Legal & Insurance

Fire Damage Structural Assessment

Engineering evaluation of fire-damaged buildings to decide what framing, steel and concrete can stay and what must be replaced. Typical US fees run $1,000 to $10,000, and most projects take 1 to 3 weeks. Our drawings, calculations and reports are sealed by a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in the state where your project is located, ready for permit submission.

Typical US fee$1,000 to $10,000

Typical timeline1 to 3 weeks

Permit drawingsSealed by a PE

What the work involves

After a fire, a structural engineer evaluates charred wood members, heat-affected steel and spalled or discolored concrete, determines residual capacity, and specifies repair or replacement. Reports support the building permit for repairs and the insurance claim scope, and often decide whether a building can be repaired or must be demolished.

When you need it

House or building damaged by fire
Insurer or adjuster requests structural scope
Building official requires engineer evaluation before re-entry or repair
Disagreement over repair versus demolish

What you receive

Fire damage assessment report
Member-by-member repair scope
Repair drawings
Shoring recommendations

What drives the cost

Estimate. Single-family assessments are at the low end; large commercial losses higher.

Frequently asked questions

How much does fire Damage Structural Assessment cost?

Across the US, fire Damage Structural Assessment usually costs $1,000 to $10,000. Estimate. Single-family assessments are at the low end; large commercial losses higher.

How long does fire Damage Structural Assessment take?

Plan on 1 to 3 weeks from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.

Do I need a licensed PE for fire Damage Structural Assessment?

In most US jurisdictions, yes. When the work needs a permit, the plans, calculations or report usually must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state where the project is located. Every deliverable we issue for permit is sealed that way.

Will I also need a structural engineer?

Sometimes. Depending on the site, fire Damage Structural Assessment can also involve a structural engineer, fire investigator, public adjuster or restoration contractor. We tell you up front which other professionals your project needs and coordinate with them so the drawings agree.

Who do you provide fire Damage Structural Assessment for?

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

Can charred wood framing stay in place?

Sometimes. Lightly charred members may keep enough sound wood after the char is removed, and the engineer calculates whether the remaining section still carries the load.

Is structural steel weakened by fire?

Steel loses strength at high temperatures and may sag or twist. After cooling, engineers check straightness and connections, and sometimes test the material.

Does concrete survive a fire?

Concrete often performs well but can spall and lose strength near exposed surfaces. Coring and testing determine how deep the damage goes.

Who pays for the fire damage report?

Often the insurer as part of the claim, but owners can hire their own engineer when they disagree with the insurer's scope. Check whether your policy covers professional fees.

Sources

asce.org