Maintaining Ethical Practices in Foundation Repair Services

Maintaining Ethical Practices in Foundation Repair Services

* Importance of transparency in residential foundation assessments and repair proposals.


Foundation repair. Uneven floors may signal structural instability requiring professional repair service foundation crack repair service near me interior design. Just hearing those words can send shivers down a homeowner's spine. It's often a significant investment, and frankly, most people don't understand the complexities involved. That's where transparency becomes absolutely crucial. When we talk about ethical practices in foundation repair, the importance of transparent assessments and repair proposals can't be overstated. It's the bedrock, quite literally, of building trust and ensuring fair dealing.

Imagine being told your foundation is failing, but you're not given a clear explanation of *why*. Imagine receiving a repair proposal filled with technical jargon you can't decipher, and a price tag that seems plucked from thin air. That's a recipe for anxiety and potential exploitation.

Transparency, on the other hand, means providing homeowners with a clear, understandable picture of their foundation's condition. It means explaining the assessment process, outlining the specific problems identified, and detailing the proposed repair solutions in plain language. It means providing photographic or video evidence to support findings, allowing homeowners to *see* the issues for themselves.

A transparent repair proposal goes beyond just a quote. It breaks down the scope of work, itemizes costs, explains the materials being used, and outlines the timeline for completion. It also clearly states any potential risks or challenges that might arise during the repair process. This level of detail empowers homeowners to make informed decisions, compare bids fairly, and feel confident that they're getting a trustworthy service.

Ultimately, transparency fosters a sense of partnership between the homeowner and the repair professional. It demonstrates respect, builds confidence, and helps to alleviate the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies foundation repair. In an industry where expertise can be intimidating and trust is paramount, transparency isn't just a good practice – it's an ethical imperative. It's about treating homeowners with honesty and integrity, ensuring they understand the problem and the proposed solution, and empowering them to protect their most valuable asset: their home.

* Avoiding unnecessary repairs and upselling to homeowners.


Let's be real, nobody wants to feel like they're being taken for a ride, especially when it comes to something as crucial as their home's foundation. We're talking about the very thing holding everything up! So, when we talk about ethical practices in foundation repair, one of the biggest things that comes to mind is sidestepping unnecessary repairs and that whole upselling game.

Think about it: a homeowner is already stressed, probably worried sick about cracks in their walls or a sinking corner. They're trusting you, the foundation expert, to give them an honest assessment. The last thing they need is to be told they need a full foundation replacement when a simple repair would do the trick. That's just preying on their fear and lack of knowledge.

And the upselling? Oh, the upselling. It's like, "Well, we can fix this crack, but for just a little more, we can also waterproof your basement, install a sump pump with a backup generator, and throw in a free air freshener!" Sure, maybe some of those things are helpful, but pushing services a homeowner doesn't genuinely need is just plain wrong. It erodes trust, makes the whole industry look bad, and ultimately, it's just bad business. Word gets around, you know?

Instead, the ethical approach is simple: be honest. Explain the problem clearly, offer the most cost-effective solution that actually solves the issue, and only suggest additional services if they're truly necessary and beneficial to the homeowner. It's about building a relationship based on trust and providing real value, not just padding your bottom line. At the end of the day, doing the right thing is not only good for your conscience, it's good for your business.

* Adhering to building codes and safety regulations during foundation repair work.


Okay, so we're talking about ethics, right? And specifically, keeping things above board when we're messing with something as crucial as a building's foundation. Think about it – the foundation is literally what everything else rests on. Cutting corners there? That's not just bad business, it's a recipe for disaster.

Adhering to building codes and safety regulations isn't just some bureaucratic hoop to jump through. It's the baseline for doing the job right, and doing it safely. These codes exist for a reason: to protect people, property, and the integrity of the structure itself. When a foundation repair company ignores these guidelines, maybe to save a few bucks or speed up the process, they're putting people at risk. Think about potential collapses, long-term structural damage, or even health hazards from improperly sealed foundations.

Ethically, it's a matter of responsibility. A reputable foundation repair service understands that they're not just patching cracks; they're safeguarding homes and buildings. That means having a deep understanding of local codes, staying up-to-date on best practices, and prioritizing safety in every aspect of the job. It means using the right materials, following proper procedures, and ensuring that the finished work meets or exceeds the required standards.

It's also about transparency with the client. Explaining the necessary repairs, outlining the code requirements that are being met, and answering questions honestly builds trust. It's a far cry from hiding shortcuts or downplaying potential problems to get the job done quickly. In the end, adherence to codes and regulations is a cornerstone of ethical foundation repair, demonstrating a commitment to quality, safety, and the well-being of the community. It's about doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.

* Proper disposal of construction waste and environmental responsibility.


Okay, so we're talking about doing the right thing in foundation repair, and a big part of that right thing is how we handle the mess we make. I mean, think about it: foundation work creates a lot of waste. Concrete chunks, busted brick, excavated soil – it's a messy business. And just hauling it all to the nearest landfill? That's not exactly a badge of environmental honor.

Proper disposal of construction waste and environmental responsibility, it's more than just good PR. It's about acknowledging that we're part of a bigger ecosystem. It's about saying, "Hey, we're fixing homes, but we're also committed to not trashing the planet in the process." This could mean things like sorting waste to recycle materials like metal or concrete. Maybe it means partnering with a local recycling center or finding creative ways to reuse excavated soil on-site, if possible.

And honestly, it's about showing respect. Respect for the homeowner, respect for the neighborhood, and respect for future generations. If a company is cutting corners on waste disposal, what other corners are they cutting? Are they using the cheapest, potentially harmful materials? Are they properly containing dust and debris during the project?

Ultimately, environmental responsibility is woven into ethical practice. It's not just a separate checkbox; it's part of the whole package. A truly ethical foundation repair service understands that building a solid foundation for a home shouldn't come at the expense of degrading the environment around it. It's about building a sustainable foundation, in every sense of the word. So, when you're choosing a company, ask about their waste disposal practices. It's a good indicator of their overall commitment to doing things the right way.

* Maintaining honest and clear communication with clients throughout the repair process.


Maintaining Ethical Practices in Foundation Repair Services hinges on many things, but at its heart lies honesty and transparency, especially when communicating with clients. Think about it from their perspective: they're already stressed about the stability of their home, often their biggest investment. Discovering foundation problems is scary, and navigating the repair process can feel overwhelming. That's where we, as service providers, have a profound ethical obligation to be clear and honest.

It's not enough to just technically explain the issues; we need to communicate in a way the client understands. Jargon and complex engineering terms can create confusion and mistrust. Instead, we should use plain language, visual aids, and be patient in answering their questions. We need to fully explain the diagnosis, the proposed repair plan, the associated costs, and the potential timelines involved. And, crucially, we need to be honest about the uncertainties. Foundation repair isn't always an exact science, and sometimes unforeseen issues arise. Acknowledging this upfront, rather than hiding behind vague promises, builds trust.

Furthermore, maintaining open communication throughout the repair process is vital. Regular updates, even when there's no major progress to report, keep the client informed and involved. Being readily available to answer questions and address concerns demonstrates respect and commitment. This proactive approach can alleviate anxiety and foster a collaborative relationship, turning a stressful situation into a manageable one. In the end, honest and clear communication isn't just good business; it's the ethical foundation upon which trust and lasting client relationships are built.

* Handling customer complaints and disputes fairly and ethically.


Handling customer complaints and disputes fairly and ethically is really at the heart of maintaining ethical practices in any business, but especially in foundation repair. Think about it: you're dealing with people's homes, their security, often their biggest investment. When something goes wrong – and let's be honest, sometimes things do, even with the best intentions – emotions run high.

It's tempting, when facing a complaint, to get defensive, to point fingers, to protect the company's bottom line. But that's precisely where ethical practices come in. Fairly addressing complaints means truly listening to the customer's concerns, not just hearing them. It means investigating thoroughly, being honest about what went wrong (if anything), and offering reasonable solutions.

Ethical handling also demands transparency. No jargon, no hidden clauses, just plain English explanations of the situation and the proposed remedy. And it absolutely means avoiding deceptive practices. Don't try to downplay the problem, don't offer a quick fix that you know won't last, and don't try to bully or intimidate the customer into accepting something they're not comfortable with.

Ultimately, handling complaints and disputes fairly and ethically isn't just about avoiding lawsuits or bad reviews. It's about building trust. It's about showing your customers that you value their business and that you're committed to doing the right thing, even when it's difficult. That kind of integrity builds a reputation that no amount of advertising can buy. And in the foundation repair business, where trust is paramount, that reputation is everything.

* Ensuring qualified and trained personnel are performing the foundation repairs.


When we talk about ethical foundation repair, it's not just about using the right materials or offering fair prices. It's also fundamentally about who's actually doing the work. Think about it: your home's foundation is literally the thing holding everything else up. Entrusting that repair to someone unqualified, someone who hasn't been properly trained, is a recipe for disaster. It's like having someone who's only watched a YouTube video try to perform surgery. You wouldn't want that, right?

Ensuring qualified and trained personnel are performing the repairs is paramount. These folks need to understand the specific soil conditions, the structural integrity of your home, and the best techniques for addressing the issues. They need to be able to diagnose problems accurately and implement solutions effectively. Without that expertise, you're risking further damage, costly rework, and potentially even compromising the safety of your home and family. So, ethical practice isn't just about intent; it's about competence. It's about making sure the people you hire have the skills and knowledge to do the job right, protecting your investment and ensuring long-term stability. It's about prioritizing expertise and training over cutting corners.

* Protecting client confidentiality and data privacy.


Okay, so we're talking about foundation repair, right? It's a business built on trust. People are letting you into their homes, sharing vulnerable information about structural problems, and handing over potentially huge sums of money. That trust hinges, in large part, on how seriously we take protecting their confidentiality and data privacy.

Think about it. We're often privy to personal details: family situations, financial anxieties, maybe even home security quirks. This isn't information we're entitled to share, gossip about, or, heaven forbid, exploit. It's entrusted to us, and we have a moral and ethical obligation to keep it safe.

Data privacy is another crucial piece of the puzzle. In today's world, we collect customer information digitally – names, addresses, phone numbers, payment details. A data breach, even unintentional, can have devastating consequences for our clients, exposing them to identity theft, scams, and a whole host of other problems.

Maintaining ethical practices means having robust systems in place to protect this data. It means training our employees to be vigilant about security. It means being transparent with clients about how we collect, use, and safeguard their information. It means treating their data with the same respect we'd want our own data to be treated.

Ultimately, protecting client confidentiality and data privacy isn't just about avoiding legal trouble or negative PR. It's about building strong, lasting relationships with our clients, fostering a reputation for integrity, and doing what's right. It's about recognizing that people are trusting us with more than just their foundations; they're trusting us with their peace of mind. And that's a responsibility we need to take seriously.



 

Hoffman Estates is located in Illinois
Hoffman Estates
Hoffman Estates
 
Hoffman Estates is located in the United States
Hoffman Estates
Hoffman Estates
 
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Village
Hoffman Estates scenery
Hoffman Estates scenery
Flag of Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Official seal of Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Motto: 
"Growing to Greatness"
Location of Hoffman Estates in Cook County, Illinois
Location of Hoffman Estates in Cook County, Illinois
Hoffman Estates is located in Chicago metropolitan area
Hoffman Estates
Hoffman Estates
 

Coordinates: 42°03′50″N 88°08′49″W / 42.06389°N 88.14694°W / 42.06389; -88.14694CountryUnited StatesStateIllinoisCountiesCookTownshipsSchaumburg, Palatine, Hanover, BarringtonIncorporated1959 (village)Government

 

 • MayorWilliam D. McLeod[citation needed] • Village ManagerEric J. Palm[citation needed]Area

[1]
 • Total

21.25 sq mi (55.03 km2) • Land21.07 sq mi (54.56 km2) • Water0.18 sq mi (0.47 km2)  0.86%Elevation

[2]

824 ft (251 m)Population

 (2020)
 • Total

52,530 • Density2,493.71/sq mi (962.82/km2)Zip Code

60169, 60010, 60192

Area code(s)847 / 224FIPS code17-35411GNIS feature ID2398519[2]Websitewww.hoffmanestates.org

Hoffman Estates is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. It is a suburb of Chicago. Per the 2020 census, the population was 52,530.[3]

The village previously served as the headquarters for Sears and is one of the American headquarters for Mori Seiki. Now Arena, home of the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League is part of the village. Between 2006 and 2009, the village hosted the Heartland International Tattoo, one of the largest music and dance festivals of its kind in the Midwest.

History

[edit]
Sunderlage Farm Smokehouse[4](National Register of Historic Places) in Hoffman Estates

Prior to the 1940s, German settlers moved into the area west of Roselle Road and north of Golf Road, then known as Wildcat Grove. The area was sparsely populated until farmers purchased land in the area in the 1940s.

In 1954, Sam and Jack Hoffman, owners of a father-son owned construction company, bought 160 acres of land in the area.[5] The pair constructed homes and began the development of the region which now bears their name. As residents moved in, they voted to incorporate the area, and the Village of Hoffman Estates was incorporated on September 23, 1959.[6][5][7] In 1973, six former town officials, including mayors Edward F. Pinger (1959−1965) and Roy L. Jenkins (1965−1969) were indicted on bribery and tax charges.[8]

Once the Northwest Tollway opened, Schaumburg Township became more attractive to Chicago commuters. In the early 1960s, land annexations north of the tollway and in other neighboring regions more than doubled Hoffman Estates' land area.[9]

The opening of the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg to the east in 1971 made the area a major business center. An attempt to change the name of the village to East Barrington, among other names, was made in the early 1980s but failed upon a residential vote.[10]

In the 1990s, the Prairie Stone Business Park began development. This 750-acre (3.0 km2) planned multi-purpose business park[11] is bounded by Illinois Route 59 on the east, Interstate 90 on the south, Illinois Route 72 on the north, and Beverly Road on the west. The business park came to fruition in 1993 when Sears, Roebuck and Company relocated from the Sears Tower in Chicago to a sprawling headquarters in the northwest part of Prairie Stone.[12][11] That was followed in by Indramat and Quest International, which in 1995 also opened facilities in the park.[13][14][15] Throughout the 1990s, a health and wellness center and child care facility were developed, as well as other smaller office buildings, and a branch of Northern Illinois University. Development of the business park is still ongoing, and recent additions in the 2000s include the 11,000-seat Now Arena; office buildings for Serta, WT Engineering, I-CAR, and Mary Kay; a Cabela's outdoor outfitters store; a 295-room Marriott hotel; and the 400,000-square-foot (37,000 m2) Poplar Creek Crossing Retail Center, which is anchored by Target and numerous other big-box retailers. Future development will include further office buildings and retail development, Sun Island Hotel and Water Park, an amphitheater, and restaurants.

In 2011, the Village of Hoffman Estates took over ownership of the Now Arena.[16] On June 23, 2020, the Village of Hoffman Estates approved an $11.5 million deal to rename the Sears Centre Arena to the "NOW Arena".[17]

In the fall of 2016, papers and artifacts from President Barack Obama's administration began to arrive in town, where they are being stored in a building on Golf Road. The site is their temporary home while construction takes place on the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, Chicago, and is not open to the public.[18]

In January 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the second U.S. case of COVID-19 in a Hoffman Estates resident. The patient, a woman in her 60s returning from Wuhan, China, was treated at St. Alexius Medical Center.[19] Her husband was later infected in the first case of human-to-human transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the United States.[20]

Geography

[edit]

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Hoffman Estates has a total area of 21.25 square miles (55.04 km2), of which 21.07 square miles (54.57 km2) (or 99.15%) is land and 0.18 square miles (0.47 km2) (or 0.85%) is water.[21]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
Census Pop. Note
1960 8,296  
1970 22,238   168.1%
1980 37,272   67.6%
1990 46,363   24.4%
2000 49,495   6.8%
2010 51,895   4.8%
2020 52,530   1.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[22]
2010[23] 2020[24]
Hoffman Estates village, Illinois – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[25] Pop 2010[23] Pop 2020[24] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 33,789 29,357 26,014 68.27% 56.57% 49.52%
Black or African American alone (NH) 2,141 2,393 2,472 4.33% 4.61% 4.71%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 54 60 69 0.11% 0.12% 0.13%
Asian alone (NH) 7,429 11,701 13,733 15.01% 22.55% 26.14%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 10 4 2 0.02% 0.01% 0.00%
Other race alone (NH) 73 70 183 0.15% 0.13% 0.35%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 801 1,013 1,579 1.62% 1.95% 3.01%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 5,198 7,297 8,478 10.50% 14.06% 16.14%
Total 49,495 51,895 52,350 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

As of the 2020 census[26] there were 52,530 people, 18,110 households, and 14,048 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,472.58 inhabitants per square mile (954.67/km2). There were 19,160 housing units at an average density of 901.86 per square mile (348.21/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 52.08% White, 26.26% Asian, 4.87% African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 7.51% from other races, and 8.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.14% of the population.

There were 18,110 households, out of which 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.71% were married couples living together, 11.97% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.43% were non-families. 18.07% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.43% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.16 and the average family size was 2.77.

The village's age distribution consisted of 23.1% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 28.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $92,423, and the median income for a family was $103,641. Males had a median income of $56,210 versus $42,288 for females. The per capita income for the village was $40,016. About 3.3% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.9% of those under age 18 and 3.5% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

[edit]

Employers

[edit]

Many Japanese companies have their U.S. headquarters in Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg[27] but the largest employers in Hoffman Estates as of 2023[28] are:

No. Employer No. of employees
1 St. Alexius Medical Center 2,500
2 Siemens Medical Systems 400
3 Claire's[29] 400
4 Village of Hoffman Estates 370
5 FANUC America[30] 350
6 Vistex 350
7 Leopardo Companies, Inc. 300
8 Wells Fargo 300
9 The Salvation Army 270
10 Tate & Lyle 220

Education

[edit]

The village is served by several public school districts. The majority of residents who live in Schaumburg Township attend:

  • Township High School District 211 (9–12)[31]
  • Community Consolidated School District 54 (K–8)[32]

North Hoffman Estates (north of I-90) residents are served by:

  • Township High School District 211
  • Community Consolidated School District 15 (K–8)[33] (East of Huntington Blvd)
  • Barrington School District 220 (K–12) (Unit District) (West of Huntington Blvd).[34]

Residents west of Barrington Road primarily attend Unit School District, Elgin Area U46.

High schools

[edit]

Schools located in the Hoffman Estates village limits:

  • Hoffman Estates High School
  • James B. Conant High School

Other high schools in the same township high school district:

  • Schaumburg High School
  • William Fremd High School
  • Palatine High School

Community college

[edit]

Most of the village is served by Harper College Community College District 512.

Miscellaneous education

[edit]

The Xilin Northwest Chinese School (simplified Chinese: 希林西北中文学校; traditional Chinese: 希林西北中文學校; pinyin: XÄ«lín XÄ«bÄ›i Zhōngwén Xuéxiào) holds its classes at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates.[35] It serves grades preschool through 12.[36] The school predominately serves mainland Chinese families. In 2003 the school held its classes in Palatine High School in Palatine. In 2000 the school had served around 300 students. This figure increased almost by 100%, to almost 600 students. This made it one of the largest of the Chinese schools in the Chicago area.[37]

Library

[edit]
  • Barrington Area Library
  • Schaumburg Township District Library
  • Gail Borden Public Library District
  • Palatine Township Library

Sister city

[edit]

Hoffman Estates has one sister city:[38]

  • Angoulême, Charente, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Transportation

[edit]

Pace provides bus service on multiple routes connecting Hoffman Estates to Elgin, Rosemont, and other destinations.[39]

Notable people

[edit]
  • Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Senator from Illinois (2016–present)[40]
  • Rob Valentino (b. 1985), former soccer player who is an assistant coach for Atlanta United[41]
  • William Beckett, lead singer of the band The Academy Is...

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
  3. ^ "Hoffman Estates village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
  4. ^ "The Sunderlage Smokehouse: Hoffman Eestates' National Register Landmark". History of Schaumburg Township: A Blog of the Schaumburg Township District Library. February 21, 2010. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  5. ^ a b Collins, Catherine (August 24, 1986). "Hoffman Estates Plans a Revamp of Future Image". Chicago Tribune.
  6. ^ "Hoffman Estates, IL". The Encyclopedia of Chicago. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  7. ^ "HR0614 96th General Assembly". State of Illinois.
  8. ^ Davis, Robert (October 27, 1973). "U.S. indicts builder, seven ex-officials in suburb bribe". Chicago Tribune.
  9. ^ "History of Hoffman Estates". Village of Hoffman Estates. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  10. ^ "Name history of Hoffman Estates". Falcon Living. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  11. ^ a b Sulski, Jim (May 11, 2000). "Versatile Network Brings Workers to Prairie Stone Business Park". Chicago Tribune.
  12. ^ Bernstein, David (May 16, 2020). "The Sears Headquarters Deal Cost Taxpayers $500 Million. 30 Years Later, There's Little to Show for It". ProPublica.
  13. ^ Russis, Martha (December 28, 1994). "PRAIRIE STONE GETS ELECTRONIC FIRM FOR TENANT". Chicago Tribune.
  14. ^ Kerch, Steve (October 30, 1994). "GETTING THE NOD". Chicago Tribune.
  15. ^ "Village of Hoffman Estates: History of Hoffman Estates". Hoffmanestates.com. Archived from the original on May 11, 2012. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  16. ^ Manson, Ken (December 23, 2009). "Suburb takes over Sears Centre". Chicago Tribune.
  17. ^ Zumbach, Lauren (June 23, 2020). "Sears name disappearing from another Chicago-area building. Hoffman Estates arena gets a new name this fall". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  18. ^ Skiba, Katherine (October 21, 2016). "Military Soon to Start Moving Obama's Papers to Hoffman Estates". Chicago Tribune. Washington DC. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  19. ^ "Coronavirus Confirmed In Chicago; Woman In Her 60s Being Treated For Symptoms". CBS Chicago. Chicago. January 24, 2020. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  20. ^ Hauck, Grace (January 30, 2020). "Chicago man is first US case of person-to-person coronavirus spread". USA Today. Chicago. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  21. ^ "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  22. ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". US Census Bureau.
  23. ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Hoffman Estates village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau.
  24. ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) –Hoffman Estates village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau.
  25. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Hoffman Estates village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau.
  26. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  27. ^ Selvam, Ashok. "Asian population booming in suburbs". Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois). March 6, 2011. Retrieved on June 19, 2013.
  28. ^ "Village of Hoffman Estates Comprehensive Annual Financial Report". June 25, 2024.
  29. ^ " FAQ Archived July 13, 2014, at the Wayback Machine." Claire's. Retrieved on December 25, 2011. "Claire’s Stores, Inc. has its investor relations and customer service located in Pembroke Pines , Florida . The buying, marketing and distribution offices are located in Hoffman Estates, a suburb of Chicago . Please visit Contact Us if you would like to send correspondence to our corporate headquarters."
  30. ^ "Village of Hoffman Estates Top Employers". Hoffmanestates.org. March 21, 2012. Archived from the original on April 22, 2012. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  31. ^ "d211.org". d211.org. Archived from the original on May 4, 2012. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  32. ^ "sd54.k12.il.us". sd54.k12.il.us. April 19, 2012. Archived from the original on February 1, 1998. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  33. ^ "ccsd15.net". ccsd15.net. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  34. ^ "cusd220.lake.k12.il.us". cusd220.lake.k12.il.us. Archived from the original on July 3, 2006. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  35. ^ "School Location." Northwest Xilin Chinese School. Retrieved on February 24, 2014. "School Address 700 East Cougar Trail,Hoffman Estates,IL 60194 Located at Conant High School campus."
  36. ^ "About Us." Northwest Xilin Chinese School. Retrieved on February 24, 2014.
  37. ^ Ray, Tiffany. "Schools connect students to China." Chicago Tribune. March 2, 2003. Retrieved on February 24, 2014.
  38. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on April 5, 2017. Retrieved April 4, 2017.cite web: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  39. ^ "RTA System Map" (PDF). Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  40. ^ "Endorsement: Duckworth for U.S. Senate". Daily Herald. October 8, 2022.
  41. ^ "Rob Valentino Biography". ESPN. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
[edit]
  • Village of Hoffman Estates official website

 

A load-bearing wall or bearing wall is a wall that is an active structural element of a building, which holds the weight of the elements above it, by conducting its weight to a foundation structure below it.

Load-bearing walls are one of the earliest forms of construction. The development of the flying buttress in Gothic architecture allowed structures to maintain an open interior space, transferring more weight to the buttresses instead of to central bearing walls. In housing, load-bearing walls are most common in the light construction method known as "platform framing". In the birth of the skyscraper era, the concurrent rise of steel as a more suitable framing system first designed by William Le Baron Jenney, and the limitations of load-bearing construction in large buildings, led to a decline in the use of load-bearing walls in large-scale commercial structures.

Description

[edit]

A load-bearing wall or bearing wall is a wall that is an active structural element of a building — that is, it bears the weight of the elements above said wall, resting upon it by conducting its weight to a foundation structure.[1] The materials most often used to construct load-bearing walls in large buildings are concrete, block, or brick. By contrast, a curtain wall provides no significant structural support beyond what is necessary to bear its own materials or conduct such loads to a bearing wall.[2]

History

[edit]

Load-bearing walls are one of the earliest forms of construction.[3] The development of the flying buttress in Gothic architecture allowed structures to maintain an open interior space, transferring more weight to the buttresses instead of to central bearing walls. The Notre Dame Cathedral is an example of a load-bearing wall structure with flying buttresses.[4]

Application

[edit]

Depending on the type of building and the number of floors, load-bearing walls are gauged to the appropriate thickness to carry the weight above them. Without doing so, it is possible that an outer wall could become unstable if the load exceeds the strength of the material used, potentially leading to the collapse of the structure. The primary function of this wall is to enclose or divide space of the building to make it more functional and useful. It provides privacy, affords security, and gives protection against heat, cold, sun or rain.[5]

Housing

[edit]

In housing, load-bearing walls are most common in the light construction method known as "platform framing", and each load-bearing wall sits on a wall sill plate which is mated to the lowest base plate. The sills are bolted to the masonry or concrete foundation.[6]

A beam of PSL lumber installed to replace a load-bearing wall at the first floor of a three-story building.

The top plate or ceiling plate is the top of the wall, which sits just below the platform of the next floor (at the ceiling). The base plate or floor plate is the bottom attachment point for the wall studs. Using a top plate and a bottom plate, a wall can be constructed while it lies on its side, allowing for end-nailing of the studs between two plates, and then the finished wall can be tipped up vertically into place atop the wall sill; this not only improves accuracy and shortens construction time, but also produces a stronger wall.

Skyscrapers

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The Chicago Willis Tower uses a bundle of tube structures which, in turn, include numerous outer wall columns.

Due to the immense weight of skyscrapers, the base and walls of the lower floors must be extremely strong. Pilings are used to anchor the building to the bedrock underground. For example, the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building as well as the world's tallest structure, uses specially treated and mixed reinforced concrete. Over 45,000 cubic metres (59,000 cu yd) of concrete, weighing more than 110,000 t (120,000 short tons) were used to construct the concrete and steel foundation, which features 192 piles, with each pile being 1.5 m diameter × 43 m long (4.9 ft × 141 ft) and buried more than 50 m (160 ft) deep.[7]

See also

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  • Column – in most larger, multi-storey buildings, vertical loads are primarily borne by columns / pillars instead of structural walls
  • Tube frame structure – Some of the world's tallest skyscrapers use load-bearing outer frames – be it single tube (e.g. the old WTC Twin Towers), or bundled tube (e.g. the Willis Tower or the Burj Khalifa)

References

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  1. ^ "How to Identify a Load-Bearing Wall". Lifehacker. Retrieved 2020-06-26.
  2. ^ "Load-bearing wall". www.designingbuildings.co.uk. Retrieved 2020-06-26.
  3. ^ Montaner, Carme (2021-03-31). "8º Simposio Iberoamericano de Historia de la Cartografía. El mapa como elemento de conexión cultural entre América y Europa. Barcelona, 21 y 22 de octubre del 2020". Investigaciones Geográficas (104). doi:10.14350/rig.60378. ISSN 2448-7279. S2CID 233611245.
  4. ^ Mendes, Gilmar de Melo (2012). El equilibrio de la arquitectura organizativa desde el enfoque de agencia: estudio de un caso (Thesis). Universidad de Valladolid. doi:10.35376/10324/921.
  5. ^ "7 FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS A BUILDING WALL SHOULD SATISFY". CivilBlog.Org. 2015-07-08. Retrieved 2020-05-31.
  6. ^ "What is Platform Framing? (with pictures)". wiseGEEK. Retrieved 2020-06-26.
  7. ^ "Burj Khalifa, Dubai | 182168". Emporis. Archived from the original on August 5, 2011. Retrieved 2018-09-17.
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Jeffery James

(5)

Very happy with my experience. They were prompt and followed through, and very helpful in fixing the crack in my foundation.

Sarah McNeily

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USS was excellent. They are honest, straightforward, trustworthy, and conscientious. They thoughtfully removed the flowers and flower bulbs to dig where they needed in the yard, replanted said flowers and spread the extra dirt to fill in an area of the yard. We've had other services from different companies and our yard was really a mess after. They kept the job site meticulously clean. The crew was on time and friendly. I'd recommend them any day! Thanks to Jessie and crew.

Jim de Leon

(5)

It was a pleasure to work with Rick and his crew. From the beginning, Rick listened to my concerns and what I wished to accomplish. Out of the 6 contractors that quoted the project, Rick seemed the MOST willing to accommodate my wishes. His pricing was definitely more than fair as well. I had 10 push piers installed to stabilize and lift an addition of my house. The project commenced at the date that Rick had disclosed initially and it was completed within the same time period expected (based on Rick's original assessment). The crew was well informed, courteous, and hard working. They were not loud (even while equipment was being utilized) and were well spoken. My neighbors were very impressed on how polite they were when they entered / exited my property (saying hello or good morning each day when they crossed paths). You can tell they care about the customer concerns. They ensured that the property would be put back as clean as possible by placing MANY sheets of plywood down prior to excavating. They compacted the dirt back in the holes extremely well to avoid large stock piles of soils. All the while, the main office was calling me to discuss updates and expectations of completion. They provided waivers of lien, certificates of insurance, properly acquired permits, and JULIE locates. From a construction background, I can tell you that I did not see any flaws in the way they operated and this an extremely professional company. The pictures attached show the push piers added to the foundation (pictures 1, 2 & 3), the amount of excavation (picture 4), and the restoration after dirt was placed back in the pits and compacted (pictures 5, 6 & 7). Please notice that they also sealed two large cracks and steel plated these cracks from expanding further (which you can see under my sliding glass door). I, as well as my wife, are extremely happy that we chose United Structural Systems for our contractor. I would happily tell any of my friends and family to use this contractor should the opportunity arise!

Chris Abplanalp

(5)

USS did an amazing job on my underpinning on my house, they were also very courteous to the proximity of my property line next to my neighbor. They kept things in order with all the dirt/mud they had to excavate. They were done exactly in the timeframe they indicated, and the contract was very details oriented with drawings of what would be done. Only thing that would have been nice, is they left my concrete a little muddy with boot prints but again, all-in-all a great job

Dave Kari

(5)

What a fantastic experience! Owner Rick Thomas is a trustworthy professional. Nick and the crew are hard working, knowledgeable and experienced. I interviewed every company in the area, big and small. A homeowner never wants to hear that they have foundation issues. Out of every company, I trusted USS the most, and it paid off in the end. Highly recommend.

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