STLStructural

How it works.

Three steps from your first message to a signed document. You know the scope and the fee before the first one costs you anything.

  1. 1

    Tell us what is going on

    Send the property address and a short description through the request form, or call. Photos help. If a lender, insurer, or building department asked for something, send their exact wording.

    We reply within one business day with what the visit will cover and what it costs. Nothing is booked until you agree.

  2. 2

    The engineer visits

    A licensed Professional Engineer comes to the property and looks at the problem and the structure around it: the foundation below, the framing above, and the conditions outside that affect both.

    You are welcome to walk through it with the engineer. If something needs attention right away, you hear it on site.

  3. 3

    You get it in writing

    A signed report or stamped letter with what was observed, the likely cause, how serious it is, and the next step. When repair is needed, the scope is written so contractors bid the same work.

    It arrives as a PDF you can forward to your contractor, agent, lender, insurer, or building department.

What to have ready

None of it is required to start. All of it saves time.

An engineer with a clipboard shining a flashlight on a cracked basement wall
  • Photos. One close, one from across the room, one of the outside of the same wall.
  • Reports that mention it. A home inspection, a contractor's estimate, an earlier engineering report.
  • The request, word for word. What the lender, insurer, or building department asked for.
  • Access. A clear path to the basement, crawl space, and attic.
  • Your deadline. A closing date, a permit date, or a crew that is waiting.

What an engineer does not do

Knowing the limits helps you line up the right people.

Sell or perform repairs

The engineer writes the scope. A contractor of your choosing does the work. That separation is why the opinion is independent. See engineer or foundation repair company.

Replace a home inspection

The visit covers structure, not plumbing, wiring, or the roof covering. See engineer or home inspector.

Sign what was not inspected

A seal means the engineer is responsible for the statement, so it follows a visit. See what a stamped letter is.

Ready for step one?

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