Business Details
23 Years
experience
Expert Engineering Services in Spokane, WA
Criterium-Pfaff Engineers is an engineering consulting firm located in Spokane, Washington, specializing in building evaluation services for commercial, industrial, and residential properties. Since 2003, we have evaluated over 7,000 buildings across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, serving clients from major investors to first-time homebuyers. Our team of licensed Professional Engineers combines technical expertise with clear communication to address complex building challenges. We focus on structural, civil, and mechanical engineering, project management, and due diligence services. Our engineers undergo rigorous training, including four-year degrees, four years of mentored experience, and intensive competency exams.We prioritize integrity, honesty, and thoroughness in every project, from diagnostics to commissioning. Our clients trust us to ask the right questions, solve problems, and provide actionable insights tailored to their needs. We maintain ongoing education to stay at the forefront of engineering standards and practices. Our commitment extends beyond buildings to understanding the people who inhabit them, ensuring safety and functionality. With decades of combined experience, we serve as a trusted partner for real estate transactions, development projects, and long-term building maintenance.
Services
Commercial Building Inspection
Property Condition Assessments
Cost Segregation Study
Insurance Investigations
Reserve Study
Transition Study
Condominium Conversion Study
Structural Inspections
New Construction
Foundation Certifications
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience evaluating 7,000+ buildings across the Pacific Northwest.
- Our team consists of licensed Professional Engineers with rigorous technical training and certifications.
- We provide actionable insights through clear, conversational reporting tailored to client needs.
- Our engineers combine field expertise with board-level understanding of building management.
- We serve both large-scale developers and individual homeowners with equal dedication.
Services
Commercial Building Inspection
Our licensed engineers conduct comprehensive visual inspections of commercial properties to assess structural integrity and system conditions. Reports identify deficiencies, maintenance needs, and compliance status while excluding capital expenditure projections. This service supports real estate transactions and facility management decisions for properties ranging from Class A offices to industrial facilities.
Property Condition Assessments
We deliver ASTM 2018-compliant assessments that include capital expenditure projections and regulatory compliance checks. Our narrative reports evaluate building components, identify deferred maintenance issues, and provide repair recommendations. This service helps investors and property managers understand total ownership costs while meeting due diligence requirements for commercial real estate transactions.
Cost Segregation Study
Our engineering-based studies identify accelerated depreciation opportunities for commercial properties. By categorizing building components according to IRS guidelines, we help clients reduce tax liabilities and improve cash flow. This service benefits property acquisitions, renovations, and new constructions valued over $1 million through detailed costing allocations.
Reserve Study
We create detailed roadmaps for homeowner associations that project major repair/replacement costs for common elements. Conducted by licensed engineers, these studies combine physical assessments with financial modeling to help associations maintain property values and avoid special assessments through proper budgeting for future capital expenditures.
Foundation Certifications
Our engineers verify manufactured home foundations meet HUD/FHA standards for mortgage eligibility. We conduct on-site inspections and prepare documentation for VA, FHA, and conventional loans. This service ensures compliance with federal and state-specific requirements while providing lenders and buyers with structural assurance for manufactured housing transactions.
People
Ken Pfaff
Owner and Principal Engineer
Ken Pfaff leads Criterium-Pfaff Engineers with over 25 years of experience in structural engineering and building diagnostics. He specializes in commercial property assessments and has directed thousands of inspections across the Pacific Northwest. His expertise includes forensic analysis and construction defect resolution.
Questions
What types of building inspections do you offer?
We provide commercial building inspections, property condition assessments, cost segregation studies, and specialized evaluations for homeowner associations and manufactured homes.
Are your engineers licensed professionals?
Yes, all our engineers are licensed Professional Engineers (P.E.) with extensive training, including four-year degrees, four years of mentored experience, and competency exams.
Do you serve areas outside Spokane?
We serve Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, including Spokane, Coeur d'Alene, and surrounding regions for all our engineering services.
Can you help with FHA loan requirements?
Yes, we provide HUD-compliant foundation certifications for manufactured homes to meet FHA, VA, and conventional loan requirements.
How many buildings have you evaluated?
Since 2003, we've evaluated over 7,000 buildings ranging from single-family homes to large commercial properties across the Pacific Northwest.
What makes your services different?
We combine licensed engineering expertise with clear communication, delivering actionable insights through conversational reports tailored to each client's specific needs.
