Need a Structural Engineer in Pittsburgh?
Clear, independent structural evaluations and signed and sealed reports when included in the agreed scope
Serving homeowners, attorneys, architects, contractors, and real estate professionals
Evaluations performed by a licensed Professional Engineer
Reports prepared for the agreed purpose and intended recipient
More than 20 years of engineering experience
If you have noticed wall cracks, uneven floors, foundation wall cracking or movement, water intrusion, or are considering modifying a load-bearing wall, an independent structural evaluation can help you understand the observed conditions and identify appropriate next steps.
When required and included in the agreed scope, PittDES can prepare a written engineering report for review by the intended lender, insurer, municipality, or other recipient.
PittDES explains the accessible observations, relevant engineering considerations, and reasonable next steps within the agreed scope. Additional investigation, monitoring, written documentation, calculations, design, or consultation with another professional may be required depending on the conditions and intended purpose.
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Mission Statement
PittDES provides homeowners, property owners, contractors, investors, and real estate professionals with independent, understandable structural engineering guidance to help them evaluate conditions and make informed decisions.
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“Firas responded within an hour. His inspection helped me renegotiate a real estate deal. Honest, knowledgeable, and detailed.”
— Michael G., Washington DC
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“Independent structural engineering inspection prevented $36,000–$101,000 in unnecessary structural repairs by verifying the home’s actual condition and identifying only the work that was truly required.”
— Matthew J., Homeowner
Get to Know PittDES
Pittsburgh Design & Engineering Services is a locally owned structural engineering firm serving homeowners, property owners, attorneys, architects, contractors, and real-estate professionals in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.
PittDES is led by Firas Abdelahad, P.E., who holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in structural engineering and has more than 20 years of engineering experience involving design, construction, fabrication, consulting, façades, foundations, rehabilitation, and assessment of existing buildings.
PittDES does not sell construction or repair work. Our role is to independently evaluate the structural questions included in the agreed scope, explain the relevant engineering considerations, and help clients evaluate appropriate next steps.
Why Clients Choose PittDES?
More than 20 years of engineering experience
Evaluations performed by a licensed Professional Engineer
Written reports and permit drawings available when included in the agreed scope
Clear explanations of observed conditions and engineering considerations
Locally owned and operated with direct communication
Consider a Structural Evaluation If:
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You have been asked to obtain a structural engineering letter.
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A contractor proposed a structural repair and you want an independent engineering evaluation.
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Cracking or movement appeared during or after renovation.
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A beam, bearing wall, column, joist, or other structural component may be removed or modified.
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A foundation or retaining wall appears bowed, leaning, displaced, or cracked.
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A home inspector, lender, appraiser, insurer, attorney, or municipality identified a structural concern.
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A real-estate transaction involves an unresolved structural question.
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Buying a property that was recently fully remodeled
LEARN ABOUT WHAT WE OFFER
Just to list few of our services for a complete list, check our services page
Sagging and Uneven Floor Evaluation
Evaluate potential causes of floor deflection, movement, and framing-related concerns.
Load-Bearing Wall Evaluation
Evaluate whether a wall appears to be load-bearing based on accessible conditions and available information, and identify the engineering services that may be required for modification or removal.
Structural Reports for Real Estate
Prepare signed and sealed engineering letters or reports for an identified purpose and recipient when included in the agreed scope. Acceptance remains subject to the recipient’s independent review.
Foundation and Basement Wall Evaluation
Evaluate cracking, movement, and accessible conditions affecting foundation-wall performance.
What to Expect When You Contact PittDES
PittDES reviews the preliminary project information to identify a proposed professional-service scope for the client’s consideration. If the requested work falls outside PittDES’s qualifications, availability, licensing, or services, the client may be advised to consult another appropriate professional.
Appointments, deliverables, fees, and anticipated schedules are established through the applicable written agreement. Engineering services are limited to the identified concerns, accessible conditions, available information, and authorized scope.
The standard initial structural evaluation includes a site visit and verbal engineering consultation. No letter, report, email summary, photographs, calculations, drawings, certification, or other written documentation is included unless expressly stated in the agreement or separately authorized.
If you have observed a foundation, framing, floor, wall, or other structural concern, schedule an evaluation to discuss the accessible conditions and appropriate engineering services.
Structural Engineering Services in Pennsylvania and West Virginia
When May a Structural Engineering Evaluation Be Appropriate?
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When a foundation or wall appears bowed, leaning, displaced, deteriorated, or cracked.
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When floors appear sagged, sloped, uneven, or unusually flexible.
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When an appraiser, lender, insurer, municipality, or home inspector requests an engineer’s opinion.
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Following reported damage associated with a flood, fire, storm, impact, construction activity, or another event.
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When structural components may have been altered without appropriate engineering review or permits.
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Before authorizing a proposed structural repair or modification.
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When an independent engineering perspective is desired regarding an identified structural concern.
The appropriate scope depends on the identified concern, intended purpose, accessibility, available information, and recipient requirements.
A limited evaluation may identify the need for additional investigation or services.
PittDES provides professional engineering services in accordance with applicable licensing requirements and professional obligations.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
Michael G.
Washington, DC
Pittsburgh Design and Engineering Services is hands-down THE company you need to use for any and all structural engineering needs. I placed a house under contract that had foundation issues and was both nervous and concerned about what the repairs might entail. Firas, the owner, responded to my inquiry within an hour and was very accommodating in scheduling the onsite visit. His knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail seriously cannot be beaten. He correctly identified and quantified the issues at hand--something two other contractors I had brought out failed to do. I am so happy I spent the extra money to have him come out, as it has made me much more comfortable in my upcoming purchase and I am now using his observations as points of leverage in my negotiations with the seller. I would highly recommend Pittsburgh Design and Engineering Services to anyone and everyone who is involved with real estate (both commercial and residential) and in need of the expertise of a structural engineer. Firas is one of the most down-to-earth, honest, and knowledgeable professionals I have come across in the greater Pittsburgh area and I look forward to doing business with this firm for years to come.
Ryan R.
Pittsburgh, PA
I had Firas come over to my home to inspect a crack in one of my joists. He analyzed and provided me with clear advice on how to proceed in repairing the issue. He also performed an inspection of my foundation and outside areas for other issues. He noticed things which didn't catch my attention.
As a new owner, I want to ensure I'm doing everything I can to prevent major issues from occurring. Pittsburgh Design & Engineering are looking out for your best interests. I'll be adding them to my book of trusted professionals. Thanks again!
Kate M.
Pittsburgh, PA
We are first-time homeowners looking to check if a wall was load-bearing for a potential removal. I called several structural engineering firms and Firas was the only one to pick up when I called (the others never returned my calls). He was courteous and was able to schedule with us quickly. When he came to our house he was thorough and explained his process in great detail. We really felt like we could trust him and he did not try to push us or upsell us on anything. Highly recommend!
Nick B.
New Kensington, PA
I was lucky enough to find Firas who was able to get me scheduled within a tight timeline. He provided me with a detailed and clear report that outlined the specs and calculations needed for the placement of a structural lvl beam due to the removal of a load bearing wall during my kitchen remodel. He was extremely helpful and thorough throughout the process. I just want to thank you again, as our contractor followed your all of your guidance and the install went smoothly and our inspection went along without any problems. Thanks again!!
Kelly K.
Allison Park, PA
Firas was a lifesaver for me when a misinformed home inspector erroneously flagged floor joists as incorrectly installed in a 2 year old Ryan Home. My seller employed Firas to evaluate the situation. Not only was he accommodating with his schedule, he was super helpful in explaining why the inspector was wrong and he was able to relieve any fears from the buyers of the home. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing engineering services.