Wisconsin
Storm and Insurance Claim Structural Assessment
Independent engineering reports on storm, wind, flood, impact and collapse damage to support or evaluate insurance claims.
What the work involves
Insurers, adjusters, public adjusters and homeowners hire engineers to determine what caused structural damage: wind versus wear, flood versus groundwater, sudden collapse versus long-term settlement. The engineer inspects, documents and issues a report with cause and repair scope. Because policies often exclude earth movement, wear and long-term deterioration, causation is usually the key question.
Local conditions we plan for
- Deep frost penetration
- Heavy snow loads
- Great Lakes shoreline erosion
- Karst in the southwest Driftless Area and Door County
Building code: IBC 2021 statewide for commercial buildings; one and two family dwellings use the state Uniform Dwelling Code instead of the IRC (ICC adoption chart, April 2026).
When you need it
- Insurance claim after hurricane, tornado, hail or flood
- Tree or vehicle impact on a structure
- Claim denied on causation grounds
- Appraisal or litigation over claim amount
Frequently asked questions
How much does storm and Insurance Claim Structural Assessment cost?
Across the US, storm and Insurance Claim Structural Assessment usually costs $500 to $5,000 per report. Estimate. Single-home reports are at the low end; complex commercial losses higher.
How long does storm and Insurance Claim Structural Assessment take?
Plan on 1 to 4 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 storm and Insurance Claim Structural 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.
How do I verify an engineer's license in Wisconsin?
Engineers practicing in Wisconsin are licensed by the Wisconsin Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers and Professional Land Surveyors. You can confirm a license number and its status in the board's public license search before you sign a contract.
How deep is the frost line in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code SPS 321.16 requires footings to be below frost penetration or at least 48 inches below adjacent grade, whichever is deeper (one and two family dwellings). Local building departments set the required footing depth, so confirm the exact figure for your county before designing foundations or retaining walls.
Which building code applies in Wisconsin?
IBC 2021 statewide for commercial buildings; one and two family dwellings use the state Uniform Dwelling Code instead of the IRC (ICC adoption chart, April 2026). Cities and counties can add local amendments, which is one reason to hire an engineer who works in your area.