Questions people bring to Aspenwell
Short answers on foundations, retrofits, remodels and how a quote is put together.
Foundations and retrofits
We drill through the sill plate into the concrete and set anchor bolts or retrofit plates along its length. The goal is to keep the frame from sliding off the foundation when the ground moves sideways.
Cripple walls are the short stud walls between a raised foundation and the first floor. Bracing means nailing plywood to them in a set pattern so they stay upright when the house is pushed sideways.
Not always. Thin cracks from concrete shrinkage are common and often harmless. Cracks that widen, step, run through the footing or come with sticking doors and sloping floors are worth an inspection.
Remodels and additions
It depends on the footing size, the soil and the framing below. An engineer runs the numbers, and the plans show any footing work the added floor needs.
We find out first whether it carries load. If it does, the plans call for a beam, posts at each end and footings under those posts, and we build the support before the wall comes out.
Yes. We remodel kitchens and bathrooms and check the subfloor and framing under them as part of the plan.
Permits and quotes
We prepare the permit set with the designer or engineer and submit it to the building department for the city the house is in. Inspections follow at each stage the permit lists.
The scope line by line, with structural items listed apart from the finishes, and notes on where engineering and permits apply.
Only for the ADU plans package. Every other job is quoted in writing after we have seen the structure.
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