An engineering letter is a short document with a lot riding on it. The person asking for it has a specific concern, and a letter that answers the wrong question sends you right back to the start. Before we write anything, A1 finds out who will read the letter and what they need it to say.
Who asks for a letter, and what they want
The same job can need different letters for different readers. Here is what each one is usually after:
| Who asks | What they're worried about | What the letter needs to do |
|---|---|---|
| Building inspector | Whether work they can't see, or work done before a permit, meets code | State what was observed, the code it was checked against, and the engineer's conclusion |
| Lender | Whether the property is a sound asset for the loan | Address the specific condition in the appraisal or underwriting note, in plain terms |
| HOA | Whether a change affects shared structure, utilities or other owners | Confirm the work was reviewed and describe any limits or conditions |
| Insurer | Whether a system or repair reduces or adds risk | Describe the condition, the date observed, and the engineer's assessment |
Ask the requester for their exact wording if they have it. A lender's checklist or an inspector's note saves a round of back and forth.
What goes into the letter
Every letter we send has the same core pieces, even when the reader changes:
- Property and scope. The address, the permit number if there is one, and exactly what the letter covers. A letter about a service upgrade says nothing about the roof, and it says so.
- Basis. What the engineer reviewed: drawings, photos, a site visit, calcs, utility data.
- Observations. What was found, described plainly.
- Conclusion. Whether the condition meets the applicable code or standard, and any conditions attached.
- Seal and signature. From an engineer licensed in the project's state.
Keeping the scope tight protects you as much as it protects the engineer. A vague letter invites follow-up questions.
When an inspection has to come first
Some letters can be written from drawings, photos and documents. Others can't. An engineer can't certify what nobody has looked at.
- Usually from documents: confirming a load calc, reviewing a panel schedule against installed equipment, confirming a design meets code before work starts.
- Usually needs a site visit: work covered before an inspection, unpermitted work being brought into compliance, damage after a storm or fire, any condition where the photos leave questions.
If you're not sure which one you have, send what you've got. We'll tell you whether a letter can be written from it or whether an engineering inspection needs to happen first.
Electrical letters and structural letters
Nick writes and seals electrical letters himself. That covers service and panel questions, load calcs, EV and solar additions, and electrical work an inspector wants an engineer to vouch for.
Structural and foundation letters are written and sealed by a licensed structural engineer in our network, licensed in the project's state. You send the request to A1 and get the letter from A1. For more on what those involve, read foundation letters explained.
Getting the request right
The fastest letters start with a clear request. When you contact us, include:
- Who is asking for the letter and their exact wording, if you have it
- The address and any permit number
- Photos, drawings or reports you already have
- Your deadline, such as a closing date or a reinspection
Questions
Will a letter guarantee the inspector or lender accepts it?
No engineer can promise how a third party will respond. What we can do is make sure the letter answers the question they actually asked, which is where most rejections come from.
Can you write a letter for work another contractor did?
Often, yes, if we can review it. Covered or older work may need a site visit before we can say anything about it.
Do you write letters in Florida?
Yes. Nick is licensed in Florida for electrical letters. If a site visit is needed in Florida, it's done by a Florida-licensed engineer in our network.
How much does a letter cost?
It depends on whether a site visit is needed and how much there is to review. You get a flat quote before we start.
Someone waiting on an engineer's letter? Tell us who's asking and what they need, or call (214) 382-9584.