Frequently Asked Questions

Send the property address, the service you need and a short description of the project or concern. Add drawings or photos if you have them. A licensed engineer reviews the information and confirms the scope and fee in writing. Asking for a quote does not commit you to proceed.

The fee is based on the building, the question or work involved, the records available, the site review required and the drawings or report being delivered. Kernel provides fixed pricing up front for the agreed written scope, so a small assessment is not treated like a complete permit project. If new information or requested work changes that scope, any additional fee is explained for approval before proceeding.

Structural engineering is commonly required when work changes a load-bearing wall, foundation, framing system, addition, underpinning or other load path. It may also be requested by a municipality, insurer, lender or another project professional. Send the address, intended work and any available drawings or photos and Kernel can confirm the appropriate scope.

The exact package depends on the building and municipality. It may include measured existing conditions, architectural plans, structural drawings and calculations, mechanical, electrical or plumbing design, zoning and code information, schedules, forms and responses to plans-examiner comments. The written proposal identifies the drawings and disciplines included before work begins.

It is a professional document issued for a defined question, property, recipient and use. Depending on the engagement, it may record observed conditions, provide an engineering opinion, identify limitations, recommend further investigation or describe a repair direction. The required reliance and deliverable are confirmed before the site review.

Every advertised Kernel home inspection is completed by a structural engineer with more than 30 years of experience. The inspection reviews accessible structure, exterior, roof, attic, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, interiors, installed appliances and moisture indicators under the conditions present that day.

Yes. Kernel can define and coordinate architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing requirements for residential and commercial work. Which disciplines are required depends on the proposed use, building condition, code path and municipal submission requirements.

A professional seal can only be applied after the engineer has completed the review, direction and verification required by professional practice. Existing drawings may be used as a starting point, but Kernel first confirms whether they are complete, accurate and suitable for the intended reliance.

Timing depends on the scope, access, available records, coordination required and the reviewing municipality. The proposal identifies Kernel’s anticipated design timeline. Municipal review and approval timelines are controlled by the authority having jurisdiction and cannot be guaranteed.

Kernel is based in Mississauga and works across Ontario. Travel, site access and schedule are reviewed case by case for projects outside the core service area.