Common scenario
Buying a House With Structural Concerns
A general inspection may identify cracks, movement, past repairs, or unusual framing that deserve a closer look. Or, you may simply know from the start that you want an engineer’s opinion before making a major purchase. We help you understand the condition, what it may mean for the house, and the reasonable next steps so you can make a more informed decision.
Understand the concern before you decide
We help you determine whether a structural concern actually exists, understand what it means, how significant it may be, and what reasonable next steps are available so you can make an informed decision about the purchase.
- 01
Start with the assessment
Share the relevant report pages and your concerns so we understand how we can best help.
- 02
Look beyond one symptom
We look at the flagged area in the context of the broader situation with the house, often including the foundation, framing, drainage, past alterations, and other related conditions that may help explain what is happening.
- 03
Discuss likely next steps
We explain whether the condition appears acceptable, should be monitored, needs repair, or needs more investigation.
- 04
Put the purchase in context with the actual conditions
We help you understand what is actually happening with the house, what remains uncertain, and how those conditions should factor into your decision about the purchase.
Other questions people bring us
You can ask us about multiple questions or issues during the same consultation.
Common Scenarios
- Conflicting Foundation Repair Bids
- Foundation Repair Second Opinion
- Repair, Monitor, or Leave It Alone?
- Lender, Appraiser, or Underwriter Needs an Engineer
- Buying a House With Structural Concerns
- Is This a Load-Bearing Wall?
- City Wants Engineer Approval
- Small Project Design
- Virtual Consultation in Kansas or Missouri
No conflict of interest. Licensed professionals.
We do not sell repairs, take referral fees, or profit from anything we recommend. We only work for you, the client.
Simple, upfront pricing
On-Site Consultation with Verbal Report
$300
Often this is all you need. Payment is made on site.
- On-site consultation
- Discussion of your concerns
- Review of visible and accessible areas
- Review of relevant existing documentation when available
- Professional opinion, delivered verbally
- Questions and answers
- Practical next-step guidance
Virtual consultations (verbal report only) are available for locations throughout Kansas and Missouri, depending on the situation.
On-Site Consultation with Written Report
$600
Reports are often delivered the following day, though timing varies. Delivered by email after payment.
- Everything in the verbal consultation
- Written documentation of the professional opinion
- Useful for real estate transactions and negotiations
- Useful for lender or underwriter requirements
- Useful for documenting condition before a sale
- Useful for insurance situations and disputes
- Creates a defined scope of work so bids are comparable
Not sure which one you need? Start with the verbal consultation and decide about the written report once you have heard what we found. Additional fees may apply for travel or difficult access.
Common questions
What can a Professional Engineer do for a house?
We can assess the conditions of the house and help answer your questions and concerns plus help you to figure out the next steps to take, if any are required. We can also provide structural designs for small projects for your house.
How much does an engineering evaluation cost?
An on-site consultation with a verbal professional opinion is $300, payable on site. Adding a written report is $600 total. You can decide about the written report during or after the visit.
How soon can you come out?
Book an On-site Consultation using the button above. For locations farther than the Topeka-Lawrence-Kansas City corridor, book at least a week out and we'll let you know if we can serve your project location.
What areas do you serve?
Lawrence, Topeka, Kansas City, and the surrounding corridor, including Douglas, Shawnee, Jefferson, Franklin, Leavenworth, Johnson, and Wyandotte counties. We also serve the Kansas City, MO metro area.
Is a Professional Engineer the same as a home inspector?
No. A home inspector reviews the whole house at a general level. A Professional Engineer is licensed to give a professional opinion based on their training and experience for many scenarios in which lenders, underwriters, insurers, and buyers often require.
Do you sell contractor repairs?
No. We have no financial interest in repair work and take no referral fees. You are paying for an independent professional opinion.
Will I get a written report?
Only if you want one. Many people need nothing more than the verbal opinion. Written reports are typically delivered by email soon after the visit and are useful for transactions, lenders, insurance, and comparing contractor bids.
Where we work
We serve the Topeka to Lawrence to Kansas City corridor. Is your project located outside of this area? Book out at least a week and we will be in touch to confirm if we can serve you.
Virtual consultations (verbal report only) are available for locations throughout Kansas and Missouri, depending on the situation.
Have a Question About Your House?
If a structural concern is affecting your decision, we can look at the house and help you understand what you would be taking on.