Structural questions? Start here.

Not necessarily. Cracks can develop because of shrinkage, normal material movement, moisture changes, settlement or structural movement. The more important question is why the crack developed. An engineering evaluation considers the crack together with the foundation, framing and other available evidence.

Sometimes. Uneven floors may be associated with framing conditions, settlement, inadequate or altered supports, deterioration, previous construction or movement of the foundation or underlying ground. The goal is to identify the likely cause before deciding what corrective work may be appropriate.

Those symptoms can occur for many reasons. When several conditions occur together—such as sticking doors, wall cracks, floor slope and masonry cracking—an engineering evaluation can help determine whether they are related.

Crawlspaces often reveal important information about how a home is performing. Accessible beams, joists, columns, piers, foundation walls, connections, deterioration and previous repairs may all provide useful evidence.

The cost depends on the size of the home, the conditions being evaluated and the scope of the inspection. A cracked foundation does not automatically mean an expensive repair is needed. An engineering evaluation can help determine what is causing the cracking, whether movement appears significant and what—if anything—should be done next. Ground to Structure provides independent engineering evaluations and does not sell foundation repairs.

Yes. The first step is determining why the foundation is cracking. Cracks can have different causes, and not every crack requires the same response. When repairs are warranted, Ground to Structure can provide engineering recommendations and, when appropriate, engineered repair designs or documentation intended to address the underlying structural condition.

A repair contractor's role is to perform repairs. A Professional Engineer's role is to evaluate the structure, determine the likely cause of the problem and establish what corrective action is actually needed.

A contractor inspection may be useful when you already know what repair you need and are obtaining estimates. But when the fundamental question is "What is actually causing this?", an independent engineering evaluation can help establish the problem before repair proposals influence the decision.

No. Ground to Structure provides engineering services rather than repair contracting. When repairs are necessary, recommendations are based on the observed conditions and engineering requirements rather than a particular proprietary repair system.

Ground to Structure has no financial ties to foundation repair contractors or crawlspace repair companies and does not profit from the repairs we recommend. Our role is to investigate the condition, consider the available structural and foundation evidence, identify the likely cause of the problem and recommend appropriate next steps. The objective is an engineering answer—not a repair sale.

The scope depends on the concern. An evaluation may include accessible foundations, crawlspaces, framing, floors, walls, beams, columns, structural connections, previous modifications, visible cracking and other conditions related to the reported problem.

Not necessarily. A structural engineering evaluation is different from a general home inspection. The evaluation is usually focused on the structural concern and the areas necessary to understand it.

Yes. Home inspectors frequently identify conditions that warrant further evaluation by a structural engineer. Relevant inspection findings and photographs can be helpful when scheduling the engineering visit.

Depending on the engagement, Ground to Structure can provide written engineering documentation, reports, recommendations, repair designs or PE-sealed documents appropriate to the scope of the project.

Ground to Structure brings structural and geotechnical insight to foundation-related evaluations. Settlement, bearing conditions, slopes, drainage and other ground conditions may contribute to structural movement. We evaluate the available evidence and identify when additional geotechnical investigation may be appropriate.

A retaining wall that is leaning, bowing, cracking or showing signs of movement may warrant an engineering evaluation, especially when the condition appears to be progressing. An engineer can evaluate the wall and surrounding conditions to help determine whether structural capacity, drainage, soil pressure, foundation conditions or other factors may be contributing. If specialized geotechnical investigation or testing is needed, that can be identified as part of the recommended next steps.

Ground to Structure provides geotechnical insight as part of foundation and structural evaluations, but we do not perform specialized laboratory or subsurface geotechnical testing in-house. Our experience helps identify when underlying ground conditions may be contributing to settlement, cracking or foundation movement. When specialized testing is warranted, we can help identify the appropriate scope and coordinate with qualified geotechnical professionals.

Structural design and ground conditions sometimes need to be considered together. Ground to Structure can evaluate the structural needs of the project and identify when soil, bearing or settlement concerns require additional geotechnical information. When specialized geotechnical testing is needed, the appropriate scope can be defined and coordinated with qualified geotechnical professionals before final structural decisions are made.

No. Ground to Structure provides independent engineering services, not repair contracting. That separation helps keep the evaluation focused on the engineering needs of the structure.

Yes. Before removing or substantially modifying a wall, the existing framing and load path should be evaluated. When structural support is required, the appropriate beam, post, connection or other structural design can be developed.

Often, yes. Additions can require engineered foundation and structural design depending on the project, existing structure, site conditions and permitting requirements. Ground to Structure can evaluate the existing structure and provide structural engineering for additions and modifications. If site or soil conditions raise questions that require specialized geotechnical testing, we can identify the appropriate scope so the structural design is based on suitable information.

Yes, for projects within our scope requiring engineered structural plans, repair details or other professional structural documentation.

Potentially. Existing conditions must first be evaluated. Depending on what is accessible and verifiable, additional investigation may be required before engineering documentation can be prepared.

If the home inspection, seller disclosures or your own observations raise structural concerns, an independent engineering evaluation can provide useful information before you make decisions about the property.

If a home you are considering has significant or unexplained foundation cracks, wall movement, uneven floors or other signs of possible structural movement, an independent structural evaluation can provide useful information before you make a major financial decision. The purpose is to determine what the visible conditions may mean—not simply whether cracks exist—and to help you understand the likely cause, significance and potential next steps.

Yes, within the limits of what is visible, accessible and documented. The evaluation can consider the current condition of the structure together with available information about prior work.

Yes. Ground to Structure provides permanent-foundation inspections and Professional Engineer certification for manufactured homes when required in connection with applicable FHA/HUD lending and permanent-foundation requirements.

FHA/HUD-related financing for a manufactured home may require an evaluation of the home's permanent foundation and engineering certification. Ground to Structure provides permanent foundation inspections and PE certification for manufactured homes to support applicable FHA/HUD lending and permanent-foundation requirements. Because requirements can vary by property and transaction, we recommend confirming the documentation required by your lender before the inspection.

Certain manufactured-home financing situations require professional engineering documentation concerning the home's permanent foundation. Ground to Structure can inspect the site-specific foundation conditions and provide appropriate engineering documentation when the applicable requirements are satisfied.

Tell us what you are seeing—a crack, uneven floor, crawlspace concern, foundation movement, damaged framing or a question raised during a home inspection. Our role is to help determine what is happening and what the appropriate next step may be.