Structural engineer or foundation repair company?

Question

What is the difference? I want to get some foundation cracks looked at but most of the listngs look like repair companies.  Is it better to go to a structual engineer? How do you find a good one?

Teri Feeney Styers · Answer

Have an engineer assess the foundation and write you a report. Around here that costs $150-$300. An engineer is neutral - a foundation repair company is not. You can find an engineer by reaching out to Realtors or draftsmen and architects.

@AJ Stanis

Terrell Garren · Answer

Your answer is pretty much in the thread title.  A foundation repair company can repair and improve the foundation - footings, walls, piers, girders, joists, etc. A structural engineer designs the foundation to adequately hold the load. For new construction, changes in load, inadequate foundations you need an engineer.  For simple repair, well, you get the picture.

Peter Mckernan · Answer

I would reach out to this guy in the LA area, I'll send you a PM

Brian Dance · Answer

I'm a structural engineer, but don't work in California. Here's a list of engineering firms that work in your area and specialize in foundations: https://www.seaosc.org/Member-...

If the link doesn't work Google "Structural Engineer's Association of Southern California" and it'll have a tab called "Find an Engineer". That'll get you headed in the right direction.

Good luck!

AJ Stanis · Answer

Thank you. Around here companies seem to bill themselves as structural engineers but they are foundation repair companies.

Does anyone have recommendation for a structural engineer that can do a basic foundation report in the greater Los Angeles area?  I would like to get a neutral evaluation.

Chris Seveney · Answer

@AJ Stanis

Google.com or ChatGPT can answer that question faster than you could have typed the question

Structural engineer or foundation repair company?

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