Why you should hire a structural engineer for your home's foundation

Structural Engineering Firms | Denver

​You may be experiencing foundation troubles and are unsure where to begin. Does it matter if it's with a foundation repair firm or a structural engineer?

Some structural engineers would encourage you to use one at all times (hmmm... I wonder why?). Some foundation repair businesses may inform you that you do not require their services (also wondering why). You are hesitant to ask a salesman whether you require repairs. You have heard horror stories of other people'tu007. You really don't know what to do here...

Denver Structural Engineering Firm

Our Structural Engineering Firm in Denver, Colorado has been assessing foundations for over 35 years. We understand and can explain the importance of structural engineers in the foundation repair sector.

We don't believe it's always one or the other. We know that there are times and reasons to seek the advice and experience of a structural engineer. However, it is not always essential.

This article will discuss the most common instances in which structural engineers are the first and best call to make when it comes to your home's foundation, as well as why.

Is it Required to Obtain a Structural Engineer Report for a Foundation Repair?

A structural engineering analysis is not needed in most regions of Colorado prior to foundation repairs. The urban centers of Denver are well-known outliers to this rule. You would not be required to hire a structural engineer somewhere else.

This will save you money because you will have to pay for these reports out of pocket.

If you do not live in Colorado, you will need to research your local regulations with your municipality.

Most foundation repair firms do not employ a professional structural engineer, but they should be able to suggest a few options in their service region.

Foundation Repair Plans vs. Structural Engineering Reports

Structural engineering reports and foundation repair plans are not the same. Each has a unique set of facts, focus, and outcome for the homeowner. In summary, an engineering report documents the existing status of a foundation, whereas a repair plan specifies how to elevate and level a foundation. The purpose of an engineer's report is to examine and document the location and appearance of a foundation at the time of the inspection. This is what you could discover in a structural engineer report.

Expect to Find This in an Engineering Report

An engineer will collect and record measurements, as well as draw diagrams of the results. They may refer to this as a "foundation position evaluation," and they may give an elevation survey of your home using contour lines.

As part of their report, structural engineers might include observational data, established technical norms, and original design blueprints.

Structural engineering reports are classified into many tiers. The quantity of information and depth provided will vary, ranging from a largely verbal conversation to a full elevation and visual report. The homeowner should expect to pay between $500 and $900 for a primarily spoken report that includes elevations.

You may see photographs of problems in your house as well as explanations for why they exist. Comments are made regarding whether a problem is within "acceptable" performance boundaries. Recommendations to correct circumstances and enhance any issues identified in the report may be made.

​You may have noticed that I used quotation marks around the word "acceptable" up there. Nothing escapes your notice, does it? The definition of "acceptable" in engineering terminology is critical. Engineers must follow detailed standards on how to calculate and determine what is acceptable or unacceptable.

The Colorado Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has prepared extensive papers such as "Guidelines for the Evaluation and Repair of Residential Foundations," as well as "Recommended Practice for the Design of Residential Foundations," which they must consult and follow. ​Engineering reports, like the ASCE guidelines mentioned above, tend to be technical and use industry phrases and higher-level engineering language that might be difficult for the public to grasp. If you have something in writing, pay attention to any indicated restrictions of the report.

Foundation Repair Plans

We have mentioned that the purpose of a structural engineering report is to describe and explain the existing status of a foundation. In addition, these studies describe probable reasons and give recommendations. A foundation repair plan is not the same as a structural engineer report.

Foundation repair plans detail the particular work that a foundation repair contractor will perform to restore a settling, tilted, or uneven foundation that is producing difficulties for your house. A price or quote for the cost of foundation repairs will also be included in the plans.

The foundation repair plan diagram will illustrate where more support will be provided beneath the house. It is not concerned with the existing state of affairs, but rather with how to improve the functionality and performance of the foundation by elevating and leveling the house.

Some foundation repair plans are just sketches on paper. Some are created with computer software. Some firms may even give elevation measurements, although not all do.

Foundation repair plans will fluctuate based on the foundation repair contractor utilized and the kind of slab foundation repair performed. Some firms charge a fee for a foundation inspection and the accompanying foundation repair plans. Other businesses provide "free quotations" as part of their services. Pay close attention to any documented foundation repair plan terms and restrictions.

Engineers' criteria should not be the only consideration for foundation repair companies. The goal of foundation repair is to make everything operate properly for the homeowner.


For example, the angle of tilt of a foundation may meet ASCE criteria. But if your front door still doesn't open, latch, or lock properly, is that really *acceptable* to YOU? Check out this article, "Foundation Settlement Confirmed: When is the Time Perfect for Repairs?" for additional information about functionality and determining when the time is right to fix your foundation.

​A structural engineer report is not required in the Denver area to justify a repair plan. So not having to purchase one will save you time and money. Any foundation repair firm that is unwilling to submit their designs for review by a structural engineer is a red flag.

Why you SHOULD Hire a Structural Engineer for Your Foundation

​You are now aware of the distinction between a structural report and a foundation repair plan. Following that, we discuss why you should hire a structural engineer before proceeding with a foundation repair plan. Here are the top five reasons:

• Documentation for a new house
• Documentation for an ancient house that has recently and extensively been renovated
• You are not confident in your foundation repair company selections.
• Existing settling in your foundation is not a problem, but you should keep an eye on it in the future.
• You are preparing legal action with a house warranty problem or builder

Numbers 1, 2, and 5 are about documenting the current status of a foundation. This might simply be for your personal information and piece of mind. You may also require documentation if there is a problem with a newer house or if you are contesting a refused home warranty claim.

Monitoring for movement (no. 4) allows you to observe how things are now and then check back later to see how they are. You will receive actual measurements from a specialist to analyze changes. This may help you evaluate whether you need foundation repairs before conducting substantial renovations or selling your property. If you don't believe a foundation repair firm (as mentioned in item No. 3) to advise you that you require repairs, a structural engineering report provides an unbiased assessment. Because the engineer will not profit from the repairs, there is no motivation for them to exaggerate the cost or claim that repairs are required when they are not.

Separating the "issue finder" from the "problem solver" is a good strategy to create trust in homeowners. It gives you the impression that you are getting an honest appraisal of your foundation problem and are not being overcharged. In other words, it occasionally makes people feel better.

​If you don't believe a foundation repair firm (as mentioned in item No. 3) to advise you that you require repairs, a structural engineering report provides an unbiased assessment. Because the engineer will not profit from the repairs, there is no motivation for them to exaggerate the cost or claim that repairs are required when they are not.

Separating the "issue finder" from the "problem solver" is a good strategy to create trust in homeowners. It gives you the impression that you are getting an honest appraisal of your foundation problem and are not being overcharged. In other words, it occasionally makes people feel better.

Most Opportune Times for a Structural Engineer to Look at Your Foundation

So, now that you have strong reasons to call a structural engineer, make sure you contact them at the appropriate moment. The following are the ideal times to employ one:

• BEFORE constructing a bespoke home on top of dubious soil WHILE initiating legal action against a builder for a warranty claim
• WHEN BUYING A HOME WITH NOTICED SETTLE AND MINOR PROBLEMS
• ANYTIME you want to capture anything but don't want to act right away

So those are the occasions and situations when you should consult with a structural engineer about your foundation. A structural engineer's report is primarily useful for recording the state of a foundation for planning purposes, collecting evidence and condition information, and setting a baseline for future work. ​However, if you know you want or need your foundation repaired and aren't worried with any of the difficulties listed above, it's OK to "take action" now. You may bypass the engineer and instead contact a foundation repair firm to get problems taken care of.

Obtaining a price or quote from a foundation repair contractor can provide you with additional information about how the foundation will be fixed and, most importantly, how much it will cost. If you need your foundation inspected for any reason, do not hesitate to contact our structural engineer.