A residential structural inspection done by a structural engineer to verify the structural soundness of a building’s weight-bearing elements, such as the frame, foundation, beams, columns, posts, or trusses, often takes the form of a visual inspection. When a homeowner or landowner is uncertain about a building or structure’s structural soundness, they have it done. This could comprise a review of a particular building element or a comprehensive investigation of the entire structure.
Justifications for requiring a civil engineering inspection include foundation bowing or cracking, Wall settlement or fractures, adding solar panels to a roof, taking down a wall during a makeover, or building a second floor. A standard house inspection is not the same as a residential structural engineering inspection. A general inspection includes checking the HVAC system, inside plumbing, and electrical systems, inspecting floors, windows, and doors and even checking the foundation of the basement.
The residential building designer and home inspector will produce a written report of their findings following the visit. It covers everything. However, the client would need to be referred to a structural engineer, if the residential structural inspection done by the house inspector were to anticipate a potential problem with a foundation, framing component, or another weight-bearing region. The civil engineering would next assess the problematic region and, in most cases, would give the property owner a written report detailing their research findings and the scope of any necessary repairs.
Here are a few scenarios in which you might want to request a structural inspection:
Purchasing a Home: To gain a thorough picture of the condition of the house, you should probably have a general residential structural inspection done if you are buying one. If the inspector finds a problem with any of the load-bearing parts, they will advise a structural inspection to conduct additional research. Foundation cracks (horizontal, vertical, and step cracks), temporary columns in the basement, water intrusion, sloping floors, bending walls, and settlement issues are some other frequent issues that call for the services of a structural engineer. If significant problems are discovered, you can decide whether to cancel the transaction or offer a lower price to cover necessary repairs.
Ceiling or Wall Cracks: Cracks in the ceiling or walls, structural movement, or settlement should not be present in a well-constructed home beyond a few minor cracks. Having said that, very old homes may have sloping floors and some cracks in the ceiling or walls due to settlement simply because the structural elements were not created for deflection the way they are now. It is preferable to receive answers sooner rather than later if there are any concerns.
Steps Cracks: Small cracks are typically not an issue when it comes to foundations. However, if you are seeing horizontal, vertical or step cracks larger, bowing foundation walls, or movement of any kind, you should have a structural inspection performed to analyze the condition.
Problems with Drainage on a Property: A home’s foundation can be severely damaged by drainage problems, which can also result in pricey interior and exterior damage and ponding water that can induce freezing conditions. A structural examination might be able to help you identify the source of the problems and the best course of action for mitigating them while maintaining the integrity of your property.
The Conclusion
If you are looking for a residential structural inspection, make sure to seek the help of EF Douglas & Associates. The organization has multidisciplinary approaches to consulting engineering practices and will ensure that engineering design solutions are efficient.