Structural Engineer Inspection
Maintaining your property’s structural integrity is essential for safety, compliance, and long-term value. Whether you’re managing a residential home or commercial facility, having a licensed structural engineer perform a professional evaluation ensures you’re making informed decisions backed by certified expertise.
Why Not Rely on City or Home Inspections?
City inspections are designed to verify compliance with minimum building codes. While helpful, they are often limited in scope due to time constraints and resources. These inspections are not intended to assess structural safety in-depth, and municipalities are typically only liable for negligence.
Home inspections focus on surface-Alamo systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and roofing. They do not include analysis of foundation movement, structural loads, or hidden damage. Home inspectors will often refer you to a structural engineer if they suspect serious concerns—because only a licensed engineer can legally certify the structural condition of a building.
The Value of a Licensed Structural Engineer
Licensed structural engineers are certified by state agencies to assess and report on the safety of buildings. Their evaluations are not only thorough but legally binding, providing accountability you won’t get from general inspectors. Their licensure through NCEES ensures consistent professional standards across states.
From real estate transactions to litigation support, their detailed inspections provide peace of mind and solid documentation for any property-related decision.
Types of Structural Engineer Inspections
We provide a wide range of inspection services for both residential and commercial properties, covering new builds, aging structures, and buildings affected by damage or environmental conditions.
1. Pre-Construction & Ongoing Site Inspections
Assess structural elements during various stages of construction
Identify foundation movement or early-stage issues
Verify compliance with blueprints and structural plans
2. Final Completion Inspections
Inspect completed projects before occupancy
Identify settling cracks and structural shifts
Provide documentation for permitting or buyer confidence
3. Routine Maintenance Inspections
Periodic evaluations to monitor structural health
Spot signs of deterioration like sagging floors, bowing walls, or settling
Ideal for long-term building safety and value preservation
4. Damage-Related Inspections
Analyze storm, water, or foundation damage
Evaluate drainage issues after heavy rain or snow
Determine cause and extent of settlement or cracks
5. Specialized Structural Assessments
Custom inspections for decks, walls, basements, and roof structures
Review for added structural loads (e.g., new equipment or renovations)
Pre-renovation inspections before wall or beam removal
Why Structural Inspections Matter
Regular structural assessments act like a wellness check for your property. They catch early warning signs—like floor sloping, wall cracks, or water intrusion—before they escalate into major problems.
In addition to preventing costly repairs, inspections provide official reports that help meet local code requirements and are often essential during real estate sales, insurance claims, and legal proceedings.
Common Warning Signs to Watch For
If you notice any of the following, schedule an inspection immediately:
Cracks in walls, ceilings, or foundations
Sloping or uneven floors
Windows and doors that stick or won’t close properly
Water damage or recurring leaks
Crumbling masonry or deteriorating concrete
Sagging rooflines or trusses
Drafts or HVAC inefficiencies tied to structural gaps
These symptoms often signal deeper structural issues that only a qualified engineer can fully assess.
What to Expect During Your Inspection
A structural engineer will perform a visual assessment of all load-bearing and critical components. This includes:
Checking foundation walls and footings for cracks or movement
Examining roof structure, attic spaces, and framing
Investigating for water damage and moisture infiltration
Reviewing signs of structural shifting or failure
Providing a written report with detailed findings and recommendations
This report can be used for permitting, insurance, legal matters, or future maintenance planning.
Who Benefits from Structural Engineering Inspections?
Homeowners & Buyers: Ensure structural soundness before a purchase or remodel.
Property Managers: Monitor aging properties and schedule preventative maintenance.
Real Estate Agents: Offer reliable documentation during sales.
Developers & Contractors: Validate construction quality and code compliance.
Insurance Companies: Require structural evaluations after damage or as part of underwriting.
Attorneys & Litigants: Need legally defensible reports during claims or lawsuits.
Beyond the Basics: Why Engineers Offer More
While a traditional home inspection gives a general overview, a structural engineer’s inspection digs deeper. From hidden damage to code compliance, engineers provide a complete picture of your building’s safety and long-term durability.
Don’t wait for small issues to turn into major liabilities. Whether you’re buying, building, remodeling, or just being proactive—a structural engineer inspection is one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your investment.
Schedule your structural evaluation today and ensure your property is safe, secure, and structurally sound.