01
Construction defect and litigation support
Under SB 800 (Civil Code 895 to 945.5). Structured inspection, documented destructive testing, and findings tied to Section 896 performance standards and the CBC.
Forensic · Independent PE opinion
Independent PE structural assessment for construction defects, failures, and insurance disputes.
Construction defect and SB 800 investigations, structural failure investigation, and post-fire damage assessment of existing structures, by a California PE with doctoral-level training in structural and seismic engineering. Reports are written to hold up in mediation, appraisal, and litigation.
Written scope and engagement terms within one business day.
Destructive testing · SB 800
- California PELicensed engineer of record
- Doctoral-levelSeismic expertise
- Litigation-readyReports and declarations
- 7 daysReport after site visit
Three service lines
Three service lines. One report standard.
02
Structural failure investigation
Collapse, partial failure, excessive deflection, cracking, and settlement. Cause determination and a written opinion on remediation.
03
Post-fire structural damage assessment
For existing structures still standing after a fire. Framing, connections, foundation, and roof assessed in engineering terms.
01 · Construction defect
SB 800 investigations and litigation support.
SB 800, California Civil Code Sections 895 to 945.5, sets building performance standards in Section 896 and requires a prelitigation right-to-repair process before a homeowner can sue a builder. Expert analysis establishes whether specific components failed those standards. Our investigations are built to work inside that process:
- Structured visual inspection with photographs keyed to each finding
- Written field notes, preserved with the file
- Destructive testing within SB 800 procedures, with before, during, and after documentation and sample preservation
- Findings tied to specific CBC or Section 896 provisions
Civil Code Section 944 allows recovery of reasonable investigative costs for each established violation in SB 800 actions. That can include the cost of the engineering investigation; your counsel determines what is claimed.
Deliverable. A written report with a photo log keyed to findings, a methodology statement, qualifications, and findings tied to code sections, available as a declaration under penalty of perjury. Site visit scheduled at engagement, typically within two weeks; report seven business days after the visit. Expedited scheduling is available for hearing deadlines.
02 · Structural failure
When something has already moved, cracked, or come down.
Collapse, partial failure, excessive deflection, cracking, and settlement in existing buildings, decks, balconies, retaining walls, and framing. We determine the cause and contributing factors, establish whether the as-built condition met the code in effect, and give a written opinion on remediation. Same report format and turnaround as defect work.
03 · Post-fire
Post-fire structural damage assessment.
For existing structures still standing after a fire, we assess heat exposure to framing, charring depth and section loss, thermal degradation of connectors and hardware, foundation damage from adjacent collapse or heat, and roof and diaphragm condition, then give a reasoned opinion on repair versus replace.
Smoke and chemical contamination assessment is the industrial hygienist’s scope. We coordinate with a Certified Industrial Hygienist rather than performing it. Where replacement is the answer, wildfire rebuild structural design is a separate engagement.
What counsel receives
Litigation-ready from the first draft.
- Methodology statement: what was inspected, how, and what was not accessible
- Photo log keyed to findings, with locations
- Findings and opinions tied to code provisions and measured conditions
- Qualifications and CV of the engineer
- Declaration under penalty of perjury, available on request
- Deposition and trial testimony, available
Independence. H2 Seismic Pro works for whoever retains it: owner, public adjuster, plaintiff counsel, defense counsel, or HOA. The opinion is independent regardless of who pays.
Written scope and engagement terms within one business day.
Assessment and report engaged on a written scope. Deposition and trial testimony billed separately, stated in the engagement letter.
In their words
“Brought in for a litigation-support structural assessment on a contested HOA matter. The report read like a deposition exhibit — clear scope, defensible methodology, and findings tied to specific code citations. Settled before trial.”
Real Estate Attorney
Plaintiff-side HOA litigation · Dublin, CA
Process and turnaround
A scheduled site visit. A report seven business days later.
Expedited scheduling is available for hearing, appraisal, and mediation deadlines.
- Day 0
Engagement
Written scope and engagement terms confirmed. Documents, claim file, and prior reports received.
- Scheduled at engagement
Site visit
Inspection, measurements, and photographs. Destructive testing scheduled through counsel where needed.
- +7 business days
Report issued
Findings, opinions, photo log, and methodology. Declaration on request.
- As needed
Testimony
Deposition and trial testimony, billed separately as stated in the engagement letter.
FAQ
Common questions.
Who typically retains you?
Property owners, HOA boards, public adjusters, and counsel on either side. The engagement letter names the retaining party; the opinion does not change based on who it is.
Can the cost of your report be recovered?
In SB 800 actions, Civil Code Section 944 allows recovery of reasonable investigative costs for each established violation, which can include engineering investigation costs. In insurance disputes, recoverability depends on the policy and the outcome. Ask your counsel.
Will you testify?
Yes. Reports are prepared to a standard that supports declaration, deposition, and trial testimony. Testimony is billed separately and stated in the engagement letter.
How fast can you get to the property?
Site visit scheduled at engagement, typically within two weeks; report seven business days after the visit. Expedited scheduling is available where a hearing or filing deadline requires it.
Do you assess smoke or mold contamination?
No. Smoke, chemical, and biological contamination is industrial hygienist scope. We assess the structure and coordinate with a CIH so the file has both reports.
What does destructive testing involve?
Selective opening of assemblies to observe concealed conditions, conducted within the SB 800 procedural requirements where those apply, with documentation before, during, and after, and sample preservation. Scope and locations are agreed in writing before any opening.
Start an assessment
Tell us the matter and the deadline.
Describe the property and who you represent. If there is a hearing, appraisal, or mediation date, include it.
- Response
- Written scope and engagement terms within one business day.
- Turnaround
- Site visit scheduled at engagement, typically within two weeks. Report seven business days after the visit. Expedited for hearing deadlines.
- Engagement
- Assessment and report engaged on a written scope. Deposition and trial testimony billed separately, stated in the engagement letter.
- Phone
- (510) 288-9352
- Office
- Dublin, CA 94568