A Step in Time Structural Engineering

Every Week from Now: How Ray Gessner Helps Homeowners Win Claims

Real stories. Real solutions. Real structural reports.

We are pleased to let you know that each week, our website will highlight our successful projects. You will learn in every post how Mr. Gessner, an experienced licensed structural engineer, has provided the needed expertise to homeowners, getting their insurance claims resolved and dealing with serious structural concerns through detailed and accurate engineering reports.

Why Does This Series Matter?

It is not rare for insurance adjusters to overlook or misunderstand cracks in the foundation, walls that lean, or separated roofs. Ray Gessner’s experience is what makes everything possible. Having spent decades performing structural assessments, Ray creates accurate and impartial documents, reports, and insurance evaluations to assist people in making their claims.

Every week, we are going to show you how Ray’s involvement with a claim helped a homeowner win.

Meet the Expert: Raymond Gessner, PE

Raymond Gessner is a licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, Washington D.C., North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Oregon, and Washington, and he started A Step in Time, which values transparent work, honesty, and a deep technical background. Since he started in the business 25 years ago, Ray has examined a large number of houses, chimneys, decks, crawl spaces, and other areas. His experience and reputation in structural reporting mean he is trusted by both building owners and legal advisors for both insurance and real estate issues. He has carried out 100s of structural engineering inspections. Managing a group of professionals working under strict ICC-compliant guidelines of comprehensive assessments. 

Mr. Gessner is among the limited number of Professional Engineers in Virginia who have developed a niche in structural and insurance claim inspections, providing documentation and analysis which frequently permits rejected claims to be re-evaluated. What makes Ray different from other people? He goes beyond what he knows. He uses modern equipment and finds ways to break down the information to help both homeowners and insurance adjusters make sense of it all.

What to Expect from the Weekly Series

Each blog post in this new series will feature:

  1. An example from the field – when a homeowner could not get a clear answer or denial from the insurer.
  2. Information about Ray’s way of inspecting – such as what he looked at, what equipment he used, and the outcome of his report.
  3. The results – such as what happened to the claim after his findings and any development he noticed.
  4. Guidance for homeowners – explaining what signs to notice, when it’s important to call a structural engineer, and how best to prepare for an insurance claim inspection.

Inspection Reports That Make a Difference

Not every report is equal when it comes to solving an insurance claim involving structural damage. With our comprehensive documentation of the inspection supported by certified tools and skilful observations, the homeowners have the reliable evidence to appeal rejected claims or avoid underassessment.

We are concentrating on detecting actual, quantifiable alterations, either of the foundation, deflection of floors or walls, which the insurance companies cannot ignore. Our structural reports are designed to help you, whether you are about to file a claim or you have been denied a claim and need some assistance in having it reviewed.

Empowering Homeowners and Resellers Alike

It’s not just homeowners who will find information here. Resellers, realtors, property managers, and insurance brokers can gain many benefits from understanding the service professional engineering inspections offer to clients and their interests. A structural report issued by a professional is worthwhile because it is useful in settlements, court cases, or when enforcing laws.

The Power of a Professional Report

Why are engineering reports like Ray’s so impactful in the claims process?

  1. Credibility – Licensed engineers are recognized as neutral experts.
  2. Clarity – Ray’s reports include photos, diagrams, measurements, and easy-to-read summaries.
  3. Compliance – Reports meet city/state building codes and insurer requirements.
  4. Confidence – Homeowners feel supported with real data, not guesswork.

Why Follow This Blog Series?

Since homeowners should always be told the truth about their property, every claim offers an important opportunity to evaluate. No matter if your claim was turned down or you just want to be prepared, the case studies here will tell you important things about safety and insurance structure.

You will learn how Ray inspects homes, writes reports, and carries out tasks that secure better outcomes for families.

About the Blog Series

A Step in Time, led by Raymond Gessner, PE, is dedicating resources to educate homeowners about dealing with structural damage and what to do when they make insurance claims.