Forensic Engineering Specialists

We investigate structural failures and construction issues with expert analysis, practical solutions, and clear, evidence-based reporting.

Get a Consultation

Expert Building Forensic Engineering Services

Uncovering the Truth Behind Structural Failures

At Higgins & Associates, we specialize in forensic engineering investigations that uncover the real causes behind building failures, construction defects, and structural damage. Whether you’re navigating an insurance claim, construction dispute, or unexpected loss, our team delivers clear, evidence-backed insight you can rely on.

With over 25 years of experience across commercial, residential, and industrial properties, we provide the technical expertise, unbiased analysis, and expert reporting needed to resolve complex issues – quickly and confidently.

Need help with forensic engineering?

Click below to speak with one of our experts.

Request a Consultation

Quick Links

Structural Engineering
Civil/Site Grading Analysis
Building Envelope
Damage Cost Evaluation
Field Testing
Construction Compliance Analysis
Why Us?
Get In Touch
FAQs
Latest News

Structural Forensic Engineering Services

Investigating Structural Failures with Precision and Experience

When buildings show signs of structural distress – from cracks and settlement to full or partial collapse – it’s critical to understand the why. At Higgins & Associates, our forensic structural engineers investigate the integrity of load-bearing systems, foundations, framing, and connections to identify root causes and contributing factors.

We evaluate construction quality, design adherence, material performance, and damage caused by environmental events or long-term deterioration. Our findings support insurance claims, legal disputes, and safe, compliant repair planning.

Typical issues we assess include:

  • Foundation movement and settlement
  • Framing or truss failures
  • Construction defects
  • Overloading or material fatigue
  • Collapse or near-collapse events

Need expert insight on a structural issue?

Talk to our structural experts today – we’re more than happy to help.

Speak to our Experts

Civil Engineering & Site Grading Analysis

Identifying Drainage & Grading Deficiencies That Lead to Building Damage

Poor site grading and civil design can silently compromise a structure’s performance over time. At Higgins & Associates, our civil engineering experts specialize in forensic analysis of site development, grading, drainage systems, and runoff behavior to determine if these conditions contributed to damage or failure.

We investigate how surface water flows, whether grading complies with plans or codes, and whether site-related issues played a role in erosion, foundation distress, or water intrusion.

Our civil/site grading assessments support:

  • Property damage claims related to drainage failures
  • Disputes involving non-compliant grading or civil design
  • Moisture-related structural or material issues
  • Remediation and corrective grading plans

Concerned about grading or drainage issues?

We can help you get to the facts.

Request Site Analysis

Building Envelope Forensic Investigations

Detecting Failures That Lead to Water Intrusion, Mold & Structural Deterioration

A compromised building envelope can allow moisture, air, and contaminants to penetrate critical components – causing hidden damage that worsens over time. At Higgins & Associates, we perform detailed forensic investigations of roofing systems, exterior walls, windows, flashing, sealants, and insulation layers to uncover issues affecting performance.

Whether caused by poor workmanship, material failure, or aging components, our team identifies the source of building envelope breakdowns and recommends corrective solutions that protect the structure long-term.

We assess and report on:

  • Water infiltration and leak tracking
  • Sealant and flashing integrity
  • Vapor barrier and insulation issues
  • Envelope-related mold or decay
  • Compliance with construction details and codes

Suspect an issue with your building envelope?

Our team can pinpoint the cause – and help you fix it.

Schedule an Evaluation

Damage Cost Evaluation Services

Accurate, Unbiased Estimates to Support Claims and Repairs

When structural or property damage occurs, knowing the full cost of repair is essential — especially for insurance claims, litigation, or project planning. At Higgins & Associates, we provide objective damage cost evaluations backed by engineering insight and real-world construction knowledge.

Our team prepares detailed estimates based on site inspections, scope of damage, required code compliance, and appropriate repair strategies. We help clients avoid inflated or underestimated costs — ensuring fair, justifiable figures that stand up to scrutiny.

We support:

  • Insurance carriers needing independent damage assessments
  • Attorneys requiring expert-backed cost analysis
  • Property owners seeking realistic repair budgets
  • Disputes over scope, pricing, or extent of damage

Need a clear picture of repair costs?

Let us provide you the numbers you can trust.

Request a Cost Evaluation

On-Site Field Testing & Inspection Services

Real-World Testing to Validate Performance and Investigative Findings

At Higgins & Associates, we conduct field testing to verify suspected failures, confirm performance issues, and support forensic investigations with physical evidence. Whether it’s water intrusion testing, material sampling, or controlled destructive testing, our engineers follow strict procedures to ensure reliable results.

Field testing helps bridge the gap between theory and reality – providing documented, measurable outcomes that support expert opinions and legal cases alike.

Our field testing services include:

  • Destructive testing of building components
  • Roof cut evaluations and material sampling
  • Water penetration and leak simulation testing
  • Load testing of structural elements
  • On-site documentation and photo reporting

Need testing to back your investigation or claim?

We can help you gather the proof.

Book Field Testing Services

Construction Compliance Analysis

Ensuring Quality, Code Compliance, and Long-Term Performance in Complex Builds

Large-scale construction projects demand strict adherence to plans, codes, and material specifications – especially in complex environments like commercial buildings, high-rises, parking garages, and waterproofed structures. At Higgins & Associates, we perform detailed construction compliance reviews to evaluate whether installation and workmanship meet required standards.

Our team investigates issues with waterproofing systems, traffic coatings, structural elements, and construction sequencing. When deviations are found, we provide clear documentation and recommendations to support remediation or legal action.

Common areas include:

  • Commercial and multi-use buildings
  • Parking garages and podium decks
  • High-rise envelope and structural systems
  • Waterproofing membranes and traffic coatings
  • Construction defect and code compliance analysis

Need expert insight on a compliance issue?

We’re here to investigate and advise.

Request a Compliance Review

Why Choose Higgins & Associates for Forensic Engineering?

At Higgins & Associates, we’ve spent over two decades helping clients uncover the causes of structural failures, construction defects, site drainage issues, and envelope damage. From foundation movement to waterproofing failures and code violations, our forensic engineering experts provide clear, detailed insight to help clients make informed decisions.

We’re proud to be a trusted partner to property owners, insurers, attorneys, and contractors across the United States.

What sets our forensic team apart?

  • Multidisciplinary engineering expertise
  • Clear, jargon-free communication
  • Trusted testimony for insurance and legal claims
  • Fast response times and detailed, defensible reporting
  • Experience across residential, commercial, and industrial sites

Still unsure? Here’s what some of our clients have to say about working with us:

Nickie Greco - General Manager, Park MayfairVerified Review
"My success during this water event would not have been possible without the support of my assistant and phenomenal partnering vendors like Higgins & Associates. Their know how and quick wit to get a team in place was appreciated beyond measure. I have the BEST vendors in Colorado and developing good working relationships with quality vendors is priceless."
Specialist Claims ManagerVerified Review
"I was very pleased with the quick and personal attention I received on the two cases I assigned to the firm. Everyone was very knowledgeable and made it easy to reach my goal of a fair and adequate claim settlement."
David H - AttorneyVerified Review
"Kevin went above and beyond for not only me, but the other parties involved in the project to be sure all of the information we were working through was accurate and quantifiable. His attention to detail ensured that the matter was resolved correctly."
Beth Ballaseux - General ManagerVerified Review
"As a General Manager, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Higgins & Associates and can confidently say that they are one of the most professional, reliable, and highly skilled engineering firms I have ever collaborated with. From the very beginning, their team has demonstrated exceptional expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions. Their ability to tackle complex engineering challenges with efficiency and innovation has been truly impressive. Beyond their technical capabilities, what sets the Higgins Team apart is their dedication to customer service. They communicate clearly, meet deadlines consistently, and always go the extra mile to ensure project success. Their collaborative approach has made working with them seamless and enjoyable. I highly recommend Higgins & Associates to anyone in need of top-tier engineering services. Their professionalism, knowledge, and integrity make them a standout firm in the industry."
Flanders, Elsberg - Herber & Dunn, LLCVerified Review
"Our law firm retained Higgins and Associates a few times to handle several of our clients complex cases. We worked with Kevin McAlister at Higgins and Associates and he has always been timely, providing excellent work product, and is extremely responsive. We highly recommend Higgins and Associates for any forensic engineering services and we look forward to working with them in the future."
Tim Crawford - Empire Works ConstructionVerified Review
"The Higgins and Associates team is top notch with supporting my structural, civil, building envelope and litigation reconstruction jobs. The attention to detail, strong commination and willingness to exceed project expectations is always a priority with the Higgins and Associates team!"
Leisa Klinge - Center Point ManagementVerified Review
"Higgins and Assoc was amazing to work with. They were flexible to schedule a time that worked for all parties involved, were professional on-site, and provided a detailed report back to our HOA Board of Directors that was clear and concise. I love working with them!"
Jonathan E. - AttorneyVerified Review
"I have worked with Kevin on many cases and the breadth and depth of his knowledge of construction means and methods is unsurpassed. He is responsive, writes a great report, and is an excellent trial expert witness."

Want to see how we’ve helped in similar forensic investigations?

Explore real case studies or learn more about the sectors and clients we regularly support.

View Case Studies
Who We Serve
Speak to an Expert

Need Forensic Engineering Support? Let’s Talk

Whether you’re dealing with foundation concerns, visible damage, or construction defects, our forensic engineering team is here to help. At Higgins & Associates, we provide clear, evidence-based insights tailored to your specific situation.

Fill out the form below and one of our experts will be in touch shortly to discuss how we can support your investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re known for providing robust, fact-based opinions – but we also believe in making things clear and approachable from the very beginning.

Here are a few questions we get asked often:

What is forensic engineering?

Forensic engineering involves the investigation of materials, products, structures, or components that fail or do not operate as intended, often leading to personal injury or property damage.

Consult a forensic engineer when you encounter structural failures, construction defects, or need expert analysis for insurance claims or legal cases.

Yes, our engineers are experienced in providing expert testimony in legal proceedings related to structural failures and construction issues.

Absolutely. We provide detailed assessments and reports to support insurance claims related to structural damage.

Yes, we offer forensic engineering services across the United States.

We assess issues ranging from foundation movement and framing failures to load path disruptions and material defects. Our structural engineers get to the root cause of complex problems and provide clear, evidence-backed reporting.

Yes – we perform on-site field testing for systems like waterproofing membranes, traffic coatings, and building envelope materials to ensure compliance and long-term performance.

Absolutely. We specialise in forensic construction analysis for commercial and high-rise properties, parking garages, and more – focusing on code compliance, workmanship, and performance issues that may lead to costly repairs or claims.

Still have questions?

We’re happy to help – just get in touch and we’ll guide you through it.

Get Some Answers

Latest News

Here at Higgins & Associates, we’re always moving forward – whether it’s sharing industry insight, supporting our community, or celebrating our team’s achievements.

Explore the latest updates, announcements, and articles from across our firm.