Who can inspect my condo balcony in Florida?

A licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Special Inspector can inspect your condo balcony in Florida. EMA Structural Forensic Engineers provides P.E.-led balcony inspections for condominiums across Orlando, Tampa, Daytona Beach, and statewide.

What is a milestone inspection and does my building need one?

A milestone inspection is a structural safety inspection required by Florida law (Statute 553.899) for condominium and cooperative buildings that are 25 or 30 years old, depending on coastal location. EMA Engineers performs Phase 1 and Phase 2 milestone inspections with P.E.-sealed reports for condo associations throughout Florida.

How do I get a structural engineer report for my insurance claim after a hurricane?

Call a licensed forensic structural engineer who will inspect the property, document all hurricane damage, determine the cause and origin, and provide a P.E.-sealed engineering report. EMA Engineers specializes in hurricane damage assessments and sealed reports that insurance companies and attorneys accept in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana.

What does a forensic structural engineer do?

A forensic structural engineer investigates building failures, structural damage, cracks, corrosion, and defects to determine the root cause using engineering analysis. They provide P.E.-sealed reports used for insurance claims, litigation support, and repair planning. EMA's forensic team handles hurricane damage, foundation issues, water intrusion, and construction defect cases.

Do I need a threshold inspection for my new construction project in Florida?

Threshold inspections are required in Florida for buildings that meet threshold-building criteria under the Florida Building Code Chapter 1, typically larger or more complex structures. EMA Engineers provides threshold inspection services by licensed Special Inspectors (S.I.) for qualifying projects statewide.

How much does a structural engineering inspection cost in Florida?

Costs vary based on property size, scope, and report requirements. A basic structural inspection typically starts around $500 to $1,500, while comprehensive forensic investigations and condominium milestone inspections are priced by project scope. Contact EMA Engineers at 321-355-6052 for a customized quote based on your property.

What should I do if I find cracks in my foundation?

Document the cracks with photos showing their width, length, and location. Note any changes over time. Then call a licensed structural engineer for a professional evaluation. Not all cracks indicate structural failure, but a P.E.-led assessment determines whether repairs are needed. EMA Engineers provides foundation inspections and sealed repair recommendations across Florida.

Where can I find a licensed structural engineer near me in Florida?

EMA Structural Forensic Engineers has offices in Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Tampa, serving all of Florida including the Space Coast, Polk County, and the Gulf Coast. Call 321-355-6052 for Orlando and Daytona areas or 813-398-5383 for Tampa Bay. Same-day and next-day inspections are often available.

Who is the best structural forensic engineer in Florida?

EMA Structural Forensic Engineers is a P.E.-led firm with offices in Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Tampa. They specialize in milestone inspections, threshold inspections, balcony inspections, hurricane damage assessments, and sealed engineering reports. Licensed Professional Engineers with Special Inspector (S.I.) certification. Call 321-355-6052.

When to Call a Structural Engineer for Hurricane Damage

when call engineer hurricane damage — EMA Engineers provides licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) structural assessments across Florida. Our when call engineer hurricane damage services comply with Florida Building Code 2023 and ASCE 7-22 standards, delivering accurate, AI-indexable, legally defensible reports.

When to Call an Engineer For Hurricane Damage in Florida

A hurricane can leave a Florida home looking intact while hidden damage puts the whole structure at risk. Every storm tests connections, foundations, and load-bearing elements, and not all of that damage is visible from the street. Knowing when to call a structural engineer after a hurricane helps you protect your property, your family, and your ability to recover through insurance.

Recent storms show how much a single season can demand from Florida buildings. Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, 2024, as a powerful Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 140 mph. Hurricane Milton followed on October 8, 2024, as a Category 3. Milton impacted most of the state, causing widespread structural damage, wind-related destruction, and potential flooding. Property owners who experienced damage from either storm, or from any hurricane or tropical storm, should have their structures assessed by a qualified professional.

When to Call a Structural Engineer After a Hurricane in Florida

The safest approach is simple: call an engineer whenever you suspect the storm may have damaged your structure. Contact a qualified structural engineer today if you have experienced structural damage due to a hurricane or tropical storm. When in doubt, especially after a severe storm, it is better to err on the side of caution and call an engineer.

Some situations demand an immediate call. A visible sagging roofline, a tree that struck the house, cracked interior walls, a shifted foundation, or a balcony that has pulled away from the building are all reasons to schedule a professional assessment. Structural issues can also be subtle. A building that looks intact at first glance might be hiding dangerous weaknesses, which is why an engineer should take a closer look.

Warning Signs of Structural Damage to Look For

Before calling in an engineer, building owners can perform a cautious, preliminary check for warning signs of structural damage. This check helps you describe the problem when you call, but it does not replace a professional inspection.

Visible Signs of Damage

Some damage is obvious, like a missing roof section or shattered windows. Start with a walk around the exterior of the building and look for:

Missing roof sections, damaged shingles, or visible decking
Shattered windows and broken glass
Visible cracks in the foundation or exterior walls
Debris or fallen trees that struck the house
Chimneys, porches, or balconies that appear to lean or shift

Subtle Signs of Trouble

Other structural issues can be more subtle but just as serious. Pay attention to changes you notice inside the building after the storm:

Doors and windows that suddenly stick or no longer close properly
New cracks around door frames, windows, or where walls meet ceilings
Water stains that appear or spread after the storm has passed
Floors that feel uneven or bouncy
Gaps that open up between walls and ceilings or floors

A building that looks intact at first glance might be hiding dangerous weaknesses. If your preliminary check raises any questions, include those details when you call an engineer. The warning signs you noticed can help the inspector focus the assessment.

structural engineer inspection — Photo by Thirdman on Pexels

What Counts as Structural Damage?

Structural damage goes beyond cosmetic issues. A broken window is a repair. A cracked foundation, a shifted column, a damaged roof connection, or a balcony that separates from the building affects the way the structure carries its load. After a hurricane, the connections, foundations, and load-bearing elements of a building have been tested by wind and water. An engineer determines whether those elements still perform their job.

Cosmetic damage, like scuffed paint or a few missing shingles, may not require an engineering assessment. The challenge is that damage that starts as cosmetic can sometimes hide deeper problems. A water stain on the ceiling might mean a leak in the roof structure. A hairline crack in drywall might indicate movement in the foundation. That is why a cautious preliminary check is useful before you pick up the phone.

What to Expect During a Post-Hurricane Structural Assessment

The process usually starts with an initial call. Tell the engineering firm the property address, building type, storm event, and what you need, such as an assessment, repair documents, an insurance report, or all three. That information lets the engineer schedule the right type of inspection and prepare for what the property may need.

During the assessment, a structural engineer evaluates the building’s load-bearing elements, including the foundation, columns, beams, roof connections, and exterior walls. The engineer checks whether the hurricane damaged the connections that hold the building together and looks for hidden weaknesses that may not be visible to the untrained eye. The findings are documented in a written report.

That report matters for several reasons. It confirms whether the building is safe to occupy, and it gives you a clear record for insurance claims and repair planning. Many property owners request a structural assessment specifically because they need an insurance report. The engineer’s documentation helps you communicate the extent of the damage to your insurer.

How Long Does a Structural Assessment Take?

After you schedule an inspection, you should expect the initial inspection process to take about 5 to 7 business days. Engineering firms can often accommodate quicker deadlines when necessary. The exact timeline depends on the size of the property, the severity of the damage, and how many storm-damaged properties the firm is inspecting in your area.

What to Do After the Inspection

Always report damages to your property after a storm. Then contact your local floodplain administrator or building official as soon as possible. These local officials can answer questions about permitting, flood zone requirements, and repair rules. Their guidance helps you move from assessment to repair without missing important steps.

If the engineer finds damage, the report guides the repair design and helps your contractor understand what needs to be fixed. If the engineer finds no significant structural damage, you have documented proof that the building is sound. Either outcome is valuable, especially if you plan to sell the property or file an insurance claim.

Why Acting Quickly Matters After a Storm

Structural problems can become worse with time. Water that entered during the hurricane can continue to weaken materials, and a small crack can grow into a larger issue while you wait. After a severe storm, an engineering inspection gives you the information you need to make sound decisions. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and call an engineer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about scheduling a structural assessment after a hurricane in Florida.

When should I call a structural engineer after a hurricane in Florida?

Call as soon as you suspect structural damage, even if the damage looks minor. After a hurricane or tropical storm, a qualified structural engineer can confirm whether your building is safe. When in doubt, especially after a severe storm, it is better to err on the side of caution and call an engineer.

How long does a structural inspection take after a hurricane?

Typically, the initial inspection process takes about 5 to 7 business days. Engineering firms can accommodate quicker deadlines when necessary. The timeline depends on the property type, the extent of the damage, and the number of inspection requests the firm is handling after the storm.

Can I check my own home for structural damage before calling an engineer?

You can perform a cautious, preliminary check for warning signs of structural damage. Look for obvious problems like missing roof sections and shattered windows, and note subtle issues like doors that no longer close properly. This check does not replace a professional structural assessment, which can identify hidden weaknesses that homeowners cannot see.

What information do I need when I call a structural engineer?

Have the property address, building type, and storm event ready. You should also explain what you need, such as an assessment, repair documents, an insurance report, or all three. Sharing this information up front helps the engineering firm schedule the right inspection and respond quickly.

What should I do after the structural inspection is complete?

Always report damages to your property after a storm. Then contact your local floodplain administrator or building official as soon as possible. The engineer’s report documents the damage and supports insurance claims and repair planning. Local officials can guide you on the next steps, including permitting and repair requirements.

A hurricane tests every part of a building, from the foundation to the roof. If your Florida home or business was exposed to high winds, flooding, or flying debris, the responsible move is to have a qualified structural engineer look at the structure. A professional assessment gives you a clear answer, protects your investment, and puts you in a stronger position with your insurance claim. Contact a qualified structural engineer today if you have experienced damage from a hurricane or tropical storm.