RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_ba147ec3-fd79-417b-a55c-071694d199c3 -- Rendered At Sun, 14 Jun 2026 01:56:45 +0000 The Traveling Engineer https://redcircle.com/shows/structural-failure en-US All rights reserved. The structural engineer who leaves the office Garth Haslem, PE, SE You'd think that structural engineers all come in one flavor, right? A generous scoop of nerd with a little bit of calculus sprinkles on top. Well, that's true. But Garth is more of a neapolitan structural guy. He leaves the office and goes to houses where it can be settlement, flooding, landsliding, beams, piers, partition / structural walls, basement stuff, or would-I-be-crazy-if-I-bought-this-place sort of stuff. ba147ec3-fd79-417b-a55c-071694d199c3 Garth Haslem is a structural engineer, licensed in Utah. He has performed structural inspections since 1993. Garth is the structural engineer that will go out to homes, identify problems and then provide solutions. He does settling foundations, cracked walls, sagging beams & headers, damaged structural columns, manufactured homes, damaged rafters, and the list keeps going. He also consults on homes that have been damaged by fire, flood, wind, earthquakes and even explosions. Purchase consults? We do that. Putting a walkout door in your basement? Need a lintel? Yeah we do that. Need structural piers? Maybe you do, and maybe you don't. Let's talk.

]]> episodic no Garth Haslem, PE, SE ghaslem@gmail.com no full Traveling Engineer 67: A lake in the theater room Traveling Engineer 67: A lake in the theater room Garth Haslem, PE, SE Nobody wants things like tot, mold and termites in your basement. Keep your foundation dry and I t will take tare of you

]]> <p>Nobody wants things like tot, mold and termites in your basement. Keep your foundation dry and I t will take tare of you</p> d786317e-adf9-4883-94ec-362ec6025eab http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Tue, 15 Jul 2025 17:23:47 +0000 234 no full Traveling Engineer 66: OMG everywhere Traveling Engineer 66: OMG everywhere Garth Haslem, PE, SE Buckling, cracks and overlong spans - oh my!

When a home is old, chances are good that it wasn't built to today's standards. That's bad enough, but add funky additions by grampa Joe's brother in law and the ravages of time and weather? Now it's getting a bit much. This home needs a capable buyer

]]> <p>Buckling, cracks and overlong spans - oh my!</p><p>When a home is old, chances are good that it wasn&#39;t built to today&#39;s standards. That&#39;s bad enough, but add funky additions by grampa Joe&#39;s brother in law and the ravages of time and weather? Now it&#39;s getting a bit much. This home needs a capable buyer</p> 5e536567-b6e9-4cbc-82c1-eb5f85ffbaa8 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Wed, 26 Feb 2025 03:04:17 +0000 274 no full Traveling Engineer 65: Bad contractors Traveling Engineer 65: Bad contractors Garth Haslem, PE, SE Come contractors are good. Others belong in jail. Here's what to learn from the second kind.

]]> <p>Come contractors are good. Others belong in jail. Here&#39;s what to learn from the second kind. </p> ee59f9b1-49b6-4826-aec2-0e0d39eef0e3 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Mon, 24 Feb 2025 22:31:05 +0000 249 no full Traveling Engineer 64: Tiny house time Traveling Engineer 64: Tiny house time Garth Haslem, PE, SE Ok it was the middle of cactusville. And the tiny home blossomed from 130 Square feet to double that. 18 acres. The dude was pretty interesting though and I enjoyed meeting him. We got him covered with the county

]]> <p>Ok it was the middle of cactusville. And the tiny home blossomed from 130 Square feet to double that. 18 acres. The dude was pretty interesting though and I enjoyed meeting him. We got him covered with the county</p> 22d385c7-07a8-499a-90fc-20377ff82a7d http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:42:05 +0000 282 no full Traveling Engineer 63: Giving to takers? Traveling Engineer 63: Giving to takers? Garth Haslem, PE, SE We all want to serve humanity, even if sometimes it doesn't help our wallet. But sometimes you wonder if you're just enabling a taker. This was one of those moments

]]> <p>We all want to serve humanity, even if sometimes it doesn&#39;t help our wallet. But sometimes you wonder if you&#39;re just enabling a taker. This was one of those moments</p> 17c6ffaa-cf3b-4a55-b147-05df312d8985 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:57:54 +0000 284 no full Traveling Engineer 62: Math in my nerd head Traveling Engineer 62: Math in my nerd head Garth Haslem, PE, SE I had a professor once who could do math in his head. I wanted to be nerdly like that too. Here's how I use that skill now

]]> <p>I had a professor once who could do math in his head. I wanted to be nerdly like that too. Here&#39;s how I use that skill now</p> 7d09e9df-9068-4219-8dae-e94258d5b301 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Thu, 06 Feb 2025 23:15:55 +0000 284 no full Traveling Engineer 61: slab crackery and contractor quackery Traveling Engineer 61: slab crackery and contractor quackery Garth Haslem, PE, SE If the contractor makes you sign a non disparagement clause, what might that tell you about the contractor?

I ruined an agent's day today but protected two of my favorite clients

]]> <p>If the contractor makes you sign a non disparagement clause, what might that tell you about the contractor?</p><p>I ruined an agent&#39;s day today but protected two of my favorite clients</p> 9a57f869-59cf-4158-a149-862c0e3dc8fd http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Thu, 30 Jan 2025 23:57:57 +0000 279 no full Traveling Engineer 60 Horizontal crack in the foundation Traveling Engineer 60 Horizontal crack in the foundation Garth Haslem, PE, SE What does it mean when there is a horizontal crack in the foundation? I'veseem this a lot lately

]]> <p>What does it mean when there is a horizontal crack in the foundation? I&#39;veseem this a lot lately</p> 2681aac2-332d-488f-b2e3-ddb4908df8ff http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Wed, 22 Jan 2025 18:05:20 +0000 156 no full Traveling Engineer 59 That's not structural Traveling Engineer 59 That's not structural Garth Haslem, PE, SE Sometimes I can make a client's day by telling them about what it's nor

]]> <p>Sometimes I can make a client&#39;s day by telling them about what it&#39;s nor</p> 576b5198-985a-4e96-977f-f6fb2ca4407b http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:10:03 +0000 203 no full Traveling Engineer 58 Rafter abuse Traveling Engineer 58 Rafter abuse Garth Haslem, PE, SE When the 70's happened there wasn't as much knowledge as perhaps there should have been. 30 foot span with 4 on 12 pitch and 22 feet on center 2x4s is a formula for uh-oh. Here's what we decided

]]> <p>When the 70&#39;s happened there wasn&#39;t as much knowledge as perhaps there should have been. 30 foot span with 4 on 12 pitch and 22 feet on center 2x4s is a formula for uh-oh. Here&#39;s what we decided </p> c2849464-ae1e-4a45-b0f8-91f81a64a8a7 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 05 Jul 2024 22:32:13 +0000 149 no full Traveling Engineer 57 The gap between wall and roof Traveling Engineer 57 The gap between wall and roof Garth Haslem, PE, SE I got a near panicked call from a commercial property landlord. She said that the wall and ceiling had separated and you could see daylight. Yeah that's frightening. Here's how it went.

]]> <p>I got a near panicked call from a commercial property landlord. She said that the wall and ceiling had separated and you could see daylight. Yeah that&#39;s frightening. Here&#39;s how it went.</p> ab06881b-396c-4ada-b2f2-375197cbef7f http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Thu, 20 Jun 2024 16:36:18 +0000 280 no full Traveling Engineer 56 Cracked foundation Traveling Engineer 56 Cracked foundation Garth Haslem, PE, SE When the foundation is cracked and it's all you can afford, who do you call? Well, me.

]]> <p>When the foundation is cracked and it&#39;s all you can afford, who do you call? Well, me. </p> e45c7747-570e-4a4d-82bc-c11dfe3417f5 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Thu, 13 Jun 2024 18:12:20 +0000 149 no full Traveling Engineer 55 Flooding and the wrong fixes Traveling Engineer 55 Flooding and the wrong fixes Garth Haslem, PE, SE When you're not a home inspector or engineer, sometimes you know that the water in the basement is a problem but you don't know exactly how to fix it. And when the neighbor contributes to the problem, how do you manage that? I helped a woman today.

]]> <p>When you&#39;re not a home inspector or engineer, sometimes you know that the water in the basement is a problem but you don&#39;t know exactly how to fix it. And when the neighbor contributes to the problem, how do you manage that? I helped a woman today.</p> 220c82cc-cc3e-4a05-972f-5c86b3d29e7b http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Tue, 11 Jun 2024 23:36:01 +0000 87 no full Traveling Engineer 56 the old shed Traveling Engineer 56 the old shed Garth Haslem, PE, SE Sometimes cities get grumpy and want 30 year old structures permitted. Here is how I helped the client

]]> <p>Sometimes cities get grumpy and want 30 year old structures permitted. Here is how I helped the client</p> 41973c4b-ed8f-46ae-a083-9573f67da4f5 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 31 May 2024 16:46:30 +0000 102 no full Traveling Engineer 55 Jacks, blocks and beams- oh my! Traveling Engineer 55 Jacks, blocks and beams- oh my! Garth Haslem, PE, SE Sometimes grammar thinks he's fixing problems. And sometimes he is really causing them.

]]> <p>Sometimes grammar thinks he&#39;s fixing problems. And sometimes he is really causing them. </p> 2bcfc4a1-52ac-4482-aa94-3f38b3e0c8b8 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 03 May 2024 16:37:40 +0000 166 no full Traveling Engineer 54 Voids beneath the slab Traveling Engineer 54 Voids beneath the slab Garth Haslem, PE, SE When the slab is supported by nothing besides Air, there is drama. In this case, the soil had settled about a foot.

]]> <p>When the slab is supported by nothing besides Air, there is drama. In this case, the soil had settled about a foot. </p> f1f59aa6-bbd5-42b1-8b7f-e320fff89964 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 03 May 2024 16:31:28 +0000 195 no full Traveling Engineer 53 Revolutionizing the deck building process Traveling Engineer 53 Revolutionizing the deck building process Garth Haslem, PE, SE You gotta love it when someone finds a way to change up the old tried and true. What was the old reliable is now just old. Here is how Deck building is being revolutionized.

]]> <p>You gotta love it when someone finds a way to change up the old tried and true. What was the old reliable is now just old. Here is how Deck building is being revolutionized.</p> df6d01b2-a8e6-43a8-b92c-df2cff53959e http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Wed, 01 May 2024 02:18:56 +0000 134 no full Traveling Engineer 52 when buses attack Traveling Engineer 52 when buses attack Garth Haslem, PE, SE When a bus and a hotel wing collide, both lose. I did a special inspection today where the epic battle occurred

]]> <p>When a bus and a hotel wing collide, both lose. I did a special inspection today where the epic battle occurred</p> e45ea1a5-6473-4e65-bdf4-c3ec029a4516 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Tue, 09 Apr 2024 17:48:44 +0000 90 no full Traveling Engineer 51 A centennial structure Traveling Engineer 51 A centennial structure Garth Haslem, PE, SE When a dude wants to upgrade his shed to something awesome, something you can cross swords with the city and nosy neighbors. I helped this client sort it all out

]]> <p>When a dude wants to upgrade his shed to something awesome, something you can cross swords with the city and nosy neighbors. I helped this client sort it all out</p> 7a5dfbde-b292-40f9-8a7c-846e46c897ac http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Sat, 16 Mar 2024 00:02:34 +0000 218 no full Traveling Engineer 50 rock and mortar meets poor drainage Traveling Engineer 50 rock and mortar meets poor drainage Garth Haslem, PE, SE What happens when rock and mortar meets a heavy 2 story Brick structure, as well as a garden next to the foundation? Well, that would be a 5 to 6 figure Bill.

]]> <p>What happens when rock and mortar meets a heavy 2 story Brick structure, as well as a garden next to the foundation? Well, that would be a 5 to 6 figure Bill. </p> 9c73dfd8-414e-4f0d-9cef-5fd58488211a http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:57:57 +0000 101 no full Traveling Engineer 49 I blew it, but the home owner is thrilled Traveling Engineer 49 I blew it, but the home owner is thrilled Garth Haslem, PE, SE So I ran into a roofer that was, um, interesting. I've made an appointment and then he wanted documents. Lots of them. It ended well for the home owner

]]> <p>So I ran into a roofer that was, um, interesting. I&#39;ve made an appointment and then he wanted documents. Lots of them. It ended well for the home owner</p> f0acc857-9a4e-41ce-9818-9f2200c81bf3 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 01 Mar 2024 18:13:36 +0000 235 no full Traveling Engineer 48 worries and weddings Traveling Engineer 48 worries and weddings Garth Haslem, PE, SE The home is 1952 vintage and done in a modular way. There are cracks and concerns. And...there might be a wedding - oh my! Well, at least I took worry number 1 off the table

]]> <p>The home is 1952 vintage and done in a modular way. There are cracks and concerns. And...there might be a wedding - oh my! Well, at least I took worry number 1 off the table</p> af20513a-0b67-4adb-aeb1-c9faed155853 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Wed, 28 Feb 2024 17:48:24 +0000 215 no full Traveling Engineer 47 stairsteps to heaven Traveling Engineer 47 stairsteps to heaven Garth Haslem, PE, SE Stairstep Cracks can be a sign of structural issues, but sometimes it just means the home has some miles on it

]]> <p>Stairstep Cracks can be a sign of structural issues, but sometimes it just means the home has some miles on it</p> f05bc561-db4d-461e-a63a-535a25d68194 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Tue, 27 Feb 2024 22:40:45 +0000 109 no full Traveling Engineer 46 These are structural cracks, but... Traveling Engineer 46 These are structural cracks, but... Garth Haslem, PE, SE When a structural crack doesn't mean your house is falling, but do mean it's distressed

]]> <p>When a structural crack doesn&#39;t mean your house is falling, but do mean it&#39;s distressed </p> cea2eb02-40ea-4fb9-8556-a7987dbd25ed http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Mon, 19 Feb 2024 21:36:45 +0000 212 no full Traveling Engineer 45 Full service Traveling Engineer 45 Full service Garth Haslem, PE, SE Sometimes a normal inspection isn't very normal. Sometimes it's full service and then a bit more. And then another phone call explaining it again. It's all good

]]> <p>Sometimes a normal inspection isn&#39;t very normal. Sometimes it&#39;s full service and then a bit more. And then another phone call explaining it again. It&#39;s all good</p> c3bac935-2644-4848-95a6-caefcbb1b516 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Sat, 10 Feb 2024 00:33:17 +0000 217 no full Traveling Engineer 44 Party hearty Traveling Engineer 44 Party hearty Garth Haslem, PE, SE Having 150 of your closest friends can put a load on your home's structure. Add a water ptoblem and poor footings, and you might have a problem

]]> <p>Having 150 of your closest friends can put a load on your home&#39;s structure. Add a water ptoblem and poor footings, and you might have a problem</p> 9f35f489-441d-4123-802b-1fa7c9cbe040 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Mon, 29 Jan 2024 22:02:51 +0000 231 no full Traveling Engineer 43 Shelf foundations, block walls and drainage Traveling Engineer 43 Shelf foundations, block walls and drainage Garth Haslem, PE, SE Shelf foundations are the old timer way of doing foundations. Add that to drainage problems and block construction and things get more interesting

]]> <p>Shelf foundations are the old timer way of doing foundations. Add that to drainage problems and block construction and things get more interesting</p> e9939f78-ca4c-4fb7-85bc-89abd03ff67e http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Mon, 29 Jan 2024 20:08:06 +0000 242 no full Traveling Engineer 42 Remodeling after a dishwasher flood Traveling Engineer 42 Remodeling after a dishwasher flood Garth Haslem, PE, SE When the dishwasher floods, sometimes that means it's time for a remodel. I designed a beam and told her about how to avoid issues from mold

]]> <p>When the dishwasher floods, sometimes that means it&#39;s time for a remodel. I designed a beam and told her about how to avoid issues from mold</p> a23e08a3-3ce9-49d3-a831-801dc9f0a721 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 26 Jan 2024 17:41:51 +0000 179 no full Traveling Engineer 41 Enhancing the castle Traveling Engineer 41 Enhancing the castle Garth Haslem, PE, SE Talked to a new friend today. This dude is originally from India and is a mechanical engineer. He's finishing his basement and is putting an external door in the foundation.

]]> <p>Talked to a new friend today. This dude is originally from India and is a mechanical engineer. He&#39;s finishing his basement and is putting an external door in the foundation. </p> 2d01858b-a5ee-4105-81cb-e5909a753090 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Thu, 25 Jan 2024 20:41:23 +0000 159 no full Traveling Engineer 40 Basement finish Traveling Engineer 40 Basement finish Garth Haslem, PE, SE The client needs a basement entry. It needs a lintel, a retaining wall and a stamp. Here is how I saved them thousands

]]> <p>The client needs a basement entry. It needs a lintel, a retaining wall and a stamp. Here is how I saved them thousands</p> 601d78ed-d41f-4fa2-8640-847a824906c3 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:45:02 +0000 147 no full Traveling Engineer 39 Worried homeowner Traveling Engineer 39 Worried homeowner Garth Haslem, PE, SE In this episode, we have a worried homeowner that wanted to know if the crack in his wall between the master bedroom and master bath meant that his home was structurally flawed. The result was good - and I explain why in this quick pod

]]> <p>In this episode, we have a worried homeowner that wanted to know if the crack in his wall between the master bedroom and master bath meant that his home was structurally flawed. The result was good - and I explain why in this quick pod</p> 357130ff-a8b9-4f3e-80b9-e68a0c0a5ad9 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Tue, 16 Jan 2024 00:15:36 +0000 190 no full Traveling Engineer 38 Flipping with steel Traveling Engineer 38 Flipping with steel Garth Haslem, PE, SE Steel is an under utilized building material in residential construction, and when you're opening old homes up, steel can be worth its weight.

]]> <p>Steel is an under utilized building material in residential construction, and when you&#39;re opening old homes up, steel can be worth its weight. </p> b41ff9ec-15e0-405e-857a-ebe7f0ae1f2f http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:10:10 +0000 120 no full Traveling Engineer 37 Built upon the sand Traveling Engineer 37 Built upon the sand Garth Haslem, PE, SE If you're a local, you might have heard a song about a house that was built on sand. Here's a hint: the house doesn't do well. I ran into one of those today. The garage had some issues. The foundation had a number of cracks and the garage walls and ceilings showed separation and shear stresses. Here's what I told the client

]]> <p>If you&#39;re a local, you might have heard a song about a house that was built on sand. Here&#39;s a hint: the house doesn&#39;t do well. I ran into one of those today. The garage had some issues. The foundation had a number of cracks and the garage walls and ceilings showed separation and shear stresses. Here&#39;s what I told the client </p> a3297c7e-ccc8-4258-938f-2935d30b3199 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Thu, 28 Dec 2023 23:57:01 +0000 224 no full Traveling Engineer 36 Structural spears Traveling Engineer 36 Structural spears Garth Haslem, PE, SE Structural piers can solve problems when it's the right situation. When they become spears, that's a big structural problem

]]> <p>Structural piers can solve problems when it&#39;s the right situation. When they become spears, that&#39;s a big structural problem </p> 61814d22-0f2f-4d37-bb13-283f40d98549 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:33:28 +0000 218 no full Traveling Engineer 35 Structural piers Traveling Engineer 35 Structural piers Garth Haslem, PE, SE Sometimes homes on hills can be saved, and sometimes not. This one was good news.

]]> <p>Sometimes homes on hills can be saved, and sometimes not. This one was good news. </p> 43761c5c-3812-4e22-9c03-0fde8f0279b1 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Thu, 07 Dec 2023 22:45:03 +0000 207 no full Traveling Engineer 34 Basement finish Traveling Engineer 34 Basement finish Garth Haslem, PE, SE So the client wants to finish the basement. They want to add a 5 foot window and move a sliding door

]]> <p>So the client wants to finish the basement. They want to add a 5 foot window and move a sliding door</p> 0858d70c-8062-4327-b685-5007c5b1445a http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Wed, 06 Dec 2023 19:23:41 +0000 120 no full Traveling Engineer 33 Crushing rafters Traveling Engineer 33 Crushing rafters Garth Haslem, PE, SE Old house? Need a garage door opener? Beware what you cut when you install the opener

]]> <p>Old house? Need a garage door opener? Beware what you cut when you install the opener</p> 144ba276-b877-4e98-9631-73de0f67a5cb http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Wed, 06 Dec 2023 17:59:54 +0000 175 no full Traveling engineer 32 Legal support Traveling engineer 32 Legal support Garth Haslem, PE, SE What happens when you enter the court room? For starters, the rules change. It's not about if it's broken.

]]> <p>What happens when you enter the court room? For starters, the rules change. It&#39;s not about if it&#39;s broken.</p> eee32859-56d2-417d-b35d-7155fb5700f1 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Wed, 06 Dec 2023 17:57:46 +0000 74 no full Traveling Engineer 31 Failed deck and legal support Traveling Engineer 31 Failed deck and legal support Garth Haslem, PE, SE Today I also did prep work as legal support for a deck related lawsuit. I love doing this

]]> <p>Today I also did prep work as legal support for a deck related lawsuit. I love doing this</p> 26e75b5c-4242-44c8-b5e1-6bc37911e552 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 01 Dec 2023 23:21:15 +0000 111 no full Traveling Engineer 30 Opening it up Traveling Engineer 30 Opening it up Garth Haslem, PE, SE So now project homes start for 900k. Awesome

]]> <p>So now project homes start for 900k. Awesome</p> cf1b30fb-7de1-46ba-93d0-fd7391c2933a http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:26:01 +0000 148 no full Traveling Engineer 29 Structural collapse Traveling Engineer 29 Structural collapse Garth Haslem, PE, SE 1978 was great. That's what they said at graduation, but for construction it really wasn't so awesome. This inspection had a collapsed roof that nearly killed a number of workers

]]> <p>1978 was great. That&#39;s what they said at graduation, but for construction it really wasn&#39;t so awesome. This inspection had a collapsed roof that nearly killed a number of workers</p> 3557f693-414f-47e0-869d-2adb14a10fe3 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:56:19 +0000 370 no full Traveling Engineer 28 Friends Traveling Engineer 28 Friends Garth Haslem, PE, SE What do you do when your beautiful home is beautiful, but has a 90s floor plan? When the interior walls are structural but the home isn't open? And when you can't move?

]]> <p>What do you do when your beautiful home is beautiful, but has a 90s floor plan? When the interior walls are structural but the home isn&#39;t open? And when you can&#39;t move?</p> 20dddbec-deca-468b-876a-c7a23bf72f88 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:43:17 +0000 314 no full Traveling Engineer 27 Fire in a garage Traveling Engineer 27 Fire in a garage Garth Haslem, PE, SE I was hired to assess the structural damage in a garage fire. Here is what I learned

]]> <p>I was hired to assess the structural damage in a garage fire. Here is what I learned</p> a274cf1b-26a8-4312-a266-e3b2f4ee40ab http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:41:40 +0000 167 no full Traveling Engineer 26 Renting the basement Traveling Engineer 26 Renting the basement Garth Haslem, PE, SE It's a trend. My client at noon is renting his basement. So was the client at 10 am. It's that kind of world now. Here's how I helped him move forward on that goal.

]]> <p>It&#39;s a trend. My client at noon is renting his basement. So was the client at 10 am. It&#39;s that kind of world now. Here&#39;s how I helped him move forward on that goal.</p> 60e327f6-03bc-4bf0-8a7d-f6b9bc1d69d0 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 24 Nov 2023 22:13:00 +0000 84 no full Traveling Engineer 25 Workmanship and heat expansion Traveling Engineer 25 Workmanship and heat expansion Garth Haslem, PE, SE Thank goodness for home Inspectors. They are generalists and have to know everything about everything. And thank goodness for the guys who acknowledge that they don't. That's excellent service .

]]> <p>Thank goodness for home Inspectors. They are generalists and have to know everything about everything. And thank goodness for the guys who acknowledge that they don&#39;t. That&#39;s excellent service . </p> 3fb3379a-b0af-412f-b1de-6db10b182051 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 24 Nov 2023 18:02:07 +0000 117 no full Traveling Engineer 24 Stairstep cracks Traveling Engineer 24 Stairstep cracks Garth Haslem, PE, SE Stairstep Cracks in masonry are always unsettling. Here is what I told the client

]]> <p>Stairstep Cracks in masonry are always unsettling. Here is what I told the client</p> 31dbd3d3-8eb7-4049-b1ca-6beea00c5499 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 17 Nov 2023 19:51:56 +0000 191 no full Traveling Engineer 23 Office Warehouse Traveling Engineer 23 Office Warehouse Garth Haslem, PE, SE I visited on office warehouse today. 3100 Sq ft and built in the 50s. Crazy Walls and mazey configurations. What's Structural? We got that answered

]]> <p>I visited on office warehouse today. 3100 Sq ft and built in the 50s. Crazy Walls and mazey configurations. What&#39;s Structural? We got that answered</p> 9508aeab-43cd-4e1d-9876-f2517d9d9719 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Wed, 15 Nov 2023 17:26:50 +0000 148 no full Traveling Engineer 22 Notched joists Traveling Engineer 22 Notched joists Garth Haslem, PE, SE Note to contractors everywhere: stay away from the top and bottom 2 inches of the joist

]]> <p>Note to contractors everywhere: stay away from the top and bottom 2 inches of the joist</p> 2fadb287-1d8b-4815-ae42-09ae23bc1ff0 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Mon, 13 Nov 2023 21:00:14 +0000 103 no full Traveling Engineer 21 Steam room Traveling Engineer 21 Steam room Garth Haslem, PE, SE Sometimes it's about the structural stuff. And sometimes it's about providing greater value

]]> <p>Sometimes it&#39;s about the structural stuff. And sometimes it&#39;s about providing greater value</p> ffee9d71-9bcb-4a8a-9722-99d452f3b2d9 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 10 Nov 2023 17:44:12 +0000 139 no full Traveling Engineer 20 Structural Cracks & drainage Traveling Engineer 20 Structural Cracks & drainage Garth Haslem, PE, SE Sometimes getting the drainage right can save a lot of grief.

]]> <p>Sometimes getting the drainage right can save a lot of grief.</p> a67ca2c7-339c-4b1e-a64e-74d58ed99f94 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 10 Nov 2023 03:13:33 +0000 113 no full Traveling Engineer 19 Sagging Roof and vermiculite Traveling Engineer 19 Sagging Roof and vermiculite Garth Haslem, PE, SE She called me to talk to her about the saggy roof line and falling garage. She didn't like it when I told her there was Asbestos.

]]> <p>She called me to talk to her about the saggy roof line and falling garage. She didn&#39;t like it when I told her there was Asbestos. </p> 7a011853-2c29-4e67-8bc7-7eb3e14abf4d http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:07:51 +0000 156 no full Traveling Engineer 18 The slab and the structure Traveling Engineer 18 The slab and the structure Garth Haslem, PE, SE So I showed up to one of those inexpensive cabins near park City. You know - the 5 million dollar kind. Honestly I have no idea what it sold for. The parties were squabbling about the basement slab. It should have been 4 inches thick and was 2 in at least 1 area. Here's what I told them.

]]> <p>So I showed up to one of those inexpensive cabins near park City. You know - the 5 million dollar kind. Honestly I have no idea what it sold for. The parties were squabbling about the basement slab. It should have been 4 inches thick and was 2 in at least 1 area. Here&#39;s what I told them.</p> bda0e32f-52dd-47cd-bcfb-a68e0653beca http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Wed, 08 Nov 2023 21:20:31 +0000 197 no full Traveling Engineer 17 Partition walls & golf simulator Traveling Engineer 17 Partition walls & golf simulator Garth Haslem, PE, SE My client today wanted to open the space in his master suite and put a golf simulator in the basement. I told him go for it. Nice day for him!

]]> <p>My client today wanted to open the space in his master suite and put a golf simulator in the basement. I told him go for it. Nice day for him!</p> 79881907-a1ab-41ee-ac5a-40117b5e34ec http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Tue, 07 Nov 2023 21:35:40 +0000 219 no full Traveling Engineer 16 Shear wall to the rescue Traveling Engineer 16 Shear wall to the rescue Garth Haslem, PE, SE How to sometimes save a house that's leaning? I discuss that in this episode

]]> <p>How to sometimes save a house that&#39;s leaning? I discuss that in this episode</p> cf92dff7-37df-4dba-950c-557a184f2ead http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Tue, 07 Nov 2023 19:30:49 +0000 218 no full Traveling Engineer 15 Cracked concrete Traveling Engineer 15 Cracked concrete Garth Haslem, PE, SE Sometimes you just need confirmation that you're not crazy when you're buying a house.

]]> <p>Sometimes you just need confirmation that you&#39;re not crazy when you&#39;re buying a house.</p> 473690b3-cd76-4bf2-9de9-497850630881 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:42:33 +0000 131 no full Traveling Engineer 14 Beam me up Traveling Engineer 14 Beam me up Garth Haslem, PE, SE Gotta love 80s homes. This one is very dated but it still cost nearly 1 mill. Structural questions with the stairstep cracks and drainage issues. Then he told me he wanted to open up the space between the kitchen. Here we go

]]> <p>Gotta love 80s homes. This one is very dated but it still cost nearly 1 mill. Structural questions with the stairstep cracks and drainage issues. Then he told me he wanted to open up the space between the kitchen. Here we go</p> 417635c6-4de0-483f-ba86-107d3b9b464b http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 03 Nov 2023 23:21:24 +0000 172 no full Traveling Engineer 13 Saving the 1958 home - and making a bundle Traveling Engineer 13 Saving the 1958 home - and making a bundle Garth Haslem, PE, SE So I did an inspection on a 1958 mess of a home. Super dated, bad condition, but in a great location. This one was complicated, but if you want to make 7 figures on one project, it can't be easy, right?

]]> <p>So I did an inspection on a 1958 mess of a home. Super dated, bad condition, but in a great location. This one was complicated, but if you want to make 7 figures on one project, it can&#39;t be easy, right?</p> 5a02d919-4edf-4236-a4e9-f4b226da6351 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 03 Nov 2023 00:18:08 +0000 193 no full Traveling Engineer 12 Attic ventilation Traveling Engineer 12 Attic ventilation Garth Haslem, PE, SE Um, why is there a pod about attic ventilation? How does that apply to a podcast about structural things?

Well, it's because I was hired to come out and explain to a client why the crack in their ceiling was or was not a structural problem. Turns out it wasn't, and the crack was simply a ventilation problem. At least this time.

]]> <p>Um, why is there a pod about attic ventilation? How does that apply to a podcast about structural things?</p><p>Well, it&#39;s because I was hired to come out and explain to a client why the crack in their ceiling was or was not a structural problem. Turns out it wasn&#39;t, and the crack was simply a ventilation problem. At least this time.</p> 0d5f6211-4d37-42e5-89dd-fcec52a75465 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:05:21 +0000 164 no full Traveling Engineer 11 Horizontal crack in the foundation Traveling Engineer 11 Horizontal crack in the foundation Garth Haslem, PE, SE Even your best neighbor's cousin's uncle will tell you that horizontal cracks in the foundation are the bad ones. Everybody says it so it must be true, right?

Well, that depends on what the cause of the crack is. I run into that today. It didn't turn out too bad.

]]> <p>Even your best neighbor&#39;s cousin&#39;s uncle will tell you that horizontal cracks in the foundation are the bad ones. Everybody says it so it must be true, right?</p><p>Well, that depends on what the cause of the crack is. I run into that today. It didn&#39;t turn out too bad.</p> 1b4c90fe-504c-4acf-9cbc-bc2472db25a3 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:03:36 +0000 172 no full Traveling Engineer 10 Redesign a header Traveling Engineer 10 Redesign a header Garth Haslem, PE, SE Sometimes the client is doing the uze. (How do you spell that anyway? You know, short for usually. Uzh? Uzzz? Youzh? I guess if you're not cool enough to know, you shouldn't uze it).

Anyway, this time the uze is that they're finishing the basement. Fill in this wall with framing, take out that framed structural wall and do a header. That's what we're doing this time. 16 foot span, and it supports a 20 foot long set of joists. Here's that compelling documentary

]]> <p>Sometimes the client is doing the uze. (How do you spell that anyway? You know, short for usually. Uzh? Uzzz? Youzh? I guess if you&#39;re not cool enough to know, you shouldn&#39;t uze it).</p><p>Anyway, this time the uze is that they&#39;re finishing the basement. Fill in this wall with framing, take out that framed structural wall and do a header. That&#39;s what we&#39;re doing this time. 16 foot span, and it supports a 20 foot long set of joists. Here&#39;s that compelling documentary</p> 8299a0cd-44e8-4512-a2c9-bed8356d577b http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Mon, 30 Oct 2023 23:56:07 +0000 227 no full Traveling Engineer 9 Contractors on dope Traveling Engineer 9 Contractors on dope Garth Haslem, PE, SE Today I got called back to a newer home that was screwed up by the contractor. The framers actually put the walls eight inches away from where they should have been. This means that the footing doesn't support the walls above it in areas. Big oops. Here's my assessment.

]]> <p>Today I got called back to a newer home that was screwed up by the contractor. The framers actually put the walls eight inches away from where they should have been. This means that the footing doesn&#39;t support the walls above it in areas. Big oops. Here&#39;s my assessment.</p> e75d605f-9ebc-4417-8188-620d70605b51 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 27 Oct 2023 23:01:47 +0000 130 no full Traveling Engineer 8 Cabins and settlement Traveling Engineer 8 Cabins and settlement Garth Haslem, PE, SE I was called out to a 7000 square foot "cabin" in the mountains near Fairview UT. This hummer had settlement on the front left corner, where the bedrooms are. The area was of course mountainous, and the question is what to do about settlement on that side. Here's my assessment

]]> <p>I was called out to a 7000 square foot &#34;cabin&#34; in the mountains near Fairview UT. This hummer had settlement on the front left corner, where the bedrooms are. The area was of course mountainous, and the question is what to do about settlement on that side. Here&#39;s my assessment</p> be9d164a-23b1-45cb-b7aa-1110820eed05 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 27 Oct 2023 22:58:27 +0000 126 no full Traveling Engineer 7 Adding a basement Traveling Engineer 7 Adding a basement Garth Haslem, PE, SE You would think that it should be easy to convert a crawl space into basement. Not so. Here's one example of why

]]> <p>You would think that it should be easy to convert a crawl space into basement. Not so. Here&#39;s one example of why</p> e30202dd-4259-4c0f-8d90-d1b014567031 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 27 Oct 2023 00:11:02 +0000 167 no full Traveling Engineer 6 Construction goes bad Traveling Engineer 6 Construction goes bad Garth Haslem, PE, SE Sometimes contractors suck. And sometimes it's intentional. Here's how I help those kinds of clients

]]> <p>Sometimes contractors suck. And sometimes it&#39;s intentional. Here&#39;s how I help those kinds of clients</p> 81fdcacc-a101-4bc0-8d7a-1a520a85b539 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Tue, 24 Oct 2023 19:16:08 +0000 222 no full Traveling Engineer 5 No cantilever needed Traveling Engineer 5 No cantilever needed Garth Haslem, PE, SE So I had a customer that called me to check out his house and design a cantilever support

This is for a 1928 bungalow that he is remodeling. After I got there we found that this old lath and plaster wall wasn't structural. No cantilever needed.

]]> <p>So I had a customer that called me to check out his house and design a cantilever support</p><p>This is for a 1928 bungalow that he is remodeling. After I got there we found that this old lath and plaster wall wasn&#39;t structural. No cantilever needed.</p> 5448e1b9-b7e8-4a36-9886-5035d4e8dd50 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:16:02 +0000 200 no full Traveling Engineer 4 Stairstep cracks in a rambler Traveling Engineer 4 Stairstep cracks in a rambler Garth Haslem, PE, SE Got called out on a quick one. The appraiser didn't like the stairstep cracks he saw on a brick and stucco rambler. Should the buyer walk away? I had an answer for that one today.

]]> <p>Got called out on a quick one. The appraiser didn&#39;t like the stairstep cracks he saw on a brick and stucco rambler. Should the buyer walk away? I had an answer for that one today.</p> df8dff1d-0a69-4082-8717-de8e7bac396b http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Sun, 22 Oct 2023 01:21:47 +0000 242 no full Traveling Engineer 3 Shelf basements and sewer lines Traveling Engineer 3 Shelf basements and sewer lines Garth Haslem, PE, SE I had a client that was concerned about the structural condition of his 1920's bungalow. A previous homeowner had run the sewer line through the shelf on the back side of his shelf basement, and left a large hole - to the tune of four to five feet in height. His question was how much of a structural problem would this be? Here's the conclusion I reached.

]]> <p>I had a client that was concerned about the structural condition of his 1920&#39;s bungalow. A previous homeowner had run the sewer line through the shelf on the back side of his shelf basement, and left a large hole - to the tune of four to five feet in height. His question was how much of a structural problem would this be? Here&#39;s the conclusion I reached.</p> b0c5fa32-bc27-4e7f-ac11-ad96d90692aa http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Sat, 21 Oct 2023 19:23:12 +0000 436 no full Traveling Engineer 2 Converting a basement window to a doorway Traveling Engineer 2 Converting a basement window to a doorway Garth Haslem, PE, SE I get a lot of calls from homeowners who want to convert their basement to a rental or something for the ma-in-law. This was a fun one for me to do because the dude was Samoan. I love polynesians - definitely want to be that in my next life. The dude was open to everything I had to say, so I helped him with the tech side of the window conversion, the stairway and the associated soil retaining, and with information about whether to rent short term, long term or somewhere in between (traveling nurses). It was a rewarding inspection for me

]]> <p>I get a lot of calls from homeowners who want to convert their basement to a rental or something for the ma-in-law. This was a fun one for me to do because the dude was Samoan. I love polynesians - definitely want to be that in my next life. The dude was open to everything I had to say, so I helped him with the tech side of the window conversion, the stairway and the associated soil retaining, and with information about whether to rent short term, long term or somewhere in between (traveling nurses). It was a rewarding inspection for me</p> f4ba9f1f-cb30-4227-98d0-c445657b9535 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Fri, 20 Oct 2023 21:57:10 +0000 282 no full Traveling Engineer 1 Attic trusses and structural walls Traveling Engineer 1 Attic trusses and structural walls Garth Haslem, PE, SE Wondering if that wall in your home is structural or a partition wall? So was this client. Here's how the roof type affects that and how this inspection turned out

]]> <p>Wondering if that wall in your home is structural or a partition wall? So was this client. Here&#39;s how the roof type affects that and how this inspection turned out</p> 12cb7cbf-4bc1-4883-a395-7e28284858c5 http://www.crossroadsengineers.com Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:12:04 +0000 368 no