Structural Engineer Inspections Denver Can Trust

The broad soil of the Colorado Front Range is notorious for inflicting millions of dollars' worth of damage to houses, buildings, roads, and infrastructure. In order to reduce the possibility of damage, proper engineering and construction are of the utmost significance. Properties that have experienced movement or damage are advised to have our structural inspection performed. A structural opinion of integrity may only be provided by a professional structural engineer inspection, in accordance with Colorado law. Consequently, a conventional home inspection business or structural repair contractor cannot provide this service.​ If you need a Home Inspection Structural Engineer, we got you covered.
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(720) 704-2173​
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Colorado law states that only licensed structural engineer inspectors or engineering company may provide a structural opinion. So, neither a conventional house inspection business nor a structural repair contractor can provide you with this service. A visual assessment of the foundation components, bearing walls, beams, and columns, floor slabs, framing, crawlspace sections, and drainage constitutes a structural inspection. We look for movement, distress, damage, and/or the potential to negatively impact the rest of the structure in these parts. There are some general suggestions and discussion on repair design ideas. Nevertheless, the purpose of this examination is to ascertain the current state of the structural elements and if repairs are necessary in light of those conditions, not to design a structural repair. If necessary, structural repair can be designed. Our Structural Engineering Inspections are very thorough and will find any damage that may be present.

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Denver Foundation Inspections

​You can require a house foundation inspection or a structural engineer inspection for a variety of reasons, including cracks, cracking, shifting, water infiltration, uneven flooring, and more. Some of these problems may be considered minor, while others would be more serious—possibly even falling under the heading of structural difficulties. Fortunately, professional structural engineers with specialized expertise in identifying and offering solutions for structural faults do thorough house foundation examinations.
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Although they are undoubtedly prevalent, foundation cracks should NOT be thought of as normal. Additionally, not all foundation cracks are the same. The severity of horizontal foundation cracks are a lot more scarier than vertical ones.
They may indicate ground pressure acting on the foundation walls, which may cause bending of the walls.

What causes this pressure, then? One explanation may be that the wrong soils were utilized for backfilling. The soil around the foundation may become moistened if the incorrect soils, such clay, were selected. The strain on the foundation walls might increase just from all that water. You may now add some subfreezing temps to provide the ideal environment for foundation bending and cracking. There will undoubtedly be some repairs needed for this foundation fracture. It may be wise to speak with a structural engineer if you notice something similar in your property. If the structural engineer determines that the foundation is structurally sound, he or she may provide you repair recommendations or instructions (be careful to find out in advance if your expert has experience in this field).

The gravity of the circumstance will be evaluated by one of our specialists. In the worst situation (though not the only one), backfill soils might leak; in the best case, some epoxy and a sound water management strategy could solve the problem.

Benefits To Having A Structural Engineering Inspection in Denver

  • The Structural Engineer Inspections focuses more on the structural component of a typical home inspection since it just examines the structure.
  • The Structural Inspection is used as the foundation for a structural repair design if it identifies problems that do. Given the expansive soil conditions that are common in Colorado, this is one of our most requested examinations.
  • The most significant investment you will likely ever make is a home, and its structure is crucial. Consequently, it makes sense to have the structure checked for any potential issues. Our Property Inspection Engineers have decades of experience from everything from residential buildings, commercial buildings, to real estate property inspections.

contact us for:

  • Unexpected alterations to a home's physical state
  • Difficulties with the foundation and water penetration
  • Drainage and grading problems
  • Issues with the siding, stucco, and façade that allow water to enter
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​For more than 20 years, our structural engineer inspectors has satisfied homeowners, sellers, buyers, attorneys, and other real estate professionals with their extensive expertise and clear communication. Our simple-to-read reports give enough information to spot problems and give you the know-how to fix them.

How to Survive a Denver Structural Inspection and What is Going to Happen During It

Structural issues can ruin your home. They can trigger cracked walls, sloping floors, drooping roofs, and leave your house susceptible to insects and water damage. Though the threat of discovering structural issues increases in aging homes, in old and brand-new houses alike sloppy construction can be another perpetrator. While severe structural problems are unusual, when red flags appear, basic home inspectors typically refer sellers and buyers to experts, like structural engineers, who can perform more specialized assessments. "Structural engineers have a stamp-- and when they offer a report, they mark it, which has a lot more 'teeth' than just a report by an inspector." If this is your very first go-around with a structural home examination, you probably have some concerns, like, how much do they cost? When are they needed? And how do you get ready for one? Structural examination vs. house evaluation: What is the distinction? 

Structural Examination vs. House Evaluation: What is the Distinction

Structural inspections and house inspections might sound similar, however each plays a special role in guaranteeing a home's safety. While it's not uncommon for home inspectors to have the same qualifications as structural engineers, it is unusual for structural engineers to also be house inspectors. Being that the majority of structural engineers do not perform regular home evaluations, they are normally only brought in when their skills are required to further take a look at interest in a home. A general inspector can often offer a structural engineer recommendation. These experts do need to be certified (consult your state's engineering licensing board) to offer a competent opinion. 

A Home Assessment

Home assessments are carried out by a licensed house inspector who aesthetically evaluates a house's fundamental systems. They are not looking at cosmetic problems or anything that requires small repair, however trying to find problems that could affect the house's security. This consists of things like the home's pipes, electrical, A/C (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and roof. Home inspectors are normally looking for signs of:
  • Water damage
  • Structural issues
  • Damaged or old roofs/attics
  • Harmed electrical systems
  • Plumbing issues
  • Bug or insect problems
  • Issues with the heating and cooling system ​

A Structural Evaluation

A structural evaluation is something that is done by a structural engineer, or someone who has a lot of experience looking at the different structural components of the residential or commercial property. To break this down even more-- house inspectors look at the total image of the house, while structural engineers zero in on specific structural problems. They take a look at the building's foundation, beams, or investigate even more if anything's signaling that the property's structural stability is at threat. If the homeowner or purchaser suspects there could be some existing structural issues or conditions, the structural engineer is available in and does a much deeper assessment of those conditions. The objective of this examination is to make certain that:
  • The house was properly developed and developed to securely endure the weight of its awaited loads.
  • The stability of the structure has actually been preserved, so it will continue to perform securely as meant for the foreseeable future.
Upon finishing the inspection, the structural engineer will offer their findings and professional viewpoint in the form of a post-inspection report (more on that listed below). As a seller, it is very important to keep in mind that a lot of states need sellers to reveal any material defects with the property to the buyer upfront in composing on a property disclosure document. The National Association for House Inspectors defines product problems as any big house issue that puts locals at risk, or could considerably decrease the home's value. This does not consist of aspects of the home that are dated or running beyond their life expectancy. 

When Do I Need a Structural Engineer Inspection?

Both property buyers and sellers can ask for to have a structural inspection done. From a purchaser's viewpoint, they may ask for a structural assessment to attend to any concerns about the "bones" of a house. Or, more typically, if a structural evaluation is advised following a basic home assessment. As for sellers, they may employ a structural engineer before putting their house on the marketplace if they're spotting possible structural issues that signal failure of a primary part of the building, or careless craftsmanship. But even if your house is in good shape, earning the seal of approval from a relied on structural engineer can provide possible buyers peace of mind, which may simply result in a quicker closing process.

Wondering if your home needs a structural house inspection? Keep an eye out for these eight typical indications:
  1. Cracks in the foundation, walls, and windows: The simplest problem to spot is excessive breaking on the inside drywall, or if it's an older house, it can be plaster-- those would be horizontal or vertical cracks on wall surface areas, at door openings, and at window openings. Though an only fracture might not signal a foundation problem, if you're seeing a number of fractures along the walls and floors, or are seeing broken windowpanes, this might signal a shifting foundation-- which can be a huge, costly problem for a property owner. There are hairline fractures and there are wider cracks than hairline. If it's a fracture that's the size of a dime or nickel in thickness, that would be concerning. The same thing goes for exterior, like stucco. 
  2. Decayed wood: The timber used in homes needs to be treated and secured from the elements and wetness to keep it from growing mold and decaying. Watch out for areas in or around your home like restrooms, attics, and basements where lumber is exposed to moisture. Broken pipes, leaking roofings, or bad drain around the house can also trigger wood rot.
  3. Warped, sloped, split, or irregular floors: Structure problems can be costly to repair, but a healthy foundation is essential to make certain the structure of your home is stable. Though some settling of your home is expected with time, excessive can cause structural weak point. The other sign of structural concerns is that you can feel it on the floor. Some homes are built on a piece, and some are built on a raised foundation where there's wood flooring joist. If the wood floor is spongy, that suggests a structural problem. Likewise keep an eye on tile that's laid over slab as splitting can be a sign of ground movement. And if the house is carpeted, it can be worth rolling back the carpet to take a look at what's underneath. There are methods even without a structural engineer to access the flooring location of a house. You can shoot it with a laser to see the differential in the floor's surface area to see if it's settled, and there's likewise what's called a monometer report where they enter and do a complete study of the slab or flooring location to ensure it's level. If there's concern about the flooring, doing a laser or monometer report would be a less expensive initial step. From there, if findings conclude the floor isn't level, then it may be time to bring in the expertise of a structural engineer.
  4. Spaces between walls and floors: Gaps can form around a sagging flooring or moving wall supports due to a shifting foundation. These telltale spaces can be found on both internal and external walls.
  5. Cracked or leaning roof/chimney: Roofing concerns are infamously pricey and labor intensive to repair. A roofing system that droops either on completions or in the center can indicate shifting or settling that might compromise the stability of the structure.
  6. Standing water and drainage concerns on the residential or commercial property: Water damage in brickwork or masonry can cause serious damage to any structure, specifically in chillier climates. A structural home evaluation will let you know whether your house's chimney or walls have been jeopardized by water, age, or the aspects, and will offer you an idea of what to do next.
  7. Windows and doors that will not open/close: One of the earliest signs of a shifting structure is when windows and doors throughout your home stick, signaling that they are vacating positioning. Houses built on clay or on concrete slabs are at heightened risk of an issue called foundation heave, where the ground beneath the concrete expands and puts stress on the house's structure.
  8. Wood inside/outside of your house has small holes: A structural engineer can examine how much damage has actually been caused by a termite infestation and determine what actions you'll require to require to get your house back on track. 

What Can I Do If I Can't Afford the Repairs?

 Significant foundation repairs can run a property owner upward of $20,000-$ 30,000 in extreme cases, and not all house owners have the upfront funds to repair the concerns and get their home in marketable condition. If you're not positive your home would attract a traditional purchaser in its current condition, there is another choice on the table: to sell your house to a money buyer "as is." If you deal with a cash-for-homes company, you can usually avoid showings, representative commissions, and the back-and-forth negotiations which can extend the selling process. All you'll need to stress over is making the cut-and-dried choice: take the money offer, or leave it (though depending on the business you deal with, you may still require to adjust the cost for repair work). 

How Much Does A Denver Structural Engineering Inspection Cost?

Normal expenses for a standard residential structural engineering evaluation will run about $ 600 based upon the home's size, age, and place. The following factors are included in rates:.
  • Assessment costs and report.
  • Structural engineer's rate per hour.
  • Cost per square foot.
Unless you decide to employ a structural engineer on your own accord, the purchaser will be on the hook to cover the costs of the structural house examination. If you're wanting to have the engineer prepare new plans for additions, an extensive remodel or brand-new building, be prepared to pay anywhere upwards of $1,500. On average, design work accounts for 45% of a job's expense. To assist reduce this cost, provide the structural engineer any currently drawn-up drafts for your house or existing plans. 

Structural Inspection Report: What Does It Include?

Similar to a basic house inspection report, a structural examination report reveals the great, the bad, and the unsightly. A structural engineer provides a report and defines how to make the repair, and that's not going to affect a sale as bad as if you just ignore it.  Each report offers:
  • An in-depth assessment of the property.
  • A list of any areas that raised issue (and whether there's cause for alarm).
  • An explanation of what caused the damage.
  • Recommendations on how to move on with repair work.
The official report can then be utilized for refinancing, to resolve any issues relating to the property's structural condition, and can be included in acquiring agreements. In some scenarios, sellers may wish to acquire a report from a structural engineer after a preliminary inspection, even without a recommendation. In these cases, the inspector might penalize the house for a flaw that isn't actually as problematic as it looks-- like hairline fractures in the foundation, for instance. When refuting these issues and can assist to assure buyers that the house is undoubtedly in great condition, a structural house examination can offer you a leg to stand on. In addition, if you're selling a home in a location that's just recently experienced a natural catastrophe, do not be amazed if your prospective purchaser wishes to bring in a professional to make sure the structure's structure stays in good shape and devoid of water damage. How can I get ready for a structural home assessment?

How Can I Get Ready For a Structural Inspection?

When an assessment is scheduled, as a seller, you can take steps to prepare your residential or commercial property ahead of time. To help set up your residence for the evaluation, utilize the following checklist prior to the inspector's arrival:
  • Clear any dirt or debris from around the structure of the home.
  • Cut back plant growth near the house.
  • Repair any minor damage to siding and/or trim.
  • Clean out the seamless gutters and repair any cosmetic problems.
  • Clear off brush and debris from the roofing system (a broom works well).
  • Clear out the crawl space and/or attic for easier gain access to.
  • Fix any small leaks in the plumbing or hot water heater.
By finishing these actions, you're ensuring the engineer can easily access all areas of your house, and showing your property is well preserved. What can I expect after the structural evaluation? 

Post Inspection Expectations

If the engineer's report flagged some structural concerns in your home, as the house owner, there are a couple of things you can do. A great deal of this will depend on the intensity of the problems and what the purchaser requests to have fixed. With any type of evaluation settlement, you can select to work with a professional to correct the concern, use a credit to the buyer at closing, or decline the buyer's request (and run the risk of that they'll leave the offer). Many buyers will not buy a home with major structural flaws, so if the issues are major, there's a great chance you'll require to pay to have it repaired, get a clear inspection, and provide proof of repair work to the buyer.

Why You Should Have A Denver Structural Engineer Home Inspection

  • Obtaining an Engineer's Letter of Opinion in order to modify or sell your house.
  • Obtaining data and alternatives about your home inspection without the inherent prejudice that may arise with different suppliers.
  • When haggling with insurance carriers about house repairs, have a report of findings from a qualified structural engineer on hand.
  • Obtaining answers to typical structural engineering concerns that influence your decision-making process, such as whether the wall you wish to move is load bearing, egress window alternatives, the cause of drainage problems, and more.
  • Stamping designs, modifying and repairing as needed by a municipal building agency.
  • Investigating foundation cracks, foundation repair or restoration, new foundations for homes or remodels, and designing foundations for metal buildings are all services offered.
  • Providing appropriate certifications and forensic reports

What Is A Structural Inspection And What Does A Structural Engineer Do For A Home Inspection?

A Structural Inspection is often a visual examination carried out by a Structural Inspection Engineer to verify the soundness of the foundation, joists, beams, trusses, columns, or posts of a house or other structure. When a landowner wonders if a building or other structure is structurally sound, it is done. This could require examining a particular building component or the entire structure as a whole. You shouldn't take the framework of your house for granted. Engage a Home Inspection Structural Engineer to investigate any issues that you or your house inspector believe may exist. The written report from our engineers will include images of the results and a scope of work that a contractor may utilize to carry out the repair or corrective work. If required, we may also offer a repair design. When looking for A Structural Engineer Inspection, Denver residents know where to go!
Our Structural Inspection Engineers pros are skilled and knowledgeable in identifying structural challenges related to expanding soil problems. We are also taught to spot building flaws that might not yet be causing problems. We frequently get calls from purchasers who say they require a structural assessment because their home inspector or appraiser saw a problem but was unable to comment on it legally. We are prepared to offer that judgment and are accessible to do so.