When you’re buying a home, the last thing you want in an inspection report is a potential structural or foundation problem. Some buyers may decide to walk away, but if you’re serious about the home, a structural inspection is the next step.
A structural engineer will look at the foundation, framing, and other load-bearing elements that keep a house safe and stable. Most of the time, the inspection can put buyers at ease and verify whether the issue is just normal settling or if further attention is needed.
Whether you’re buying in areas prone to foundation problems, like Philadelphia or Dallas, or in wetter climates like Seattle, understanding if and when you need a structural inspection is key to making a confident purchase.
What is a structural inspection?
While a standard home inspection looks at the interior and outside of a home for wear and tear or items of concern, a home inspector may only note if something seems off with the structure. A structural inspection by an engineer answers the harder questions: Why is it happening, and is it serious?
A structural engineer often has years of experience and understanding when it comes to the safe construction of homes and commercial properties. When they inspect a home, they’re looking to see how the house is holding up: the foundation, beams, joists, roof trusses, and load bearing walls. A licensed structural engineer’s inspection typically includes checking for:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Sloping floors or bowing walls
- Moisture damage that could affect the integrity of the house
- Drainage, soil movement, and framing connections to assess stability
When you should get a structural inspection
Until a home inspector notes something concerning, many people don’t think about calling in an engineer for a structural inspection. Buyers are likely to hire a structural inspector if they want to know more about the bones of the home after the general inspection,…