What is a Structural Inspection?

A Structural Inspection is a specialized, objective physical evaluation of a building’s load-bearing components—including the foundation, framing, roof system, and load-bearing walls—conducted by a Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) to ensure safety, stability, and code compliance.

This comprehensive assessment identifies existing structural deficiencies, assesses the impact of damage from external forces, and provides engineered solutions for remediation. By utilizing advanced diagnostics and adhering to International Building Code (IBC) standards, a structural inspection protects property value and ensures the life-safety of occupants.

Why is a Structural Inspection essential for your property?

While a standard home inspection provides a general overview of a property’s condition, it often lacks the technical depth required to diagnose underlying skeletal issues. A Professional Engineer possesses the training to perform structural analysis, identifying risks that are invisible to the untrained eye.

Whether you are navigating a real estate transaction or observing signs of distress, an expert evaluation prevents minor flaws from escalating into catastrophic failures.

What are the core components of a Professional Structural Inspection?

A thorough inspection focuses on the primary load path of the building. The Professional Engineer evaluates how gravity and lateral loads (such as wind or seismic activity) are transferred from the roof down to the soil.

How do engineers identify foundation settlement and soil issues?

The stability of any structure depends entirely on the soil-structure interaction. Engineers look for signs of differential settlement, which occurs when a building’s foundation sinks unevenly. This is often caused by expansive soils, poor drainage, or inadequate compaction.

During the inspection, the engineer may use a digital water level to create a floor elevation map, documenting variations that indicate movement.

When should you request a Structural Inspection for real estate?

In the American real estate market, a Structural Inspection is a critical component of due diligence.

• Buyers should request one if a general inspector flags “structural concerns.”
• Sellers can use a pre-listing inspection to justify their asking price and avoid closing delays.
• For commercial properties, this falls under Property Condition Assessments (PCA), ensuring that the investment is sound and free of hidden liabilities.

Why are visible cracks a sign you need a Structural Engineer?

Not all cracks are created equal. While hairline “shrinkage cracks” in concrete are common, larger horizontal cracks or diagonal cracks wider than 1/8 inch often signal a serious structural deficiency.

A Structural Engineer determines if the crack is “active” (moving) or “passive” (static) and provides a stamped engineering report that outlines the necessary stabilization methods, such as piering or carbon fiber reinforcement.

How does the inspection process work for structural modifications?

If you are planning to remove a wall or add a second story, a structural modification design is required. The inspection phase involves verifying existing conditions—measuring spans, identifying wood species for lumber grading, and checking the capacity of existing footings.

This data allows the engineer to design a new beam or support system that maintains the building’s structural integrity.

What role do Forensic Engineering services play in insurance claims?

When a building suffers damage from fire, wind, or impact, Forensic Engineering is utilized to determine the “cause and origin” of the failure.

This is vital for insurance claim services, as it provides an unbiased, science-based assessment of whether the damage was sudden (covered) or due to long-term neglect (not covered).

How do Drone Inspections enhance structural data collection?

For high-rise buildings or complex roof structures, Drone Inspection technology allows engineers to capture high-resolution imagery of areas that are inaccessible via ladders.

This non-destructive testing (NDT) method is particularly effective for identifying thermal bridging, masonry spalling, or roof truss spreading without the cost of scaffolding.

What are the legal requirements for a “Stamped” Engineering Report?

In many jurisdictions, only a report signed and sealed by a Licensed Professional Engineer is legally valid for permit applications or court testimony.

This “seal” represents the engineer’s professional liability and confirms that the Structural Inspection was performed according to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) standards.

How do manufactured home inspections differ from traditional homes?

A Manufactured home inspection requires specific adherence to HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) permanent foundation guidelines.

Engineers must verify that the anchoring systems and “piers” are sufficient to resist wind uplift and seismic loads, which is a common requirement for FHA and VA loan approvals.

Why is Structural Inspection vital for Multi-family Design?

In Multi-family design, the complexity of shared load-bearing walls and fire-rated assemblies increases the risk of systemic failure.

Regular inspections ensure that balcony attachments, stairwells, and parking garage structures remain safe for hundreds of occupants, preventing the types of collapses seen in aging coastal infrastructures.

Summary of Structural Inspection Benefits

• Safety Assurance: Identifies life-safety hazards before they cause injury.
• Financial Protection: Prevents over-spending on unnecessary repairs suggested by contractors.
• Legal Compliance: Provides stamped reports required by building departments.
• Peace of Mind: Offers an unbiased, expert opinion on your most valuable asset.

Structural Inspection is the most reliable way to ensure a building’s longevity. Whether for Structural modification design or a simple safety check, engaging a Licensed Professional Engineer is the gold standard for property care. If you are ready to secure your property’s future, contact our team for a Structural Inspection today.