🌴 Emergency Seawall Inspection in St. Pete Beach Saves Buyer $65,000

When a luxury waterfront home in St. Pete Beach, Florida was just days from closing, the buyer’s agent called Florida Builders Engineers & Inspectors (FBEIN) in a panic. The property sat along the Intracoastal, and while the home looked perfect from above, there were serious questions about the integrity of the seawall. The seller had no recent engineering documentation, and the buyer didn’t want to risk a multi-million-dollar mistake.

Within hours, our inspection team—led by FAA-certified pilot and structural specialist Roger Morales, MSEng—flew in our company airplane from Miami to St. Pete Beach to perform a same-day underwater dive inspection.

✈️ Rapid Response, Statewide Coverage

At Florida Builders Engineers & Inspectors, part of the My Florida Pros Network, we pride ourselves on being ready at a moment’s notice. In this case, our structural and marine engineering team arrived onsite in St. Pete Beach less than three hours after the initial call. Equipped with drone mapping technology, underwater dive gear, and HD inspection cameras, our engineers assessed every element of the seawall—from the concrete cap and tie-backs to the submerged panels and foundation footings.

🌊 What We Found Under the Surface

While the seawall appeared intact above the waterline, our dive inspection revealed:

• Hidden cracking and spalling on submerged concrete panels

• Erosion behind the wall causing soil voids under the backyard pavers

• Corroded tie-back rods showing signs of fatigue

• Differential settlement between the cap and wall structure

Our report included high-resolution underwater photography, structural measurements, and a full engineering assessment of repair options and cost projections.

💰 How Our Inspection Saved the Buyer $65,000

Armed with our findings, the buyer’s real estate attorney and agent were able to negotiate a $65,000 reduction in the purchase price—covering the projected seawall repair and soil stabilization costs.

Because Florida Builders Engineers & Inspectors is a neutral third-party engineering firm, our report carried authority with the seller, the buyer, and the lender. The buyer moved forward with confidence knowing the true condition of the property’s marine structure.

⚓ Why Seawall Inspections Matter in Coastal Florida

In coastal markets like St. Pete Beach, Tampa Bay, Clearwater, and Sarasota, seawalls are a home’s first line of defense against erosion, tidal surge, and property loss. Yet many are decades old and show hidden deterioration below the waterline. A professional seawall inspection—especially one that includes a dive assessment—is crucial before closing on any waterfront property.

Our engineers specialize in:

• Concrete and vinyl seawall inspections

• Dock and piling evaluations

• Soil and backfill erosion analysis

• Structural integrity assessments

• Certified engineering reports for buyers, sellers, and lenders

🛩️ Florida Builders Engineers & Inspectors — We Fly for Our Clients

Whether it’s St. Pete Beach, Naples, Fort Lauderdale, or Jacksonville, our team of engineers and pilots can fly anywhere in Florida on short notice for urgent structural, marine, or insurance inspections.

We’ve performed over 1 million inspections statewide—from roofs to seawalls—helping Florida buyers, homeowners, and HOAs save money, ensure safety, and protect their investments.

📞 Schedule Your Seawall or Marine Inspection

Buying a waterfront home? Don’t rely on surface appearances. Get a professional seawall inspection before you close.

Call 877-894-8001 today or visit www.inspectionsandengineering.com to request a same-day inspection anywhere in Florida.

Florida Builders Engineers & Inspectors — We Fly Florida Coast-to-Coast to Protect Your Investment.