Schaefer is committed to meeting our clients’ needs. We find creative and cost-efficient solutions for our clients.

Visit our projects section to see examples of our services, projects, and broad range of experience – illustrating the advantages of trusting Schaefer with your structural design needs.

Our services consist of all aspects of structural engineering including:

• Structural planning and schematic design
• Sustainable design
• BIM / Revit / IPD
• Facilities Maintenance
• Framing / foundation design for new buildings
• Renovation / adaptive reuse of existing structures
• Design of retaining structures
• Building component design / analysis
• Investigations / assessments / condition reports
• Load capacity analysis
• Site observation and special inspection during construction phase
• Construction support services
• Forensic investigation / expert witness testimony

Construction Services

At times, you can face structural engineering obstacles that effect time, money, and resources. With our group focused and dedicated to construction services and an engineer registered in every state, we can deliver quality design, responsiveness, and broad expertise. We’ll partner with you to provide creative and cost-effective solutions.

General contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, design builders and owners – we have a dedicated staff providing engineering services for shoring, temporary bracing, special inspections, crane foundations, MEP seismic bracing, shop drawing preparation and/or review, forensic investigations, and other construction phase needs.

Forensic Investigations

Founded in 1976, our firm has performed thousands of structural investigations for homeowners, commercial and industrial building owners, government agencies, attorneys, and property insurance adjusters. We realize that our reputation and credibility is critical to the resolution of a claim – and we provide unbiased investigations and reports.

With the majority of our engineers having advanced degrees, they are familiar with design techniques and the latest building codes – yielding accurate analysis and conclusions. In designing thousands of new and renovated structures, we are knowledgeable about all common construction materials and which components and connections are typically critical. We know the items in a structural failure to investigate first.

Just as important as determining the cause of a claim is finding a practical and safe solution to repair the damage. We know the best methods for repairing and rebuilding structures which can yield significant savings for our clients on covered claims.

New Construction

Schaefer has been providing structural design for new buildings for more than thirty-five years. We have a broad range of experience – from simple framing to complex building structures. We recommend the most appropriate structural system – presenting alternatives and relative advantages for each. We keep in mind what our clients want – optimal structural efficiency and performance, to meet their budget, and avoid excessive construction costs.

We continually investigate new developments in materials and construction techniques. Your project needs all the advantages available – let us help you plan the best building possible.

Renovation

Schaefer has a significant resumé of renovation and restoration projects – including historic, urban, and reuse. We assess deficiencies accurately, suggest appropriate options, design the best possible solution, and provide a clear and concise set of construction documents. Our firm also provides construction administration services and can aid in the bidding phase and construction process.

Structural Inspections

Schaefer has extensive experience in investigating both commercial and residential structures that have suffered a catastrophic event or deterioration from various causes. Whether it’s due diligence in the purchase of an existing home/building or a review to determine if the building is salvageable – we have the expertise needed for the accurate assessment of the original construction and cause of the damage. A structural inspection is critical in determining the most appropriate repairs.

Residential Structural Inspections

In addition to new home construction, Schaefer has thirty years of experience with residential inspections. Project examples include reviewing wood framing systems of roofs and floors, brick masonry wall systems and stone foundations. Reviews have included multi-family homes as well as single family residences throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. Homes range from new to pre-1950s structures. Contact us today to see if we can help you with your residential inspection needs.

Renewable Energy Structures

There has been a dramatic increase in sustainable building in the past few years. One element of going green is renewable energy from solar or wind sources. Our firm has provided the design of structural support for a growing amount of solar panels for both commercial and residential owners. Renewable energy projects can be beneficial to owners of facilities of any size.

We have years of experience analyzing all types of roof systems (flat or pitched; wood, steel, or concrete) for additional loads. Knowledgeable engineers can help owners make decisions regarding support structures that could keep overall project expense to a minimum.

A wind turbine is another renewable energy source. Wind turbine attachment to an existing structure or foundation and the efficient design of those components, have a huge impact on the economical feasibility of a project.

Facilities Managers

Facility managers are continually being challenged to make existing facilities last longer and to make modifications to accommodate new uses, upgrades, processes, and equipment. Doing this in a climate of changing needs and priorities can present numerous structural challenges that could have a large impact on cost and/or life safety. Working with a quality experienced engineer can mean cost savings and quick solutions to all these challenges.

Schaefer provides reliable, creative, code compliant and cost-effective solutions to all your facility challenges. Based on thirty-four years of experience working with owners, we understand the challenges of working in an operating facility while implementing your project goals. From building distress investigations to feasibility studies to leading the design of your new facility, we are prepared to tackle all of your needs. Let our experience lead the way.