Structural Engineering
Consulting Services
You Can Rely On
AO Engineers, LLC provides professional structural engineering inspections, forensic evaluations, building assessments, and engineering reports for residential and commercial clients throughout Kentucky and surrounding states.
Structural Engineering Services
AO Engineers, LLC provides a full range of structural engineering consulting services for residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional clients. All services are performed by or under the direct supervision of licensed professional engineers.
Structural Engineering
Comprehensive structural engineering consulting for new construction, renovations, and structural modifications. We evaluate load paths, framing systems, and structural integrity for residential and commercial buildings.
- ▸Load-bearing wall analysis
- ▸Beam and column sizing
- ▸Floor system evaluation
- ▸Roof framing assessment
Structural Inspections
Thorough on-site structural inspections by licensed engineers. We identify structural deficiencies, assess existing conditions, and provide written reports suitable for real estate transactions, insurance claims, and legal matters.
- ▸Pre-purchase inspections
- ▸Post-storm damage assessment
- ▸Insurance claim support
- ▸Code compliance review
Forensic Engineering
Expert forensic structural engineering services for legal disputes, insurance claims, and failure investigations. We determine root causes of structural failures and provide expert witness testimony when required.
- ▸Failure cause analysis
- ▸Expert witness testimony
- ▸Litigation support
- ▸Construction defect review
Building Assessments
Detailed structural condition assessments for existing buildings. Our assessments document current conditions, identify areas of concern, and provide prioritized recommendations for repair or remediation.
- ▸Condition rating reports
- ▸Deficiency documentation
- ▸Repair prioritization
- ▸Capital planning support
Foundation Inspections
Specialized foundation evaluation and inspection services. We assess foundation type, condition, settlement patterns, and structural adequacy for residential slabs, crawl spaces, basements, and commercial foundations.
- ▸Settlement analysis
- ▸Crack evaluation
- ▸Soil bearing assessment
- ▸Underpinning recommendations
Structural Analysis
Engineering analysis of structural systems using accepted engineering principles and software. We analyze existing structures for capacity, identify overstressed members, and evaluate structural adequacy for proposed modifications.
- ▸Load analysis
- ▸Structural capacity review
- ▸Seismic/wind evaluation
- ▸Renovation feasibility
Structural Design
Complete structural design services for new construction, additions, and renovations. Our designs comply with applicable building codes and are prepared by licensed professional engineers.
- ▸Construction documents
- ▸Permit-ready drawings
- ▸Specification writing
- ▸Construction administration
Commercial Structures
Structural engineering services tailored for commercial properties including office buildings, retail centers, warehouses, industrial facilities, and multi-family residential developments.
- ▸Office and retail buildings
- ▸Warehouses and industrial
- ▸Multi-family residential
- ▸Mixed-use developments
Residential Structures
Residential structural engineering and inspection services for single-family homes, townhomes, and small multi-family buildings. We support homeowners, buyers, sellers, contractors, and real estate professionals.
- ▸Single-family homes
- ▸Townhomes and condos
- ▸Home addition design
- ▸Renovation structural support
Engineering Reports
Professional written engineering reports prepared by licensed structural engineers. Our reports are clear, thorough, and suitable for use in real estate transactions, insurance claims, legal proceedings, and permitting.
- ▸Inspection reports
- ▸Condition assessment reports
- ▸Forensic investigation reports
- ▸Expert opinion letters
Property Condition Assessments
Comprehensive property condition assessments (PCAs) evaluating the structural and physical condition of commercial properties in accordance with ASTM E2018 standards, commonly required for commercial real estate transactions and lender due diligence.
- ▸ASTM E2018 compliance
- ▸Immediate repair cost estimates
- ▸Short/long-term capital needs
- ▸Lender-acceptable format
Why Choose AO Engineers, LLC
Property owners, attorneys, contractors, architects, and developers throughout Kentucky and the surrounding region rely on AO Engineers for accurate, professional structural engineering consulting.
Licensed Professional Engineers
All structural engineering services at AO Engineers, LLC are performed by or under the direct supervision of licensed professional engineers (PE). Our engineers hold current licensure in Kentucky and maintain continuing education requirements to stay current with evolving codes and standards.
Comprehensive Written Reports
We provide clear, thorough, professionally written engineering reports that document our findings, observations, and recommendations. Our reports are suitable for use in real estate transactions, insurance claims, legal proceedings, permitting, and construction projects.
Responsive and Accessible
We understand that structural concerns often arise during time-sensitive situations such as real estate transactions, storm damage events, or active litigation. AO Engineers strives to provide timely scheduling and responsive communication throughout every project.
Experience Across Property Types
Our engineering experience spans single-family homes, multi-family residential buildings, commercial office and retail properties, warehouses, industrial facilities, and institutional buildings. We understand the unique structural characteristics of each property type.
Objective and Independent Analysis
As an independent consulting firm, AO Engineers provides unbiased, objective engineering opinions. We do not perform repairs or construction work, which means our findings and recommendations are based solely on sound engineering judgment, not financial interest in a particular outcome.
Forensic and Legal Support
We have experience supporting attorneys, insurance professionals, and property owners in legal and insurance matters. Our forensic engineering investigations are conducted with the rigor and documentation standards required for litigation and dispute resolution.
Industries We Serve
AO Engineers provides structural engineering consulting to a broad range of clients and industries. Our experience across property types and professional disciplines allows us to deliver effective engineering solutions.
Commercial Real Estate
Pre-purchase inspections, PCAs, and structural due diligence for commercial property acquisitions, refinancing, and sales.
Residential Real Estate
Structural inspections and engineering reports for home buyers, sellers, and real estate agents navigating structural concerns.
Property Management
Ongoing structural assessment and condition monitoring for property managers overseeing multi-unit and commercial portfolios.
Construction
Structural engineering design, plan review, and construction-phase structural consulting for general contractors and subcontractors.
Architecture
Structural engineering services in support of architectural projects, including feasibility analysis, structural design, and coordination.
Insurance Claims
Forensic structural investigations and independent engineering opinions supporting insurance claims for storm damage, settling, and structural failures.
Legal Support
Expert witness services, forensic engineering investigations, and technical consulting for attorneys handling construction defect and property damage litigation.
Municipal Projects
Structural engineering consulting for municipal facilities, public buildings, bridges, and infrastructure projects.
Developers
Structural engineering design and consulting services for real estate developers from site feasibility through construction completion.
Industrial Facilities
Structural assessments, load evaluations, and engineering design for manufacturing plants, warehouses, and industrial facilities.
Service Areas
AO Engineers, LLC is headquartered in Fort Thomas, Kentucky and primarily serves clients throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Our structural engineering consulting services are also available in Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, and several additional surrounding states.
For projects located outside of Kentucky, please contact us to discuss availability and scheduling. We are experienced in conducting structural inspections and assessments across state lines and can often accommodate projects throughout the broader Midwest and Southeast regions.
View All Service AreasFeatured Case Studies
The following case studies illustrate representative structural engineering projects completed by AO Engineers. Client identifying information has been generalized to protect confidentiality.
A homeowner observed stair-step cracking in brick veneer, interior drywall separation at door frames, and sloping floors throughout the first level of a 1960s ranch-style home. The seller's disclosure indicated "minor settling" but the buyer's agent was concerned.
On-site inspection revealed differential foundation settlement of approximately 2.5 inches at the northeast corner of the structure. Crack mapping and elevation survey data indicated active movement consistent with expansive clay soil conditions beneath the exterior footing.
AO Engineers issued a written structural engineering report documenting the settlement, identifying probable causes, and providing repair recommendations including helical pier underpinning. The report was used to successfully negotiate a repair credit during the real estate transaction.
A commercial property owner contacted AO Engineers following a severe wind event that caused visible displacement of roof framing at a 15,000 square foot retail strip center. The insurance carrier requested an independent structural engineering assessment.
Investigation revealed that multiple roof-to-wall connections had failed due to inadequate hurricane strap installation during original construction. Wind uplift forces during the storm exceeded the capacity of the as-built connections, resulting in partial roof displacement at the building's north elevation.
AO Engineers prepared a forensic engineering report documenting the failure mechanism, distinguishing storm-caused damage from pre-existing construction deficiencies. The report supported the property owner's insurance claim and provided the engineering basis for the repair scope.
A buyer under contract for a 1920s-era Victorian home requested a structural engineering inspection after a home inspector noted concerns about the basement masonry walls and visible deflection in a first-floor beam. The buyer needed an engineering opinion before proceeding.
Inspection revealed that a first-floor carrying beam had been notched by a subsequent plumber, reducing its effective depth by approximately 40% at a critical mid-span location. Additionally, the original stone foundation walls showed evidence of hydrostatic pressure damage and mortar deterioration.
AO Engineers provided a written report identifying the structural deficiencies, estimating repair costs, and recommending corrective measures. The buyer used the report to negotiate a purchase price reduction and required repairs as a condition of sale.
Request a Consultation
Contact AO Engineers, LLC to discuss your structural engineering needs. We respond to all inquiries promptly. For urgent matters, please call us directly at 000-000-0000.