Cornell Engineers provides experienced structural engineering advice, inspections and reports for residential properties across Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Our focus is on investigating existing houses and residential buildings—particularly where there is cracking, movement, structural damage, drainage problems, defective work or disagreement about what caused the damage.
Does a Cracked Wall Mean Structural Damage?
Cracking is one of the most common reasons homeowners contact a structural engineer. A crack does not necessarily mean that a house is structurally unsafe—the location, pattern, width and likely cause all need to be considered.
In this video, Matt Cornell explains why a cracked wall does not automatically mean structural damage and what an engineer considers during an assessment.
Cracked Wall ≠ Structural Damage (Here’s Why)
Residential Structural Engineering Services
We can assist with:
- cracking and movement investigations;
- assessment of structural damage;
- foundation and floor movement;
- storm, impact and accidental damage;
- insurance claim investigations;
- defective or incomplete building work;
- retaining wall assessments;
- overland flow and site drainage problems;
- deterioration of timber, steel, concrete and masonry;
- problems uncovered during renovations;
- assessment of proposed wall or column removal;
- independent engineering reports; and
- selected structural repairs and alterations.
Structural Inspections of Existing Houses
Not every crack or uneven floor indicates a serious structural problem. The important questions are what caused the movement, whether it is continuing and what—if anything—needs to be done.
Our inspections generally begin with a visual assessment of the accessible parts of the property. We consider the building construction, visible damage, site conditions, drainage and any relevant history or documents.
We then explain:
- what we observed;
- the likely cause of the problem;
- whether it is structurally significant;
- whether further investigation is required; and
- what repairs or other action we recommend.
Depending on the purpose of the inspection, our advice may be provided verbally, by email or in a formal engineering report.
Forensic Engineering and Damage Assessment
Where the cause of residential damage is disputed, Cornell Engineers can undertake a more detailed forensic investigation.
This may include reviewing:
- photographs and repair records;
- building and engineering drawings;
- previous reports;
- insurance documents;
- rainfall and weather information;
- construction records; and
- correspondence between the parties.
Our role is to provide an independent engineering opinion based on the available evidence. We regularly work with homeowners, builders, insurers, loss adjusters, building consultants and legal representatives.
Cracking, Movement and Drainage
Cracking and building movement are often influenced by more than one factor.
Possible causes include:
- reactive clay soils;
- changes in soil moisture;
- poor surface drainage;
- leaking water or stormwater pipes;
- uncontrolled roofwater discharge;
- foundation movement;
- deterioration of stumps or structural framing;
- nearby excavation or construction work; and
- inadequately designed alterations.
We assess the available evidence rather than assuming that the most recent event caused all the visible damage.
Where drainage contributes to the problem, our advice may include a marked-up site plan, photographs, recommendations and practical drainage details. This is not a full civil drainage design unless specifically included in our engagement.
Problems During Renovations and Repairs
Renovation and repair work can expose structural conditions that were not visible beforehand.
We can inspect unexpected framing arrangements, deteriorated structural members, inadequate previous alterations and damage uncovered during demolition. Where appropriate, we may provide recommendations or structural details for a specific repair.
Cornell Engineers now concentrates on inspections, investigations, reports and selected structural engineering work. We do not undertake every new house, townhouse or large residential design project.
Independent Residential Engineering Reports
Our reports are written in plain English and explain the engineering issues, their significance and the recommended next steps.
Reports may be prepared for:
- homeowners seeking practical advice;
- builders planning repairs;
- insurers and loss adjusters;
- body corporates;
- building consultants;
- solicitors; and
- dispute-resolution proceedings.
Request an Inspection or Report
Please send us:
- the property address;
- a brief description of the problem;
- photographs of the affected areas;
- relevant drawings and previous reports; and
- an explanation of why you need the engineering advice.
This allows us to determine whether the project suits our current services and provide an appropriate fee proposal.