Forensic engineering applies engineering expertise to determine why buildings, systems, materials, or components fail. Our investigations identify causes, document conditions, and provide technically grounded findings for property owners, insurers, attorneys, contractors, and other stakeholders.

Areas of Expertise

Failure Analysis
Investigation of structural, material, and component failures, including cracking, corrosion, fatigue, deterioration, and other damage mechanisms.

Accident Reconstruction
Engineering analysis and reconstruction of events involving structural failures, construction incidents, vehicle impacts, and other accidents.

Fire & Explosion Investigations
Evaluation of fire- and explosion-related damage to help determine origin, contributing conditions, and the extent of resulting damage.

Structural Investigations
Assessment of buildings and structural systems following failures, severe weather, accidents, deterioration, or other unexpected events.

Product & Material Analysis
Evaluation of materials, components, and products to identify defects, improper installation, deterioration, or other conditions that may have contributed to a failure.

Building Systems Investigations
Investigation of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and building-envelope conditions associated with equipment failures, water intrusion, air leakage, insulation deficiencies, and related performance issues.

Thermal Imaging & Diagnostic Testing
Infrared thermography, also referred to as infrared scanning, is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method that uses infrared imaging to identify temperature variations and concealed conditions that may not be readily visible during a conventional inspection. Thermal imaging and other diagnostic methods can help identify construction defects, early-stage damage or deterioration, air leakage, insulation deficiencies, potential moisture or roof intrusion, overheating or overloaded electrical components, and HVAC system irregularities. Findings can also help identify areas that may require further investigation, testing, or corrective action.

Litigation & Expert Support
Clear technical documentation, engineering analysis, and expert support for disputes, insurance matters, claims, and litigation.

Building Recertification & Milestone Inspections

‍Florida's aging buildings require careful evaluation to protect occupants, preserve structural integrity, and meet state and local inspection requirements. Al Brizuela & Associates provides building recertification and milestone inspection services for condominium and cooperative properties throughout Florida.Under Florida's current milestone inspection requirements, qualifying residential condominium and cooperative buildings three habitable stories or more generally require an initial milestone inspection when the building reaches 30 years of age, followed by inspections every 10 years. Local enforcement agencies may require an initial inspection at 25 years when local conditions warrant earlier evaluation.

‍Milestone Inspections:
Phase One Inspection
A licensed engineer or architect performs a visual examination of the building's major structural components to evaluate its general structural condition and identify signs of substantial structural deterioration. If no substantial structural deterioration is identified, a Phase Two inspection is not required.

‍Phase Two Inspection
When substantial structural deterioration is identified during Phase One, a more detailed investigation is performed. This may include destructive or nondestructive testing as necessary to evaluate affected areas and develop recommendations for repair.

‍Our Services
‍Building Recertifications
Milestone Inspections — Phase I & Phase II
Structural Evaluations
Existing-Condition Assessments
Repair Recommendations
Coordination with Local Authorities
Inspection Reports and Documentation
Follow-Up Engineering and Repair SupportFrom initial evaluation through final documentation, our team works with condominium associations, property managers, boards, and building owners to navigate the inspection process and identify practical solutions when repairs or further investigation are required.

Structural Integrity Reserve Studies help condominium and cooperative associations understand the condition, remaining useful life, and anticipated costs of major building components while establishing a responsible plan for future repair and replacement.Florida law requires qualifying residential condominium and cooperative associations with buildings three habitable stories or higher to complete a SIRS at least every 10 years. The study combines a visual assessment of applicable building components with estimates of remaining useful life, replacement or deferred-maintenance costs, and a recommended reserve funding schedule.

‍Components Evaluated
‍Depending on the property and association's maintenance responsibilities, the study addresses applicable components related to structural integrity and safety, including:Roof
Structural systems and primary structural members
Fireproofing and fire protection systems
Plumbing systems
Electrical systems
Waterproofing and exterior painting
Windows and exterior doors
Other qualifying components required by Florida law

‍Our Approach
‍Our team evaluates existing conditions, identifies visible deterioration and maintenance concerns, and assesses the remaining useful life of applicable components. The resulting study establishes estimated repair or replacement costs and provides a recommended funding schedule to help the association plan for its long-term obligations.

‍SIRS Services
‍Property & Component Assessments
Visual Building Inspections
Remaining Useful Life Evaluations
Repair & Replacement Cost Estimates
Reserve Funding Recommendations
Coordination with Associations & Property Managers
Updates to Existing Reserve Studies.

Our goal is to give boards and property managers a clear, technically grounded understanding of their building's needs so they can make informed decisions about maintenance, capital planning, and reserve funding.

‍Our Property Assessment Reports provide owners, investors, associations, and property managers with a comprehensive evaluation of a property's existing condition. Each assessment is tailored to the building and the client's objectives, whether supporting an acquisition, planning capital improvements, evaluating maintenance needs, or understanding potential liabilities.

‍Comprehensive Building Evaluation
‍Our assessments may include evaluation of:Structural systems and visible deterioration
Building envelope, façades, and exterior elements
Roofing and waterproofing systems
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
HVAC equipment and related infrastructure
Evidence of water intrusion and moisture-related damage, environmental concerns and other property-specific conditions and deferred maintenance and anticipated repair needs

‍Clear Findings. Practical Recommendations.
‍Our reports document observed conditions, identify deficiencies and areas requiring further investigation, and provide practical recommendations for repair, maintenance, or additional evaluation when necessary.Where appropriate, findings can also help establish priorities for future capital improvements and provide owners and decision-makers with a clearer understanding of potential building needs and associated risks.

‍Supporting Better Property Decisions
‍Whether evaluating an existing asset, considering an acquisition, planning repairs, or developing a long-term maintenance strategy, Al Brizuela & Associates provides the technical insight needed to make informed decisions and protect the property's long-term performance.

When a building is affected by a hurricane, water intrusion, fire, impact, or other unexpected event, a thorough engineering assessment can help establish the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate path forward. Al Brizuela & Associates provides property damage inspections for residential, commercial, and multifamily properties, documenting observed conditions and identifying areas that may require repair, remediation, or further investigation.

‍Damage Assessment
‍Depending on the nature of the event and scope of the investigation, our evaluations may include: Structural components and visible distress
Roofing and building envelope systems
Walls, ceilings, and exterior assemblies
Water intrusion and moisture-related damage
Mechanical and HVAC systems
Electrical systems and components
Fire and smoke-related damage
Storm, wind, hail, and impact damage
Other affected building components

‍From Assessment to Recovery
‍Our team documents existing conditions, evaluates the nature and extent of observed damage, and provides clear findings and recommendations to help owners, associations, property managers, and other stakeholders make informed decisions about repairs and next steps.When appropriate, our engineering documentation can also support discussions with contractors, consultants, and insurance professionals throughout the recovery process.

‍Clear Documentation. Practical Direction.
‍From localized damage to complex building-wide events, our goal is to provide an objective technical assessment that helps clients understand what happened, what was affected, and what should happen next.

‍Successful construction requires more than a sound design. It requires careful coordination, informed decision-making, and consistent oversight throughout every phase of the project. Al Brizuela & Associates provides construction management and administration services to help owners, associations, and property managers navigate complex construction, restoration, and capital improvement projects from pre-construction planning through closeout.

‍Project Oversight & Coordination
‍Our services may include:
Pre-Construction Planning & Project Coordination
Construction Scheduling & Progress Monitoring
Budget & Cost Review
Bid and Contractor Coordination
Contract Administration
Quality Assurance & Field Observations
Change Order & Payment Application Review
Construction Documentation
Owner, Contractor & Consultant Coordination
Punch Lists & Project Closeout

‍Protecting the Owner's Interests
‍Throughout construction, our team works closely with owners, contractors, architects, engineers, and other project stakeholders to monitor progress, address field conditions, review construction-related issues, and help keep the work aligned with the project's drawings, specifications, and objectives.

‍From Design to Completion
‍Our multidisciplinary engineering and construction experience allows us to identify potential issues early, evaluate practical solutions, and provide clients with informed technical guidance as conditions evolve in the field.From major concrete restoration and structural repairs to building envelope improvements and capital projects, we provide the continuity and oversight needed to move projects forward with greater clarity, accountability, and control.

Effective construction scheduling provides the framework for managing project activities, sequencing work, coordinating resources, and tracking progress from pre-construction through completion. Al Brizuela & Associates develops and evaluates construction schedules that help owners, contractors, and project teams understand critical activities, anticipate potential conflicts, and maintain visibility into project progress and key milestones.

‍Planning & Schedule Development
‍Our construction scheduling services may include:
Baseline Schedule Development
Project Phasing & Sequencing
Critical Path Analysis
Milestone & Deadline Tracking
Resource & Activity Coordination
Schedule Updates & Progress Monitoring
Look-Ahead Schedule Review
Schedule Recovery & Mitigation Planning
Delay & Impact Analysis
Schedule Documentation & Reporting

‍Monitoring Project Progress
‍A construction schedule should be more than a timeline created at the beginning of a project. As construction progresses, our team can evaluate actual progress against planned activities, identify emerging delays or sequencing issues, and help stakeholders understand how changes in the field may affect upcoming work and overall project completion.

‍Supporting Better Project Decisions
‍By combining scheduling with our engineering and construction experience, we provide clients with a clearer understanding of project status, dependencies, and potential risks.Whether supporting a new construction project, structural repair program, concrete restoration project, or major capital improvement, our scheduling services help establish accountability, improve coordination, and keep project teams focused on the work required to move the project forward.

Complex construction and property disputes often turn on highly technical questions. Al Brizuela & Associates provides expert witness and litigation support services grounded in engineering analysis, field investigation, documentation, and decades of professional experience.We work with attorneys, insurers, property owners, associations, contractors, and other stakeholders to investigate technical issues, evaluate available evidence, and communicate engineering findings clearly throughout litigation, arbitration, mediation, and pre-litigation matters.

‍Areas of Expertise
‍Our expert witness services may involve matters related to:
Structural Failures & Building Distress
Construction Defects
Property Damage & Causation
Concrete Deterioration & Restoration
Building Envelope & Water Intrusion
Design & Construction Practices
Building Code & Standard-of-Care Issues
Construction Disputes
Repair Scope & Technical Evaluation

‍Investigation & Technical Analysis
‍Our work may include site inspections, forensic investigations, review of drawings and specifications, photographs, reports, calculations, construction records, correspondence, applicable codes and standards, and other documentation relevant to the matter.Findings are developed from the available evidence and established engineering principles, providing legal teams and other stakeholders with a technically grounded understanding of the issues in dispute.

‍Litigation Support & Testimony
‍Our services may include:Technical Investigations & Expert Reports
Document and Drawing Review
Pre-Litigation Consulting
Expert Opinions & Rebuttal Analysis
Depositions
Mediation & Arbitration Support
Trial Preparation & Expert Testimony

‍Technical Expertise. Clearly Communicated.
‍Effective expert testimony requires more than technical knowledge. Complex engineering issues must be analyzed objectively, supported by evidence, and communicated in a manner that attorneys, judges, arbitrators, and juries can understand.Our role is to provide independent, defensible engineering opinions and communicate those findings with clarity and professionalism throughout the dispute-resolution process.

Al Brizuela & Associates provides civil engineering design and consulting services for new development, redevelopment, building improvements, and infrastructure-related projects.

Our team evaluates existing site conditions and develops coordinated engineering solutions that address grading, drainage, utilities, access, and other site requirements while considering constructability, applicable regulations, and the overall objectives of the project.

Site & Infrastructure Design
Our civil engineering services may include:
Site Planning & Engineering
Grading & Drainage Design
Stormwater Management
Water & Sewer Coordination
Utility Planning & Coordination
Paving & Parking Improvements
Site Accessibility Improvements
Erosion & Sediment Control
Civil Construction Documents
Permitting & Agency Coordination

Designed Around Real-World Conditions
Successful civil design begins with understanding how a site actually functions. Existing elevations, drainage patterns, surrounding infrastructure, utilities, access requirements, and regulatory constraints can all influence the appropriate engineering solution.

Our team evaluates these conditions and coordinates civil improvements with the architectural, structural, and construction requirements of the project.

From Planning Through Construction
From initial site evaluation and design development through permitting and construction, we work with owners, developers, architects, contractors, municipalities, and other project stakeholders to help move projects from concept to implementation.

Our multidisciplinary experience allows us to approach civil design as part of the larger building and site system developing practical, coordinated, and constructible solutions tailored to each project's conditions and requirements.

Al Brizuela & Associates provides engineering assessments and technical drawings for renovations, repairs, structural modifications, restoration projects, and other improvements to existing buildings.Our team evaluates existing conditions, identifies areas of concern, and develops drawings and documentation tailored to the specific requirements of each project.

‍Engineering Assessments
‍Depending on the project, our evaluations may include:
Structural Condition Assessments
Existing-Condition Surveys
Building & Site Evaluations
Damage and Deterioration Assessments
Repair & Rehabilitation Evaluations
Field Measurements & Documentation
Feasibility Evaluations

‍Engineering & Construction Drawings
‍Based on our findings and the needs of the project, our team can develop drawings and technical documentation for:
Structural Repairs & Modifications
Concrete Restoration
Building Envelope Repairs
Waterproofing & Exterior Improvements
Renovations & Alterations
Repair Details & Specifications
Permit and Construction Documents
As-Built / Existing-Condition Documentation

‍From Evaluation to Implementation
‍Our multidisciplinary experience allows us to carry a project from field assessment through the development of practical repair and construction documents, helping owners, associations, contractors, and property managers move from identifying a problem to implementing a solution.Whether addressing deterioration in an existing structure, planning a renovation, or developing documents for a repair program, our focus is on producing clear, technically sound, and constructible solutions appropriate to the conditions of each project.