Residential & Commercial Structural Inspection

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Comprehensive structural assessments tailored to your property needs, delivered by licensed professional engineers with detailed written inspection reports. Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, our inspection services ensure safety, compliance, and peace of mind.

We proudly serve residential and commercial properties in and around the greater Boston area, such as: Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Somerville, Newton, Quincy, Worcester

Whether you plan to buy, sell, or have a structural concern about a property in the Greater Boston area, our team ensures your structural inspections are thorough and reliable.

Our Structural Inspection Services Include

  • Pre-Purchase Inspection
    Identify structural issues and estimate repair costs before buying.

  • Pre-Listing Structural Inspection
    Ensure your property is market-ready with a stamped structural report.

  • Structural Inspection for Fire Escape Stairways
    Certify fire escapes for safety and compliance with local regulations.

  • Crawl Space Inspection
    Detect hidden issues like rot, moisture, or foundation problems.

  • Foundation Inspection
    Evaluate cracks, settling, and water infiltration for long-term stability.

  • Section 8 Structural Certification
    Meet HUD standards with certified reports for rental properties.

  • Code Compliance and Certification
    Ensure adherence to local and federal building codes.

  • Façade and Parapet Inspection
    Assess exterior walls and parapets for safety and compliance.

  • Affidavit Letter Services
    Receive official structural documentation tailored to your needs.

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Comprehensive Residential and Commercial Inspection Services

  • Pre-Purchase Structural Inspection

    • Before purchasing a property, it’s crucial to understand its structural integrity, as it may cause a significant repair cost after closing. Our pre-purchase structural inspections identify potential concerns such as foundation, floor framing, and water-related issues and pinpoint the remediation options with the approximate repair costs. Whether it’s a single-family home or a commercial office building, we provide actionable insights to help you make confident decisions and be ready for closing

  • Pre-Listing Structural Inspection

    • For sellers, ensuring your property is structurally sound can expedite the sale process, increase its value, and eliminate the listing/showing hassles. Our pre-listing structural inspections address concerns before potential buyers discover them, giving you an edge in negotiations and providing you with a stamped structural report that you can share with your buyer(s). We are on your side, from identifying the issues to designing repairs and construction management phases.

  • Structural Inspection for Fire Escape Stairways

    • Fire escapes are a critical safety feature for multi-unit residences and commercial buildings. Many Cities and towns across Massachusetts require a Fire Escape and Fire Balcony Affidavit from a registered Professional Engineer. For example, the City of Boston requires a certification every five (5) years by a Massachusetts Registered Professional Engineer. Our fire escape and balcony inspections ensure they meet City/Town officials’ requirements, are structurally sound, and reduce liability risks.

  • Crawl Space Structural Inspection

    • Crawl spaces often harbor hidden issues like unsupported framing, rotting damage, and foundation problems. Our crawl space structural inspections identify these problems early, protecting both residential and commercial properties from costly repairs.

  • Foundation Structural Inspection

    • The foundation is the backbone of any building. Our foundation inspections evaluate cracks, bowing, bulging, settling, and water infiltration to ensure your property remains safe and durable.

  • Structural Inspection Certification for Section 8 Rental Properties

    • Comply with Section 8 housing requirements with our structural certification services. We ensure your rental property meets all HUD standards, keeping your tenants safe and your investment secure.

  • Code Compliance Control and Certification

    • Our code compliance inspections verify that your property adheres to local and international building codes, meeting legal and safety standards. We can provide you with during and post-construction control documents and relevant certifications.

  • Exterior Wall, Façade and Parapet Structural Inspection

    • Exterior wall, façade and parapet inspections are essential for maintaining building safety and appearance. The City of Boston (and other cities and towns across Massachusetts) requires the building’s exterior wall be inspected by a registered professional engineer. We assess the structural integrity of the building envelope to prevent hazards to ensure compliance with safety codes, and provide the required report or certification letter.

  • Affidavit Letter Services

    • We provide structural affidavit letters for property compliance, insurance claims, and legal requirements. These documents are prepared by licensed engineers based on the City/town building department requirements.

Why Choose SurfZone Engineering for Structural Inspection?

  • Massachusetts Expertise: Deep familiarity with Massachusetts building codes and local regulations.

  • Professional Team: Licensed engineers with experience in residential and commercial properties.

  • Detailed Reporting: Comprehensive reports with photos and actionable recommendations.

  • Trusted Service: Reliable and precise inspections for peace of mind.

FAQs About Residential and Commercial Structural Inspections

How Often Should I Get a Structural Inspection?

  • The frequency of structural inspection depends on the age, condition, and occupancy type. It is recommended that properties owned by multi-owners (like multifamilies, condominiums, and apartment buildings) or corporate-owner / public-owner (such as industrial, office, retail stores, restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities) properties should undergo a biannual structural inspection to prevent costly repairs, enhance the structural integrity and plan preventive maintenance schedule. Single-family homes (over 30 years old) should have a structural inspection every 5 years or when a structural concern arises for the homeowner. 

What Does a Typical Structural Inspection Include?

  • A typical structural inspection covers all safely accessible and exposed areas, including the foundations, floor framing system (floor joists, beams, posts, sill, etc.), roof framing system (rafters, ties, ridge, etc.), walls, crawl spaces, and the perimeter of the building. On-site consultation with a licensed structural engineer will be provided, and you will receive a detailed structural inspection report with photos and actionable recommendations.

How Do I Schedule a structural Inspection?

  • Scheduling a structural inspection is easy! Contact us online (contacts@SurfZoneEngineering.com) or call (617-299-0722) to discuss your project/concern and book a consultation with our licensed engineers at your convenience. We will provide you with an official service agreement detailing the proposed scope of the engineering work, turnaround time, and fees.

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Contact Us

Take the first step toward safety and compliance. Contact SurfZone Engineering at (617-299-0722) or email us at contacts@SurfZoneEngineering.com to schedule your residential or commercial structural inspection today.