faq

Real Estate FAQ
How much does it cost to have my house investigation done?
The 2007 rate for a standard report for a residential property is $385 for properties within 15 road miles of Blacksburg, VA. Each additional 5 miles beyond that (one way distance) is an additional $20. Find out the distance here. Residential investigations are generally for a single or group of closely related issues. Multiple issues and/or appraisals of entire structures will be billed at hourly rates, similar to commerical investigations.

How much will it cost to have my commercial property investigation done?
Due to the larger range of investigations necessary for commercial properties, the fee is based on the actual time spent during the investigation and report writing. Mileage is included in the standard rate, and time is calculated from the time the investigator leaves the Blacksburg office until he or she returns. A written contract specifying the scope may be provided prior to the investigation. Reports generally start at about $800 for basic issues. Full investigations for due diligence will range from 5 to 25 cents per square foot, depending on size, type of constuction, and building complexity.

Will a Professional Engineer do the investigation?
A professional engineer with specific experience and training in structural engineering makes each site visit. In addition, all reports are written or reviewed by a principal in the firm, and bear the seal of a professional engineer licensed to practice in Virginia.

How long will it take on site?
An appointment will be set up to meet you, and any other observers, generally within one week. We recommend that all interested parties be present: seller/owner, buyer, contractor, and agents. An onsite residential investigation will likely last between 45 minutes and 1 hour, and the conditions present will be discussed during the visit.

How long will it take to get the report?
A report detailing the observations made onsite as well as recommendations will normally be completed in two to three working days and copies mailed to all participants, with the approval of the client.

Can I get a digital copy of the report?
Any party approved to receive a written report may opt for an unsealed copy of the report in PDF format via email. The report will be identical to the printed version, but will not bear the seal of the approving engineer on the title page.

Can I make copies of the report?
Copies are governed by the copyright agreement contained in the report, and are generally not permitted. Each printed copy will bear a “wet seal,” or hand signed engineer’s seal. Up to three additional copies are available at no charge at the request of the client, up to five years from the date of investigation. For larger volume copies or special requests, please contact us.

Do you guarantee your results?
Buildings and their interactions with the environment is an inexact science. We provide a reasonable standard of care in all work produced. Each report contains specific language <href: legal terms> which forms the agreement between Truesdell Engineering and the client.