Do I need to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection?

• <div><p>Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing. </p></div>

What does a structural engineer’s report cover?

• <div><p>A structural engineer’s report includes a professional assessment of a property’s foundation condition, structural elements like roof trusses and <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/old-house-has-cracks-floor-joists-and-splits-main-carrying-beams-do-i-need-engineer.htm">floor joists</a>, and the skeleton of the home, including studs, beams, and rafters. It will also usually include an assessment of drainage on the property and any potential issues that could arise from environmental conditions, like extreme weather in the area and even tree placement. </p></div>

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Q: How does an engineer assess a building’s structural integrity?

• <div><p>Through detailed analysis of load paths, materials, and existing damages.</p></div>

Q: Are horizontal cracks structural?

• <div><p>Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage. </p></div>

Q: Do I need to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection?

• <div><p>Most lenders and homeowner&rsquo;s insurance companies don&rsquo;t mandate a structural engineer&rsquo;s inspection, so in most cases, it&rsquo;s not required. However, it&rsquo;s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you&rsquo;re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing. </p></div>

Q: What are the typical warning signs of a structural issue in my home?

• <div><p>Indications include cracks in walls, uneven floors, and sticking doors or windows that suggest foundation movements.</p></div>

Q: What does a structural engineer’s report cover?

• <div><p>A structural engineer&rsquo;s report includes a professional assessment of a property&rsquo;s foundation condition, structural elements like roof trusses and <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/old-house-has-cracks-floor-joists-and-splits-main-carrying-beams-do-i-need-engineer.htm">floor joists</a>, and the skeleton of the home, including studs, beams, and rafters. It will also usually include an assessment of drainage on the property and any potential issues that could arise from environmental conditions, like extreme weather in the area and even tree placement. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Alpine, CA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Alpine, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

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Last update on October 04, 2025

Reviewed in December 2021
Eric and ECS Construction were great to work with. Eric was professional, reliable, and up front from the start. When another problem was discovered with the structure of one part of my house, Eric worked with me to add the work to the project and get it done. I highly recommend ECS.
ECS Construction Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2021
Sure Safe came out as promised, thoroughly inspected the foundation via the crawlspace and gave me a detailed report and estimate within a few days. Art was very generous with his time and honesty in speaking with me after the report was delivered.
Sure Safe EFS
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Reviewed in August 2016
Russell Progue spent an incredible amount of time with me on the phone regarding a crack in a sim wall (I sent photos of the crack). He explained the purpose of the sim wall (the house is on a raised foundation) and his opinion as to whether or not it was a structural issue. He was very...
Acuterra Engineering & Construction Services
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Reviewed in August 2012
Ken and all the tradespeople were kind and thoughtful as well as professional. They cleaned up after themselves and made quick-work of the task at hand. The whole process went smooth and the job finished faster than we had imagined. Our daily lives weren't affected by the project; even our...
Sterling Design & Remodeling
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Reviewed in October 2006
Job was performed quickly and in the time estimated. It was very difficult to find an engineer willing to take on such a small job. Also, the price was very good. We received an estimate from another firm for three times the amount we paid to Lovelace. We were able to obtain the building permit...
LOVELACE ENGINEERING
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Reviewed in June 2014
Our house burnt to the ground on October 2007 while we watched from our pool. Our home was located on top of a ridge top with a very narrow lot and steep slopes both sides. We went through four designs before we found the correct architect. Our third designer was hired only to shrink the second...
Vinje & Middleton Enginnering, Inc
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Reviewed in October 2019
Nick Servin is a RCE (Registered Professional Engineer) of Servin Engineering, Inc., 2647 Gateway Road, Suite 105-500, Carlsbad, CA 92009, 760-533-6532, [email protected] A little background: I never thought I would need a structural engineer to have a simple 16"x16' stand-alone Guest-House...
servin engineering
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SF Engineering & Metalworks

SF Engineering & Metalworks

Rehab Building Company, Inc.

Rehab Building Company, Inc.

Stone Strong Systems - Southern California

Stone Strong Systems - Southern California

LSK Engineering Solutions LLC

LSK Engineering Solutions LLC

Streamline Design & Permitting

Streamline Design & Permitting

InnoDez

InnoDez

Powell and Associates

Powell and Associates

Fracture Investigations

Fracture Investigations

Builder Buddi

Builder Buddi

Stone Truss

Stone Truss

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