Should I be concerned that the contractor cut through the outside support beam between the first and second floor?

3/16/2018 at 9:05:53 PM

Ok We hear and feel your pain, BUT without physically looking at what was done by the contractor No One can truthfully answer this question. You NEED a second opinion from another contractor that has good references and has structural Know-How.

Trusted Pros guys in Nova Scotia Help him out.

3/16/2018 at 9:20:31 PM

I would check it against the plans. Also bring it up with the building inspector during its inspection and bring it to his attention.

They would be qualified to inform you on this.

If you didn't get a permit or drawings and therefore no inspections. Bad move. This provides the contractor usually with a summary of proper fasteners, placements, lumber sizing etc.

These projects require a 3rd party to verify all new builds are in compliant with building code and no altertions to previous structure is made carelessly. If someone says trust them and you dont need this; 90% of the time they dont know the process and are afraid to have their work examned. Never trust the "I've done this a dozen times" line.

If you are concerned, fork up the cash to an engineer for a site visit. Let your contractor know prior. Ask another family member or friend that might be knowledgable.

3/16/2018 at 10:02:31 PM

Typically both a development AND building permit are required if you are adding a NEW porch as you have stated. If there are no permits you are running the risk of being told to remove it if it is nonconforming. Either you or your contractor could pull the permits. Likely there is some electrical aspect as well which would most likely require an electrical permit.

Typically this type of minor project would only require only a final inspection, however the benefit of having a building permit is you can always discuss your concerns with your building inspector by either inviting them out or taking photos to discuss (likely at no additional cost). The inspector should be able to tell you if there are concerns or whether an engineer would be needed to assess/solve the problem(s). It is not possible based on your description to analyze the structure for compliance with Part 9 of the Building Code.

Of course the flat roof deck sloping towards the building has to be corrected before it damages the house - tough to assess the contractor's proposed solution without looking at it - again your municipal inspector may have some useful advice.

Ian Derksen

Safety Codes Officer - Building

3/16/2018 at 10:30:18 PM

Sorry forgot to mention one thing with regard to the reverse-sloped roof deck. If the roof surface is vinyl (i.e. Duradek) the manufacturers typically require a minimum 2% slope (obviously with no ponding) in order to have valid warranty coverage and the membrane should be applied by certified installers whose job it is to ensure they are applying it over a suitably prepared substrate. If the roof deck is a torch-on product there aren't the same manufacturers requirements for slope - in which case it simply becomes a 'good idea'.

3/17/2018 at 6:09:33 AM

Hi Karen

You have drawings completed by an contractor, engineer or technologist with a BCIN and they have completed an application and applied for a Building Permit on your behalf?

Then call the inspector that is named on the Building Permit or the person with the BCIN number to review your concerns with you on site.

Dave

3/17/2018 at 10:33:30 AM

Concerning your contractor cutting through your beam nobody can really tell you a definitive answer without looking at it but it does not sound proper at all! Concerning your roof being sloped towards the house this doesn't sound right as well but again a site visit is necessary to determine both. I highly recommend you call a trusted pro framing or general contractor , Carpenter professional to come to your house to inspect personally. You could call an engineer but this will cost you more money and at this stage any reputable contractor will know once he sees it in person. Whomever you call call if they have

3/17/2018 at 10:36:10 AM

Concerning your beam being cut and your roof sloping towards the house this does not sound good at all but until it is inspected visually on site no one can give you a definite answer. I highly recommend you call a trusted Pro general contractor, framing contractor or license Carpenter to come out and inspect this personally. Once they have you might then need to get a hold of engineer on how to proceed forward.

3/17/2018 at 1:06:59 PM

Thanks for the advice everyone. Yes we do have a building permit for the renovation so that is an option to call for the inspector to do an interim site inspection. At this time we are trying to locate a reputable contractor who can have a look for us or maybe we will have to find an engineer to check it out. I appreciate all the sound advice on this.

3/18/2018 at 12:30:52 AM

Hi Karen: some final thoughts - if you do involve your municipal building inspector he/she should be able to analyze the framing (provided it is visible or known) for compliance with Part 9 of the Code, if it doesn't fall within the scope of the various tables in Part 9 then it could require an engineer (Part 4 of the Code). The Code also describes the 'owner' as being responsible for Code compliance just so you know that by your inspector noting deficiencies it doesn't mean the contractor will be 'required' to repair them even if it was the contractor who pulled the permit. If for whatever reason you don't like getting your municipal inspector involved as a first thought, you should find a reputable general contractor or framer who is familiar with and can lead you through an analysis of the various span tables in the Code. You will probably find there are EXTREMELY few contractors who know their way through the Code book and that most probably don't own one, or at least the current edition.