Structural Inspections

Professional Structural Inspection Services

A structural inspection performed by a licensed professional engineer provides an objective, technically informed assessment of a building's structural components and systems. Unlike a general home inspection, a structural engineering inspection focuses specifically on the structural adequacy, condition, and integrity of the building's load-bearing elements.

AO Engineers, LLC conducts structural inspections for residential and commercial properties throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, and surrounding states. Our inspections are performed by licensed professional engineers and result in professionally written reports that document our observations, findings, and recommendations.

Types of Structural Inspections We Perform

Pre-Purchase Structural Inspections

Before purchasing a property, a structural engineering inspection can identify significant structural concerns that may affect the safety, value, or habitability of the building. Our pre-purchase inspections evaluate the foundation, framing, load-bearing walls, floor systems, roof structure, and other structural components. We identify deficiencies, assess their severity, and provide recommendations for repair or further investigation.

Post-Storm Structural Damage Assessments

Following high winds, tornadoes, ice storms, flooding, or other severe weather events, structural damage may not always be immediately apparent. AO Engineers conducts post-storm structural assessments to identify storm-related structural damage, distinguish storm damage from pre-existing conditions, and provide engineering documentation suitable for insurance claims.

Structural Inspections for Real Estate Transactions

Structural concerns identified during a real estate transaction — whether raised by a home inspector, discovered during due diligence, or disclosed by the seller — often require a structural engineering opinion to evaluate their significance. AO Engineers provides engineering inspections and written reports that help buyers, sellers, and their agents navigate structural issues during property transactions.

Insurance Claim Structural Inspections

Property owners, insurance carriers, and adjusters rely on independent structural engineering inspections to evaluate damage claims, determine causation, and establish the scope of structural repairs. Our inspection reports are prepared with the documentation standards required for insurance claim processing and, when necessary, litigation.

Periodic Structural Condition Inspections

Commercial property owners, property managers, and institutional facilities benefit from periodic structural inspections to monitor building condition, identify emerging concerns before they become significant problems, and support capital planning and maintenance budgeting. AO Engineers provides scheduled condition inspections with written reports documenting observed conditions and recommended actions.

What Our Structural Inspection Includes

A typical AO Engineers structural inspection includes:

• Visual examination of accessible structural components including foundation, framing, and roof structure
• Assessment of visible cracks, deflection, settlement, deterioration, and other structural indicators
• Evaluation of load-bearing walls, beams, columns, and connections
• Review of floor levelness and evidence of differential settlement
• Identification of modifications or alterations that may have affected structural integrity
• Documentation of observed deficiencies with description and severity assessment
• Written engineering report with findings, conclusions, and recommendations

Structural Inspection Report

Following each inspection, AO Engineers prepares a professional written structural engineering report. Our reports clearly describe observed conditions, identify structural deficiencies, assess the significance of each finding, and provide recommendations for repair, remediation, or further investigation. Reports are typically delivered within a few business days of the inspection and are suitable for use in real estate transactions, insurance claims, legal proceedings, and permitting applications.