What Resolve Engineering Looks at During Foundation Inspections

Introduction

Do you have a potential foundation issue in your Kansas City home?  Have you received multiple quotes from foundation repair companies with varying costs and solutions?  We do not sell products so we provide unbiased opinions from a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) so you can ensure you are getting the correct solution the first time.  We will cut through the industry talk to give you clear recommendations on what needs to be done with your home to fix or maintain your foundation.  Below is a detailed description of our typical foundation inspection process.

1. Initial Client Walkaround

Purpose of the Walkaround:

The client guides the engineer to areas of concern in their home or around their home.  This may include items such as cracks in the foundation, cracks in drywall, doors that are difficult to open and close, or water intrusion.

Duration:

The initial walkaround generally takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete. 

2. Foundation Diagnosis

Diagnosis:

Once the walkaround is complete, the engineer will take measurements to determine the cause of the issues observed by the client and determine if there are any foundation issues that require structural repair.  Measurements will be taken with a laser level to determine the amount of settlement that may be occurring in the home or how much lateral movement is occurring in the foundation walls. In addition, we will look further into the cracks in the foundation and drywall, including their location and size, and inspect the exterior of the home to look for additional signs of foundation issues.

Analysis of Findings:

All of the measurements and information will then be compiled to determine and understand the root causes of foundation problems and determine the severity and potential solutions to repair the foundation, if needed.

Duration:

The foundation diagnosis generally takes about 30 minutes to complete.

3. Communication of Findings and Recommendations

Verbal Summary:

After the diagnosis of the foundation is complete, immediate feedback will be provided to the client to explain what we found and what we would recommend to remedy to the issue.  We will explain what repairs will need to be completed to ensure your foundation and home are structurally sound.

Client Engagement:

This is an opportunity for the client to ask questions about the causes and potential repairs that were recommended by the engineer. Our goal is for you to have a thorough understanding of the findings and next steps, so questions are encouraged to ensure you have a full understanding of what was recommended by the engineer. 

4. Written Report (Optional)

Contents of Report:

The reports are written in a letter format and will summarize what was observed during the inspection (e.g., laser level readings, identified cracks, etc) and the detailed recommendations on how to repair or maintain the foundation.

Report Delivery:

Reports will be delivered in no more than 24 hours from the time of the inspection.

Conclusion

Resolve Engineering prides itself in providing thorough and unbiased foundation inspections that are tailored to the homeowner’s needs and concerns. This article provides a structured approach to explain the foundation inspection process by Resolve Engineering, highlighting the steps taken, the tools used, and the benefits to the homeowner. Every foundation in Kansas City is unique so the process may vary slightly based on individual client needs and specific foundation conditions.  This article gives a general idea of what to expect at a foundation inspection with Resolve Engineering.  Contact us now at 913-298-3600 to get a foundation inspection scheduled.