We are structural engineers. We work with architects. Architects typically perform many roles, primarily the "design team leader" and who establishes WHAT the owner wants to build. Our role as structural engineers is to determine HOW to build the plan the owner and architect have decided on. Once you have decided exactly WHAT you would like to build, then it is time to ask us HOW to build it. Despite what many people may believe, our goal is not to establish a "gold-plated" or "over-engineered" design plan; rather, our goal is to provide the MINIMUM criteria necessary to satisfy local building codes or the specific performance requirements of the owner.
These are simple "assess and discuss" meetings. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a quick check on the health of a building when a full report is not necessary or an assessment of a prospective repair design that may or may not need a full design. Essentially, these are a method of establishing a quick, professional opinion regarding anything related to the structural health of a building.
Condition Assessment reports are specifically curtailed for our real estate clients interested in buying or selling their property. The intent of these reports is to create an official document that establishes the existing structural condition of a building so that a buyer may be fully aware of its structural health and the seller can be fully transparent regarding structural disclosures. Additionally, these reports provide an excellent time-stamp on the condition of a given building at any period in time that may be used as a reference for an insurance claim, a construction dispute, or continued monitoring.
These assessments rely on the substantial experience of our forensic engineering team, who have a background in building mechanics, structural engineering, and construction, and who have hard-earned experience familiarizing themselves with the various construction methods used over the last century, the various soil issues that can be expected to arise within a given area, the most common construction method flaws observed throughout different eras and in different instances, the changes in the building and design codes through history, and who have adept skills at accessing precarious sections of a building so they may fully assess its health.
See our 'services page' for a more detailed answer; however, in short, we offer structural design and assessment services for residential, commercial, and industrial construction. This includes new construction design, additions or remodels that require structural alteration, permanent foundation certifications, and assessment of existing structural conditions. We also specialize as forensic engineers who offer testimony in civil dispute cases regarding construction issues. Finally, we occasionally assist with civil planning, like septic system design.
We offer flat fee services for residential condition assessments or consultations to prevent unexpected expenses. We can do this because we have extensive experience with these services. These will include a travel fee if the home is outside Billings or Bozeman city limits.
We provide estimated fees for our other design products based on our standard hourly rates.
We travel across the entire state of Montana and Wyoming. Our headquarters is in Billings, MT, and we maintain a satellite presence in Bozeman, MT.
