Small Potatoes Structural Engineering

Did not go well at all they told us they would have us what we needed in two weeks it was seven weeks before we received our papers so we could get the permit and every time I would call they would say oh I’m working on it now or I’ll bring it to you tomorrow or did you know there was Covid out there they were really rude nasty people who took way too long to get their job done so that we could move on with our project that we were doing at our house if you need an engineer don’t hire them

I was very disappointed an complete waste of money. Michael Schooley came to my home in Smithfield on August 8, 2020 to evaluate the foundation and recommend how to manage drainage. On August 25th I finally received a report. Although several photographs were taken none were included in the report. The report lacked clarity regarding structural issues, miss described the house and included a sketch of a simplistic drainage system that was not practical. My mistake was paying in full up front. These guys talk about wanting to please the customer but don't believe them. A local Realtor refereed them to me. She had a good experience. Certainly do not pay in advance. These are not trustworthy people and do not stand behind their work. This is the first and only negative review I have ever written. John Graham

It has been 97 working days (05/22/19 - 10/09/19) since our small condo association engaged with Small Potatoes Engineering to review a balcony that was caving in and create an Engineer's Report and Drawing. The report was issued after 30 days, but after review it was determined we would not be able to use the design/materials specified, and we have requested your company update the documentation based on our architects recommendations. To this date, we still are not able to proceed with repairs because the Engineer's Report and Drawing do not comply with the Historic District requirements to issue permits. We have repeatedly attempted to get Small Potatoes to update the design so we are able to move forward; however, they have been unresponsive for several weeks.

Don't waste your time or money. These guys promised a report of their findings within a two weeks....it's six weeks later and I have called and emailed multiple times and gotten nothing but the run around. Without the much needed report, the money I spent for the inspection is an absolute waste.

Overall I was pleased with the service. The visual inspection went very well. Mike showed up on time as scheduled with an associate. The walk through was informative and they looked at all the areas I had concerns about (walk cracks, uneven floors, exterior brick cracks) and they looked at other areas that could be potential issues (attic trusses). With the walk through alone, about 1 hour, I got much of the information I wanted and needed. However, I did request an optional written report with recommendations. Getting the report took longer than I expected but I did get it. I am glad I requested the report because it added to my understanding of the work that needs to be done to fix the structural integrity of my townhouse before investing in other renovations and repairs. I wanted the benefit of an objective evaluation of my property (visual only) without wondering if the evaluator was trying to sell me another repair service and I got that with this job and believe it was well worth the time and money. Walk through visual inspection and report priced separately, total for both was $450. Kudos to office staff who helped complete my job.

Michael Schooley of Small Potatoes Engineering company was hired by my builder to design and inspect a pile foundation for the modular home I was buying. Michael Schooley did not order and geotechnical study prior to designing the pile system. Schooley was chosen to be the special inspector by the builder, not me. Schooley inspected his own work, which seems to be a conflict to me, but it appears to be the standard practice in the industry. Ultimately a forensic engineering company was hired to evaluate the structure because of excessive shaking of the house. It was found that the double 2x12 girders where over spanned and the pilings where over loaded. The piling system was severely undersized for the home. The pilings where to be driven to a depth of 25 feet per the design. They were vibrated in to a depth between 19 to 21 feet. The modular home manufacturers pile plan suggests using 27 piles under the home with perimeter foundation support for all exterior walls. Schooleys design only had 15 pilings supporting the house. The north and south 28 foot walls of the home were not supported by any girder at all. These walls make up 37% of the perimeter of the home which is not supported. Schooley declined to assist me in correcting the problems and entered into a co-defense type of arrangement with the builder against me. The builder settled out of court the morning of the trial after a two year long, very expensive battle. The suit against Schooley was dismissed. Schooley's deposition, showed he did not perform many of the required tasks or record keeping functions of the Special Inspector. He also said he would typically order a geotechnical study for this kind of job but didn't. The piling plan also called for Simpson strong ties to tie the foundation girders to the floor joists. Absolutely none were installed. But Schooley reported no deficiencies during his inspection. There were many more deficiencies that went unreported, but these are the major facts of the case. It should also be noted, that while Michael Schooley was working for his own company while designing the foundation for my home, he was also employed by the City of Norfolk as an engineer in public works department. He was soon asked to resign from the City after I made my complaint known to the head building official. Unsure if his resignation had anything to do with my foundation complaint. During his deposition, Schooley did not give a reason why the City asked him to resign after I had made my complaint. During Michael Schooleys deposition he did not state the name of his company was Small Potatoes. But in fact that is what he is listed as on Angie's List and his website is www.smallpotatoes.com. It was very unfortunate and expensive for me to have been involved with Mr. Schooley. Even though I did not hire him, I was severely impacted by his lack of professionalism. He knew this was wrong and should have made it right instead of joining forces with the builder.