A prospective home buyer retained McGaw Engineering, PLLC to perform an independent civil engineering and quality control evaluation of a newly constructed residential property in Hardin Valley. The investigation focused on evaluating reported foundation concerns.
The firm identified and characterized early symptoms of settlement, determining that the initial reported concerns did not fully align with the physical evidence on site. Following a detailed investigation across civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical elements, including:
lot grading and slope stability,
structural framing,
HVAC equipment constraints,
irrigation placement,
detached electrical feeder lines.
McGaw Engineering isolated the true root causes.
The resulting technical report provided the buyer with clear technical justification to engage the contractor for required warranty repairs prior to closing.
Specs
Type
Civil / Forensic Engineering: Residential Audit
LOCATION
Hardin Valley, Knoxville, Tennessee
YEAR
2026
Engineering DISCIPLINES
Civil & Geotechnical Engineering
Structural Engineering
Mechanical & Plumbing Systems
Electrical Infrastructure
ABout the project
SOLVING COMPLEX CIVIL & INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES WITH TECHNICAL RIGOR AND INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT.
© 2026 McGaw Engineering, PLLC.
All rights reserved.
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Disclosure: Principal holds a full-time position at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (UT-Battelle, LLC). McGaw Engineering, PLLC is a separate, independent entity and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of ORNL or UT-Battelle, LLC.