Our homes are built to take on various tasks as we continue to live in them every single day. Aside from providing warmth and shelter, they are supposed to be areas of safety. Usually, this is not a problem, as they are built with durable and long-lasting materials, but there are different weather and environmental conditions that can shake their integrity.
The effects are not always apparent, and overlooked issues can lead to highly damaging results. That is why it is essential to have structural inspections performed by an engineer, especially if you have lived in your home for years and cannot remember the last time the task was completed, if it ever was at all.
As you read, you will be able to get a better grasp of what these examinations are like and why they are worth the investment. To get an engineer who you can trust for an inspection but who can also help you repair the problems themselves, make a call to Foundation Technology. They won’t let even the most minor flaw keep your home from being its best.
Differences Between Structural and Home Inspections
While they might sound the same, these two inspections have plenty of differences and require different amounts of labor. There are two words you can use to differentiate between the two examinations; “condition” for home inspections and “safety” for structural ones.
Home inspections tend to be for more aesthetic-related purposes. Basic wear and tear, such as chipped paint or outdated plumbing, are addressed. They are not mandatory to have performed and are more used for instances when you are trying to find the value of your home to sell it.
Structural inspections are a little more complex. When an engineer is hired, they will look more at the “skeleton” of your home. This includes the framework, foundation, and any support beams that it has. During this process, they tend to look for concerning signs such as cracks or water damage. These inspections can take a little more time than a home examination and sometimes come at a higher price.
When to Get an Inspection
There are different instances when having a structural inspection is at its most necessary. Though checks should be carried out every 3-5 years, the instances listed below are the most significant times when you should consider making the call:
Buying or Selling a Home
Whenever you want to move, you’re bound to want to get the most money possible from the next buyer. However, there are a lot of things that can lower your home’s value in the real estate market. This, of course, includes the way your home is built. The agent you work with might suggest you make a call to an engineer before they can put the house on their website.
In turn, the home you buy should also be in good condition unless you want to complete a home rehabilitation project. If the lister does not say whether or not a structural inspection has been carried out, ask them when you tour the residence. Make sure you get proof of this service, too.
Bad Storms or Other Weather Conditions
California is no stranger to terrible weather, especially with problems like rain and earthquakes. Mother Nature can definitely take its toll on our homes, leaving the structures cracked or gapped. Even if the signs are not evident to you, you should call Foundation Technology to receive an expert opinion. Even the smallest shift in the soil can shake the base your home is set upon.
Flooding Grounds
Have you started to notice puddles on your property that never seem to go away, even when the sun is beating? This may mean that your foundation has a slab leak. Not only can this be a nuisance to look at, but it could mean that flooding is bound to be an issue for your basement or first-story floor in the near future.
What Happens If Your Structure Isn’t Examined
Some people might choose to ignore the procedure of a structural inspection because it seems like just another reason to spend money, but doing so can lead to plenty of problems for you and your loved ones. In fact, it could lead you to invest a greater amount of money and energy.
First, cracks are likely to form over time when structures are not sound. This can lead to exterior hassles come through, such as weather. You will begin to notice this sign whenever there is a random breeze or if you try to use an HVAC unit and it is not meeting the thermostat status you have it set at.
Cracks can also lead to insects and other pests entering your home. Aside from the unpleasant scent and look of rat droppings or dead ants, some critters might dig into your walls and start chewing on wires or wood.
An unexamined home may also begin to look saggy. The most obvious area is the roof, which is where environmental conditions tend to wreak most of its havoc. Though not too common, an ignored roof can cave in when rain hits too hard, or a tree branch ends up falling on it.
Calling the Right Engineer and Repair Crew
While you will want to pass a structural inspection with flying colors, that is not always possible, nor should you fret if the engineer finds a hazard. These errors are rarely at the fault of the homeowner. Instead of panicking, the best thing you can do is call in a crew that specializes in repairing home frameworks, like Foundation Technology.
A Southern California-based company, Foundation Technology, can do it all. In fact, you don’t even have to hire an engineer if you go to them first, as they are equipped with the tools it takes to diagnose the issues found in your home and then offer the solutions you need. When you agree on services, that is exactly what you’ll get- nothing more and nothing less.
There is a long list of different ways that they can help you. Many homeowners find their foundations sinking into the ground. Foundation Technology uses nuanced methods such as polyurethane foam, push piers, or soil stabilization to make the base firm and stand tall once again. Their team even helps to repair often ignored areas, such as crawl spaces or sloping hills.
Along with residents, Foundation Technology works on commercial buildings, as well. Whether a landlord or a business owner, it is your responsibility to keep the people in your establishment safe from harm. A structural inspection is bound to make that possible. Even if you just end up needing something as simple as a waterproof basement, you’ll avoid costly damages or complaints in the future.
Most people worry about the parts of their home that people see, such as the walls and doors. However, for your home to look nice, the inner workings and foundation must also be strong. Foundation Technology has the knowledge, the eye, and the repair mechanisms to perform your structural inspection and repairs.
Click here to see all of the services they offer and to schedule an appointment so you can get a quote. Don’t wait until a problem becomes apparent. Foundation Technology can help both you and your home stand proud in no time.
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