Residential Structural Inspections
At Simply Structural Solutions, we understand the residential market and the homeowner. We are proud to serve all our clients and value their business. The majority of the work that we perform for residential homeowners begins with an onsite structural engineering assessment. Our licensed, structural engineers make a site visit to the property to survey the areas of concern and assess the severity of the structural problems in question.
After a site investigation is conducted, we prepare a structural engineering report outlining onsite findings, identifying probable cause of the structural issue and recommendations for remediation of any structural deficiency discovered. As part of the engineering report, we provide our clients with a photograph log documenting existing conditions at the time of the site visit.
Buying/Selling Of A Home:
In many instances, we are called to evaluate a potential problem un-covered after a home inspection. In this scenario, the homeowner is usually selling their home. After a general home inspection is complete, sometimes a structural engineering inspection is also warranted. If this is the case, the home inspector will include this recommendation in his or her final home inspection report. Home inspectors are not qualified to assess and diagnose structural problems. Only a licensed, structural engineer can provide accurate assessments and solutions for a home buyer or seller.
Removal of Load Bearing Wall
Proposed Renovation Projects:
If you are planning on renovating your home and it involves removing or cutting into load-bearing walls, adding living space utilizing a 2nd story attic renovation or addition with great rooms containing wide open spaces (no supports), a structural engineering consultation is warranted. If you are extending your living quarters, you will require design and engineering for permit documents. Your local building department may require a licensed, professional engineer stamp any new construction or major renovation.
Complicated structures and/or projects involving older homes (constructed before 1970 common in the OKC metro) may also require input from a structural engineer. Often, homes constructed before 1960s-70s were built without prescriptive building methods used today by contractors. Now, local building and state codes are in place to ensure contractors and home builders follow a set of pre-determined guidelines for building a new home. A licensed, structural engineer is the best professional to assess the viability of any significant home renovation project. A site visit can be conducted to evaluate potential, structural issues.
Termite and Moisture Damage
What other residential home issues require a licensed, structural engineer?
A natural disaster can cause any of the following damage to your home:
Foundation wall cracks, settlement or movement
Sagging or bowing floors or walls or stairs
Termite, carpenter ant or rot damage
Interior cracking and/or framing movement
Undersized and damaged framing members (cracks may or may not be visible)
Sink holes and soil concerns
Roof failure
Leaning retaining walls
Building collapse
Flood, fire, water or high wind damage (tornado or otherwise)