FAQs
Common questions, answered plainly.
If your question isn't here, send a note — we usually reply within one business day.
What does a site visit include?+
A licensed engineer walks the accessible portions of the property with you, makes notes on visible conditions — cracks, settlement, sagging, framing distress, deterioration and movement — and provides verbal recommendations on site. A typical visit takes one to two hours. Concealed framing, underground elements, and inaccessible areas are excluded unless specifically called out in the proposal.
Do I get a written report after a site visit?+
Not by default. Standard site visits include verbal recommendations only. Written reports, signed and sealed letters, calculations and drawings are separate deliverables and are quoted as their own scope after the visit is complete.
How quickly can you produce a no-structural-impact letter?+
Typically five to ten business days after we have the site visit complete and any required photos or drawings from your architect or contractor. Rush turnaround is sometimes possible — say so when you submit and we'll let you know.
Where are you licensed?+
Trinity Engineering holds Professional Engineer licenses in New York (PE #086763) and New Jersey (PE #24GE05853400), and serves clients across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. All signed and sealed work is performed by or under the direct supervision of a PE licensed in the state where the project is located.
Can you file directly with NYC DOB?+
We provide structural drawings and supporting documentation for DOB filings, but we work alongside an architect of record and a DOB-licensed expediter for most filings. We can recommend partners we've worked with if you don't already have them.
How much does this cost?+
Site visits are quoted as a flat fee based on travel and scope. Letters, calculations and drawings are quoted separately after the visit. We'll send a written proposal before any chargeable work begins, and the standard payment schedule is 50% on approval and 50% on completion.
What is the payment schedule?+
Unless otherwise stated in your proposal, 50% is due upon approval and before work begins, and the remaining 50% is due upon completion and before delivery of final signed and sealed drawings, reports or letters.
Can you tell me whether a wall is load-bearing?+
In most cases, yes — through a site visit, sometimes paired with as-built drawings from the building or co-op office. We can also produce a structural opinion letter confirming load path and a recommendation on whether a removal requires reinforcement.
Do you do destructive testing or open up finishes?+
Not as part of standard visits. If concealed conditions need to be confirmed, we coordinate with the owner or contractor to expose the area and return for a follow-up visit at the agreed scope.
What areas do you serve?+
New York City and the surrounding region across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Send the address and we'll confirm availability and travel.
Still have a question?
Sometimes the answer is faster by phone or email. Either works.