When Engineering Keeps a Real Estate Transaction on Track

“There is absolutely no way that the transaction would have ended this way had it not been for StructSolve. We had ten different contractors in the same property over eight days, all doing their part, and this was the one issue no one else would touch. Travis came up with the solution incredibly fast, and Bernard kept everything moving so there was no confusion, no hiccups. It was boom, boom, boom, and it was done.”
- Kim Batterman, Batterman Group

The Situation

This project arose during an active condominium sale in which Kim, a real estate professional, was representing the sellers. Approximately two weeks after the transaction went under contract, the inspection process raised concerns that caused the buyers to become uneasy about moving forward.

Both parties still wanted the transaction to close. The sellers were prepared to move ahead, and the buyers wanted confidence that the identified issues could be addressed properly. Resolving the remaining concerns became time sensitive, as delays or uncertainty risked the transaction falling apart.

A Structural Issue Without Resolution

Over the following eight days, extensive work took place at the property. Nearly ten contractors were involved, and dozens of inspection items were addressed. One issue remained unresolved and carried significant weight.

Several years earlier, a plumbing installation had resulted in an improper notch to a structural joist while a shower drain was being installed. Because the condition affected a load bearing structural element, inspectors would not approve it without engineering documentation. Contractors were unwilling to modify it without clear direction. No one involved was prepared to assume responsibility for repairing a structural condition without professional engineering oversight.

That single issue became the deciding factor in whether the transaction could proceed.

Engineering Support Under a Tight Timeline

With limited options remaining, Kim contacted StructSolve to request engineering assistance. The scope involved evaluating the condition, developing a unique structural repair solution, and providing documentation that could be relied upon during inspection.

A StructSolve engineer developed a repair approach and prepared a structural certificate describing the corrective work. According to Kim, the engineering response was completed very quickly. In practical terms, sourcing materials and performing the physical repair took longer than developing the engineering solution.

Clear Communication and Execution

Clear communication played an important role throughout the process. Kim emphasized that information moved smoothly between the engineering team and the professionals involved in the transaction. Questions were addressed directly, and instructions were provided in a form that could be followed in the field without confusion.

A trusted handyman completed the repair by following the engineering guidance exactly as documented. The work was performed according to the provided solution, allowing the process to move forward without additional complications.

Outcome

Once the repair was completed, the final inspection passed. The buyers regained confidence in the condition of the property and proceeded with the purchase. The sellers were able to close the transaction successfully.

Kim summarized the outcome clearly:

“There is absolutely no way that the transaction would have ended this way if it had not been for StructSolve.”

- Kim, Real Estate Professional

She also noted that the transaction required coordination across many professionals, and that engineering support played a critical role in reaching a successful closing.

Project Details

Location: Sherwood, Wisconsin
Realtor: Kim Batterman, Batterman Group
Service: Express Engineering Service (EES)
Scope: poor installation of shower/joist repair