Structural Inspections
A structural Inspection checks the integraity of the home. It will be the key to your purchase. Without a firm foundation the home will show signs of failure. In Oklahoma we have such extreme weather conditions. This, mixed with a clay based soil, creates problems when the ground is wet, because it swells pushing up the foundation, and then it dries out and the home settles lower. Most of the issues with foundations are with moisture penetration into the ground around the footing of the home or into the structural frame-work causing it to deteriorate.
A Structural inspection checks the overall condition of the home.
It includes but is not limited to the following check points:
- water drainage around the home
- water damage around the downspouts
- does the roof have problems
- is the roof properly built
- is there bracing in the attic
- are there any signs of flooding, or ponding next to the home
- visible cracks in the foundation
- Is the footing exposed
- Does vegetation cover-up the foundation
- are the piers doing their job under the house
- are the floor-joist even
- are the floor-joist braced
- are the stringers tight against the floor joist
- are the sills in good condition
- (Under the house) are the piers, concrete, block or stacked rock etc.
- are there any visible water leaks that could cause the piers to settle.
- Identify visible moisture damaged wood.
A Structural Inspector should check the structural first! Why?, because this will determine whether or not you the buyer will purchase this home! This is rare and involves houses that have unusual settling or visible stress cracks. I personally will talk to you before going any deeper into a home inspection. This will save you money and maybe keep you from making a serious mistake.