Precondition Adjacent Surveys -  NYC, Manhattan, The Boroughs, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island, and New Jersey - Kagaoan Engineering

• Removing large quantities of water from the soil
• Pinning or securing foundations
• Excavating or digging trenches
• Using big machinery near another property, especially if there are structures close by
• Driving piles
• Demolishing structures

When a property owner plans major changes to his or her land or buildings, then inspecting the nearby land and structures before the work helps protect all parties. The engineer will identify what items are on or in each land parcel. For instance, underground parking structures are just as important to check as above-ground ones. 

Depending on the work about to occur, the engineer may need a deeper probe. They may need to enter nearby buildings to see the condition of the interior structural walls and support conditions. They have to check utility substations, the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC condition for each nearby structure. The distance of adjacent properties the engineer needs to check depends on the work. Blasting will need a larger radius of adjacent property checks than using a jackhammer to bust up a sidewalk between two buildings on different parcels. 

When the work is intense enough to cause ground settling, vibrations, or foundation issues, then monitoring may be necessary throughout the work. Reflectors, magnets, and lasers measure any changes. This equipment can alert the team of emergency conditions, massive changes, and minor deviations. The geotechnical engineering team read the data reports and their experience can signal upcoming problems. Seismograph technology is also useful for some of these applications. 

Any wells or water sources should get special attention when digging or blasting. Massive changes can occur causing contamination to these water sources. Incorrect drainage of wet soils can pose other problems, including chemical run-offs. Insurance agents and members of the construction team should never perform these surveys. In court, these people may not be credible witnesses. The courts say there is a bias with these people. 

Before major work begins on a lot, the engineer or team should determine when and how to contact neighbors. Some people may not like the thought of a business sending people to investigate their property. If someone refuses the checks, then the engineering team can get the refusal in writing. Should damage occur, the person refusing the survey may be responsible for damages on their land. 

Honesty and transparency are necessary when communicating and offering adjacent property surveys. How, when, and why the checks are necessary things to tell the other landowners. If there is a hazardous or dangerous situation that could happen, then these people need to know something could happen. If people need to evacuate for certain safety risks, then communication is key to sticking with construction timelines and equipment fees. 

• Structural integrity of floors, walls, ceilings, foundations, and major systems in each structure on adjacent properties
• Utility line locations
• Roof, chimney, vent, and window conditions
• Door placement and operation
• Health and location of hot water tanks, furnaces, air conditioners, ceiling fans, and other structural additions
• Blasting dates and times

Additionally, the engineer will include photos and detailed measurements for each structure, addition, and feature on every land parcel. It is important to use black and white photos and videos with time stamps. After collecting this documentation, the engineer must get the proof to a notary to prove the timing of the survey. This step is critical in case of a lawsuit. 

Anytime a contractor or construction firm gets a contract to perform any work that involves disturbing the soil, it is critical to get a survey first. Precondition surveys protect the work team in the event adjacent property owners refuse the inspection. This checkup is very crucial when there is more than one team of workers operating in the same area. 

An inspection before beginning work prevents the wrong company from monetary or other penalties because of damage claims. For example, the concrete removal crew does not want to end up paying for a problem that happens because of the demolition crew. The surveys show the condition of the property just before the particular team starts work. Additional surveys allow for comparing the results to see which party is responsible for the problem. 

When groundwater and wells are on nearby land or the area for construction, regular checks should go on the calendar to ensure the levels react according to expectations. These continuous monitoring surveys can pinpoint upcoming issues or signal major issues. Permit fees and waiting times can affect the timing of construction and surveys. Engineering specialists understand the complexities of these issues and how to navigate setbacks. Since these professionals work with permitting agencies daily, they understand the fastest routes to get the necessary permits.

To protect companies and landowners, engineers offer necessary and helpful services. An unbiased report of the most vulnerable properties, potential danger zones, and monitoring services are just a few of the ways our team at Kagaoan Engineering can help. With years of in-depth local experience, our team knows the fastest way to get through snags and permit issues. We know where and when to expect issues with trenching, demolitions, and heavy machinery use. 

To protect your company and assets, give Kagaoan Engineering a call before you schedule any work on your property. We can determine the need for a precondition survey and make sure the report lists and documents all vital components for protection. Contact us for a consultation at 516-208-1533 in NYC, NJ, Manhattan, Suffolk County, and other nearby communities. 

Please contact us today.