Structural Inspections
What Is A Structural Inspection?
A structural inspection is an non-invasive and non-destructive evaluation of a building’s structural integrity and safety. The inspection ensures that the building is safe for occupants, and it identifies any potential areas of concern that may need to be addressed.
Homes of any age are subjected to weather conditions, ground shifting, warping, and more. Our residential structural inspection service offers an assessment and evaluation of the structural components of your home, including probing with an awl, measuring framing members, and limited excavation around the foundation.
At Keller Engineering Engineers, we provide structural inspections by professional engineers who are licensed by one of the 12 licensing bodies in Canada and adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards.
When Is A Structural Inspection Required?
There are several key instances when a structural inspection is recommended, including:
- Buying a property. You will want to understand the overall condition of the building and determine if there are any issues that may need to be addressed.
- Building has suffered damage from a natural disaster. It’s critical to have a structural inspection performed as soon as possible to determine if there is any damage that may compromise the building’s stability and safety.
- Building is older. This will help you identify any potential issues that may have arisen over time, and ensure that the building remains safe for occupants.
- Before or after a major renovation or addition. If you’ve recently completed renovations or additions to your building, it’s important to ensure that the building’s structural integrity has not been impacted by the changes.
Other reasons to request an inspection include:
- There are cracks in the foundation or walls
- There is bowing or sagging in the walls and roof
- There is carpenter ant, termite, or rot damage
- An appraiser perceived a structural defect
- A new home is under construction
- A mortgage company or bank needs an engineer’s opinion before writing a loan
- There is concern about the structural integrity of the building or home
Our Structural Inspection Process
- A member of our team will connect with you to define the scope of the inspection.
- We will compile a list of questions that you would like answered. (e.g. Can I remove a wall?)
- A professional engineer will perform an on-site inspection, to establish the current condition of your home. The determination of “squareness” and levelness can be included in a residential structural inspection. Soil investigation and invasive testing is generally not included in a structural inspection unless otherwise recommended or designated in writing, but is available should you request it.
- The auditor will prepare a full report, which includes photos and recommendations to correct any areas of concern. Upon request, this report can also include recommended contractor information and a range of pricing.
- Note: Other systems, such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or the home’s interior are not evaluated as part of the structural assessment, but may be discussed with your inspector during the structural inspection.