Business Details
26 Years
experience
Trusted Structural Engineering Services in Franklin, TN
Structural Engineering & Inspections has served the Middle Tennessee region for over two decades, delivering high-quality structural engineering and inspection services. Founded in 2000, our firm addresses a critical need for professional and ethical consulting in residential and commercial construction. Our team of licensed engineers and certified inspectors collaborates with homeowners, builders, and real estate professionals to ensure structural integrity and compliance with building codes. We specialize in residential and light-frame construction, offering services from foundation inspections to forensic evaluations.Our mission emphasizes unbiased, evidence-based solutions that prioritize client goals and public safety. With expertise in commercial design and historic renovations, we extend the rigor of commercial engineering to residential projects. Our commitment to transparency, technical excellence, and client education has solidified our reputation as a trusted industry leader in structural analysis and building science.
Services
Structural Engineering
Building Inspections
Foundation Inspections
Retaining Wall Assessments
Deck Footing Evaluations
Truss Layout Reviews
Lumber Framing Inspections
Slab-on-Grade Analysis
Forensic Investigations
Building Science Diagnostics
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in structural engineering and inspections.
- Our team includes licensed professional engineers and certified inspectors.
- We provide comprehensive services for residential and commercial projects.
- Our client-centric approach prioritizes transparency and ethical standards.
- We deliver evidence-based solutions for structural integrity and compliance.
What people say
Detailed reports
Professional staff
Timely service
Expert analysis
Clear explanations
Services
Structural Engineering Services
Our structural engineering services encompass residential and commercial projects, including design analysis, load calculations, and code compliance. We specialize in wood, concrete, steel, and masonry materials, ensuring safe and durable structures. Our engineers provide detailed reports and stamped construction documents for permits and implementation.
Foundation Inspections
We conduct comprehensive foundation inspections for new construction and existing buildings. Our process includes evaluating soil bearing capacity, reinforcing bar placement, and compliance with local building codes. We document concrete quality and weather conditions during inspections to ensure structural integrity.
Building Science Diagnostics
Our building science services identify performance issues related to heat, air, and moisture. Using advanced equipment, we assess cracks, water intrusion, and material failures. We provide actionable recommendations to improve energy efficiency, durability, and occupant comfort for residential and light commercial structures.
Forensic Investigations
We investigate structural distress and construction defects through site evaluations and destructive testing. Our team determines causes of damage from environmental events or installation errors, offering repair specifications and expert testimony for residential and commercial clients.
Retaining Wall Assessments
Our retaining wall inspections verify compliance with engineered design details. We check steel reinforcement, wall thickness, and footing dimensions, providing recommendations for modifications. We document concrete quality and soil conditions to ensure long-term stability and safety.
People
J. Michael Vines
Principal Structural Engineer
Licensed in five states, Michael Vines graduated from Auburn University with a civil engineering degree. He leads structural design and forensic investigations, bringing expertise in commercial and residential projects.
Eric C. Ivey
Senior Structural Engineer
A Tennessee-licensed engineer, Eric Ivey specializes in structural analysis and code compliance. He graduated from Tennessee Technological University, focusing on residential and light-frame commercial construction.
Chris D. Harvill
Senior Building Inspector
Certified in code inspection, Chris Harvill holds a geology degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He conducts structural inspections and evaluates construction defects with 20+ years of field experience.
Troy J. McDonald
Building Inspector
A certified codes inspector, Troy McDonald specializes in plumbing and mechanical systems. With over two decades in construction, he performs structural evaluations and compliance checks for residential projects.
Brooke K. King
Engineering Project Coordinator
Brooke King manages project coordination and client communications. She holds a sociology degree from San Diego State University and supports technical teams in delivering inspection services.
Questions
What services does Structural Engineering & Inspections offer?
We provide structural engineering, building science diagnostics, foundation inspections, retaining wall assessments, forensic investigations, and code compliance services for residential and commercial clients.
Which areas do you serve?
We serve Middle Tennessee, Northern Alabama, and Southern Kentucky, with occasional projects in East/West Tennessee and Western Kentucky.
Are your engineers licensed professionals?
Yes, our team includes licensed professional engineers (PE) and structural engineers (SE) in multiple states, along with certified building inspectors.
How long has your company been in business?
Structural Engineering & Inspections was founded in 2000 and has served the region for over two decades.
Can you perform inspections for new construction?
Yes, we conduct footing, foundation, slab, and framing inspections for new residential and commercial construction projects.
Do you handle commercial building projects?
Yes, we offer structural design, renovation, and forensic services for commercial buildings, including historic renovations and multi-story structures.
Reviews (5)
B. Anderson
Mar 19, 2022
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Excellent advice and service. The engineer who worked with me is Chris Harvill. He was a great pleasure to work with and really knows his stuff. My background is engineering, so I know some aspects to examine, but he spotted issues that I would have missed. He thoroughly discussed everything with me and answered all of my questions and gave some great observations and suggestions. SE&I was recommended to me originally by my real estate agent. Now I will recommend them to any family and friends, and will tell them to ask for Chris Harvill.
Jeanne Larose
Sep 22, 2021
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We have a house with a basement that has four columns in it, and we wanted to know what size beams we would need in order to support the load of the upper floor. We needed multiple options for A) removing all 4 columns, or B) removing 2 outer columns, or C) removing 2 inner columns. Nolan was punctual, friendly and answered all of my many, many questions. He sent the report back promptly and when I had follow up questions, he further explained everything I needed to know. I will highly recommend using SE&I to anyone who needs an engineer.
Chris Carpenter
Jul 11, 2021
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We have used SE&I for nearly a decade for new home construction, service/warranty projects, as well as sub surface evaluations. SE&I has always been timely, at market rate, and taken the time to give us not only 1, but multiple solutions to our problem or issue needing resolution. Their staff is professional, knowledgeable and courteous.
Mark G.
Oct 20, 2020
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My family and I just had an inspection done at 2211 old natchez trace. Nolan Williams did the inspection. Having been in my trade at an early age (I now enjoy over 30 yrs in it) I respected his knowledge and getting in at the ground floor. Having been a laborer, then a framer myself and eventually working my way up to working for my builder, I appreciated his level of experience not from just schooling but old school starting from the ground level like his father taught him.
Being a 3rd generation in my industry, I appreciate the level of experience he has been taught and his level of candor and honesty. I recommend these guys to anyone needing an inspection. They were thorough and honest. Not much more to be said than that
Being a 3rd generation in my industry, I appreciate the level of experience he has been taught and his level of candor and honesty. I recommend these guys to anyone needing an inspection. They were thorough and honest. Not much more to be said than that
Leigh Burtchaell
Aug 14, 2020
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SEI was very thorough in assessing our tornado damaged home. They prepared a detailed report outline all of the repairs needed. They were professional, kind, and understanding. I highly recommend this firm.
