Why Hire a Structural Engineer for Foundation Inspections
As many homeowners in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area know, home foundation problems are becoming more and more common in the area. When you seek out expert advise on home foundation inspections and foundation repair, it can be difficult to figure out where to start. Our foundation experts at Crosstown Engineering explain benefits of selecting a professional structural engineer to perform your home foundation inspection.
1. Structural Engineers Are Qualified
Structural Engineers are highly knowledgeable about structural systems, damage forensics, home foundation repair and residential foundation inspections. Their extensive training typically includes:
- Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering (4-5 years of college).
- Five year internship under the guidance of a professional engineer prior to receiving licensing.
This education coupled with a technical background make licensed structural engineers the most qualified professionals for foundation evaluation.
Note: Contractors in the Dallas/Ft. Worth region are not required to be licensed, so hiring a structural engineer can go a long way toward ensuring the quality of your home foundation inspection.
2. Structural Engineers Produce An Engineering Report
After a home foundation inspection, structural engineers produce thorough engineering reports that clearly identify damage cause and recommended repair plans if necessary. This document is typically required to close on a home, obtain a loan or settle disputes. It can also be used as a guide for contractors to install a professionally-designed installation plan. Contractors usually charge $500-$600 for engineering reports, while engineers tend to offer them for $100-$200 less.
3. No Sales Pitch
Contractors are not only under-qualified when it comes to providing a remediation plan, but they also need to sell you piers in order to make money. This conflict of interest may skew their recommendations. An independent structural engineer produces an unbiased opinion because they do not conduct the remediation plan. This method ensures you get an honest assessment, not a sales pitch.
4. Structural Engineers Aim to Fix
Structural Engineers are in the business of helping you fix the issue. They will educate you on the best ways to prevent further foundation movement and can explain the technical aspects of foundation repair and soil mechanics that repair contractors can not.
5. Trustworthy Contractor Recommendations
It’s easy to find a contractor in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, but it’s difficult to determine which contractor will be the best fit for you based on a limited understanding of the foundation repair industry. Let your engineer recommend a few reliable contractors and then pick the company that suits your needs.
6. Peace of Mind
Having a true professional evaluate your structure will give you peace of mind. Not only will they be qualified, but you can use the documents to move forward without having to decide between opinions/recommendations from unqualified foundation repair contractors.
Learn more about the structural engineering services offered by Crosstown Engineering, or contact our professionals today.
Photo Credit: La Citta Vita
