Every home show has that moment. You know the moment where they realize that the remodel is affecting a “load-bearing” wall! The dramatic music plays, and then they go to commercial.
The question to ask is, “How do they know?” How do they know that it is a load-bearing wall? Most likely, they brought in a structural engineer to do an inspection.
Most homeowners will find that a structural engineer inspection cost is competitively priced for most homes. Structural engineers can bring their expertise to your home or your project and help you feel secure.
Keep reading to find out more about what a structural engineer inspection entails and costs. We’ll also tell you some things to look for when hiring one for your inspections.
A structural engineer is an engineer who focuses on the strength and stability of different types of structures. They focus on the design elements that support the overall needs of the building.
Structural engineers focus on two types of load: live load and dead load. The live load takes into consideration how structures handle changing weight. Structures like stadiums or dance floors are examples of live-load places.
Dead load is the focus on the permanent weight of a complete building. A house is more of a dead load, but the inside structure of a house, especially a two-storied house, has more live load considerations.
Since structural engineers focus on buildings, they will often partner with architects. They will analyze the design of the architecture and focus on the forces and overall structural strength of the design.
Structural engineers provide multiple inspection services for builders, renovators, and homeowners. They provide before and after inspections for remodeling projects and will provide home inspections before a house sells.
When it comes to inspections, structural engineers provide many types of services. They can do a single inspection for one job or partner with a project and provide services throughout.
The cost of structural engineer inspection for the home can vary on different factors. The size and age of the home are factors, along with where you are in the country.
The prices range from $350 to $950 for a full home inspection. The inspection will often look over all the load-bearing elements of the house:
This will take several hours based on the overall size of the house. During the inspection, they will also look for dry rot and erosion issues. Afterward, they will write a full report detailing all aspects of their inspection.
When a home has major cracks in the foundation, you want to get a structural engineer cost inspection done. This engineer will be able to let you know your home is safe and what repairs need to happen.
Many older homes for sale will have buyers require a foundation inspection before they purchase the home. The average cost for a foundation inspection is $300 to $600.
The engineer will also write a detailed report on their findings. You want to make sure the report is part of the costs. Some inspectors will add to their fee for an official written report.
Load bearing engineer inspection costs can vary based on a few different factors. Prices are higher when an engineer has to draw new plans for a load-bearing beam to replace a wall.
If you live in an area with more building regulations, the cost will also be higher. The price variation can range from $250 to $1000 for inspections. Making new plans can raise the prices to $3000 or more.
Roof inspections are often done to see about the load capacity for handling snow. They will also check roofs if the homeowner is planning to install solar panels and all their equipment.
The engineer will check the roof for any rot, leaks, or other signs of weakness. Roof inspections will range in price from $200 to $600.
Structural engineers will inspect chimneys to see if there is a build-up of creosote or any structural damage around them. The prices vary based on the size of the chimney, the number of flues, and if it is used regularly.
Inspection prices run from $200-$600 for a regular inspection. Prices increase if there is significant damage to the chimney and the inspector has to take out wall panels to see it.
Make sure that your structural engineer is certified and familiar with all regulations and building codes for your area. You want to check to make sure they have plenty of experience and a proven record.
They should have references you can check either through client testimonies they send you or listed on their website.
Consider looking at all the inspections they offer. They may have a discount if you get multiple inspections, or they have an “everything” inspection price that saves you money.
Your structural engineer inspection cost will focus on the key components of what you need for the job. When the inspection is more detailed and bigger, the costs will rise.
However, you may be able to get discounts if you know the right questions to ask and do some shopping for the right inspector.
P.E. For Hire helps you find the right professional engineer for your project or inspection. We help you find qualified engineers who will give you quotes on your job. We do the work; you find the right engineer.
Get started with us today and have the right engineer by tomorrow!
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