Should you call a structural engineer for home foundation repair or a foundation repair company? It is essential to know the difference between these two professionals to ensure that the appropriate expert is contacted for the specific issue at hand.
Understanding the Difference Between a Structural Engineer and a Foundation Repair Company
When assessing the stability of a building, it is important to understand the roles of a structural engineer and a foundation repair company.
What is a Structural Engineer?
A structural engineer is trained and educated to design and understand structures, as well as assess them for damage and offer recommendations for repairs. They have a deep understanding of structural systems, structural damage forensics, and building inspections.
What is a Foundation Repair Company?
On the other hand, a foundation repair company specializes in repairing and stabilizing foundations that have been damaged due to weathering, water damage, or other causes.
Read Now: 10 Questions To Ask About Foundation Repair
While there may be some overlap in the services provided by these two entities, the primary difference is that a structural foundation engineer is focused on the design and assessment of structures, including foundations, while a foundation repair company is focused on repairing and stabilizing existing foundations.
It is important to note that in some cases, a home foundation repair company may employ a structural engineer to assess and provide recommendations for repair. A structural engineer may also work in conjunction with a foundation repair company to ensure that repairs are done properly and in accordance with building codes and engineering standards.
Structural Engineer vs. Foundation Repair Specialist Education
Formal education is a key difference between a foundation repair specialist and an engineer. Most foundation repair specialists have years or decades of practical experience working in foundation repair and assessing properties; however, they don’t have the formal education that a licensed engineer does.
If you do hire an engineer, you will be paying for their assessment. Most foundation repair companies provide free inspections and estimates with the hope that they earn your business.
When Should You Call A Structural Engineer Over Foundation Specialist?
Knowing when to call a foundation structural engineer over a foundation specialist is essential for ensuring the safety of your home or building.
Call An Engineer When You’re Getting Conflicting Reports From Foundation Repair Specialists.
Getting quotes for residential or industrial foundation repair (or any home service) can be a whirlwind of information. You’re being bombarded with new terms, and you can easily feel like a fish out of water. This can feel even more so when you get conflicting information and pricing from foundation repair specialists. If you’re feeling stressed, call an engineer as an impartial third party. You will have to pay for an engineer, but you may find more comfort this way.
Call An Engineer When You Think Poor Workmanship Is Causing Your Foundation Problem.
Are you seriously frustrated with your home? Do you think the foundation movement is due to poor workmanship? If that’s the case, contact an engineer. Foundation repair specialists are there to solve a problem, not to necessarily assign blame. If you feel that there is something seriously wrong, then call a structural engineer to review the situation. Structural engineers may be able to pinpoint the source of the problem, whereas foundation repair specialists want to solve the problem.
Call An Engineer When Your Foundation Specialist Recommends That You Call An Engineer.
Foundation repair specialists at URETEK have decades of practical foundation repair experience. Even so, some problems can be outside their knowledge base and require an engineer to review them. One example is reoccurring and significant movement. If you have used multiple foundation repair companies over the years and none have solved the problem, an engineer may be who to contact.
Should A Structural Engineer Evaluate My Foundation?
In summary, a structural engineer should be consulted when there are concerns about the overall stability of the building, while a foundation repair company should be consulted when there are visible signs of foundation issues.
Why Hire URETEK Foundation Repair Specialists?
When it comes to foundation repair, deciding between a structural engineer and a foundation specialist can be difficult. URETEK technicians are experts in the field of foundation repair and provide professional foundation repair services in Houston to ensure that your home’s foundation is in optimal condition.
Our team of experienced professionals has the knowledge to identify potential problems with foundations, diagnose the cause, and recommend solutions to ensure that your structure remains stable and safe for years to come. With URETEK Gulf Coast on your side, you can rest assured that any issues with your home’s foundation will be addressed quickly and efficiently.
If you suspect something is wrong with your commercial or residential foundation, call URETEK Gulf Coast today for a free estimate.