Floors feel uneven or noticeably slope
Determine whether the condition reflects settlement, framing deflection or an older construction characteristic.
Home structural inspections in Pittsburgh and Southwestern PA
Every load path from roof to footing.
For buyers, sellers and homeowners concerned about the integrity of framing and foundation systems. Structural components rarely fail without warning signs, but those signs can go unnoticed until floors slope, ceilings sag or cracks appear. We inspect the connected structure and explain what the symptoms mean and whether corrective work may be needed.
When to call an engineer
Cracks appear in walls or foundations
Understand the crack pattern, likely cause and whether movement appears active or structurally significant.
Ceilings, beams or framing sag
Evaluate member size, span, bearing and the way weight reaches the supports below.
A renovation changed the structure
Review removed walls, new openings, additions and other work that may have altered the intended load path.
Floor slabs crack or heave
Evaluate whether movement may relate to settlement, expansive conditions or another structural cause.
Water reaches structural components
Document visible infiltration and deterioration that may affect framing, masonry or the foundation.
How a home carries structural loads
We follow the path of weight through the home—from roof framing and load-bearing walls to beams, columns, foundation walls and footings. The goal is not simply to catalogue defects. It is to understand whether the visible structure is carrying loads as intended.
This is especially valuable in older homes in Pittsburgh and Southwestern PA. Many were built before modern building codes, so beams and joists may have been sized for lighter loads than today's standards require. That's especially true where additions or renovations added weight without upgrading the supports below.
For a broader residential or commercial property evaluation, learn about our structural engineering inspections. When formal documentation is required, see our PE-stamped structural reports.
Roof framing
Rafters, trusses and connections
Walls and openings
Load-bearing walls, beams and altered openings
Floor system
Joists, beams, columns and bearing points
Foundation
Visible walls, footings, cracking and displacement
Visible conditions provide the starting point—not the conclusion.
What we inspect
Basements, crawl spaces, attics and exterior conditions are reviewed for distress, deterioration and alterations that affect the structure. Member sizes are measured, and deflection is measured wherever floors or ceilings have visibly sagged.
- Foundation walls
- Visible footings
- Floor joists
- Beams and columns
- Load-bearing walls
- Framing connections
- Roof framing
- Moisture damage
- Insect damage
- Previous modifications
How the inspection works
Observe the whole system
Review visible structure, document symptoms and trace how affected components relate to the rest of the home.
Explain what matters
Separate cosmetic conditions from structural deficiencies and discuss the likely significance of the findings.
Document the next move
Receive written findings, risk context and practical corrective guidance for negotiations, repairs or further investigation.
Your structural engineering report
The signed and sealed report documents observed conditions with photographs, likely causes and clear professional recommendations. For buyers, it can clarify work that may be needed after closing and provide useful information for negotiations. Some lenders request this document by name as a Structural Adequacy Report.
- Documented observations and photographs
- Likely causes, severity and risk
- Recommended corrective measures
- Professional guidance for the next decision
What the inspection does not include
The inspection evaluates existing, visible structural conditions. It does not include destructive testing or removal of finishes. When symptoms suggest a concealed condition, the report may recommend selective exploratory openings or additional investigation.
Common questions
Structural inspections are available year-round. Access may occasionally be limited by finishes, stored belongings, snow or frozen ground.
What does the inspection cover?
The engineer evaluates foundation walls and visible footings, floor framing systems, load-bearing walls and columns, roof framing and visible areas where structural distress or modification has occurred.
How long does the inspection take?
Most residential structural inspections require two to three hours on site, depending on home size, accessibility and the complexity of the concerns being evaluated.
Will you determine whether the house is safe to occupy?
The report identifies structural deficiencies and their severity so you can make informed decisions. Formal occupancy determinations fall under local building-code enforcement.
What if the home has been remodeled?
The inspection evaluates whether modifications removed or cut structural members improperly, whether added loads are adequately supported and whether alterations interrupted the intended load path.
Can you inspect during winter in Pittsburgh and Southwestern PA?
Structural inspections are available year-round. Snow accumulation, frozen ground or limited access to crawl spaces and attics may restrict inspection of certain exterior foundation or framing areas.
“I had spent more than one somewhat sleepless night worrying about the stability of my brick and concrete block, detached garage. So, I was very relieved when Gary Miller came over, took pictures and calmly explained to me that my garage was not going to collapse and was salvageable... The written report he sent later laid out what he had explained to me verbally.”