Sellers in Florida are required to disclosure any problems not obvious to the buyer, if those problems affect the value of the property. Unfortunately banks don?t live in the property and rarely if ever even visit. So disclosure statement may not be very useful. Because it is important to understand the true condition of the home, many buyers ask for the services of home inspectors and structural engineers.
Structural engineers have education and experience understanding and analyzing structures and materials. They understand what makes a structure stable and what problems could undermine that stability. They will examine the walls, beams, foundation and other structural components to find evidence of deformation or deterioration that might affect the whole structure.
What?s the difference between a structural engineer and a professional home inspector? A home inspector is qualified to carefully examine a home and the systems it contains, such as electrical, plumbing, etc. Their job is to describe what is visible. Only a structural engineer is qualified to diagnose a structural problem, and recommend solutions.
Home inspectors reduce the risks associated with buying a home. Foreclosed homes can be an even greater risk, and most savvy buyers would not consider such a purchase without a professional inspection. Inspections can detect potentially expensive problems that might have gone undetected. Knowledge of these issues will allow the negotiation needed to cover the extra costs.
Always inspect any potential purchase carefully. Inspect both the property and structure. Look for defects such as walls that lean, floors that slope, doors and windows that bind, cracks in the foundation or walls or a porch that slopes toward the house. These may be symptoms of deeper problems. You will need the opinion of a structural engineer to understand the scope and severity involved.
Some may consider the purchase of a foreclosed home a risky affair. The risks can be minimized however, through the use of a home inspector and a structural engineer. These professionals can mitigate the risks and help both investors and home buyers achieve peace of mind and make a safe investment.
From light commercial building design to large construction projects, Florida Engineering Solutions can design and support your project from beginning to end. Our professional structural engineers understand the high cost of construction and offer quick turnaround to meet tight deadlines. Contact FES when you need a structural engineering firm for your next project. Mary Smith is a freelance writer.
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