An Engineer's Eyes on the Structure. In Writing.
A structural observation puts a licensed structural engineer on site to review what's actually there — existing-building conditions like cracks, settlement, and framing, or the structural system at significant stages of construction — and documents it in a report written for the people who need to act on it: owners, buyers, lenders, contractors, and building departments.
Clear documentation of the agreed assessment scope. Engineering findings communicated for the intended audience. Sealed by a PE licensed in the state where the property sits.
Licensed
PE + SE
Coverage
5 States
Deliverable
Sealed Report
Booking
Online
When You Need a Structural Observation
From a flagged home inspection to a jurisdiction-required construction observation — an engineer's written assessment moves the decision forward.
Real Estate Transactions
Agents, brokers, buyers, and sellers: a home inspection flags foundation cracks, sloping floors, or framing concerns — the transaction needs an engineer's assessment to keep moving.
Property Managers & Owners
Existing-building observations for maintenance decisions, tenant improvements, insurance requests, and documenting conditions before or after work.
Damage Assessments
Vehicle impact, water intrusion, fire, snow load, settlement. We observe the damage, assess the structural impact, and document what repair scope the conditions call for.
Construction-Stage Observations
Field review at a construction site — visual observation of the structural system at significant construction stages when the approved plans or the jurisdiction require it.
Contractors & Remodels
Opened-up framing that doesn't match the plans, discovered conditions, or work that needs an engineer's written sign-off for the building department.
Lender & Insurance Letters
When a lender, insurer, or AHJ wants a sealed engineering letter on a specific structural condition before closing, binding, or permitting.
Already have an inspection report?
Attach it to the intake — we read it, scope the observation from it, and prefill what we can. No report? Book the site visit directly.
How It Works
Submit the Property and Concern
Tell us what was observed, where the property is, and who needs the report. Attach an inspection report if you have one — or skip it and book directly. Submitting creates the project and opens the booking page.
Book a Short Scope-Confirmation Call
Pick a time that works. A principal engineer confirms the observed conditions and the appropriate engineering scope — so the site visit looks at the right things for the decision in front of you.
Site Observation
A licensed structural engineer observes the conditions on site — existing structure, damage, or construction stage — with the access your property contact provides.
Sealed Observation Report
The observed conditions, photos, engineering findings, and recommended next steps — written for the intended audience and sealed by a PE licensed in the property's state.
Scope, fee, and schedule are confirmed in a project-specific proposal — a principal confirms scope before a proposal is issued.
PE + SE
Dual Licensed Engineers
5 States
NV, CA, AZ, UT, IA
100+
Completed Projects
Direct
Engineer Access — No Middlemen
Structural Observations — FAQ
What is a structural observation?
A site visit by a licensed structural engineer to visually review structural systems or observed conditions, documented in a written engineering report. In new construction, IBC Chapter 17 uses the term for visual observation of the structural system at significant construction stages. For existing buildings, it documents conditions and provides an engineering assessment against an agreed scope.
When do I need one?
A home inspection flags a structural concern mid-transaction; a lender, insurer, or building department asks for an engineer's letter; a property shows cracks, sloping floors, or settlement; a structure is damaged; a remodel opens up framing that needs review; or the jurisdiction requires construction-stage structural observation.
Is this the same as a home inspection?
No. A home inspector performs a generalist survey. A structural observation is performed by a licensed structural engineer, focuses on the structural system, and produces a sealed engineering document that lenders, insurers, and building departments accept.
What does the report include?
Observed conditions with photos, the agreed assessment scope, engineering findings written for the intended audience, and recommended next steps — sealed by a PE licensed in the property's state.
How do I book a structural observation?
Use the online intake or call (775) 323-6633. Two ways to start: attach an existing inspection report and we scope from it, or answer a few questions and book the site visit directly. Submitting opens the booking page for a short scope-confirmation call.
How much does it cost?
Scope, fee, and schedule are confirmed in a project-specific proposal. Share the property, the observed conditions, and any available documents through the intake, and a principal engineer will define the appropriate scope and price it.
Related Services
Same team. Same direct engineer access.
Residential Engineering
Custom homes, additions, remodels, and foundation engineering — when the observation leads to a repair or retrofit design.
See Scope →
Commercial Engineering
Tenant improvements, condition assessments, and structural modifications for commercial buildings.
See Scope →
Equipment Anchorage
Seismic anchorage calcs and inspection coordination for equipment and nonstructural components.
See Scope →
Get the Structure Documented
Share the project, the observed conditions, and the available documents. We'll help define the appropriate engineering scope, confirm it on a short call, and put an engineer on site.
Email info@pe-se.com or call (775) 323-6633