Foundations & Slabs
Engineering for foundations, floor slabs and questions about settlement, cracking or added loads.
Understanding Foundations & Slabs
The scope may involve new construction, an addition or investigation of an existing condition. Soil information, building loads and observed movement help determine whether structural design, testing or geotechnical input is needed.
When to involve an engineer
An engineer may be needed when designing new support, changing loads or assessing movement. The appearance of a crack alone does not establish its cause or significance.
Confirm the engineering scope with the professional you engage and any permit requirements with the local building department.
What the engineer may review
Topics that may be relevant to the review: CMU, block wall, concrete, masonry and pile.
The engineer can review existing conditions, evaluate the proposed changes and prepare the calculations or design details included in the agreed scope.
Project examples
- Designing support for a new addition
- Investigating uneven floors or recurring cracks
What to have ready
Start with a short description. These details can help define the scope, but you do not need everything ready to request a quote.
- The project city or county, and the property address if known
- What you want to build, change or repair
- How the space or site is used now and what you plan to change
- Whether you have drawings or photos to share during follow-up
- The status of any permit application and comments received
- Your target dates or other scheduling constraints
Related engineering services
Terms you may see on plans and permits
Terms that may appear in plans, permit comments or contractor conversations about this work.
- CMU
- block wall
- concrete
- masonry
- pile
Request an engineering quote
Tell us about the project and where it is located. You do not need to know which engineering discipline applies.