07/10/2025
๐๐ and our affiliate, ๐๐๐ & ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, conducted a site inspection at Steelhomes Subdivision, Antipolo City, Rizal, regarding an alarming issue with a residentโs house. The information gathered is outlined below:
Building Condition:
โข Located 1-meter away from the edge of Creek
Building History:
โข Purchased from a developer in 2022
โข An extension was added in 2023 to the ground floor, consisting of a living room, kitchen, and bathroom
โข The extension was carried out by a construction company, but no signed and sealed structural plans were provided. Additionally, no professional supervision or inspection was conducted during the construction phase.
Consultation Findings:
Upon conducting the site inspection, we observed multiple issues that can be attributed to poor implementation during the construction phase.
โข Dilating Gap Between Wall & Column, and Floor Slab - The widening of gap appears to be caused by improper soil compaction, resulting in differential settlement. Consequently, the newly constructed extension is gradually drifting away from the original structure. We also noticed that the retaining wall used to support the backfill was mere hollow blocks without plastering and weep holes. This design likely allowed water retention in the soil which contributes to settlement.
โข High Humidity - The building lacks sufficient ventilation, leading to trapped moisture from daily household activities and external weather conditions. This prolonged entrapment contributes to high humidity levels indoors.
โข Cracks, Sagging, and Leakage in the Ceiling - These issues are correlated with the settlement of the soil beneath the extension. As the structure drifts, it creates separation from the original building. Furthermore, the ceiling has absorbed moisture, particularly during the rainy season which adding weight to the ceiling materials. Over time, this has caused sagging, cracking, and leakage.
Conclusion: The identified problems are primarily due to inadequate construction practices, absence of structural planning and supervision, and inadequacy of materials used. Settlement and moisture accumulation are the key factors contributing to the structural and indoor issues observed.
Wise Tips to Anticipate and to Avoid Future Problems Like This:
1. Always consult experts or professionals before constructing a building.
2. When dealing with a contractor, require a complete set of plans signed and sealed by licensed engineers for future reference and accountability.
3. Conduct a soil test to determine if the soil is suitable for construction or if it needs to be replaced with engineered soil.
4. Always hire engineers to inspect and monitor your house during the construction phase, hence, plans will be strictly implemented.
Contact us for inquiries and discover how our engineering services can work for you.
โ๏ธ : [email protected]
๐ฑ : 09365230954
Explore more of our engineering services below:
1. Consultancy
2. Structural Analysis and Design
3. Value Engineering
4. As-built
5. Project Layout and Survey
6. Expert Witness
7. Structural Estimate
We are committed to delivering our service with utmost integrity. Thank you, Ma'am, for trusting HC Engineering and Design.
"๐๐๐ก๐ช๐ ๐๐ฃ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฎ ๐ฟ๐๐จ๐๐๐ฃ & ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ฉ๐จ ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ