Understanding Your Engineering Report

The best way to get an accurate assessment of your home’s foundation is by hiring a structural engineer to produce an engineering report. For over twenty years, TEC has been spreading the message to the Dallas – Fort Worth metroplex,
“If you suspect foundation problems, refer to an independent, Licensed Professional Engineer FIRST.”
For best results, we recommend using an engineer that remains independent of foundation repair companies. The title “engineer” can be thrown around lightly in the construction industry. As such, be sure to validate that he/she is Licensed by the State of Texas.

Search the P.E. database here: https://engineers.texas.gov/roster/pesearch.html

Is hiring a structural engineer worth it?

Absolutely! A Licensed P.E. applies his/her scientific and engineering education, training,  and experience to determine the cause and extent of any diminished foundation performance. Once he/she has identified the issue, the engineer will draft a remediation plan in an 8-10 page engineering report. Often, the solution recommended by the engineer does not involve foundation repair. Instead, he/she may suggest drainage improvements or installing a foundation watering system.

Engineering Report

At TEC, we perform Level “A” and Level “B” investigations when evaluating a home’s foundation and structure. A summary of the following will be included in the engineer’s report:

Level A Investigations

1. Interview with the homeowner about the history of the property and performance of the structure
2. Review provided documents; construction drawings, engineer’s reports, etc.
3. Visually observe the interior and exterior of the home
4. Providing a written report with the following information:
   • Site observations, characteristics, and data deemed pertinent by the engineer
   • Discussion of major factors that influence the foundation’s performance such as drainage concerns, interfering trees, and landscape, soil conditions, etc.
   • Field notes and other pertinent data
   • Conclusions and recommendations for further investigation, remedial or preventative measures. Some examples include; plumbing and sprinkler testing, foundation repair, drainage improvements, installing a foundation watering system, etc.

 Level B Investigations

A Level “B” engineering analysis includes a written report with the items listed in Level “A” and the following:

1. Foundation elevation survey to represent the shape of the foundation or floor levels
2. A drawing depicting the relative elevations

Once you have your engineering report in hand, you can take it to two or three repair companies for estimates. Remember, lifting your foundation is just one way to remedy foundation settling. Let our engineers find the best solution for you.

Contact TEC for an engineering report. 

Call (817)576-1973