Windstorm Inspection

[Boomer]

Yikes!

I just discovered that my framer did not put in hurricane ties and windstraps. To make matters (much) worse, the OSB sheathing/roof deck/windows/siding/stone are all on the house and the windstorm inspection was not called in. Discovered it when I was getting set up for framing inspection. Anyone have a good workaround solution? Obviously, I need to get this solved before I call City of Houston to inspect framing. I'm betting this has happened before and there is a reasonable solution that can be implemented to save the day.

I'm all ears!

Boomer in Spring Banch

[RedScare]

Yikes!

I just discovered that my framer did not put in hurricane ties and windstraps. To make matters (much) worse, the OSB sheathing/roof deck/windows/siding/stone are all on the house and the windstorm inspection was not called in. Discovered it when I was getting set up for framing inspection. Anyone have a good workaround solution? Obviously, I need to get this solved before I call City of Houston to inspect framing. I'm betting this has happened before and there is a reasonable solution that can be implemented to save the day.

I'm all ears!

Boomer in Spring Banch

Possibly.

My architect friend works with a guy that had a hurricane tie-down system that replaces the individual straps with a cable that goes over the entire house. It can be retrofitted. A company called Creole Design in the Heights (the same people as Creole Construction) has the franchise for Houston. As long as you have not installed drywall yet, you should be able to get this problem solved without too much problem.

Creole Design's number is (713) 880-3158.

[TJones]

How could you possibly move on to sheathing and decking BEFORE the framing inspection was done ? Who is your supervisor on the build, he should be fired . I am guessing that you are the supervisor?

LOL! not as bad as all that though. It's gonna take a little doing, but I would go up in the attic and put collars around all the framing that joists up to the beams. It will be a bit cumbersome and take more time but you can still get those connectors up in there to join the roof to the walls and vice versa. I wouldn;t pay him a dime to come do the job though. Let him do it first to correct the problem, but I wouldn't let on that he ain't gettin' paid for that screw up. Worst case scenario, I didn't hear you say there were shingles as of yet, so tear the roof decking off too make it a little easier.

Edit: I like Red's idea even better though.

Edited May 27, 2008 by TJones

[Boomer]

Shingles are on. And yes, I am the supervisor! I hired an "experienced" inspector to help me negotiate the inspection minefield. I thought I had sucessfully delegated the worry. I should have just stayed on top of it myself! My framers did good work, but they were not a crew from with City of Houston experience. They work in Montgomery County.

I like Red's idea better too. I have also "heard" there are contractors that specialize in applying Simpson Strong Tie products that would be able to easily install suitable ties and straps.

On the framing inspection, I have my mechanical, plumbing and electrical green tags. I was waiting for those contractors to finish making their messes and brought the framers back in to nail down everything that got knocked loose. I would have been fine if I strapped and tied before the sheathing and deck went on.

Now I'm looking at a retrofit. Thinking about visiting with city to see what they suggest.

Despite this setback, I'm having a blast building the house. My contractors have performed reasonably well except for this snafu.

Edited May 27, 2008 by Boomer

[cgallagher]

You can always put the clips and straps on the inside. In fact people do it regulary because it eliminates doing two windstorm inpsections. At the Rafters and hips, you can use two H2.5 clips attached to the ridge and rafter - one on each side.

The problem you're not going to get around is the nailing pattern on the OSB or plywood sheathing that is now covered up. Maybe you have some pictures that you can show the inspector. Otherwise, you can write a letter to the city absolving them of liability of any future issues that may arise from the nailing pattern on the sheathing. Check with the inspector on this and if he doesn't know, check with his supervisor.

Did the inspector you hired check the nailing pattern on the sheathing? You may be able to submit a letter from him to the city to fix this problem. It will have to have an engineering stamp. Check with his company.

New's flash - You're not the first person to forget to get an inspection. Don't forget there is a brick tie, or stucco lath inspection. And don't forget the prefabbed fireplace inpspection. Also, check your permit. All of the required inspections are listed there.

Why are you blaming the framer? If you have the cornice delivered and you tell him to install it, how could it be his fault? Many framers don't install the clips and straps. This is often done by a separate crew. Was this included in his contract or bid? You did get a detailed quote in writing of course. If anything, this inspector you hired should shoulder the blame.

If the frame inspection is very, very tight and clean, you may help your cause. How is it possible that you could have done the nailing pattern incorrectly, when the quality of your work is so good?

And one last thing. Don't say that you forgot the inspection, you called it in right before you went out of town. The lady taking the call said that the computers were down and she would put it in the system later. You got back in a few days later, and didn't even realize the inspection wasn't done. You are explaining this part in a very irritated tone.

Good luck.

[Boomer]

Thanks, Gallagher!

I have made arrangements for straps and clips on the inside at 34 cents per sq ft. Also, lining up affidavit from inspector about nailing pattern on covered up OSB, if necessary. (but I don't think he has an engineering stamp, I don't know how far that will get me.)

I hired the "inspector" to give me heads up on inspections and indicated to him I was building my first house so I really needed him to keep me straight. He was referred to me by my father-in-law (a craftsman). I should never have delegated the responsibility to stay on top of the inspection process. Anytime I delegate something I seem to get burned.

The framing job appears "tight and clean" to my untrained eye (and my "inspector's" questionable eye) and I've been through three rounds of punchlists with framers to shore it up.

You bring up a good question. I have four feet of cultured stone all the way around the first floor of the house and a large chimney covered in it and (you guessed it) no lathe inspection. I hoping this is not more trouble coming. Wow. This could get ugly.

[cgallagher]

More trouble is coming.

There are good reasons for these inspections. If your eye is untrained and your inspector is incompetent, I would seriously consider hiring an outside engineering company to inspect the rest of the way. Or a regstered builder for that matter.

Things will only get more expensive for you.

[Boomer]

More trouble is coming.

There are good reasons for these inspections. If your eye is untrained and your inspector is incompetent, I would seriously consider hiring an outside engineering company to inspect the rest of the way. Or a regstered builder for that matter.

Things will only get more expensive for you.

Thanks for the advice, but it's not all doom and gloom. Competent craftsmen that do quality work seem to be more valuable than inspectors. I have also seen the some of junk that registered builders churn out and the mark-up they extract on supposedly "high-end" materials. I'll take my chances and keep that extra $50/sq ft in my own pocket and feel good knowing what is actually behind those walls.

I'l be sure to let you know how it goes. What I learn here I will use on the next home I build.

[cgallagher]

I have also seen the some of junk that registered builders churn out and the mark-up they extract on supposedly "high-end" materials.

OK I'll give you that, but you just gave the city two reasons to make you take off the outside walls.

[jscarbor]

Thanks for the advice, but it's not all doom and gloom. Competent craftsmen that do quality work seem to be more valuable than inspectors. I have also seen the some of junk that registered builders churn out and the mark-up they extract on supposedly "high-end" materials. I'll take my chances and keep that extra $50/sq ft in my own pocket and feel good knowing what is actually behind those walls.

I'l be sure to let you know how it goes. What I learn here I will use on the next home I build.

You think builders make $50 per foot?

Yes good quality is a plus but the city does not mess around when it comes to this stuff. Please let us know how it turns out. I hope you can get this staightened out without to much trouble.

Possibly.

My architect friend works with a guy that had a hurricane tie-down system that replaces the individual straps with a cable that goes over the entire house. It can be retrofitted. A company called Creole Design in the Heights (the same people as Creole Construction) has the franchise for Houston. As long as you have not installed drywall yet, you should be able to get this problem solved without too much problem.

Creole Design's number is (713) 880-3158.

I think my brother was showing me this system. Is the guy's name Sam? The only problem I see with this is that you would probably have to get the engineer of record to look at the product and draw something up for you?

[Boomer]

More trouble is coming.

There are good reasons for these inspections. If your eye is untrained and your inspector is incompetent, I would seriously consider hiring an outside engineering company to inspect the rest of the way. Or a regstered builder for that matter.

Things will only get more expensive for you.

Just to keep everyone updated (if anyone's paying attention): Figured out why I was having such a problem. The structural engineer that did my city approved plans DID NOT DO WINDSTORM PLANS. The city just rubber-stamped the plans they were provided by the professional engineer. I am looking at having to retrofit my new house. In addition to straps and ties, there are interior walls, framing and plate anchors that have to be beefed up. Still figuring out how to handle the nail pattern problems without taking down the siding. Another big problem is the columns on my house are done and they need to be strapped to roof structure. I am just going to have to remediate, get past inspection, then submit claim for damages to engineer for malpractice. I'm more than a bit peeved, to say the least.

[RCH99]

Thanks for the advice, but it's not all doom and gloom. Competent craftsmen that do quality work seem to be more valuable than inspectors. I have also seen the some of junk that registered builders churn out and the mark-up they extract on supposedly "high-end" materials. I'll take my chances and keep that extra $50/sq ft in my own pocket and feel good knowing what is actually behind those walls.

I'l be sure to let you know how it goes. What I learn here I will use on the next home I build.

oops.

[jgs1419]

I am just going to have to remediate, get past inspection, then submit claim for damages to engineer for malpractice. I'm more than a bit peeved, to say the least.

Good luck with that. I'm sure it's the engineer's fault that you can't read the code.

While your talking to him, make sure you ask for the brick tie layout plan, the HVAC duct routing plan, the copper wire sizing plan, the PVC connection specification, and the paint feathering details.

[BryanS]

Just to keep everyone updated (if anyone's paying attention): Figured out why I was having such a problem. The structural engineer that did my city approved plans DID NOT DO WINDSTORM PLANS. The city just rubber-stamped the plans they were provided by the professional engineer. I am looking at having to retrofit my new house. In addition to straps and ties, there are interior walls, framing and plate anchors that have to be beefed up. Still figuring out how to handle the nail pattern problems without taking down the siding. Another big problem is the columns on my house are done and they need to be strapped to roof structure. I am just going to have to remediate, get past inspection, then submit claim for damages to engineer for malpractice. I'm more than a bit peeved, to say the least.

Once we get into a good Cat 4, or 5 storm... With 130 mph+ winds... It won't matter anyway. Older homes along the coast, all the way to Galveston - didn't have any type of special reinforcement, hurricane clips, etc. And through all the storms, over the past 50 years - these homes are still here. If the wind blows hard enough... my house, your house, will go bye-bye. And there is nothing we can do about it (short of maybe building it out of concrete-filled cinder block.)

[TJones]

Good luck with that. I'm sure it's the engineer's fault that you can't read the code.

While your talking to him, make sure you ask for the brick tie layout plan, the HVAC duct routing plan, the copper wire sizing plan, the PVC connection specification, and the paint feathering details.

DUDE ! SO harsh, have a little sympathy, just a little, C'mon dude.

Edited July 1, 2008 by TJones

[cgallagher]

Just to keep everyone updated (if anyone's paying attention): Figured out why I was having such a problem. The structural engineer that did my city approved plans DID NOT DO WINDSTORM PLANS. The city just rubber-stamped the plans they were provided by the professional engineer. I am looking at having to retrofit my new house. In addition to straps and ties, there are interior walls, framing and plate anchors that have to be beefed up. Still figuring out how to handle the nail pattern problems without taking down the siding. Another big problem is the columns on my house are done and they need to be strapped to roof structure. I am just going to have to remediate, get past inspection, then submit claim for damages to engineer for malpractice. I'm more than a bit peeved, to say the least.

You'd have more luck suing HGTV for this one.

[Boomer]

Good luck with that. I'm sure it's the engineer's fault that you can't read the code.

While your talking to him, make sure you ask for the brick tie layout plan, the HVAC duct routing plan, the copper wire sizing plan, the PVC connection specification, and the paint feathering details.

He is on the hook when he was specifically retained to submit structural engineering plans compliant with City of Houston building code. The engineer was specifically retained because he is the one who is supposed to be up on the code. But thanks for your "helpful" tips, anyway, Mr. "I love Engineers!".