Foundation Inspections by a Licensed Structural Engineer

Foundation repair contractors will tell you what they want to fix. A structural engineer will tell you what's actually wrong, and whether it needs fixing at all. Raymond Gessner, PE provides independent foundation inspections with PE-stamped reports that give you an honest engineering assessment, not a sales pitch.

What we look for

Cracking Patterns

Not all foundation cracks are equal. Vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and stair-step cracks each tell a different story. We evaluate crack type, width, length, and location to determine cause and significance, and whether the condition warrants immediate attention or monitoring.

Settlement & Heaving

Differential settlement, where one part of a foundation moves more than another, can cause significant structural distortion above. We assess whether movement is active or historic and what it means for the structure.

Moisture & Water Intrusion

Water at or near a foundation is one of the most common contributors to long-term structural deterioration. We identify evidence of moisture intrusion and assess its effect on foundation integrity.

Wall Bowing & Lateral Movement

Basement and crawl space walls under lateral soil pressure can bow inward over time. We assess the degree of movement and provide an engineering opinion on whether intervention is warranted and what form it should take.

Crawl Space & Below-Grade Conditions

We assess conditions in crawl spaces and basements where early signs of deterioration, wood rot, moisture damage, pest activity affecting structural members, are often first visible.

FAQs

What does a foundation inspection involve?
A foundation inspection is a professional engineering assessment of a building’s foundation system. The engineer examines the foundation for cracking, movement, moisture intrusion, and other conditions, evaluates their cause and significance, and documents findings in a PE-stamped engineering report with recommendations.
An independent structural engineer provides an unbiased engineering assessment with no financial stake in the outcome. A foundation repair company is in the business of selling repairs. For an objective picture of your foundation’s condition, an independent PE inspection is the more reliable starting point, and can help you evaluate whether a contractor’s recommended scope is actually supported by the engineering.

Not always. Many foundation cracks are minor and do not indicate ongoing structural movement. Others do require attention. The type, size, pattern, and location of cracking, evaluated in the context of the whole structure, determines significance. A licensed structural engineer can make that determination accurately.

Signs of active movement include cracks that are widening over time, doors and windows that are increasingly difficult to operate, new cracks appearing where none existed before, and visible changes in floor level. A structural engineer can assess whether conditions are active or stable and recommend monitoring if the situation warrants it.
Yes. A PE-stamped foundation inspection report documents conditions, cause, and extent of any damage, which is precisely what insurers and attorneys require to process or dispute a structural claim involving foundation issues.
Most foundation inspections take one to two hours on-site. The PE-stamped report follows within a few business days. Get an Honest Engineering Assessment of Your Foundation. Call us now!

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