Commercial Foundation Inspection in Houston, TX: 2 Inches of Settlement Confirmed (Level B Elevation Survey)

Howdy,

We were called out to a commercial property in Houston, Texas after tenants reported sticking doors, cracked tile, and visible movement in the rear portion of the building. These are classic early indicators of foundation distress—especially in clay-heavy regions like Houston and Fort Bend County.

To verify the extent of movement, we performed a full Level B commercial foundation elevation survey using high-precision equipment typically reserved for engineering evaluations.

What We Found Inside the Building

Before the elevation data ever came in, the structure was already telling a story. We observed:

• Diagonal drywall cracks
• Sticking doors and misaligned frames
• Cracked tile flooring
• Baseboards pulling apart

These cosmetic symptoms often appear before major structural consequences—and they rarely occur without an underlying soil moisture imbalance.

What Caused the Settlement?

The most probable cause: mature oak trees planted too close to the building.

Large, thirsty trees extract moisture from Houston’s expansive clay soils. When clay dries, it shrinks. When one area shrinks more than another, the building loses uniform support—and settlement follows.

In this case, the elevation survey confirmed exactly what the interior symptoms suggested.

Why Elevation Surveys Matter for Commercial Properties

This type of in-depth elevation survey is not part of a standard ASTM E2018 PCA. ASTM guidelines allow for general foundation observations, but do not require elevation mapping or deflection/tilt analysis.

That’s why many Houston-area investors, property managers, and owners request it as an add-on to their PCA or as a standalone commercial foundation inspection.

Where We Perform Commercial Foundation Inspections

We proudly serve:

• Houston
• Missouri City
• Sugar Land
• Richmond
• Rosenberg
• Austin Point
• Katy
• Fort Bend County
• The entire Greater Houston metro

Why Commercial Clients Choose Imperial Pro Inspection

• Code-certified and trained in foundation performance evaluation
• Level B elevation surveys with deflection & tilt analysis
• ASTM E2018-aligned commercial Property Condition Assessments
• Clear, unbiased reporting—no repair sales
• Cost-to-Cure estimates available

This is the level of clarity commercial buyers and property managers need before making high-value decisions.