How to Check a Home for Structure Faults

It’s always a good idea to check your house for any potential structural damage after a major weather event. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms can all cause serious damage to homes, so it’s important to be on the lookout for any signs of trouble. Alternatively, you might want to check a property before you put down a deposit and purchase the home. Either way, we want to discuss the process of checking a home for structural faults or damage.

To start, let’s consider the things that you can do to check a home for structural faults. One of the most important things that you can do is inspect the foundation of the house; look for cracks in the concrete or any signs of movement. If there are cracks, that could be an indication that the house is settling or that there is some other problem with the foundation.

The next thing you should do is check the framing of the house; look for any cracks or splits in the wood. Once again, any cracks or splits could be an indication of a problem. If you see any problems, it’s important to get them checked out by a professional as soon as possible.

Finally, take a look at the exterior of the house; look for any cracks in the brick or siding. If you see any of these things, it’s important to get them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the house. It could be in the joining between the building and the roof, in the middle of a wall, or somewhere else around the building.

Use Building Inspection Services

Of course, a brief look around the property does not replace a professional building inspection. If you are in any doubt, it is always best to contact a building inspection service to assess the property. Not only do they have experience, but they also have knowledge and equipment that most people do not have access to. This includes things like ladders, scaffolding, and thermal imaging cameras.

Building and Pest Inspections – Earlier, we mentioned natural disasters as one of the reasons you might need to inspect a property for structural damage. Unfortunately, these are not the only things that can damage a property. Things like termites, mould, and other pests can cause serious damage to a property if left unchecked.

During a typical inspection, a building and pest inspector will check for things like:

• Cracks in the walls, floors, or ceilings
• Sagging roofs
• Leaning chimneys
• Water damage
• Pest infestations

If you are concerned that your property may have sustained any damage, it is important to have it inspected as soon as possible. A professional inspector will be able to identify any potential problems and recommend the best course of action.

If you are in the market for a new home, it is also important to have the property inspected before making an offer. This will give you an idea of what repairs may need to be made and can help you negotiate a better price. For example, common problems that often go unnoticed include:

Ceilings – Water stains can be a sign of a leaky roof.

Sagging Roofs – This can indicate that the trusses or rafters are damaged.

Doors and Windows – If they are not level, it could be a sign that the foundation is settling.

If you are concerned about the structural integrity of a house, it is best to consult with a professional today. Why take a chance and risk more damage?