What We Offer
Professional Engineering Services
From permit stamping to full-site civil design, BNE Engineering provides licensed professional services tailored to your project's scope and budget.
Permit Stamping & Approval
Licensed PE stamp and plan review for residential and commercial building permit applications.
- Residential & commercial permits
- Structural drawing review
- Code compliance certification
- ADA Code Compliance
Structural Engineering
Full structural analysis and design for new construction and renovations at every scale.
- Load path analysis
- Steel & timber framing design
- Foundation engineering
- Retaining Wall Design
Construction Observation
On-site verification of construction conformance with approved plans, plus inspection reports and Certificate of Occupancy support.
- Foundation inspections
- Framing observation
- Progress reports
- Certificate of Occupancy letter preparation
Forensic Engineering
Investigation of structural failures, water intrusion, and construction defects with expert reporting and litigation support.
- Failure analysis
- Damage assessment reports
- Engineered Repair Plans
- Insurance claim documentation
Chapter 34 Review
Compliance analysis under MA Building Code Chapter 34 for alterations, repairs, and changes of use in existing buildings.
- Alteration level classification
- Structural compliance evaluation
- Change-of-use analysis
- Building Permit Document Submittals
Exterior Egress Stair Evaluation
Structural evaluation of exterior egress stairs per Massachusetts Building Code (780 CMR) for safe egress and code compliance.
- Structural condition assessment
- Guardrail & handrail compliance
- Corrosion & deterioration analysis
- Remediation recommendations
When Does Chapter 34 Apply?
Chapter 34 of the Massachusetts Building Code governs work on existing buildings — including alterations, repairs, additions, and changes of use. Rather than requiring full compliance with the code for new construction, Chapter 34 provides a practical compliance framework scaled to the scope and nature of the proposed work.
If you are planning renovations to a commercial property, converting a building to a new use, or navigating the permit process for repairs to an older structure, a Chapter 34 review can help identify the applicable compliance path and avoid unnecessary cost or delay. BNE Engineering works with owners, architects, and contractors to evaluate projects under this framework and prepare the documentation needed for permit review.
Exterior Egress Stair Evaluation
Why Are These Evaluations Required?
Under the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), exterior stairs that serve as a required means of egress must undergo periodic structural evaluation by a licensed professional engineer. This requirement applies primarily to multi-family residential buildings, lodging houses, rooming houses, and mixed-use structures where occupants depend on exterior stairs for emergency exit. The purpose is to ensure these critical life-safety components remain structurally adequate and safe for continued use.
What Does the Evaluation Cover?
A comprehensive exterior egress stair evaluation examines every component of the stair assembly. This includes the primary structural framing — stringers, beams, and posts — as well as connections to the building, treads, risers, and landings. Guardrails, handrails, and their attachments are reviewed for both structural integrity and compliance with current code requirements for height, baluster spacing, and load resistance.
When Is an Evaluation Needed?
Municipal building departments across Massachusetts may require a current engineer's report on exterior egress stairs under a number of circumstances — including property sales, refinancing, annual rental licensing, change of occupancy or use, or as part of a periodic inspection program. Without a current report, these transactions or approvals may be delayed or denied.
BNE Engineering performs exterior egress stair evaluations throughout Massachusetts. We prepare the formal engineering report required by your municipality, clearly document any deficiencies with photographs and recommendations, and coordinate with building owners and contractors to ensure repairs are completed correctly and efficiently.
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