods for framing a roof are rafter-framed and truss-framed systems. While both are designed to withstand environmental loads […]
It’s only been eleven days since the start of 2024, and yet we have already received two calls from clients concerned about the state of their slabs and foundation walls. While concrete is a durable and versatile material that is widely used in homes and garages, concrete can also deteriorate over time due to various […]
Disclaimer: This article is written on the basis that any proposed construction will take place in Ontario, Canada. If you’re reading this from outside of Ontario (say, elsewhere in Canada), chances are that the process will be extremely similar. With that said, please confirm with your own local professional organizations. Question: How do you use […]
Before we start: No, reading this won’t be the solution to your endless questions and won’t make you a qualified tradesperson. It may save you from the obvious mistakes, however! Renovating, or building, your home can be a rewarding and exciting project, but it also comes with some challenges and risks. From planning to execution, […]
Exploring the administrative side of construction projects. Residential Building Permits in the City of Ottawa When we speak to homeowners, renovators, and constructors, the topic of Building Permits is frequently brought up. Despite the popularity of the issue, it’s not often that responses are identical. So rather than focusing on a technical matter for this […]
In this blog post, we will explore a few types of engineered timber, their strengths, and delve into some of the reasons why engineered wood can be better than steel or regular wood for certain applications. Engineered timber is a term that refers to a range of wood products that are made by bonding together […]
What is the OBC? Why is it changing? How is it changing? Ontario’s Building Code is a regulation that sets out minimum standards for new construction, renovation and change of use of buildings. It is based on the National Construction Codes, which are updated every five years by the National Research Council of Canada. The […]