What's in a Foundation/Structural Engineer's Report?

First, remember that a standard foundation engineer's report is based on a visual inspection of the property. Invasive procedures may be implemented, at a cost, to further investigate the structure, but most invasive procedures are expensive and the results usually do no warrant the costs, especially on residential structures. Invasive procedures in an engineer's inspection may be more recommended on bridges and large buildings, including soil tests, but are not the normal procedure in the standard engineer's report on a residential structure. Usually, a visual inspection, if properly done, may reveal most foundation defects, in most residences. Also, remember that the standard engineer's report is a substructure evaluation, not the superstructure. The superstructure is the area above the floor, such as in the attic and the walls, and the substructure will usually include the floor and the structure below it. However, if the engineer notices a problem in the superstructure, it may be ...  more