Structural inspection and home inspection are often discussed during home buying or selling. What are these inspections, and how are they unique? Let’s explore the structural inspection vs. home inspection debate and discuss their unique roles in property maintenance.
What Is A Home Inspection?
Usually, when buying or selling a property, the first step is a home inspection. Home inspections are more comprehensive but less specialized. It is done by a licensed professional who inspects numerous systems and structures of a property to determine its overall condition. This includes things like:
- Plumbing and electrical systems.
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems.
- Roof, gutters, and downspouts.
- Windows and doors.
- Floors, walls, and ceilings.
- Foundation and basement.
The standard home inspection usually lasts only a few hours and reports on the property’s visible and accessible areas. It gives buyers or sellers an idea of the home’s overall condition.
What Is A Structural Inspection?
A structural inspection, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the integrity of a building’s foundational elements and load-bearing structures. It is performed when doubts about the strength or safety of the structure arise, such as visible cracks, signs of water damage, or after a natural disaster.
When a professional inspects the structure, they look at:
- Cracks, shifts, and any settling of the foundation.
- Defects and any signs of deterioration on load-bearing walls.
- Any structural beams or columns that help to support the building’s weight are examined for evidence of damage or weakness.
- Rafters, trusses, and supports that keep the roof standing (beyond the roof covering, which the home inspection does not cover).
- The inspector checks the floor framing to ensure the flooring is stable and secure.
The structure inspector is not the same as the home inspector, who, as we know, is someone without specialization and who prepares the inspection report. Engineers or someone with construction knowledge usually opt for this position. A structural engineer is someone with deep knowledge of construction.
Structural Inspection vs. Home Inspection: Key Differences
Both types of inspections ensure the property is safe and in good condition. However, they both have different focus and attention to detail.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the structural inspection vs. home inspection debate:
Aspect | Home Inspection | Structural Inspection |
Scope | Covers the entire property including systems and surface-level structural checks | Focuses solely on the structural integrity of the building’s load-bearing components |
Frequency | Commonly done during real estate transactions. | Done when there are concerns about structural damage or when a more in-depth examination is needed |
Professional | Performed by licensed home inspectors | Performed by structural engineers or specialists |
Extent | General overview, checks for obvious issues | Detailed examination of the foundation, framing, beams, and other critical structural elements |
Cost | More affordable | More expensive |
Outcome | A report that outlines the home’s condition, including minor repairs and maintenance issues | A technical report focusing on any risks or weaknesses in the structure that could be costly or dangerous |
Why Both Inspections Matter
The structural inspection vs. home inspection debate isn’t about one being more important than the other. In fact, both play essential roles in a property’s overall maintenance and assessment.
A home inspection provides a general idea of the home’s condition. It aids in identifying problems like a leaking roof, faulty plumbing, or outdated electrical systems.
A structural inspection can uncover critical problems that could affect the building’s safety, stability, and longevity. For example, cracks in the walls or foundation could mean compromised stability.
When To Schedule A Structural Inspection?
Here are some common scenarios when structural inspection becomes crucial:
- Cracks in the foundation or walls: they can be an indication of serious foundation shifting.
- Water damage or mold near load-bearing elements like beams or the foundation may indicate potential structural integrity problems.
- Settling and wear & tear issues, especially in old buildings, may weaken the structure.
- Structural inspection is necessary after earthquakes, floods, storms, typhoons, etc.
Conclusion
In the end, when it comes to understanding structural inspection vs home inspection, it’s clear that both play unique yet complementary roles in property maintenance. A general home inspection is an overview of the property’s general condition, and a structural inspection is specific to the structure’s condition. Whatever the purpose, being aware of the differences between these inspections and when to carry them out saves you time, money, and a lot of headaches later.
Structural issues in a home can be pretty grave. They can force you to move out or jeopardise a home-buying deal. Don’t fret over structural inspection anymore because Linkhorn Home Inspections is here to take care of it. No issue remains hidden from our inspectors’ hawk eyes. We have experts in structural engineering, so you can trust their report without a doubt. Schedule a structural inspection and sleep comfortably, knowing your home is safe and sound. Call us now.
