Tiderunner Engineering & Design PC

Structural Engineering, Architects, Energy Efficiency Auditing

About us

I provide residential structural engineering services to both homeowners and home improvement contractors. These services include plan preparation, design of structural members, structural evaluations of existing buildings, review of plans prepared by others, design of sanitary systems and on site drainage systems if necessary. All work is done by me, a registered professional engineer in New York, and I also conduct inspections and evaluations.

Business highlights

21 years of trusted experience
Veteran Owned & Operated
LGBTQ+ Friendly

Services we offer

Structural Engineering, Architects & Building Design, Residential Construction, Renovation, Additions, Sanitary Design, Storm Water Systems, Foundations, Structural Evaluations, & Inspection.

Services we don't offer

Contracting Work.

Amenities

Warranties
Yes


Accepted payment methods

American Express
Check
Discover
MasterCard
Visa

Reviews

4.942 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
88%
4
10%
3
0%
2
0%
1
2%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.9
value
4.7
professionalism
4.9
responsiveness
4.9
punctuality
4.9

Filter reviews by category

Showing 1-25 of 42 reviews

Michelle H.
09/2017
5.0
home inspection
  + -1 more
They were very informative. He did what he had to do and checked everything off the list.
Description of Work: They did a home inspection for Windstar home insurance.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$300

M Z.
02/2015
5.0
structural engineer
  + -1 more
I couldn't have expected a better service, and that's after using several engineers in the tri-state for past work. This engineer also goes above and beyond. He is meticulous, honest and very responsive. He was truly a pleasure to deal with. I will absolutely be using him again, and I wholeheartedly recommend him.
Description of Work: Inspected main structural beam and some structural issues around the premises. Reported on issues AND provided solutions. The solutions included detailed specifications.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$400

Eleanor C.
01/2015
5.0
structural engineer
  + -1 more
Owner, Louis, arrived on time. Walked through our house to survey the current condition. Easy going conversation as we asked questions and Louis answered to our satisfaction. Questions were regarding sagging floor and how to jack up, support and repair/replace floor joists and rotted flooring that had been cut to accommodate improperly installed plumbers box after a major leak which happened many years before we purchased the house. Louis also made recommendations for safe removal of a short section of load bearing wall planned for future renovation and how to add support beam. Finally, he evaluated the condition of a basement cinderblock wall that is being pushed in by an old cement patio slab poured around a tree that of course has grown larger over many years. We were happy to know that our house, even with all its issues, was in better shape that we imagined. Basically well built, good bones. Our only disappointment was that Louis didn't write any of these recommendations down for us to refer to later. For $400 we think this should have been included. We don't know if it was an oversight or if it would have been provided if we had thought to ask. Didn't think of it until later because we were caught up in conversation and other questions. All in all a positive experience.
Description of Work: Evaluated structure and safety of our newly purchased fixer upper house and made recommendations of how to proceed.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$400

John F D.
06/2014
5.0
structural engineer
  + -1 more
Lou did a great job. He came up with several useful recommendations and then drew up the plans for me and estimated the construction costs.
Description of Work: Lou walked through my house and then drew up excellent plans to expand the kitchen, dining and living rooms as requested.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$400

Kathi K.
05/2014
1.0
structural engineer
  + -1 more
I called for an appointment to complete paperwork for Nassau county. S/p Sandy. But no one ever returned my call.
Description of Work: Never returned call for services.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0


Response from Tiderunner Engineering & Design PC
I do not recall ever hearing from this client based on the name and address but I do get a lot of calls and occasionally calls fall through the cracks. I am sorry I did not call her back and would have gladly helped her. I hope she found someone to provide the service she needs

brian D.
04/2014
5.0
structural engineer
  + -1 more
Excellent. Very detailed and professional.
Description of Work: reviewed plans, inspected our house and wrote a detailed report

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$600

Sanjeev P.
02/2014
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
We are still in the process of the work. I am satisfied and I will continue to use them.
Description of Work: Tiderunner Engineering & Design PC did designs for me.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,200

Michael G.
02/2014
5.0
structural engineer
  + -1 more
Very personal and professional Lou is not your "typical" engineer. He is very knowledgeable and informative on the latest standards for elevating homes on the south shore. From helical piles, to monolithic foundations with flood vents Lou has been working with us directly on all our mitigation options while providing us with the perfect structural plans for our home. - Very Satisfied Homeowner
Description of Work: Provided structural engineering plans for repairs/mitigation due to hurricane sandy

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Rodney E.
01/2014
5.0
architect, structural engineer
  + 0 more
The plans still need to be approved.He answered all questions and will make any changes if needed.He did not take long to have everything ready.Did what I wanted but the price was more than I expected.
Description of Work: The plans for a 3x7ft. add on in front on indoor stairway, a support column and rear outdoor stairs.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$750

Cheryl Q.
11/2013
5.0
architect, structural engineer
  + 0 more
Lou was very thorough and explained in sufficient detail the current condition of the house and what would need to be done in order to accomplish the renovations that we would do if we purchased the house.
Description of Work: Lou came out to the house and gave us a structural evaluation of a house that we were considering purchasing.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$400

Alanda B.
11/2013
5.0
structural engineer
  + -1 more
First, Lou responded promptly to my email which was a plus for me since I was rather concerned about the structural issues I was experiencing. He arrived on the date and at the time proposed and was very professional and personable during our initial introduction. Secondly, he went straight to the problem areas and gave very detailed explanations of what was going on and what needed to be done to remedy the issues. He did thorough inspections of the basement, 1st and 2nd floors. Lou didn't seem rushed and his detailed explanations helped ease my mind as the idea of structural damage was a bit daunting for me. He also provided me with a letter per his investigation and a sketch of the work proposed. Lastly, the "damage" was hardly as bad as I thought it was. I can confidently recommend Lou's services to anyone as he was very thorough and knowledgable. Once I get the recommended work done, I will update my review.
Description of Work: Lou Schwartz did a walk-through identifying various structural issues related to heavy materials being used in an older (1952) home and a load bearing wall being off center of the main girder.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$400

steven S.
07/2013
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
They are very responsive and professional. I had to put the project on hold but we will be continuing working with them soon. The designs are fine so far, we are not holding the project off at their fault.
Description of Work: Tiderunner Engineering is helping design an extension for our home.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Steven B.
07/2013
5.0
structural engineer
  + -1 more
The process went smoothly and efficiently. There was constant communication during the design process, where requested changes were incorporated into the final design. I dealt directly with Tiderunner's owner, Lou Schwartz, who was personable and professional (an a great designer). He was able to fit a master bedroom, 3 other bedrooms, and 2 full baths into a space of about 900 square feet.
Description of Work: Consulted on the design and construction of a second story addition to my home; and, created the blueprints needed for a building permit application.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,600

Eileen V.
07/2013
5.0
home inspection, structural engineer
  + 0 more
This guy was fantastic,professional,knowledgeable,He spent 2and a half hours going over every inch of the home I was looking to purchase. This is the second time I've used him.He checked out a house for me back in April.This guy (Chris) loves his job and it shows. I received a detailed report within two days.
Description of Work: Gave the home I was looking to purchase an inspection

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$475

Kevin S.
07/2013
5.0
structural engineer
  + -1 more
Lou was able to come to my house the day I scheduled the appointment. He arrived, took all necessary measurements, and stayed to answer all my questions. Lou delivered the plans, as scheduled. If I ever need to use his services again, I will be sure to give him a call.
Description of Work: Provided building plans to install header, where a load bearing wall will be removed.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$300

BRUCE Y.
05/2013
5.0
structural engineer
  + -1 more
The work went very well. Lou is very knowledgeable, professional and easy to work with. He inspected my house thoroughly and explained my concerns in great details. He went beyond and explained some of the common non-structural issues on an old house. He also suggested on the proper ways to fix them.
Description of Work: Inspect the structure of the house, cracks on the foundation wall and landscaping.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$300

Cynthia B.
03/2013
4.0
structural engineer
  + -1 more
On re-examining the rusted areas, we concluded that some of the identified areas of rust were NOT due to salt water entering the house. More importantly, I was led to believe that the advice would be accompanied by plans. For the expense, I received a letter stating that we discussed flood proofing the entrance using a dam and that the home could accommodate a third floor if the village were to allow it which is unlikely. I emailed Tiderunner to request the accompanying plans and was told that plans could not be provided because I am not the owner of the house. I did receive additional, although limited details about damming the entrance. Whether or not the service provided was adequate, my expectations were not met because there was a lack of up front communication on the part of Tiderunner Engineering about what would be provided for the fee I paid.
Description of Work: I requested advice on how to flood proof the entrance to a waterfront home I am considering purchasing and whether the home could accommodate a third floor. Tiderunner determined that salt water had entered the house by identifying several areas of rust.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
3.0
value
2.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0

$400

Response from Tiderunner Engineering & Design PC
I am sorry that this customer was not happy with how the job she wanted turned out. First she was not the homeowner. Second other than stating that if a minor repair to fix the structural problem was what was needed I would add a plan the price for the report is always up front. I provided info on a possible solution but the solution is a new technology that I am not yet knowledgable on and I presented as such. I wish the law allowed me to present her with the plans but I gave a description of the repair that she could have asked a contractor to price out.

John S.
02/2013
5.0
structural engineer
  + -1 more
I was impressed with them. They were very professional and very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend them.
Description of Work: We used Tiderunner to do the analysis after Hurricane Sandy so that we could submit an insurance claim.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Mary Ellen W.
02/2013
5.0
structural engineer
  + -1 more
He returned calls and e-mail promptly and was a pleasure to work with. The man has a vast amount of knowledge
Description of Work: Mr. Schwartz performed a detailed engineering inspection on our home. He then submitted a report on our home for insurance reasons following hurricane sandy. He is a true professional

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$300

Michael C.
01/2013
5.0
architect, structural engineer
  + 0 more
Went OK. Plans were done and required forms supplied along with digital copies to furnish to potential contractors.
Description of Work: architect plans for residential building extension

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,200

Nathan S.
01/2013
5.0
architect, structural engineer
  + 0 more
He was good and I liked him. He did a second consultation for a second property for $200 so I spent a total of $500 with him.
Description of Work: I used Tiderunner Engineering & Design to do a consultation for a structural assessment.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$300

Kenneth A.
12/2012
5.0
structural engineer
  + -1 more
Engineer replied immediately and scheduled a visit to my house at my convenience. He was punctual and professional at the meeting and was able to meet my requirements. I was very happy with the work.
Description of Work: Structural plan for a header to replace a load bearing wall.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$400

Sankar N.
12/2012
5.0
architect, structural engineer
  + 0 more
On the first day he came, in addition to making the measurements, he also gave me some useful pointers on maintining the house (like diverting water away from the house from the gutters etc). The drawings were completed in about 10 days and the application submitted which is still pending Town Finally issued the permit after nearly an year. Thank you Lou.
Description of Work: A house I rent out was found to have some upstairs rooms and a bathroom which (according to the town) dont have a valid Certificate of occupancy. Rather than fight it, I decided use the services of Lou to get drawings made and apply for a Maintainance Permit. Lou came by, made measurements and prepared the drawings. The application is still pending with the town - I will update this review when it is approved. Our town is very slow in doing reviews.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,000

Rita F.
12/2012
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
Tiderunner Engineering & Design PLC produced a report which was very interesting because what he found was not what we thought was wrong with the structure. He was very thorough. He understands what insurance company is looking for. He understands how they do their own analysis. Initially when we talked he said that Insurance would probably not pay for what had been described. However when he showed up and he did the inspection of the postings and structural elements, it appears that we actually do have a chance of getting the insurance company because it was damaged by water pressure during flooding. He explained this to us and showed it in the report and it was interesting that another general contractor analysed that and had the same independent opinion. I trust his opinion. He came right away, he spent a decent amount of time inside, he did a decent inspection of the area that was the problem. Everything went just fine. The pricing was great because we had another inspection that cost twice as much that didn't produce any legible result. He took time to go over it and he took great amount of time to write the report. He took quite a lot of time to produce it. He was very prompt with responses after the inspection. We were back and forth and asking him what things we should do. He was on time and he was on time with the report.
Description of Work: Tiderunner Engineering & Design PLC did the inspection of our house and produced the report we needed.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$300

Cynthia H.
12/2012
5.0
architect, structural engineer
  + 0 more
We needed structural work done on the house as a result of the storm. They came out and just evaluated the structural work that needed to be done and did the drawing so we can get the permit. They were clean and responsive. There was not any mess. He just prepared the drawings for the work to be done by another company. He returned all phone calls, if not on the same day but within twenty-four hours. We will use them again in the future.
Description of Work: Tiderunner Engineering and Design PC gave us an estimate on the phone and then they came out and did the work which was construction design.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$700
    • 1(current)
    • 2

Contact information

7 Ridgewood St, BAY SHORE, NY 11706


Service hours

Sunday:
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday:
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM


Licensing

Insured

Licensed*

Eco-friendly Accreditations

LEED Accredited Professional
No
Energy Star Partner
No
EPA Lead-Safe Certified
No
Use Green Products or Work Practices
Yes
State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.


Service Categories

Structural Engineering,
Architects,
Energy Efficiency Auditing

FAQ

Tiderunner Engineering & Design PC is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5.

Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tiderunner Engineering & Design PC accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,MasterCard,Visa
No, Tiderunner Engineering & Design PC does not offer free project estimates.
Yes, Tiderunner Engineering & Design PC offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Tiderunner Engineering & Design PC does not offer a senior discount.
No, Tiderunner Engineering & Design PC does not offer emergency services.
Yes, Tiderunner Engineering & Design PC offers warranties.
Tiderunner Engineering & Design PC offers the following services: Structural Engineering, Architects & Building Design, Residential Construction, Renovation, Additions, Sanitary Design, Storm Water Systems, Foundations, Structural Evaluations, & Inspection.
Contracting Work.

Contact information

7 Ridgewood St, BAY SHORE, NY 11706


Service hours

Sunday:
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday:
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM