How Do I Prepare For An Inspection Checklist?
In order to prepare for an inspection, you need to first know what a structural engineer does during the professional process.
Structural engineers perform a routine inspection on homes to validate the structural soundness of the weight bearing components. Examples include the framing, foundation, beams, columns, and posts.
Typically, an engineer inspection is not required unless the property owner is questioning the structural integrity of the building. One or more reasons may pop up, including but not limited to:
- Cracked foundation
- Bowing foundation
- Wall cracks
- Settlement
- Removal of interior wall for remodeling purposes
- Addition of solar panels to the roof
- Addition of a second story to the home
Keep in mind …
A structural engineering inspection is not a normal home inspection. Home inspectors have a completely different list of responsibilities, including but not limited to the inspection of:
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Roof
- Attic
- Floors
- Windows
- Doors
- Foundation
- Basement
When do you get a structural engineer inspection?
Your home needs to be stable whether you’re living in it or someone else is purchasing it. There’s no question about that.
If you’re selling your home, book an engineer inspection if there are any areas of concern around. If all is clear, you’ll get the go ahead to put your house on the market. The sale may even happen quicker versus if you didn’t get the inspection. If there is a problem, fix it quickly so that you can get the best bang for your buck in the real estate market.
If you’re buying a home, request a general home inspection immediately. The general home inspector will look through the house with a keen eye for detail and throw up “red flags” if there are any. If the weight bearing components aren’t in top shape, the inspector will suggest you make a follow up appointment with a structural engineer so that he/she can look at the house.
If structural movement is found, be prepared to give a detailed report to your structural engineer. Things to note include:
- Settlement in a newly purchased home
- Settlement in a home that’s 10+ years old
- Settlement after a remodel is conducted
- Settlement after an additional weight has been installed
If you’re remodeling, that means you’re altering the weight bearing components of the house. Get a structural engineer involved before you make the first move. Some cities and states may have this set into place as a legal law, so check if a building permit or similar document is necessary ahead of time.
Preparing for an inspection …
Truth be told, there’s no honest way to prepare for a structural engineer inspection. If a crack is going to expand, it’s going to expand. If a weight bearing property of the house is disintegrating, it’s going to disintegrate. The only thing you can do is make sure the problem doesn’t get worse by calling in a professional. They’ll do the analysis and tell you the exact steps to follow after they figure out what’s causing the issue at hand.
Who should you go to?
None other than ARC Engineers, Inc. In 2018, a group of students opened up an engineering firm and since that day, they’ve soared above the rest of San Diego.
In the beginning, ARC specialized in minor consulting projects, storm water compliance, foundation inspections, and grading plans. But the efficiency and fast delivery was so spectacular that the company expanded into civil, structural, geotechnical, survey, construction management, and architectural services.
If you need a structural engineering inspection done on your home, or a home you’re intending to purchase, don’t hesitate to reach out to ARC. They have your back from this day on.
