INSPECTION SCOPE:

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Foundation Analysis:

An objective diagnosis of foundation movement and/or cracking and the associated indications observed on other building components such as walls, floors & ceilings.  Tools used for this include floor elevation checks, visual examination and non-destructive probing.  Common causes of foundation movement and/or cracking are considered which include:

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• weak soils

• poor fill compaction

• changes in moisture content

• lateral sliding/soil creep

• insufficient footers

• soil consolidation

• seismic activity

• soil compaction

• impact from adjacent trees

• soil erosion

• poor construction

• concrete spalling  

After reviewing all possible causes, of which multiple ones could be contributing, a professional opinion is presented based on years of relevant experience and subject to limitations associated with visual inspections.  (Note: Discussions relative to past, present or future litigation matters is outside of this scope.)

Retaining Walls:

Relevant retaining walls are examined for movement and/or cracking in a similar way to the foundation with common contributing factors discussed above.

Drainage:

An analysis is performed around the structure relative to possible impacts on the foundation since water is often times at the root cause of foundation issues.

Seismic / Earthquake

We perform a review of the current degree of seismic risk mitigation for the foundation system relative to the age of the structure and practices at the time of construction.  Note: the inspection is not a full seismic analysis or a design of the retrofit solutions but rather an overall picture of the current condition and steps that could be taken to further mitigate the risks with resources provided to learn more and take additional steps if desired.

Repair Cost Opinion & Resources:

Based on our years of experience specializing in residential foundation & drainage issues, I will provide my opinion on the probable cost ranges to repair but then refer clients to licensed contractors specializing in the area of concern for cost estimates.  For repair items which are costly, it is recommended that quotes be obtained from multiple licensed contractors to compare quotes. 

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Discussion & Reporting:

We discuss the findings onsite at the time of the inspection in a way that can be easily understood by all.  All key findings or groups of findings are documented in the written report with color pictures and a discussion of the findings. The goal is to have the report completed the same day.

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Owner/Principal Engineer Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), Civil Engineering, CA #92336

• 2,500+ foundation inspections performed since 2010

• Engineer-of-record for 100+ foundation & retaining wall projects since 2013

• 24 years of overall engineering or inspection experience

• ASHI Certified Home Inspector (#251819)

• Note: the Owner/Principal Engineer reviews & approves all reports, the full list of on-site inspectors can be found on our 'About Us' page.

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Bay Area Pricing​​​​​​:​​

• $650: under 1,000 sqft

• $695:  1,001 sqft to 1,500 sqft

• $750:  1,501 sqft to 2,000 sqft

• $795:  2,001 sqft to 2,500 sqft

• $850: 2,501 sqft to 3,000 sqft

• $895: 3,001 sqft to 3,500 sqft

• $950: 3,501 sqft to 4,000 sqft

• email for quote on larger properties

Pricing Adjustments:

• Age: $+50 Properties built prior to 1930 

• Reporting:

  • $0 within 7 calendar days

  • $+50 2-day

  • $+100 next-day

  • $+150 same-day

• Distance: See Coverage Area & Travel Fee

• # of Structures: $+100 per additional structure/unit

• +$200 for break-in weekend inspections beyond what is listed on our calendar

• A quote can be provided for requests beyond the scope listed above

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Cancellation Policy: 

• Less than 1 hr of start time: 100% charged

• Within 4 hrs: 75% charged

• Within 12 hrs: 50% charged

• Greater than 12 hours: no charge

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San Diego Area Pricing​​​​​​ 

• $595: under 2000 sqft

• $650:  2,001 sqft to 2,500 sqft

• $695:  2,501 sqft to 3,000 sqft

• $750: 3,001 sqft to 3,500 sqft

• Travel Distance Charge

  • $+50 North of​ Hwy 76 or East of Ramona/El Cajon

  • $+100 Outside of S.D. County​

Payment

• We'll email an invoice via SQUARE which can be paid online (no additional fees)

• Payment is due before the written report is emailed back

• Checks are also accepted, made out to "BEAR Engineering"

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Sample Reports

Bay Area Coverage Area & Travel Fee

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