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I have my eye on a 75-year-old home just outside Harrisville, MI. The house and a separate garage are partly built into a steep hill that rises 60 to 80 feet above the house. It appears that decades of slope wash have crept up around the buildings, but it is not easy to determine what is wash and what was there when the house was built. The first floor of the house is block. It is buried at the back so that the second floor is at ground level. It looks like a normal house in the front. Sort of like a walk out basement. The second floor is wood. There is no sign of failure inside that we can see There is signs of a small amount of water leaking leaking through the back wall in one location. The former owner was waterproofing the back wall (the materials are sitting there) but he died before that was completed. There is a small retaining wall behind part of the house. It is made from steel posts driven into the ground holding wood planks. When I looked at it last fall, it appeared that there may be some mesh in the soil behind the house as well, but i am not certain. We are having a contractor look at it tomorrow. Before I commit to the purchase I need a qualified professional to visit the site, or if practical review photographs and video and tell me exactly what I’m getting into as far as the hill/retention and drainage. If they visit the site I would also like them to look at a road that goes up the hill and tell me whether it seems practical to get a large motorhome up the road also whether the top of the hill can support a tower structure. this is secondary and just involves looking at it and something like "there is no way you are getting a big RV up this road," or this can be "practical with a few changes." This is not critical at this time as it will not drive our purchase decision, but if you are there, we would like you to look at it. We are not looking for testing/excavation etc as we do not own the property. We will take a shovel and dig alongside the house to determine whether there is any wood at or below ground level. We are looking for straight-to-the-point findings on whether there is accumulated soil can safely be removed and what further restraining measures are needed. We do not want someone who just says we need a massive retaining walls and complete re-excavation because they are afraid of risk. We can sign whatever waivers of liabilty. We just and an honest measured opinion. I am just radomly guessing at the price range. It is negotiable, but we cannot spend a fortune to review a house that we may not buy. The property is unoccupied and you can visit the exterior at any time, or I can set up an appointment. I can also take photographs or do a real time video online if that is sufficient. If the house still looks like a sound buy after your review, we will need a concise concept plan for re-grading and drainage improvements that I can hand to contractors later. This will obviously be a different price and will require a licensed and insured engineer stamp on the plan so we can get a permit. I’m not after a glossy set of drawings; clarity, accuracy, and real-world advice are what matter. Let me know your availability and how long the work will take.
Project ID: 40362332
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Active 11 days ago
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11 freelancers are bidding on average $386 USD for this job

As a seasoned and trustworthy Civil Engineer with over 9 years experience in the field, I could be the perfect match for your project. Your need for an expert opinion on the hill, drainage and retaining aspects of the Harrisville house speaks directly to my skill set. Throughout my career, I have thrived at evaluating complex infrastructures and proposing necessary actions for optimal functionality. My proficiency in concepts such as drainage, grading and building foundations will play a significant role in avoiding any undue risks or expenses. By choosing me, you can be assured of an honest, well-informed assessment that prioritizes practicality over unnecessary expenses.
$250 USD in 1 day
5.8
5.8

Hi there! I’d be happy to assist you with your civil engineering House Drainage & Retaining Assessment for permit approval in Harrisville, MI. I’m an engineer leading a U.S.-licensed team with over 10 years of experience in civil engineering. We hold licenses in AZ, CA, FL, CO, GA, TX, UT, MA, MI, NC, WA, NY, and are well-versed in international engineering standards. I will handle the design process and provide detailed, code-compliant drawings tailored to your project requirements. PE stamp available from a licensed engineer What I can offer to you... -- Civil engineering design: site plans, grading plans, drainage layouts, utility plans, water supply, sewer systems, and stormwater management -- Structural engineering: design, analysis, and calculations Looking forward to working with you. Regards WhiteHouse Engineering
$700 USD in 7 days
4.7
4.7

Dear Client This type of hillside condition requires a clear and practical assessment rather than overdesigned solutions. We have strong experience reviewing retaining conditions drainage issues and partially buried structures to provide straightforward build focused recommendations. We can review your photos videos or site information and assess soil buildup drainage paths retaining performance and water intrusion risks. Our goal is to identify what is stable what can be safely adjusted and what level of intervention is actually necessary without unnecessary cost. We will provide a concise report outlining findings risks and practical next steps including guidance on soil removal drainage improvement and retaining strategies. If the property proceeds we can also support a clear concept plan for regrading and site stabilization. We focus on honest analysis clarity and real world solutions. THE CALIFORNIA STUDIO
$250 USD in 2 days
3.7
3.7

As an experienced freelancer and engineer, I believe I'm a perfect fit for your project. My tremendous expertise in engineering will ensure that my assessment of the hill, retaining walls and drainage at the property is both detailed and accurate. The beauty of my skills lies in providing straight-to-the-point findings, aligning perfectly with your request for an honest measured opinion. With your permission, I'd love to visit the site to get a firsthand experience, though I can work effectively with photographs and videos if necessary. My proficiency spans beyond engineering alone. As your potential home requires concise concept plans for re-grading and drainage improvements, I'll be able to provide you with a solid document that even licensed and insured engineers will commend. In terms of pricing, I understand you're cautious about committing too many resources to a property you're not 100% sure you'll purchase. My pricing is negotiable, always respecting fair value for all parties involved. Let my name next on your calling list!
$250 USD in 7 days
2.2
2.2

?˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆?͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖? ִֶָ With extensive experience in slope stability, drainage, and structural assessment of hillside properties, I can provide a clear, practical evaluation of the site conditions and existing retaining elements without overdesigning unnecessary solutions. I am available to review photos/video remotely or conduct an on-site visit to assess soil accumulation, drainage behavior, wall integrity, and realistic options for safe regrading and water control. My assessment will focus on actionable, real-world recommendations, including whether accumulated soil can be safely removed and what level of reinforcement or drainage improvement is actually required. If the property proves viable, I can also develop a concise, permit-ready concept plan with stamped engineering drawings tailored for contractor execution at a separate, clearly defined cost. Turnaround is prompt, communication is direct, and my goal is to give you a confident, no-nonsense understanding of what you are buying before you commit. ?All the Best Anna?
$500 USD in 4 days
0.0
0.0

Hello, I understand that you need a practical professional assessment of an existing hillside property to evaluate drainage, slope conditions, retaining elements, and any visible risk before moving forward with purchase. The priority is a clear and honest opinion on whether the accumulated soil can be safely removed, what level of stabilization may be needed, and whether the house and garage appear to remain sound under current site conditions. I have extensive experience supporting residential projects involving grading, drainage, retaining conditions, and site related structural concerns. My work includes reviewing existing conditions, identifying potential risks, and providing straightforward recommendations that help owners make informed decisions without unnecessary overdesign. For this project, I can review site photos, videos, contractor findings, and available property information, or support an on site assessment if required. The deliverable will be a concise findings report outlining observed concerns, likely causes, practical recommendations, and priorities for next steps. If the property proves viable, I can also support a follow up concept plan for regrading and drainage improvements. Warm regards, Juan
$500 USD in 7 days
0.0
0.0

Hi, I am a Mechanical & Civil Design Engineer with 5+ years experience in structural assessment, drainage design, and slope stability evaluation. I can review your Harrisville property using site visit or remote photo/video analysis to assess hillside pressure, retaining conditions, drainage risks, and water intrusion. I focus on practical, risk-balanced opinions rather than overdesigning. I will also evaluate driveway access for RV feasibility and potential tower load suitability based on visible terrain conditions. Deliverables include a concise risk report, drainage/regrading concept, and contractor-ready recommendations. I can start immediately and provide quick turnaround. Best regards, Hasan A.
$300 USD in 3 days
0.0
0.0

As a seasoned Architect and Civil/Structural Engineer with a wealth of experience in residential design and construction, I believe I am the perfect fit for your project. Throughout my career, I have faced various challenges and obstacles, but I’ve always found ways to tackle them efficiently and effectively. Your house, nestled into a steep hillside, presents a unique situation that calls for not just engineering prowess, but also creative problem-solving skills that can adapt structural principles to meet modern architectural practices. This is exactly what I bring to the table. Besides being committed to delivering high-quality results within agreed timeframes, I’m also sensitive to budgets without compromising on safety or quality. My goal will be to give you an honest and measured assessment of what is absolutely necessary while factoring in priorities unique to your property. Let's work together on transforming this potential investment into a functional,vibrant dwelling through careful re-grading and drainage improvements.
$500 USD in 5 days
0.0
0.0

Hello there, I will review your property—either via site visit or detailed photos/video—and provide a clear, no-nonsense assessment of slope conditions, soil buildup, drainage behavior, and risks to the existing structure. I will evaluate whether accumulated soil can be safely removed, identify any warning signs around the retaining elements and foundation, and outline realistic stabilization or drainage improvements without overengineering. I will also give a practical opinion on the access road and feasibility for large vehicle use, along with a high-level check of the hilltop suitability for a structure. If you proceed, I can then develop a concise, buildable regrading and drainage concept plan suitable for permitting and contractor use. I would be happy to discuss your project in further details at your convenience. Best, Darren
$500 USD in 7 days
0.0
0.0

I've reviewed the photos and understood the site. Here's what I'll deliver: 1. Annotated photo analysis. soil zones, water flow, and risk points 2. Condition assessment of existing retaining wall and wood decay indicators 3. Clear finding: can the soil be safely removed, and what measures are needed 4. Contractor-ready drainage and regrading recommendation 5. "Buy or Walk Away" framework with rough remediation cost range 6. Concept plan ready for PE stamp I can start immediately before this bid closes. Additional photos or a video walkthrough works fine. Revisions unlimited until you're confident to decide.
$250 USD in 7 days
0.0
0.0

Trenton, United States
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