#1 Reason to Hire a Professional Engineer for Your Structural Home Inspection
In a word, independence.
Some foundation cracks are harmless and require no intervention, while others may warrant thousands of dollars in repairs. But how can you tell the difference? A structural home inspection, performed by a professional engineer, provides an independent assessment of the structural integrity of a home and recommends remedial measures, if needed. Independence is critical in this context. An independent professional engineer can offer an unbiased opinion, because he or she gains no benefit from recommending costly repairs. The inspection fee is the same, regardless of whether the recommended repairs cost $0 or $30,000.
So that’s my #1 reason to hire a professional engineer for your structural home inspection—independence.
Now that we’ve covered the “why,” the remainder of this article will discuss what a structural home inspection is and when you should consider getting one.
What is a structural home inspection?
A structural home inspection is an inspection performed by a professional engineer to assess the structural integrity of a home. Depending on scope, the inspection may cover the entire structure or a specific aspect of the structure, such as the foundation. The inspection is often visual only, and it will not include things like soil testing or destruction of finished surfaces. The engineer’s report should set forth observations and recommended repairs. You can then provide the report to the repair company of your choice, and that company can make the repairs.
When should you consider performing a structural home inspection?
Structural home inspections are helpful in a few common scenarios.
1. Buying a Home
Structural home inspections are common in real estate transactions. When you are buying a new home, your general home inspector might recommend a structural home inspection, or you might notice a crack in the new home’s foundation and decide it warrants further investigation. A professional engineer then provides an independent assessment of the structural issue. If the report indicates that no repairs are needed, you have obtained valuable peace of mind. If repairs are recommended, you might negotiate the purchase price of the home to accommodate those repairs.
2. Foundation Movement or Cracking
Existing homeowners can also benefit from structural home inspections. If you notice a new crack in your foundation, drywall, brick façade, or other area of your home, or if you see signs of movement in your foundation, you might consider engaging a professional engineer for a structural home inspection. As explained at the outset, an independent professional engineer will only recommend repairs that are necessary, because he or she does not profit from the cost of repairs.
3. Water Intrusion
Although a wet basement is not inherently a structural problem, poor drainage around your home’s foundation can cause structural damage (see this post on the importance of water management). A professional engineer can help identify likely causes of water intrusion and provide a customized water mitigation plan.
Conclusion
If you have concerns regarding the structural integrity of your home, Schroeder Engineering is here to help. Contact us today for an independent assessment of your foundation by a professional engineer.