by Brian Johnson | Oct 3, 2025 | Technical Expertise
For many Utah homeowners, the threat of a major earthquake can feel distant—until it’s not. The 5.7 magnitude Magna earthquake in 2020 was a stark reminder that our homes are on shaky ground. It caused widespread chimney damage, cracked foundations, and shifted homes,...
by Brian Johnson | Sep 12, 2025 | New Construction
You’re planning a home renovation or a new build, and you’ve been told by a building official that a structural engineer’s stamp isn’t required for your project. On the surface, this might sound like a simple way to save time and money. However, at Blue Sky...
by Brian Johnson | Jul 24, 2025 | New Construction
The dream of building a custom home often starts with a search online. Internet house plan vendors and pre-drawn sets offer beautiful visuals, diverse layouts, and incredibly attractive price tags. They look good, they look cheap, and they promise a shortcut to your...
by Brian Johnson | Jun 30, 2025 | Remodeling & Additions
Dreaming of a beautiful new deck to enhance your outdoor living in Utah? While it’s exciting to envision sunny afternoons and lively gatherings, a truly safe and lasting deck requires more than just good looks. It needs sound structural engineering. At Blue Sky...
by Brian Johnson | Jun 16, 2025 | Technical Expertise
Why Holes Matter: The Core Principles Drilled holes reduce a beam’s cross-sectional area and create stress concentrations. This directly compromises its capacity to resist the two primary forces acting upon it. , Holes reduce the section modulus, weakening the...
