The Difference Between Structural Inspections & Home Inspections

It’s Important to Evaluate the Structural Conditions That Are of Concern

No home is perfect, yet for buyers and sellers it’s important to establish those imperfections, especially to the essential systems and structural integrity. The purpose of these building inspections is to minimize unwanted surprises of a home so homeowners could live in a safe environment.

HOME INSPECTION 

Carried out by a certified home inspector who inspects the general overall condition and safety of the house’s essential systems including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, basement, roofing, water penetration, insect infestation, and a visual inspection.

STRUCTURAL INSPECTION 

Carried out by a licensed structural engineer who provides an in-depth analysis of the integrity and safety of the building’s structural components including the foundation, joists, beams, trusses, columns/post, walls, floors, and roof. It could encompass the whole structure or one specific element of the building.

Home Inspectors look at the home in general terms evaluating conditions that may cause the house to be unsafe, function improperly, or have major mechanical issues. A Structural Inspection often takes place after the home inspector submits their recommendations and points out possible structural issues that the homeowner should take a closer look at. A licensed engineer is the only professional that can provide an opinion on the structural integrity of a home.

What Do Structural Engineers Inspect?

Structural issues may require some of the most expensive and time-consuming repairs that you can conduct on a property. It’s worthwhile to hire a professional engineer with the highest standards, which holds paramount the safety, health and welfare of the occupants. These are some issues related to homes that need further evaluation by a certified structural engineer:

• FOUNDATION - Problems with the foundation can cause structural failures. Our engineers typically perform foundation inspections to identify cracks and settling in the foundation that compromise the foundation integrity.
  
  
• ROOFING - Sometimes it can be difficult to ascertain the overall health of a roof. So, it’s essential to consult a licensed engineer who will focus more on its structural elements to determine any defects.
  
  
• SAGGING FLOORS - Sloping floors are usually caused by the sagging of the wooden joists that hold up the floor structure. While a small amount of bending is natural in aging homes, excess bending could be a more significant problem. 
  
  
• SEVERE CRACKING - Cracks can indicate that there is a severe structural failure within the property. However, some cracks are purely cosmetic. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a specialist to determine whether these cracks are benign or are indicative of something more serious.
  
  
• GRADING & DRAINAGE ISSUES - Drainage issues can wreak havoc on a home’s foundation causing expensive interior and exterior water damage. A structural inspection may help pinpoint where the issues originate and how to implement proper mitigation.
  

Structural Inspection Reports

With BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS structural inspection services, our clients receive professional service and communication at the time of inspection and for follow-up after the submitted report. Our thorough, easy to read reports provide sufficient detail to identify a concern and provide the knowledge to cure it. 

General Home Inspection, Structural Engineering Inspection or BOTH?

For the most part, home buyers and sellers should carry out both types of inspections to get complete reassurance that the property they are purchasing or selling is as expected. While a general home inspection covers most issues that crop up in a house and have a specific role in a real estate transaction, it will not provide an in-depth report on its structural integrity. This information is especially important if renovations requiring structural changes are planned. The only way to receive a written report is to hire a licensed structural engineer to conduct a full structural assessment. 

BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS - Your Structural Engineering Inspection Experts

Our engineers are members of the National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers www.NABIE.org - a nationally recognized professional organization with members throughout the county. Certified Building Inspection Engineers are leaders in the structural inspection profession. Our structural inspection services allow the homeowner to take advantage of our expertise by allowing us to inspect and evaluate the structural conditions that are of concern. We approach each and every situation in a manner that brings forth many decades of structural engineering experience to assist the homeowner and resolve their issues. Click to contact us online or call 215-340-6990 today and minimize the potential for unpleasant surprises in the future!