Guides for homeowners and lenders.

What a crack means, what a lender's engineering condition is asking for, and what an engineer does about either.

Houses and small buildings

What causes a basement wall to bow inward and how an engineer decides what to do.

The structural problems older St. Louis brick houses tend to develop, and what they look like.

How to tell a harmless shrinkage crack from one that signals foundation movement.

Practical clues that point to a bearing wall, and why you need confirmation before touching one.

The steps, in order, for removing a bearing wall safely and legally.

What sloping floors, bounce and sticking doors can mean, and when they need an engineer.

Why an independent engineer's opinion differs from a quote from a company that sells repairs.

What each professional does, and when a home inspection is not enough.

What to do when a home inspection flags structure and the clock is running.

What a signed and sealed engineer letter is, and who asks for one.

A plain overview of what an FHA lender needs to see for a manufactured home foundation.

What the structural report for a relocated manufactured home is and what to gather.

The engineering foundation certification and the recorded affixation affidavit are different documents.

The three HUD-92051 inspections an FHA new build needs when no local permit is issued.

How to prepare for the engineer's visit to a manufactured home and what to have ready.

What the HUD label and data plate are, and what to do if one is missing.

A checklist for loan officers on what to send an engineer for an underwriting condition.

What happens when a manufactured home foundation does not meet the standard, and the next steps.

What a HUD engineering report is, what else it is called, and who signs it.

HUD's Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing, explained in plain terms.

Send the address and a few details. A licensed engineer replies within one business day.