Engineer’s Load-Bearing Wall Evaluations
Through a Licensed Engineering Partner

Foundation movement, settlement, or cracking can raise serious concerns for homeowners, buyers, sellers, and lenders. At Upchurch Inspection, we help clients obtain Engineer’s Foundation Evaluations through a professional partnership with a licensed engineering firm, providing clear documentation of the foundation’s observed condition and performance.

While Upchurch Inspection is not an engineering firm, we coordinate the field evaluation process and work directly with an independent licensed engineer to ensure clients receive the professional engineering assessment they need—without confusion, delays, or compliance issues.

Schedule Your Load-Bearing Wall Evaluation

What Is an Load-Bearing Wall Evaluation ?

foundation evaluation

An Engineer’s Load-Bearing Wall Evaluation is performed to assess whether a wall is structural in nature, how it contributes to load transfer within the building, and whether any observed alterations, damage, or conditions may impact structural performance.

Through our partnership with a licensed engineering firm, this evaluation provides property owners, buyers, contractors, and lenders with clear, professional engineering conclusions regarding wall function, load paths, and observed conditions.

These evaluations are especially common when walls have been removed, modified, damaged, or questioned during renovations or real estate transactions. The goal is to provide engineering clarity—not assumptions—about structural significance.

How the Evaluation Process Works

Upchurch Inspection coordinates the field data collection typically associated with a load-bearing wall evaluation, while the engineering analysis, conclusions, and report are performed and issued by the licensed engineer.

The evaluation process generally includes:

  • Documenting visual observations during a physical walkthrough

  • Identifying wall locations, framing orientation, and visible structural components

  • Observing load transfer indicators such as beams, headers, columns, or bearing points

  • Reviewing renovation history or contractor disclosures when available

  • Reviewing available documentation such as floor plans, drawings, or prior reports

  • Providing a detailed engineering conclusion and Executive Summary

All engineering opinions, determinations, and recommendations are prepared and signed by the licensed engineer.

What We Document During the Site Visit

During the site visit, our inspector gathers information commonly collected during a structural field evaluation, including:

  • Visual assessment of wall construction and configuration

  • Identification of framing members and bearing indicators (where visible)

  • Documentation of removed, altered, or damaged wall sections

  • Observations of floor, ceiling, or roof framing alignment

  • Photographic documentation of relevant conditions

  • Floorplan layout documentation (when applicable)

This information is provided to the engineering partner for professional analysis and report preparation.

foundation inspection
foundation engineer documentation

What You’ll Receive

fter review by the licensed engineer, clients receive:

  • A formal Engineer’s Load-Bearing Wall Evaluation Report

  • An Executive Summary outlining findings and conclusions

  • Identification of whether the evaluated wall is structural in nature

  • Observations regarding alterations, damage, or load transfer concerns

  • Engineering recommendations, if applicable

  • Documentation suitable for buyers, sellers, lenders, contractors, or municipalities

Reports are typically delivered within 2–3 business days, depending on property complexity and documentation availability.

Common Reasons Clients Request a Load-Bearing Wall Evaluation

Through a partnership with a licensed engineering firm, Upchurch Inspection can coordinate an Engineer’s Load-Bearing Wall Evaluation when structural questions or documentation needs arise. These evaluations are commonly requested in situations such as:

  • Wall removal or modification — confirming whether a wall is load-bearing before or after renovation

  • Real estate transaction concerns — addressing walls altered prior to sale or flagged during inspection

  • Permit or compliance documentation — supporting renovation approvals or corrective work

  • Cracking, sagging, or deflection — evaluating walls associated with floor or ceiling movement

  • Contractor or homeowner disputes — providing third-party engineering documentation

  • Prior structural alterations — reviewing conditions where work was performed without engineering review

  • Peace-of-mind evaluations — confirming structural role and performance

Each evaluation is supported by photographs, site observations, and documented conditions for review by the licensed engineering partner.

Why Choose Upchurch Inspection for Your Load-Bearing Wall Evaluation

Wesley Upchurch, Home Inspector

Upchurch Inspection is trusted throughout the Mid-South for thorough, professional property evaluations. Our inspectors are experienced in documenting structural conditions and coordinating specialized evaluations when engineering expertise is required.

When working with us, you benefit from:

  • Clear coordination with a licensed engineering partner

  • Efficient scheduling and communication

  • Detailed field documentation

  • Reports accepted by lenders and stakeholders

  • Local experience across West Tennessee and surrounding regions

We focus on clarity, accuracy, and professionalism—without overstating scope or authority.

Get the answers you need, regarding your home’s foundation. Don’t risk uncertainty.

Contact Upchurch Inspection to schedule your Engineer’s Load-Bearing Wall Evaluation anywhere in the Midsouth..

Upchurch Inspection is not an engineering firm and does not provide engineering services. Engineering evaluations, conclusions, and reports are performed and issued by Noble Engineering Services, an independent licensed engineering firm. Each party is responsible for its own work, acts, errors, and omissions.