Top 10 Signs You Need a Structural Engineer for Your Arizona Home

The desert landscape of Arizona is beautiful, but it can also present unique challenges for residential properties. From shifting soils to the intense heat and monsoon moisture, your home’s structure is constantly under stress. Knowing the early warning signs of a potential problem can save you thousands of dollars and give you invaluable peace of mind.

At Schembri Engineers, we’ve been helping homeowners throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas since 1985. Here are the top 10 signs that it may be time to call a professional structural engineer for an expert evaluation.

1. Cracks in Your Foundation, Walls, or Stucco

While hairline cracks can sometimes be cosmetic, larger or jagged cracks are a significant red flag. They can indicate soil settlement, foundation movement, or other serious structural issues that need a professional eye.

2. Doors or Windows that Stick or Won’t Close

If a door or window suddenly becomes difficult to open or close, it may be a sign of a misaligned frame caused by structural movement. Don’t just ignore it; this could be an early symptom of a shifting foundation.

3. Sagging Floors or Ceilings

A floor or ceiling that has a noticeable dip or “sag” often points to weakened or compromised support beams, joists, or trusses. This is a critical issue that requires an immediate inspection to prevent further damage.

4. Bowed or Leaning Walls

Exterior or interior walls that appear to be bowing inward or leaning outward are a clear indication of a structural problem. This can be caused by excessive pressure from the soil, a weakened foundation, or improper load-bearing support.

5. Water Intrusion or Persistent Moisture

While a plumber handles the pipes, a structural engineer can help if water is getting into your basement or crawl space. Persistent moisture can weaken a home’s foundation and lead to long-term structural damage.

6. Signs of Termite or Pest Damage

Termites and other pests can wreak havoc on wood framing, beams, and joists. After a pest control company has treated the problem, a structural engineer can assess the extent of the damage and design the necessary repairs.

7. Post-Fire or Natural Disaster Damage

If your home has experienced a fire, flood, or other disaster, a structural engineer is essential to evaluate the integrity of the remaining structure. Our forensic engineers can determine the safety of the building and design a plan for a safe rebuild.

8. Before a Major Renovation

Planning to remove a load-bearing wall, add a second story, or create an open-concept space? Before you start knocking down walls, you need a structural design from a professional to ensure your home remains safe and sound.

9. As Part of a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Before you buy a new home, a specialized structural inspection can give you complete peace of mind. Our team, which includes a Board Certified Building Inspection Engineer, can identify hidden problems that a standard home inspection might miss.

10. You’re Building a New Custom Home

A structural engineer is a crucial partner in the design phase of a new build. At Schembri Engineers, our design and engineering services ensure your custom home is built to the highest standards of safety and durability from the very beginning.

Trust Schembri Engineers with Your Home

As a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience and more than 15,000 satisfied clients, we are the trusted choice for residential structural engineering in Arizona. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t wait for the problem to get worse.

Contact Schembri Engineers today to schedule a professional inspection and get the expert advice you need to protect your home.