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Structural Engineering Evaluations

What Is a Structural Engineering Evaluation?

A structural engineering evaluation is a detailed assessment of a home’s structural systems—foundations, framing, load-bearing walls, floor systems, roof structures, and connections—to determine their condition, capacity, and safety.

Criterium-Hardy Engineers provides residential structural evaluations performed by licensed professional engineers, delivering clear findings, practical recommendations, and stamped reports you can rely on for decisions, permits, and real estate transactions.

CONTACT US TO REQUEST A STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING EVALUATIONS

Who Needs a Structural Engineering Evaluation?

Homeowners, buyers, and design professionals typically request structural evaluations when:

  • Buying or selling a home and needing an engineer’s opinion on observed issues

  • Observing cracks, settlement, sagging floors, or structural movement

  • Planning a renovation, addition, or wall removal affecting structural elements

  • Assessing storm damage, fire damage, or impact damage

  • Resolving building department or insurance company concerns

Typical clients include:

  • Homeowners and home buyers

  • Realtors and real estate attorneys

  • Architects, contractors, and remodelers

  • Homeowners associations and condominium boards

Why Structural Engineering Evaluations Matter

A professional structural engineering evaluation helps you:

  • Identify the cause of cracks, settlement, or movement

  • Determine whether observed issues are cosmetic or structural

  • Understand risk levels and potential future progression

  • Obtain a stamped report for lenders, insurers, or building officials

  • Avoid unnecessary repairs or confirm that repair work is truly needed

  • Protect the safety, value, and longevity of your home

For homeowners, a clear engineer’s report can de-escalate concerns, support negotiations, and guide cost-effective repair decisions.

When to Request a Structural Engineer Inspection

You should consider a residential structural engineering evaluation when:

  • You see new or widening cracks in walls, ceilings, or foundations

  • Doors or windows no longer close properly, or floors feel uneven

  • You are removing or modifying load-bearing walls

  • The home has experienced flooding, roof leaks, or storm damage

  • A home inspector, contractor, or building official recommends “further evaluation by a structural engineer”

  • You are purchasing an older home or a property with known structural history

Key Benefits of a Professional Structural Evaluation

  • Evaluation by licensed structural engineers

  • Root-cause analysis, not just symptom description

  • Practical, prioritized recommendations for repair or monitoring

  • Stamped engineering report suitable for permitting and documentation

  • Objective, third-party opinion not tied to repair work

  • Clear communication tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences

Our Structural Engineering Evaluation Process

1. Initial Consultation and Document Review

We review your concerns, photos, prior inspection reports, and any available drawings or previous engineering reports. This ensures our site visit is efficient and focused.

2. On-Site Structural Assessment

A licensed engineer visits the property to:

  • Observe cracks, settlement, deflection, and framing conditions

  • Examine foundations, crawlspaces, basements, and accessible structure

  • Assess load paths, supports, and modifications made by prior work

  • Document findings with notes, measurements, and photos

3. Engineering Analysis

Based on field observations and applicable codes, we analyze:

  • Likely causes of distress (settlement, moisture, overloading, construction defects, etc.)

  • Implications for safety, serviceability, and long-term performance

  • The need for immediate stabilization vs. long-term monitoring

4. Recommendations and Repair Concepts

We provide practical, prioritized recommendations, which may include:

  • Monitoring plans and criteria for re-evaluation

  • Repair concepts for foundations, framing, or connections

  • Guidance for contractors and other design professionals

When appropriate, we can coordinate with your architect, contractor, or other consultants.

5. Written Structural Engineering Report

You receive a clear, written report—often including sketches and photos—that documents:

  • Observed conditions and areas of concern

  • Engineering analysis and conclusions

  • Recommended actions and next steps

The report is stamped by a professional engineer and can be used for building permits, insurance documentation, and real estate transactions.

Structural Evaluations for Remodeling and Additions

If you are planning to renovate or expand your home, a structural evaluation is essential when:

  • Removing or reconfiguring walls

  • Adding new floor area, dormers, or new levels

  • Installing heavy equipment (tanks, hot tubs, large aquariums, etc.)

  • Modifying roof framing or openings for skylights

We verify that proposed changes are structurally feasible and can provide design details and calculations as part of broader structural design services

Work With Criterium-Hardy Engineers

Criterium-Hardy Engineers has decades of experience evaluating residential structures, from single-family homes to multi-unit buildings. Our team combines field expertise with practical, constructible solutions.

  • Licensed professional engineers with residential focus

  • Objective evaluations not tied to repair sales

  • Responsive scheduling and clear communication

Contact us to discuss your concerns, request a proposal, or schedule a structural engineering evaluation for your property.

CONTACT US TO REQUEST A STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING EVALUATIONS
When should I hire a structural engineer instead of a home inspector?

You should hire a structural engineer when there are concerns about cracks, settlement, movement, or structural changes, or when a home inspector recommends further evaluation by an engineer. Engineers provide the technical analysis and stamped reports needed for repairs, permits, or documentation.

What happens during a residential structural engineering evaluation?

During an evaluation, a licensed engineer reviews your concerns, inspects the accessible structure, documents key conditions, and performs engineering analysis. You receive a written report summarizing findings, conclusions, and recommended next steps.

Can a structural engineer tell me if a crack is serious?

Yes. An engineer will assess the size, pattern, and context of cracks to determine whether they are cosmetic, related to normal shrinkage, or indicative of settlement or structural distress, and will recommend monitoring or repair as needed.

Do I need a structural engineer to remove a wall?

If there is any chance a wall is load-bearing or supporting framing above, you should engage a structural engineer. The engineer will determine load paths and, if needed, design beams, columns, or other supports to safely replace the wall.

Will I receive a stamped structural engineering report?

Yes. For most evaluations, Criterium-Hardy Engineers provides a stamped report summarizing observations, analysis, and recommendations, which can be used for permitting, insurance, and real estate transactions.

How much does a residential structural engineering evaluation cost?

Costs depend on the size of the home, complexity of the issues, and level of documentation required. After a brief discussion of your concerns and project needs, we provide a proposal outlining scope and fee.

Can you coordinate with my contractor or architect?

Yes. We can coordinate with your contractor, architect, or design team to ensure that recommended repairs or structural modifications are feasible, constructible, and code-compliant.