Professional Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineers in Plymouth, MA

Engineers receive many years of highly specialized education in their respective areas of expertise and are trained to find practical, economical solutions to real world problems. Their education and training teaches them to look beyond just the problem at hand and identify other issues or considerations that might also affect a project. A professional engineer is licensed by the state to practice engineering.

Whether you are working with an architect or a builder, an important first step is to also talk with an engineer who can advise you of the necessary surveying, engineering, and permitting considerations. The particular services necessary for a project can vary widely depending on lot size and zoning district, proximity to wetlands or flood zones, size of an existing house and its setbacks from property lines, location and capacity of an existing septic system, and whether or not the proposed project will have structural implications. Costal Engineering's professional staff has many years of experience and can provide answers to all your questions.

There is no "one size fits all" solution to coastal erosion. Some solutions are more effective than others, but most require ongoing maintenance and upkeep. The most environmentally friendly approach to a stable beach profile is through beach nourishment and natural vegetation. "Soft" solutions, such as coconut fiber rolls, or "hard" solutions, such as a rock revetment, are possible options to protect a property against shoreline erosion but are often difficult to permit and require a long-term commitment to provide beach nourishment. Regardless of the approach, all options should be evaluated before committing to a method of shoreline stabilization.

Your engineer will represent your interests during project construction. On controlled construction projects, inspections by the engineer of record arc mandatory. The engineer will make periodic inspections to assure that the work is being performed in substantial compliance with the drawings and specifications, and will notify you and other appropriate parties if it isn't. Furthermore, you are paying for the project as designed and specified, and retaining an engineer throughout project construction is in your best interest to assure that you will get what you are paying for.

The first floor living space must be above the designated flood elevation, with actual height determined by the federal flood maps of the town you live in. The space below the lowest floor can only be used for building access or storage. However, there can be no basement or crawlspace below the lowest adjacent grade. The building code requires an engineer to design the structure to resist both hydrostatic loads from rising flood waters and lateral loads on the building from hurricane force winds.