Should I Hire an Engineer?
When it comes to foundation repair, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: Should I hire a structural engineer? The short answer? It depends. If you’re working with an experienced and reputable contractor, hiring an engineer may not be necessary. However, there are certain situations where bringing in an engineer can be incredibly valuable.
Four Reasons to Hire an Engineer For Foundation Issues
1. Are You Selling Your Home?
If you’re planning to sell, hiring a structural engineer can help ensure you’re getting fair and accurate recommendations. An engineer offers an independent, unbiased opinion about your foundation issues. That way, if you’re getting multiple estimates, you can compare them more accurately, apples to apples, without relying solely on a contractor’s opinion.
Even better, having the same engineer return after the repairs are completed to provide a post-installation inspection and report can be a huge asset. It demonstrates that the work was completed to professional standards and gives potential buyers confidence that the foundation is safe and sound.
2. Are You Involved in a Legal Dispute?
If there’s any legal action involved, now or in the future, an engineer’s assessment carries more weight than a contractor’s. Since they don’t stand to gain financially from recommending specific work, their opinion is considered more objective and credible in legal settings. Courts and attorneys tend to favor an engineer’s unbiased evaluation over that of someone who is bidding to do the work.
3. Do You Have Conflicting Estimates?
If you’ve gotten multiple estimates and aren’t sure who to trust, an engineer can help cut through the noise. Their neutral perspective can clarify what truly needs to be done and what may be unnecessary.
4. Is an Engineer Report Required in My Municipality, Township, City, etc?
Different cities, municipalities, townships, etc., may require an engineer’s report as part of the installation or permit process. To ensure that you and/or your contractor are following the laws and codes, you can call you local governing body and ask about the requirements for foundation repair in your area.
A quick word of caution, though: Not all engineering solutions are practical. Just because something sounds great in theory doesn’t always mean it’s feasible in the field. That’s why it’s helpful to work with engineers familiar with real-world installations or to consult with both your contractor and engineer to find the best plan of action.