Introducing Our Forensic Engineering Site Inspection Service
Forensic investigations typically consist of two main components: thorough site inspections and comprehensive report preparation. While detailed reports are essential for some situations, not everyone needs a formal court-compliant document. Often, verbal advice from a skilled forensic engineer is sufficient to address concerns and implement solutions to enhance the performance of a home.
For the first time in Australia, MFS Engineering introduces the Site Inspection service, making expert advice more accessible and cost-effective for property owners. We conduct detailed site inspections and provide verbal advice either on-site or shortly afterwards. This service is particularly beneficial for those who are not in a dispute but have questions about their home’s condition and how best to maintain it.
With our Forensic Engineering Site Inspection service, you can receive expert guidance on issues such as cracks, uneven floors, moisture levels, and overall structural integrity. Our goal is to help you understand your home’s needs and offer practical solutions to increase its service life.
Contact us today to schedule a Site Inspection service for professional, affordable advice to help you care for your home.
What is Forensic Engineering Site Inspection?
A detailed site inspection is the first step in every forensic structural investigation. During the site inspection, experienced forensic engineers will conduct a thorough assessment of the building structure, looking for signs of damage, wear and tear, or any potential structural issues. They will also inspect the building materials used, the construction techniques employed, and any maintenance or repair work that has been done on the building. Depending on the complexity of the issues, these inspections can take between 45 minutes to 2.5 hours. MFS Engineering’s Forensic Engineering Site Inspection service is tailored for property owners and is ideal for residential properties.
A residential site inspection typically involves the following steps:
Interviewing the Property Owner or Property Manager
- The engineer will ask about the age of the building, the history of any damage, and details of any construction or modifications done to the structure.
- Property owners should provide as much information as possible about the damage and their concerns. Discussing hypotheses and opinions about the causes of damage can offer valuable clues to the engineer.
Conducting a Building Walkthrough
- The engineer will visually observe the damages during a walkthrough of the building.
- During this phase, the engineer will ask questions to determine the timeline and progression of the damage, such as when it was first noticed, whether it has worsened over time and any previous repair attempts.
- Providing accurate answers helps the engineer understand both the structure and the property owner’s concerns.
Photographing and Collecting Evidence
- The engineer will document the site, the structure, the surroundings, and every building damage through photographs and other evidence collection.
Performing Non-Intrusive Measurements
- The engineer may conduct non-intrusive measurements, such as Floor-Level Surveys and Moisture Readings, as necessary to assess the building’s condition further.
Providing Verbal Engineering Advice
- Based on the gathered information, the engineer will provide verbal advice on the probable causes of the damage and recommendations on how to rectify or minimize the damage as much as practical.
In some cases, the engineer may need additional information, such as structural design documents or previous reports related to the property. When this happens, verbal advice may be provided a few days after the site inspection, allowing time for a thorough review of all documents to ensure the best possible recommendations.
What is the difference between Forensic Structural Investigation and Forensic Engineering Site Inspection?
At MFS Engineering, both Forensic Structural Engineering Investigation and Forensic Engineering Site Inspection aim to identify the root causes of damage and provide appropriate recommendations for repair. The primary difference between the two services lies in the reporting format.
A Forensic Structural Investigation includes a thorough site inspection and results in a comprehensive written report. This report details the findings, analysis, and recommended actions to address the identified issues.
On the other hand, a Forensic Engineering Site Inspection also involves a detailed site inspection but does not include a written report. Instead, the visiting engineer provides verbal advice on the findings and the necessary steps to address the damage.
Both services are designed to ensure that property owners receive expert guidance on maintaining and repairing their properties, tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
What are the benefits of Forensic Engineering Site inspection?
Reduce Costs with Verbal Advice Instead of Written Reports
Cost-Effectiveness: One of the most important benefits is cost-effectiveness. Not every property owner needs a comprehensive written report, which can be expensive. Detailed reports are usually necessary in disputes or when the causes of damage and repair recommendations are complex. In many cases, especially for property owners, verbal advice is sufficient to address concerns and provide clear steps to rectify issues. This is where the site inspection service proves valuable.
Save Time with Quick Inspections and Immediate Feedback
Time Savings: Additionally, Forensic Engineering Site Inspection can save property owners significant time. While preparing a comprehensive report can take at least two weeks, a site inspection and verbal advice can be completed within a few hours.
Detect and Address Issues Early to Prevent Major Repairs
Early Issue Detection: Another key benefit is early issue detection. By identifying potential problems before they escalate, property owners can address them promptly, avoiding major repairs or structural failures.
Versatile Applications for Various Property Owner Needs
Wide Range of Applications: Forensic Engineering Site Inspection can be applied to various needs. Whether you are a property owner concerned about recent damage, planning renovations and needing structural advice, or seeking a second opinion on an insurance claim’s findings, this service can cater to your requirements.
Gain Expert Insights for Informed Decision-Making
Expert Advice: The expert advice provided by forensic engineers helps property owners make informed decisions about maintaining their homes, ensuring safety and structural soundness.
Overall, the Forensic Engineering Site Inspection service offered by MFS Engineering is a valuable resource for property owners. It allows them to protect their investment and ensure their homes remain in good condition for years to come. By utilizing this cost-effective service, property owners can gain peace of mind knowing that their homes are structurally sound and well-maintained.
What if I decided that I needed a report after the site inspection?
If you decide that you need a report after the site inspection, the Forensic Engineering Site Inspection can be expanded into a comprehensive Forensic Structural Investigation. Since the primary difference between the two services is the preparation of the report, the engineer can use the data gathered during the property site inspection to create a detailed forensic engineering report. This report will outline the observations, discuss the causes of damage, and provide remedial solutions.
Do I need a Forensic Structural Investigation or Forensic Engineering Site Inspection?
A Forensic Engineering Site Inspection is typically suitable for residential properties where property owners are not in dispute with parties such as builders, insurance companies, or neighbours. In these cases, property owners usually seek quick advice and guidance from an expert about the condition of their home and the best repair methodology.
However, even if you are in the midst of a dispute, it may be beneficial to start with a property Site Inspection by an engineer before committing to a comprehensive forensic report. The engineer can provide you with an honest, straightforward, and unbiased opinion about the situation, helping to clarify the matters and guide you in the right direction. Sometimes, disputes can lead property owners to become emotionally involved, making it difficult to see the facts clearly. Forensic engineers can help sort out the issues and provide a clear, objective assessment through a Forensic Engineering Site Inspection.
If you are still unsure which service is right for you, feel free to contact us for further advice.
