Residential Structural Engineering Services

Residential structural engineering is the professional evaluation of the structural elements that hold a home together, its foundation, framing, walls, beams, and load-bearing systems, performed by a licensed engineer who can give you a documented, reliable opinion on what's happening and what, if anything, needs to be done.

Your home is one of the largest investments you'll ever make. When something doesn't look right, a crack in the wall, a floor that bounces, a door that won't close the way it used to, you need a straight answer from a licensed engineer, not a contractor with a sales pitch.

Raymond Gessner, PE, provides residential structural engineering services across 20+ states. Every assessment is thorough, every report is PE-stamped, and every conclusion is his own.

What we assess

Foundations & Slabs

Cracks, settlement, heaving, and moisture-related movement evaluated in the context of soil conditions, drainage, and structural loads above.

Walls & Framing

Load paths, structural connections, and framing conditions assessed for integrity and code compliance, whether you’re concerned about something you’ve noticed or planning changes.

Floors & Beams

Bouncy, sloping, or visibly sagging floors often point to compromised joists or beams. We identify the cause and provide engineering guidance before any repair work begins.

Post-Storm Structural Conditions

Wind, hail, and water damage may influence the structure’s condition far more than one might see upon initial inspection. We detail our findings and offer our engineering opinions on the matter.

Pre-Purchase Evaluations

Before you close on a property, an independent structural engineering assessment gives you a clear picture of what you’re buying, particularly important for older homes or properties where a home inspector flagged a concern.

When You Need A Structural Engineer

  • A home inspector identified a problem and suggested further inspection
  • There are signs of cracks, movement, settlement, and/or deformation of structural members
  • Plans for alterations that would result in structural modifications to your building
  • You need a stamped PE report for the permit
  • There have been storm or flood damage to your property

What You Receive

When our technician visits your property and FaceTimes Mr. Gessner, he not only provides a PE-stamped report but also checks the affected area in and out. These state-stamped reports are accepted by contractors, lenders, insurance companies, and local building departments.

FAQs

What is residential structural engineering?
Residential structural engineering is the professional discipline focused on evaluating and documenting the structural systems of homes, foundations, framing, load-bearing walls, beams, floors, and roof structures. A residential structural engineer assesses the condition of these elements, identifies the cause of any observed issues, and produces a PE-stamped engineering report with findings and recommendations.
Consult a structural engineer if there is an issue that was pointed out by the home inspector and needs to be checked again, if the property needs a professional engineer’s stamp for permits and insurance purposes, and if you require an expert opinion about cracking, movement, or deformation of structural elements. Home inspectors are generalists, whereas structural engineers specialize in the field of structural elements.
Fees vary based on property size, location, and scope. Simple assessments focused on a specific element, a foundation crack, a suspect beam, are typically on the lower end. More comprehensive evaluations involving multiple systems or permit documentation will vary accordingly. Contact us for a quote specific to your project.
Yes. The PE-stamped report from a structural engineer is an engineering document that holds merit for the buyer, seller, lender, and attorney. This document is usually used in negotiating the selling price, fulfilling lender’s requirements, and documenting the existing condition before closing.
Yes. When a permit application requires structural engineering documentation, for wall removal, additions, or structural modifications, we provide PE-stamped reports.
Most residential assessments take one to two hours on-site. The PE-stamped report typically follows within a few business days.
Raymond Gessner, PE is personally licensed in Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, Washington D.C., North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Oregon, Washington, Ohio, South Carolina, Louisiana, Iowa, Nevada, Nebraska, Mississippi, Arkansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and South Dakota. Every report carries his PE stamp directly, engineering is never delegated to a third party.
Get a Clear Engineering Assessment for Your Home. Call us now!

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