What is a Structural Investigation and Why Do You Need One?

Buying or owning a home is an exciting yet sometimes daunting experience. To ensure that your investment is safe and sound, it would be wise to consider hiring a licensed Engineer to perform a Structural Investigation. A licensed Engineer will come out to your property to evaluate the conditions of your existing structural systems and provide you with a report of their findings. A Structural Investigation Report is a document detailing the current condition of the house’s foundation, roof, and framing. This report gives you detailed information on what needs to be fixed or repaired before you purchase the property. It can help protect your interests as a homeowner and provide insight into immediate and long-term costs associated with owning the property.

What’s Included in a Structural Investigation Report?

A Structural Investigation report typically covers all components of a building’s structure – from its foundation to its roofing system. The report should include an evaluation of the building’s exterior walls, interior walls, floor joists, roof trusses & rafters, doors & windows, staircases & railings, decks & porches and other structural components such as columns and beams. The report should also provide details on any potential problems or defects found during the investigation and suggest repairs that need to be made to bring the structure up to code. Additionally, if any changes have been made to the home since it was built (e.g., new additions or renovations), these should also be documented in the report. 

How Does a Structural Investigation Benefit Homeowners?

It is always beneficial for homeowners to have an understanding of their property’s structural condition before they make any large investments in renovations or improvements. A Structural Investigation Report provides valuable information on what work needs to be done in order for the structure to meet local building codes and standards for safety, stability and durability. Furthermore, having this information will help homeowners make more informed decisions when it comes time to remodel or repair their homes down the line. A Structural Investigation Report can save homeowners money by identifying potential problems before they become major issues that require costly repairs or replacements later on down the road. 

If you are considering purchasing a home soon, make sure you get a Structural Investigation beforehand so that you can make sure your investment is sound!