Foundations & Structural

Crawl Space and Pier-and-Beam Assessment

Engineering evaluation of sagging floors, rotted sills, failing piers and beams in crawl space and pier-and-beam homes. Typical US fees run $300 to $1,500 per inspection, and most projects take 1 to 2 weeks.

Typical US fee$300 to $1,500per inspection

Typical timeline1 to 2 weeks

Permit drawingsAs needed

What the work involves

An engineer evaluates piers, beams, joists and sills under raised floors, looking for rot, termite damage, settlement and undersized framing. The report specifies shimming, new piers, sistered joists or beam replacement. Moisture control recommendations are often included.

When you need it

Bouncy or sagging floors
Visible rot or termite damage in the crawl space
Piers leaning or sinking
Contractor proposes adding many jacks without explanation

What you receive

Crawl space inspection report
Repair plan
Joist or beam sizing
Moisture control recommendations

What drives the cost

Estimate. Angi lists pier-and-beam repairs at $750 to $25,000 depending on scope.

Frequently asked questions

How much does crawl Space and Pier-and-Beam Assessment cost?

Across the US, crawl Space and Pier-and-Beam Assessment usually costs $300 to $1,500 per inspection. Estimate. Angi lists pier-and-beam repairs at $750 to $25,000 depending on scope.

How long does crawl Space and Pier-and-Beam Assessment take?

Plan on 1 to 2 weeks from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.

Is a permit required for crawl Space and Pier-and-Beam Assessment?

Often not on its own, but the findings frequently lead to work that does need a permit. We tell you which parts of the follow-up work your local building department will review, and can prepare those drawings too.

Will I also need a structural engineer?

Sometimes. Depending on the site, crawl Space and Pier-and-Beam Assessment can also involve a structural engineer, pest control inspector or foundation contractor. We tell you up front which other professionals your project needs and coordinate with them so the drawings agree.

Who do you provide crawl Space and Pier-and-Beam Assessment for?

Most of our clients for this service are homeowners and lenders. Describe your project and one of our engineers will reply with scope, fee and schedule.

Are steel jacks a permanent fix?

They can be if sized and placed on proper footings. An engineer verifies the footing and spacing.

Why do floors sag?

Common causes include undersized framing, rot, settled piers and moisture. An engineer separates framing problems from foundation problems.

Does crawl space encapsulation help?

It can reduce moisture, but will not fix existing structural damage. Damaged framing must be repaired separately.

Is a permit required?

Structural repairs often need permits; check locally. Your local building department can confirm.