COVID Precautions

(as desired by the client and/or inspector)

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• Disinfect hands prior to entry of home

• Wear a N95 mask (without an exhalation valve)

• Limit time indoors

• Review findings outdoors whenever possible 

• Disinfect equipment after each use

• Maintain 6 ft of separation 

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.)

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Drainage Analysis:

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 Analysis:

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 1: 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.  Note 2: Liquefaction, Seismic Induced Landslide Hazard & Surface Fault Rupture analysis are beyond the scope of the inspection but we can discuss these risks on a high-level as desired by the client.

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Retaining Wall Analysis:

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

 

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 (note: the on-site process typically takes between 1 to 2 hours depending on the inspector and the complexity of the issues).

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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 foundation & retaining wall stabilization design 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. Our other inspectors can be found on the 'About Us' page on our website and you can email us a few days beforehand to find out who the inspector will be if you are interested.

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On-Site Inspection 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:

  • $+100 properties built from 1925 - 1945

  • $+150 properties built from 1900 - 1924

  • $+200 properties built prior to 1900

• Report Speed:

  • $0 within 7 calendar days

  • $+50 2-day

  • $+100 next-day

  • $+150 same-day

  • note: inspections performed before major holidays may not be able to meet some of the expedited report options, discuss with your inspector as applicable

• Travel Distance:

  • Bay Area - see Coverage Area & Distance Charge Map

  • San Diego - contact us for a quote

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

• Return Visit: depends on the distance & a quote can be provided (note: this is uncommon)

• Additional Scope: 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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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