What You’ll Likely See in a Structural Engineer Report
Though the exact items in a structural engineer report will depend on the specific construction of the property as well as the engineer preparing the report, structural engineer reports have these common elements:Structural Supports
Examples: Roof systems, trusses, rafters, cantilever beams, struts, and columns
Possible Issues: May be described as unstable, having compromised durability, or requiring additional support
Foundation Components
Examples: Floorboards, tiles, plinth beams, grade beams, piers, crawl space, and basement Possible Issues: Cracks, sagging floors, sticking doors, window frame gaps, bowing foundation walls, and drainage problemsLoad-Bearing Walls
Examples: Precast concrete wall panels, reinforced concrete walls, engineering brick walls, solid brick walls, metal stud walls, and load-bearing stone walls
Possible Issues: Concrete and steel reinforcement corrosion, moisture penetration, and connection failure
Using Structural Engineer Reports As A Property Owner
While a regular inspection may be sufficient in certain cases, having a structural engineer report gives you the added reassurance that you’re fully aware of your property’s actual condition. You can also use these reports to your advantage when dealing with other parties and receive the benefits due to you.
For Pre-Purchase Inspections
If you’re buying a new property, a structural engineer report can help you negotiate for either a lower final price or covered repair costs. Structural engineering assessments for pre-purchase inspections are crucial for home buyers. Plus, if you sell the property, a structural engineer report can ensure that you list an accurate price.For Maintenance Planning
A structural engineer report can provide you with detailed and precise descriptions of the most pressing issues that need fixing. Typically, the engineer will give their own recommendations for repair at the end of the report. In essence, structural engineer reports can help you seek, select, and pay for the right maintenance services.For Supporting Insurance Claims
While your insurance company may send their own structural engineer to prepare the report for insurance investigation purposes, you should hire an independent or third-party engineer to prepare a separate report for your own use.
With your structural engineer report, you can counter false statements or reconcile irregularities in the insurance company’s report. This may help you prevent insurance claims from being denied due to lack of major structural issues (as observed by the structural engineer hired by the insurance company and recorded in their report).
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