The support columns in the basement appear to have been welded together. While I know this is possible, because I’m standing here looking at it, my question would be; what does this do to the integrity of the posts to support the intended weight? I’m not an engineer and not familiar with metallurgy and welds so I don’t know anything about the resulting strength of the welds. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
If welded by a qualified welder, it is not an issue at all.
If not… 3 Common Reasons Why Weld Integrity Can Weaken Prematurely
(See other articles at the end of the above).
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Those load points look suspect to me from here in Atlanta.
That is an ugly weld
Is that bent or an optical illusion?
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Clearly those were not. A proper weld would look like a “sloped stack of dimes”. Those welds look like caca… Slag blisters and holes, and it looks like someone didn’t remove the primer on the steel either before welding.
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Nor is anyone expecting you to be. This limitation is well spelled out in SOPs and (hopefully) your contract. I’m not trying to give you hard time. Just remember your ultimate purpose: “Is it performing as intended?” That is what SOPs require and what you signed up to do. Sure, point out questionable work and potential problems but don’t feel as though you need to pass or fail everything you see. I often write up things like this as, “apparent non-professional work and/or design but no sign of any problems were noted at this time. It is recommended that proper design and installation be verified by ensuring permits have been obtained.” Of course, I know there are no such documents but I’ve done my job.
Wrong but working is a tough (and VERY common) one in this biz. I’ve said this before here but it fits - “performing but not conforming” an engineer once told me. One of my regular talking points is the whole “wrong but working” thing. I joke that I can easily argue either side of that one.
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Bubblegum welding. 
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Other useful statement such as “may not perform as intended” or “may not be as durable as typically expected”
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