This is an in-depth look at what a structural engineer inspection involves what it isn't. Because let's face it, most people only hire a structural engineer once or twice in their lives, there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding this topic. This article will lead you through locating a structural engineer, what to expect, and the fees involved, as you may be new to the process.

Let's get started.

What is a Structural Engineer Inspection

A structural engineer inspection is a visual examination conducted by a structural engineer to confirm the structural soundness of a home or building's weight-bearing components such as framing, foundation, beams, columns, posts, or trusses. 

It is carried out when a homeowner or property owner has concerns about a building's or structure's structural stability. This could require a thorough assessment of the entire structure or a focus on a single component. The following are some of the most common reasons you might need a structural engineering inspection:

• Bowing/cracked foundation 
• Settlement or wall cracks
• To remove a wall in a remodel 
• Add solar panels to a roof 
• Add a second story to a home 

A structural engineering inspection differs from a standard house inspection in several ways. The following items are inspected by a home inspector:

• HVAC system, 
• Interior plumbing 
• Electrical systems
• Roof & attic
• Floors, windows, doors
• Foundation
• Basement 
• Some aspects of the existing structural components

Following the inspection, the home inspector will write a report detailing their findings. It is all-inclusive. If the house inspector suspects a problem with the foundation, frame, or another weight-bearing region, they must recommend the customer to a specialist, such as a structural engineer. 

The structural engineer would then assess the area in concern and, in most cases, give the property owner a written report detailing their scientific findings as well as the scope of any required repairs.

Why is a structural engineer needed?

Structural engineers study load-bearing systems for years and train under a P.E. (professional engineer) to become licensed in the state where they want to work. Qualifications include the following:

• Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from an authorized university or college (4-5 years of school)
• Before getting their license, they must complete around 5 years of apprenticeship under a P.E. (Professional Engineer).
• Pass a variety of certified exams (in each state they want to be licensed with)

This qualifies them to do these specialized inspections and analyses of homes, buildings, and other structures. It's comparable to how doctors work in the medical field. If your family physician (or the home inspector) suspects a life-threatening brain tumor, they will recommend you to a reputable neurosurgeon (the structural engineer).

The "bones" of your home or building are not something to take lightly. Hire a professional structural engineer to investigate if you or your house inspector suspects a problem.

When should you hire a structural engineer?

There are several scenarios in which a structural engineer inspection is recommended to ensure that your home's foundation is safe. We'll go over a few of these in more detail below:

Sell your home

Many people think about hiring a structural engineer when buying a home, but there are numerous advantages to hiring one as a seller. For example, if you want to sell your house quickly, you should have any issues addressed before putting it on the market. 

If you know your foundation is damaged ahead of time, getting a structural assessment from an engineer will offer your buyer confidence to buy and may speed up the closing process. You can also decide whether or not certain concerns are worth correcting and price your home accordingly.

If you know your house requires foundation work, you have the option of getting many quotations for the project. Having a game plan in place ahead of time can give the seller peace of mind and allow them to see the sale price point realistically.

Make sure your structural engineer gives you a written report detailing the results, as well as a scope of work that a contractor can utilize to accomplish the repair/correction work. The structural engineer's report will also aid in the acquisition of any necessary building licenses.

Buy a Home

A general home inspection may be beneficial if you are purchasing a home. This is not normally needed by mortgage lenders, but it is a good idea to gain a thorough picture of the home's condition. Remember, a home inspector will provide you with a general report for the entire house.

If an anomaly is discovered with any of the weight-bearing components, the inspector may raise a "red flag" and propose a structural engineer examination for further research. Problems that frequently necessitate the services of a structural engineer include:

• Foundation crack
• Temporary basement support 
• Sloping floors
• Settlement 

Before releasing cash, mortgage lenders may need a structural engineer inspection to confirm structural health. Even if it is not required, it is prudent to proceed with the structural engineering inspection to guarantee that there are no major structural difficulties.

If problems are discovered, you have the option of walking away from the home or negotiating the price to account for repairs.

Structural movement, cracks in the ceiling or walls:

A well-constructed home should not have any settlement other than a few minor cracks in the concrete slab foundation. Having said that, very old homes may have sloping floors and some ceiling or wall settlement cracks simply because structural members were not constructed for deflection in the way that they are now.

In general, if settlement occurs, it will occur within the first ten years. The majority of the settling will most likely occur within the first 3-5 years, following which movement should be minor until the 10-year milestone. Saturated soils could play a role in any subsequent movement.

Read on to find out when a structural engineering check can be a smart option. When there is a concern about the structural movement

If you are experiencing settlement in a brand new home:

You could be dealing with a building defect lawsuit. Engage the services of a structural engineer to determine the exact cause of the problem. There may be a warranty on the construction, so don't put it off too long!

If you live in a home that is more than ten years old and shows evidence of settlement:

New settlement may be caused by insufficient internal humidity (air exchange), poor water management, or ground soils. In any case, your structural engineer can offer advice and make any necessary repairs.

If you recently completed a remodel or added additional weight, such as a kitchen island or fish tank, you are experiencing settlement:

You may be in serious trouble if a load-bearing item was removed without suitable temporary supports and a new beam/column system. Your house could physically fall apart or be severely damaged.

If you add weight to your home, on the other hand, you'll want to be sure that the present system can handle it:

Homes are built to support a certain amount of weight. If you add weight to an existing system, you may need to add more supports to adequately disperse the load.

Your engineer will be able to assist you in determining this.

Renovate

A structural engineer should be consulted whenever weight-bearing components of the home are changed. Most city building departments in Minnesota demand a structural engineering evaluation to acquire a building permit for minor remodels like removing a wall or adding a new deck.

If you're planning a remodel, make sure you're aware of your city's laws so you can plan and budget accordingly.

Foundation bowing, cracks, upheaval, or sinking

When it comes to foundations, small hairline fractures are usually not an issue. However, if you notice fractures that are larger than 14 inches (or larger), sagging foundation walls, or movement of any kind, you should have a structural engineering assessment performed to assess the situation.

If the problem is not treated, little cracks can grow into major issues. Many times, repairing the damaged area is simple as long as the source of the problem is addressed. A structural engineer can tell you if your problems are caused by a flawed foundation design, a problematic water management system, or improperly compacted or unsuitable backfill soils.

It is preferable to receive responses sooner rather than later if there is any cause for concern.

Accidental Structural Modifications

Each structural member is selected depending on the amount of weight it can support and how that weight is distributed among other parts. Because changing these components can essentially throw off the entire structural structure of the building, there are severe laws and building requirements/codes in place.

So, if a plumber cuts into a framing member that he shouldn’t have or if trusses in your attic are removed without consulting an engineer, the foundation of your home could be at risk. If you or your contractor make an unintentional change to a load-bearing component of your home, you should schedule a structural engineering inspection right away.

Storm Damage

If you or your contractor believe you have storm damage but your insurance company disagrees, you should see a structural engineer for a second assessment. Structural engineers are an unbiased third party you can rely on. Engineers cannot afford to make mistakes since their designs have the potential to make or break a structure.

Licensed residential structural engineers, on the other hand, wield a great deal of power in the construction sector. An engineer's report stating that storm damage has occurred and that your building's functioning has been affected may be enough for an insurance provider to grant your claim.

Drainage problems on a property

Drainage problems can wreak havoc on a building's foundation, wreak havoc on the inside, generate pooling water, and create icy conditions. A structural engineering inspection may assist you in determining the source of the problem and how to design a correct water management system that will preserve the integrity of your foundation.

Ice dams are caused by heat loss.

Heat loss in the home can lead to ice dams, mildew, and expensive energy bills, among other problems. A structural engineering inspection can assist in determining the source of the heat loss and the best strategy to permanently resolve the issue. 

The cost of a structural engineering inspection is as follows

If the above "reasons to obtain a structural engineering inspection" section applies to you, you're probably asking how much this will cost. Here's the information.

The majority of structural engineers bill by the hour. These charges might range from $200.00 to $350.00 per hour. A normal examination, such as looking at a single wall removal, will take around 2-3 hours and cost between $400 and $700.00. The inspection itself may be short, but you must account for travel time, analysis time, calculations time, the scope of repair work time, and report generating time.

It can be difficult to quote work until the engineer inspects your issue on-site. If you tell an engineer you want to knock out three walls, they won't know which ones are load-bearing until they analyze and measure the construction. If all three walls are load-bearing, the structural engineer will have to design three new beam and column systems, which will take longer than if only one was required.

Not all jobs are paid on an hourly basis.

Large tasks, such as new construction or a major remodel, are frequently bid rather than priced hourly. Because each job is different, it's difficult to give a blanket price on what an average bid job costs. It depends on the client's requirements.

It might cost you $3000.00 to $7500.00 if your architect has drawn up drawings for a full house and wants the entire set engineered. Some simple houses, on the other hand, may require less engineering. To be sure, you'd need to seek a quote from a structural engineer.

What should I expect from an inspection in terms of deliverables?

Because every firm operates a little differently, it's always a good idea to ask your engineer upfront what kinds of deliverables to expect. Many companies, on the other hand, will issue a written report that states:

• If the structure in question is structurally sound
• If not, what repairs need to be made to correct the defect

Occasionally, a step-by-step scope of work will be included.

This report could be used by the client's contractor to complete the task. This report is usually enough to meet the requirements of your local building inspectors or mortgage lenders to obtain a permit or release cash.

However, you should double-check (with building officials or mortgage lenders) exactly what information you need in your report, as some circumstances necessitate a more thorough investigation. Other reasons why this report is useful to include:

• Great information to have as documentation/certification for a property owner.
• These reports are extremely beneficial to builders since they advise them and ensure that their work is completed professionally.

How to hire a structural engineer for an inspection

If you're like the majority of people, you're probably wondering where to go for a structural engineer. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Referral from your home inspector

Your home inspector will typically have solid connections within the building industry. Likely they have the inside scoop on who in town has the best reputation, quick turnaround, customer service, etc. 

Google

Do a google search for “structural engineer near me”. This will typically do the trick. Check out their Google Reviews to see what customers are saying.

Referral from your contractor

95% of contractors work with a structural engineer regularly. It’s always nice to get a referral from someone you trust. 

Referral from your architect

Most architects work directly with structural engineers. Some architects even bid on projects to include the engineering work to streamline the process. 

Your city building department

City building departments sometimes have a list of structural engineers in the area. If you are struggling to find an engineer, try checking with them.

Go to HomeAdvisor or Angie’s List

Either of these platforms (both owned by HomeAdvisor as of 2017) may be a good option for you. However, these platforms may ask you for personal information before sharing vendor information with you. Often they will even share your contact info with 5-10 vendors leaving your phone blowing up for a few hours.