Chad Dinsmore

PE

Senior Project Manager

Biography

Chad Dinsmore is a Consultant with over 12 years of experience in structural design, field engineering, construction, and forensic investigations. Chad is a valued member of the YA Group team, where he applies his technical expertise to support complex projects and deliver practical solutions.

He has extensive experience in structural design for wood-framed custom homes, modular buildings, concrete tilt-up commercial structures, and steel-framed K–12 classroom buildings. As a project field engineer, Chad provided engineering support during construction, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, and performing structural observations to ensure compliance and quality.

Chad’s forensic investigation experience includes evaluating building structures for fire damage, vehicle impacts, wind damage, building envelope failures, foundation movement, and structural failures. He has also assessed contractor builders’ risk claims and provided engineering support for construction defect litigation. These experiences have strengthened his ability to analyze complex issues and deliver clear, actionable recommendations.

Credentials

  • PE | Professional Engineer

Representative Consulting Assignments

  • Steel Framed Two Story Highschool Classroom Building | Cracked concrete deck | Provided expert engineering support for the metal deck contractor in legal defense
  • One-Story Single-Family Residence | Wind Damage to Building Envelope and Moisture Intrusion Claim | Evaluated the claimed wind damage to the roof covering and exterior wall assembly and assessed the cause of moisture intrusion into the residence. Provided a written report of findings and deposition
  • Two-Story K-12 Library | Glulam Beam Failure | Provided engineering support and written report for a builder's risk claim regarding failed glulam beams
  • Two-Story Condominium Building | Construction Defect Claim for Modified Bitumen Membrane Roofing | Performed analysis of roofing conditions, reviewed documentation and developed a written report of findings
  • Four-Story Modular Building | Builder's Risk Claim for Water Damage During Construction | Evaluated the conditions and events that led to interior moisture damage
  • One-Story Single-Family Residence | Foundation Lifted due to tree roots from an adjacent property | Evaluated the causes of foundation movement and developed a scope of repairs

Professional Experience

  • 2025 - Current | Senior Project Manager | YA Group
  • 2022 - 2025 | Senior Project Engineer | Envista Forensics
  • 2015 - 2022 | Project Manager and Project Field Engineer | Innovative Structural Engineering (ISE)
  • 2014 - 2015 | Design Engineer | R2H Engineering
  • 2013 - 2013 | Drafter | John A. Martin and Associates San Luis Obispo
  • 2011 - 2011 | Project Intern | Barnhart Balfour Beatty

Area of Practice

  • Builder's Risk 
  • Building Envelope
  • Damage Assessment
  • Construction Defect Reviews 
  • Structural Analysis

Publications and Presentations

  • 2025 - Design V. Build - Forensic Tactics to Pinpoint the Source - Panel Discussion Presentation at CLM San Diego 2025.

Education

  • California Polytechnic State University - Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering - San Luis Obispo - California

Training Courses

  • Haag Certified Inspector-Residential Roof

Licenses

  • 76030 - Arizona - Professional Engineer (PE)
  • 92243 - California - Professional Engineer (PE)
  • 029942 - Nevada - Professional Engineer (PE)