What Structural Engineers Look for During a Foundation Inspection in Kansas City

Foundation problems are one of the most stressful issues a homeowner can face, especially in the Kansas City metro, where clay-heavy soils, dramatic weather swings, and aging homes create ideal conditions for structural movement. Many homeowners find themselves overwhelmed after receiving multiple quotes from foundation repair companies, each offering different solutions and prices. At Resolve Engineering, we do things differently. We are licensed Professional Engineers (PE’s) who do not sell repair products, meaning our assessments are unbiased, honest, and entirely focused on what your home actually needs.

If you suspect a foundation concern or you’re simply seeking peace of mind, here’s what you can expect during a foundation inspection with Resolve Engineering.

1. Initial Client Walkaround

Understanding the Problem First

Your inspection begins with a 10-to-15-minute walkaround where you show us your concerns. This helps us understand what you are experiencing day-to-day in your home and ensures we focus our time on the areas that matter most.

Typical issues Kansas City homeowners point out include:

• Cracks in the foundation, drywall, or exterior brick

• Uneven or sagging floors

• Doors or windows that stick or won’t close

• Water intrusion or damp basements

• Bowing or leaning foundation walls

Because many homes across Kansas City sit on expansive clay soils, these signs often point to soil movement, drainage issues, or settlement that requires a closer look.

2. Detailed Foundation & Structural Diagnosis

After the walkaround, we begin the diagnostic portion of the inspection. This is where engineering expertise becomes crucial.

A.      Measuring Settlement & Movement

We take precise measurements using tools such as laser levels to determine:

• How much the home has settled

• Whether floors are noticeably sloped

• The amount of inward movement in basement or foundation walls

• Any unusual elevation changes around the home

These measurements help identify whether issues are cosmetic, recent, or long-term structural concerns.

B.      Examining Cracks & Stress Points

Not all cracks are created equal. Kansas City’s expansive soil often causes normal shrinkage cracks, but engineering knowledge is helpful to understand:

• Crack size

• Location

• Direction

• Rate of Progression

Diagonal, stair-step, or widening cracks often signal movement that requires attention.

C.      Exterior Evaluation

We also inspect the outside of your home, checking:

• Grading and drainage around the foundation

• Downspout placement and water runoff

• Exterior foundation cracks

• Brick or chimney separation

• Soil conditions common in the KC metro area

Drainage issues are one of the most common causes of foundation problems so a proper exterior analysis around your home is crucial.

3. Findings & Professional Recommendations

After completing the diagnosis, we provide a verbal summary of what we found and what needs to happen next.

This is your opportunity to ask questions such as:

• What’s causing this?

• How serious is it?

• Do I need repairs now or just monitoring?

• What type of contractor should I hire?

Because Resolve Engineering does not sell repair services, our recommendations are focused only on what will keep your home safe and structurally sound and avoiding expensive solutions you may not need.

4. Written Engineering Report

If you choose, we can prepare a full written report delivered within 24 hours. These reports include:

• Detailed descriptions of the structural issues

• Laser-level measurement data

• Professional engineering recommendations

• Repair guidance or monitoring instructions

Our reports are commonly used for:

• Real estate transactions

• Contractor estimates

• Insurance claims

• Long-term maintenance planning

5. A Process Designed for Kansas City Homes

Every foundation is different. Soil conditions in Overland Park are not the same as in North Kansas City or Olathe. Older homes near Brookside behave differently than new builds in Shawnee or Gardner.

That’s why every Resolve Engineering inspection is customized to the home’s:

• Age and construction type

• Soil conditions

• Weather exposure

• Drainage and grading

• Visible symptoms

• Prior movement or repairs

Kansas City metro homes face a unique combination of expansive clay soil, heavy spring rains, freeze/thaw cycles, and seasonal droughts, all of which affect foundation performance over time.

Final Thoughts: Why a Professional Engineering (PE) Matters in Kansas City

A foundation inspection from a licensed Professional Engineer is the smartest first step if you suspect structural or settlement issues in your home. You receive:

• Unbiased, expert guidance

• Accurate diagnosis of root causes

• Clear recommendations that save money long-term

• Confidence knowing repairs (if needed) are the correct repairs

Whether you’re dealing with cracks, water intrusion, sticking doors, uneven floors, or conflicting quotes from foundation repair companies, Resolve Engineering is here to help you get the right information the first time.

If you’re concerned about your foundation, or simply want peace of mind, schedule an inspection now with our Quick Booking Form or contact Resolve Engineering if you have further questions before scheduling your inspection.  Keep your Kansas City home safe, stable, and standing strong for decades to come.