Do you feel overwhelmed by the engineering and permitting process of foundation repair? Or perhaps the idea of filling out paperwork or dealing with the city feels a bit daunting. If you’re concerned about maneuvering through the engineering and permitting process, this article is for you.
Dalinghaus Construction Inc. has been in the foundation repair industry since 2015, holding over 100 years of combined foundation repair experience. We have helped hundreds of homeowners with engineering and permitting for their foundation repairs. We can help you reclaim your home.
This article covers the engineering and permitting timeframe, the average cost, and special city/county inspections.
Engineering and Permitting Timeframe for Foundation Repair
Engineering and permitting are the two primary aspects of the foundation repair process that can push your foundation repair back (other than the first-come-first-served production calendar). Currently, both permitting and engineering services are dealt with out of house.
Permitting is handled by the city, county, or state to ensure all the municipal guidelines are met. And, just like all processes involving government (think of the DMV), this can prove a slow and monotonous process. Permitting can take anywhere between 4-16 weeks.
Engineering (typically geotechnical or structural) is handled by outside engineering firms that partner with Dalinghaus Construction Inc. to provide you with the best repair plans and soil samples. Engineering has a relatively quick turnaround of 4-6 weeks.
When it comes to engineering and permitting, patience is absolutely a virtue. We work hard to check in on your permits and engineering paperwork on a regular basis. In fact, we have an entire position dedicated to following up with the city and engineering companies to ensure a smooth and timely process.
Note – Permitting and engineering are not required for every foundation repair project. You will be alerted by your foundation repair specialist to what paperwork is necessary for your specific repair.
In short, permitting and engineering can take anywhere between 4-16 weeks – patience is a virtue.
Engineering and Permitting Average Cost
Permitting fees are generally between $1000-$4000, depending on the city, county, and state.
Engineering fees fall into two main categories: structural engineering and geotechnical engineering. Structural engineering fees range between $1,500 to $5,000. Geotechnical engineering fees range from $2,000 to $6,000.
Note – We’ve experienced change orders upwards of $18,000, but this is a very rare occurrence. The numbers given above are simply the average ranges we experience. The variation in price can be attributed to the city and the specific repair plan.
Engineering & Permitting Special Inspections
The city requires “special inspections” for specific types of foundation repair. These inspections involve hiring a third-party inspector, referred to as a deputy inspector, to come inspect the property and look over the repair plans. These inspectors determine the types of permitting and engineering required for your specific repair plan.
Note – it is imperative that the deputy inspector is registered with the city/county you reside in to qualify.
Once you have chosen a special inspector, please reach out to us to let us know and we will have the project foreman get in contact with them ASAP to arrange a site visit.
Are You Ready for Day One of Your Foundation Repair?
In this article, you learned that engineering and permitting can take 4-16 weeks to complete, the average costs of permitting and geo/structural engineering, and about special inspections. You’re ready for the engineering and permitting process.
Dalinghaus Construction Inc. has helped hundreds of homeowners reclaim their homes through steel pier underpinning, slab-on-grade crack repair, and more. We’re ready to help you reclaim your home.
Now that you know how to prep for engineering and permitting experience, are you ready for day one of your foundation repair project? To learn more about how to prepare for the first day of the journey of reclaiming your home, read our article What to Expect on the First Day of Foundation Repair (And Other Dalinghaus Projects).
