One of the guys going thru orientation at the club over the weekend is a structural engineer. And not JUST a structural engineer either - after retiring from the state, he is now employeed going around the USA training younger structural engineers. Lately, he's been working for FEMA, evaluating structures that were flooded back in March/April.

I just contracted with him to come evaluate the basement Thursday afternoon. He's expensive but a) he's independent & his professional recommendation doesn't have any strings tied to it - there's no financial gain in him recommending one type of repair over another, b) this is what he does for a living, and c) he will represent me and my house in trying to get whatever repairs are needed covered by insurance. There's no guarantee of success on that last part BUT... considering we're talking close to $50,000 worst case scenario, it's worth a try.