Business Details
23 Years
experience
Expert Engineering Consulting Services in Spokane
Criterium-Pfaff Engineers is an engineering consulting firm established in 2003, specializing in comprehensive building evaluation services for commercial, industrial, and residential properties. Our team of licensed Professional Engineers has evaluated over 7,000 buildings across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, including Spokane and Coeur d'Alene. We pride ourselves on delivering integrity, honesty, and thoroughness in every project, with a commitment to successful project completion that is unmatched. Our engineers possess expertise in structural, civil, and mechanical engineering, project management, and building systems diagnostics. We serve a diverse clientele, including real estate investors, builders, developers, and insurance companies, providing due diligence, forensic investigations, and customized engineering solutions.Our professionals hold advanced technical qualifications, having completed rigorous education, licensing exams, and ongoing continuing education. We emphasize clear communication, client education, and building relationships grounded in trust and technical excellence. Our services span property condition assessments, cost segregation studies, insurance investigations, and reserve studies for homeowner associations. We combine national resources through affiliation with Criterium Engineers while maintaining local market expertise. Our mission is to enhance client understanding of buildings through practical solutions and a dedication to solving complex challenges.
Services
Commercial Building Inspection
Property Condition Assessments
Cost Segregation Study
Insurance Investigations
Reserve Study
Structural Inspections
Foundation Certifications
Environmental Site Assessments
Condominium Conversion Study
Transition Study
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have evaluated over 7,000 buildings since 2003 across diverse property types
- All inspections performed by licensed Professional Engineers with 8+ years of training
- Customized reporting exceeding ASTM 2018 standards for property condition assessments
- Local Spokane-based engineers with deep understanding of regional building requirements
- Affiliated with national Criterium Engineers network while maintaining local presence
Services
Commercial Building Inspection
Our licensed engineers perform comprehensive visual inspections of commercial buildings to assess structural integrity, mechanical systems, and compliance. We identify deficiencies and maintenance needs while providing clear guidance for purchase decisions. Our reports combine technical expertise with practical recommendations for property owners and investors.
Property Condition Assessments
Conforming to ASTM standards, our Property Condition Assessments evaluate all building components including structure, roofing, and HVAC systems. We identify deferred maintenance issues and provide detailed reports with photographic documentation. Our engineers offer customized assessment protocols to meet specific client requirements for real estate transactions.
Cost Segregation Study
We conduct engineering-based cost segregation analyses to maximize tax benefits through accelerated depreciation. Our experts categorize building components for optimal tax treatment while maintaining IRS compliance. This service helps investors improve cash flow and enhance the financial viability of real estate investments over $1 million.
Insurance Investigations
Our engineers perform forensic investigations for insurance claims, determining damage causes from structural failures to storm events. We provide expert testimony, repair cost estimates, and Probable Maximum Loss studies. Our services help insurers assess risk and validate claims with technical expertise and clear reporting.
Reserve Study
We develop comprehensive reserve studies for homeowner associations, analyzing building components' lifecycle and replacement costs. Our licensed engineers provide 20-30 year financial projections and funding strategies. The studies include property condition reports and accessibility improvement recommendations to support long-term community planning.
People
Ken Pfaff
Owner and Principal Engineer
Ken Pfaff leads Criterium-Pfaff Engineers with over 20 years of experience in building evaluation and engineering consulting. He specializes in property condition assessments and forensic investigations, combining technical expertise with practical solutions for commercial and residential properties.
Questions
What types of properties do you inspect?
We evaluate all property types including commercial buildings, residential developments, industrial facilities, and homeowner association properties across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.
Are your engineers licensed professionals?
Yes, all our engineers are licensed Professional Engineers (P.E.) with extensive training, field experience, and ongoing continuing education requirements.
How long does a property inspection take?
Most commercial inspections require 1-2 days on-site with reports delivered within 5-7 business days, depending on project complexity and scope.
Do you provide customized reporting options?
We offer customized inspection protocols and reporting formats to meet specific client needs, including lender requirements and investor templates.
Can you help with insurance claim disputes?
Our forensic engineering services include insurance investigation and expert testimony to determine damage causes and support claim validation processes.
What areas do you service?
We primarily serve Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, including Spokane, Coeur d'Alene, and surrounding communities with local engineering expertise.
