Residential Structural Engineer Inspection

In search for an experienced team qualified for a residential structural engineer inspection in Los Angeles or Santa Monica? If you are looking for home inspection engineers in Los Angeles, we are ready to help you pass your safety code inspections.

Residential Structural Engineer Inspection

The structural issues in your home may be signs of damage that needs major repairs. Structural engineers are responsible for ensuring that buildings are safe and code-compliant. Getting a residential structural engineer inspection helps to ensure that the home is structurally sound, free of major defects, and safe for habitation.

 
Structural engineer taking measurements of a house
 

Why Do You Need a Structural Home Inspection?

Homeowners should have a home inspection for many reasons. A structural inspector ensures that your house has architectural integrity. Home inspection engineers may come in handy in or more of the below cases:

You're Buying a New Home

If you are contemplating buying a new home, it is important to have a residential structural inspection before making an offer. It helps you be certain that there are no hidden problems with its structural integrity or safety issues.

These can often result in costly repairs down the road.

You're Renovating

There are many factors involved in the planning and construction process. But one thing you shouldn't worry about is whether or not your house is structurally sound. A structural inspection will allow you to determine whether or not there are any problems with your house that need to be addressed before renovating.

You've Noticed Cracks in the Foundation or Walls

If you've noticed any cracks in your foundation or walls, having them inspected is a good idea. Cracks can indicate problems like shifting foundations, settling foundations, and even signs of termites.

If you notice new cracks in your home, it's important to have them inspected by a professional.

You've Noticed Doors and Windows Are Sticking

Have you noticed that doors or windows in your home are not closing as easily as they used to? This phenomenon could be an indication that your home has settled unevenly. You may also notice cracks in your walls or ceiling, which is another sign that something is wrong with the structure of your home.

You've Noticed Sagging Floors, Ceilings, Rooflines, or Rafters

If you have noticed sagging floors, ceilings, rooflines, or rafters in your home, it could be a sign of structural damage to your property. This problem can happen over time due to natural wear and tear or an earthquake.

If you notice any changes in the structure of your home, it's important to get them looked at by a professional for speedy repairs

What’s Involved in a Structural Home Inspection?

A structural home inspection is a comprehensive analysis of the building's structure. It includes:

Foundation & Wall Inspection

The home inspection engineers will look for cracks in walls and foundations and any indications of water damage. They will also check to see if there are signs of insect or rodent damage.

Roof & Attic Inspection

The structural engineer will inspect all aspects of your roof, including attic access points, ventilation systems, insulation levels, etc. Additionally, they will inspect each joist for possible rot or other damage that could cause problems down the road if left unchecked now.

Door & Window Inspections

Doors should not sag when opened or closed and should open and close easily with no sticking points. Windows should be secure from the inside and outside. This inspection also entails checking for proper locks on external doors so intruders cannot get into your home without permission.

Reasons to Hire a Structural Engineer During a Home Inspection

Home inspector checking for safety violations

A structural engineer is trained to identify problems with your home's structure, including its foundation and framing. They also have experience identifying the cause of these issues and finding solutions.

To Ensure the Home Is Safe

A structural engineer will check for any damage or deterioration in your home's foundation, walls, floors, or roof. They will look at cracks in walls and floors, loose connections between roof rafters and support beams, and any signs of water damage due to leaking pipes or poor drainage around windows and doors.

To Ensure the Home Is Structurally Sound

A structural engineer will also ensure that your home's foundation properly supports your home's framing. They will check whether the structure of the walls meets code specifications for load-bearing requirements.

The residential structural engineer inspection includes checking for adequate insulation levels in attic spaces. The experts also check if electrical wiring conforms to building codes.

To Ensure the Home Was Built Correctly

Inspections can help determine whether or not your contractor did a good job. If anything is wrong with your home, the contractor, seller or landlord should fix it before you move in.

If you signed a contract with the builder and didn't do what they were supposed to, you may be able to get back some of your money.

To See If You Need Any Repairs or Upgrades

During the residential structural engineer inspection, your inspector will look at everything from electrical outlets to roof shingles. They'll also check for water damage or mold growth.

Finally, they'll compile a report on everything that needs immediate attention so you can implement timely and cost-effective repairs

Benefits of Working With a Structural Engineer

A structural engineer's inspection is one of the best ways to protect your investment. It helps to prevent costly repairs down the road.

Working with a structural engineer will save you time and money in the future by preventing expensive renovations and repairs. The cost of an inspection is minimal compared to what could happen if something were overlooked.

Hiring a professional also prevents your home insurance premiums from increasing because of hidden defects during their inspection process.

Contact The Sterling Watson Collective For Structural Home Inspections

A residential structural engineer inspection is great for protecting your home and your family. Home inspection engineers from the Sterling-Watson Collective can help you get a comprehensive understanding of the condition of your home.

We give you peace of mind by providing a complete report on the status of your property, including issues that may arise in the future. Contact us today to learn more.


Beyond Just Custom Home Drafting & Design

In addition to offering water and fire damage restoration in Los Angeles, our team of qualified and experienced contractors cover all of the necessary disciplines required to deliver a cost-effective and successful project for your enjoyment. Our range of services include:

ADU Construction

Arborist

Drafter

Electrician
Electrical Engineering

Expediter

Framing

Grading Pre Inspections

Home Contractors

Home Remodeling

Laborers

Landscaping

Landscape Contractor and Design

Mechanical Engineering

Plumbing

Surveyor

Client and contractor looking at design plans

Having a knowledgeable and experienced team of home inspection engineers that was local in Los Angeles made all the difference. We needed to make sure that we passed all safety inspections in time, and the team at The Sterling-Watson Collective made it so simple. They were prompt and professional throughout the entire process, and we couldn’t be more thankful for all their help.

FAQs

  • Structural engineers examine a house's foundation, framing, and load-bearing elements. They also check for signs of damage from water or pests.

  • A structural engineer will issue their report in writing. The report should include photos and diagrams of all problems during the inspection process. It should also include recommendations for correcting these problems.

  • Home inspectors don't always have the training or experience necessary to identify structural problems with your home. However, an engineer can conduct tests on various parts of your home to determine if they are structurally sound or not.

  • The first thing you need to know when hiring a structural engineer is what they will do for you. That means asking questions such as the following.

    What kind of structural inspections do they perform?

    Are you licensed in the state?

    How long have you been practicing?

    What kind of experience do you have with similar projects?

Our team is ready to help you with fire damage restoration in Los Angeles.

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