A structural engineer generally performs a structural inspection to verify the structural soundness of an individual building or house s structural elements such as beams, columns, posts, footings, foundations, or trusses. It is usually performed when a property or house owner has certain concerns regarding the structural integrity of the building or structure. In many cases, a structural engineer is called upon to perform an inspection after a building has been constructed. This type of inspection is called post-construction structural engineering inspection.
Post-Construction Inspection
Post-construction structural engineering inspection can also be called after a house or home has been completely remodelled. Often, after a house or home has been remodelled, some problems may still exist and a structural engineer is needed to identify the problems and recommend solutions for them. In most instances, a structural engineer will inspect the exterior as well as the interior of a house or home. The exterior of a house can include a gutter system, driveway, curb, and yard. The interior of the house can include the basement, plumbing system, heating system, roof, walls, ceiling, windows, walls, floors, cabinets, ceilings, closets, etc.
Usually, when a structural engineering inspection is called upon to inspect a house or home, there are a few things that need to be addressed. The main reason for this type of inspection is when a house or home experiences structural changes due to remodelling. For example, a house or home that has been remodelled and a foundation leak occurs. After the leak has been fixed, if it did not cause structural damage, the contractor may wish to repair the foundation. This is where structural engineering inspections come into play.
A structural engineering inspection is also called for when a foundation has settled or a crack has developed in the foundation wall. Typically, this type of inspection will deal with the walls and ceilings. If there are cracks in these areas, it is called structural settlement. When the foundation has settled, it does so because of structural movement. Structural movement is when the house moves concerning its foundation.
Systems
When the structural engineering inspection costs pertain to heating systems, they are generally high. Typically, a heating system will cost around $700 per square foot if it is installed by an experienced, licensed contractor. On the other hand, a certified energy audit will cost less than half that amount per square foot for the same job. So, it is imperative to do both a heating system audit and an energy audit when doing a structural engineering inspection on a house or home.
Other areas that will cost the structural engineering inspection company a lot to repair are wall cracks, small cracks in the basement, ceiling problems, and roof problems. Typically, small cracks can be repaired with materials that are available at your local hardware store. However, in some cases, structural movement may require structural engineering inspections to keep your home from settling. In this case, you should consider contacting a structural engineer who will be able to help you determine the best course of action.
Another issue that structural engineering inspection cost will cover is heat loss. While it is relatively easy to detect heat loss, it is much more difficult to repair. This is because it can be caused by a small crack but can quickly expand into a large crack once the heat loss becomes considerable. Most often, this will require a professional heat recovery ventilator inspection. A heat recovery ventilator is a system that is designed to help reduce heat loss by re-ventilating cold areas in a house or building.
Finally, many home inspectors will also cover foundation issues that could cause major structural engineering inspection cost. One popular example of this is an issue known as soil instability. If the foundation of your home begins to shift, it is not only likely that your foundation will fail, but it is also likely that you will have to pay a substantial amount of structural engineering inspection cost to correct the problem. Remember, if your foundation begins to fail, you must have a trained and qualified home inspector look at the foundation to ensure that it is stable and free of structural damage before you begin any remodelling projects.
