Upstate NY Structural + Foundation Inspections and Evaluations

When you need an expert to evaluate the condition of a building, our licensed engineers can help. We provide structural and foundation inspections across Upstate New York, and we work with homeowners, buyers, builders, architects and more. Our evaluations are based on real observations and decades of combined engineering experience. If a property shows signs of movement or deterioration, or if you're planning a major renovation, our team can assess the building and explain the impact. To request an inspection or speak with our team, call 315 530-1099.

We review how the structure is performing based on its design, construction methods, and current condition. That includes the visible systems, the materials, and even the forces acting on them. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision on next steps by understanding the building condition and whether improvements are needed.

Structural Inspections for Homes and Commercial Properties

Both residential and commercial clients often reach out after noticing cracks in walls, uneven floors, or unexpected changes in doors and windows. Or perhaps you need an expert review after a qualified building inspector conducted the due diligence step during closing (This sometimes happens in older homes or buildings that have seen prior repairs).

We can evaluate everything from single-family houses to retail spaces and multi-unit buildings. The framing, roof structure, foundation, and load-bearing walls are all evaluated in detail. We don't follow a basic checklist. Instead, we look at how the entire system works together and whether it is showing signs of stress.

We take into account soil conditions, building age, visible wear, and signs of previous work. Some issues may be cosmetic, while others may reflect more serious concerns. We explain the difference in plain terms and make recommendations based on the building's current state and its likely future behavior.

Scientific Foundation Evaluations

Foundations will shift over time, and even small changes in the soil can create visible problems. We check for signs of settlement, heaving, or movement using floor elevation measurements and a close visual review of walls, doors, and trim. If necessary, we map the interior floor and identify patterns that might not be obvious to the eye alone.

Our team has worked with all foundation types found in Upstate New York. That includes basements, crawl spaces, slabs, and hybrid systems. We also look at moisture exposure, gutter discharge, tree roots, and grading. Some buildings show movement that is minor and long-settled. Others may be actively shifting.

What You'll Receive in a Structural Report

After the site visit, we provide a written evaluation that describes the current condition of the building's structure. Reports include photos, notes, and technical observations made during the inspection. When applicable, we offer opinions about repairs or design changes that might be needed. If a building is in good condition, we explain why we believe it's performing well and why no action is recommended.

Every report is unique and reflects what we saw on your property and how we interpreted those findings using sound engineering judgment. You will have a document in hand that you can use to make decisions, share with contractors, or present to other professionals involved in the project.

Support for Renovations, Damage, and Structural Repairs

Many of our clients are preparing for a change in how their building is used. That might include adding new framing, modifying load paths, removing walls, or reinforcing old systems. We help them understand whether the existing structure can handle those changes and what might need to happen before the work begins.

We also provide consulting when something goes wrong. If a property has been damaged by water, weather, or poor construction, we can evaluate the structure and offer suggestions for addressing the issue. Our team is available to work alongside contractors and other design professionals during this process.

Engineering Help for Commercial and Industrial Buildings

NEXTBLDG regularly provides inspections for commercial and mixed-use buildings. These properties often face different stress loads than residential homes. Equipment installations, code compliance, and long-term tenant use can all affect the structural systems. We help owners and managers understand whether their buildings are operating safely and whether changes in use require structural modifications.

In older industrial properties, we can evaluate the framing and foundation for heavy equipment, plan layout changes, or support adaptive reuse efforts. The structure of each building is unique, and we provide an honest opinion based on its actual condition rather than what drawings or past reports suggest.

Helpful Reports for Legal and Insurance Concerns

Some inspections are performed in support of a transaction, claim, or legal matter. In these cases, we provide written reports prepared by licensed engineers. These reports may be submitted to banks, insurance companies, attorneys, or regulatory officials. We write them in a way that speaks clearly to both technical reviewers and property owners.

If you've been asked to provide a stamped letter from an engineer or need to respond to questions about the condition of a structure, we can provide documentation that holds up to review. Our reports reflect what we see, what we measure, and how we interpret those findings based on real engineering practice.

Why Upstate New Yorkers Work With NEXTBLDG

Our team is led by a Ph.D. engineer and licensed P.E. with years of experience in both fieldwork and structural design. We've completed hundreds of inspections across New York and surrounding states. Clients know they can count on us for honest opinions, clear communication, and dependable follow-through.

We're not trying to sell repairs or create problems that don't exist. We simply report what we find and explain what that means. If the structure is performing well, we say so. If we see issues, we talk through what may be causing them and what options are available.

Areas We Serve Across the Upstate

We work throughout Upstate NY, including Syracuse, Albany, Rochester, Binghamton, Utica, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs. We also serve smaller communities like Cortland, Geneva, Auburn, Oneonta, Canandaigua, and Rome. Clients in the Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, and North Country also reach out to us for help. Whether you're in a city or a rural area, we're available for on-site evaluations across the region.

Schedule a Structural Inspection or Consultation

NEXTBLDG provides licensed engineering inspections and consulting services for homes, commercial buildings, and complex structures. If you're concerned about movement, preparing for a remodel, or dealing with damage or structural questions, we're ready to take a look. To schedule your inspection or request a consultation, call 315 530-1099.